"Dubai is a city that envelopes you with warmth, much like a mother’s embrace": Why long-time resident Sunil Roy calls the city extraordinary

From a Dubai Shopping Festival visitor to building a life in the UAE, resident of nearly 30 years says Dubai gave him not just opportunities, but a deep sense of belonging, safety and confidence to dream bigger

For Roy, who works as an Account Director at advertising and media buying agency Publilink Dubai, the city has become the backdrop of every major milestone in his life. His daughter grew up here, studied here, and is now building her own career in Dubai. Picture credit: Supplied

Dubai: The first experience Sunil Roy had of Dubai was of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The colours, the festive spirit and the “sheer excitement in the air” was addictive.

This was back in 1996, when Roy came to Dubai as a tourist. His experience was so memorable, that when he later received a job offer from Dubai a year later, his decision was immediate.

“I accepted it without hesitation and moved to Dubai with my wife, Isha, and our toddler daughter, Divya,” he told Emirates 24|7.

Nearly three decades later, the city that first impressed him as a visitor has become inseparable from who he is.

“Looking back now, I feel that the UAE has given me far more than I ever imagined,” he said.

For Roy, who works as an Account Director at advertising and media buying agency Publilink Dubai, the city has become the backdrop of every major milestone in his life. His daughter grew up here, studied here, and is now building her own career in Dubai.

Sunil Roy

“My journey in the media and advertising industry has also been deeply shaped by Dubai. Professionally, it has been a place of immense growth, opportunity, and inspiration — a city that provided me with a platform to broaden my horizons in many ways I could never have planned,” he said.

But what truly makes Dubai special for Roy is something far more personal - the feeling of being cared for.

“It is a city that envelopes you with warmth, much like a mother’s embrace,” he said.

That sense of reassurance, he explained, becomes even more visible during moments of uncertainty.

“Throughout the years, Dubai has always been very positive to me. Even of late, with the current regional situation, everyone still felt really safe out here,” he said.

This sense of safety, Roy says, shows up in the smallest moments in everyday life.

“Even late in the night, my daughter feels very comfortable walking down the street. There’s no fear that something will happen to her. You can travel at any time of the night without anxiety,” he said.

A city that continues to amaze

Today, after nearly 30 years in the emirate, Roy says Dubai is no longer just the city where he lives.

It has become part of his identity.

“In my travels to different parts of the world, I have often found that the moment I tell someone I am from Dubai, their reaction changes instantly,” he said. “There is always a spark of curiosity in their eyes, a genuine wonderment, and an eagerness to know more about the city I call home.

“For me, being able to say ‘I am from Dubai’ is more than just sharing a city. I am sharing an identity. I am sharing my story, and reflecting my sense of belonging to a city that continues to amaze the world.”