We as young women have a unique opportunity and responsibility to be allies to black women during Black History Month and beyond. By teaming up, we can help tear down barriers and push for some real equality.
When we stand together, our voices get louder, and we can push for policies that tackle the unique struggles black women face. Let’s kick those stereotypes and biases to the curb.
Cosmo ME is showing its allyship for black women by seeking to understand and appreciate their diverse experiences and perspectives in the UAE, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and heard.
We’re not just talking the talk, though. Let’s actively get into the experiences of black women and break down those stereotypes. We chatted with some awesome black women living in the UAE to spill the beans on what it’s really like being a black woman in the region. It’s time to share those stories and make some real change! ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿.
Amaka Olele – Junior PR Manager
Being a black woman in the UAE is a journey that often feels like straddling two worlds—navigating between the intricate mosaic of my heritage and the diverse cultures that define this region. Growing up as a Nigerian born in Kuwait and raised in the UAE, I’ve felt the weight of being “the other,” but I’ve also found solace and strength in the company of those who understand the nuances of a third-culture upbringing.
In a small town in Fujairah, I stood out—my 4C hair, the aroma of my home-cooked meals, and the cadence of my speech marked me as different. Yet, through the years, I’ve come to appreciate the richness of my identity, shaped by experiences that diverge from the narrative of the 110 million Nigerian women elsewhere. Working in the PR industry has allowed me to embrace my Nigerian roots, my secret American pop culture obsession, and my interest in Desi culture. My life (so far) has been a journey of self-discovery, marked by the fusion of languages, cuisines, and customs that make me uniquely me.
To be very transparent, being a black woman in the UAE is often paved with challenges—the need to prove oneself twice as hard, to carve out a space where recognition is earned, not given. However, it’s these obstacles that have moulded me into the person I am today—resilient, determined, and unapologetically myself. From my favourite snack of Al Mudhish Ripple Crunch chips; to my honourary Kabayan card granted me in 2002; to the comforting embrace of KIZA’s pan-African food; my obsession with Jun’s Rainbow Heirloom Carrots; and my love of 2000s synth-pop —every aspect of my life reflects the fusion of influences (albeit mostly food) that shapes my identity.
So, while I may not fit neatly into any predefined box, I embrace the beauty of my complexity. I am a black woman, rooted in heritage but boundless in my embrace of diversity. In the array of cultures that define the UAE, I find not just a sense of belonging but a celebration of the myriad identities that make this country truly extraordinary.
Gbemi Giwa – Wellness entrepreneur
I moved to Dubai at the age of 16, and over the past 13 years, I’ve witnessed the incredible growth and transformation of this city as I navigated my way from teenagehood into adulthood, or the “ghetto” as most millennials will say.
As a black woman in Dubai, I have to remind you that “black” is not ubiquitous. Just like Arab people, black people come from varying backgrounds. While “Black” is a term commonly attributed to black Americans, I’m African, Nigerian, specifically from the Yoruba tribe.
My experience of blackness is solidly grounded in my Africanness, built over the first 16 years of my life where I was never “other,” and everyone looked like me. So coming into the melting pot that is Dubai, I have never walked into any room feeling less than because of my blackness. If anything, I know the value of being me and what I bring to the table because my sweet, overzealous mama always told me I’m special and better than everyone else.
It doesn’t matter if it was toxic parenting or delusional; the point is, I know my worth because I’ve always invested in my education, growth and development as a person. When I started getting opportunities in my early career, which some might label as the “token black girl” syndrome, I didn’t think anything of it because I knew I deserved my space at the table. I firmly believe that my talent and grace, not just my race, have opened doors for me.
I work hard, so it doesn’t matter that I am black. I launched my restaurants, secured investments, worked for the biggest brands in the region, launched my dance fitness company, made it to the cover of magazines, and landed on the HOT 100 list for three years in a row.
So while identity is significant in Dubai, it’s a place where purpose takes precedence. I won’t dwell on claims of privilege or discrimination for my blackness, and I encourage everyone not to as well. If you have a goal or a dream, just put in the work and mute any thoughts of incompetency that might come up. You will figure it out.
I’m also a bigger believer in leaning into your privilege. I believe everyone has a form of privilege. So, what makes you better than everyone else? Find it and use it. You need to be ahead of the game, creating your opportunities. The level of audacity you need to have in this city is “white man audacity.”
In Dubai where numerous identities are constantly represented, where beauty, novelty and “shininess” are highly valued, it’s easy to feel just “meh”, but I encourage you to own who you are and celebrate yourself. To every woman reading this, remember that you are literally that girl. 1 of 1. Walk with energy and pride, embrace your authenticity, and witness how the city will celebrate you right back.
Hayley Alexander – Freelance lifestyle writer
One word to describe my journey in the UAE as a black woman is, refreshing. My worth is not determined by social status or university credentials; it’s about connections and an unwavering dedication to getting the job done. Achieving success here feels swifter than the hustle of London, where progress in the UK can sometimes be hindered by a more rigid system.
The absence of judgement based on preconceived notions allows me to prove my capabilities without the weight of stereotypes. While the landscape is ripe with possibilities, the representation of black women in prominent positions within journalism and the media remains an avenue for improvement. The scarcity of such figures has created a gap in personal experience and knowledge, making it a challenge to locate black-centric spaces like salons and barbershops, restaurants and Afro-Caribbean events that don’t always find a spot on the mainstream lists.
As a lifestyle writer in the UAE, there really needs to be more featured on black hair salons and increased visibility for black-owned restaurants for the residents of the UAE – not only for those of the black community but for all residents to embrace the cosmopolitan city we call home. Enhancing representation will not only celebrate diversity but also amplify the vibrant voices and spaces within the black community.
Yet, this gap has sparked a movement, where individuals have taken the initiative to carve out their space online. From personal blogs to vibrant social platforms, the black community in the UAE has woven a web of connections, ensuring that events, dining, salons, and barbershops receive the recognition they deserve. Platforms on Facebook have become virtual communities and Instagram showcases lively nights out, the best spots for Caribbean and African dining, fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences.
In this multicultural hub, my circle of friends has expanded, surrounded by inspiring individuals from diverse black backgrounds – Sudanese, Kenyan, Arabs and more – I’ve found a group of friendships that differ from my previous predominantly British-Caribbean and British-West African social circles that I grew up within the United Kingdom.
While there’s room for improvement in representation, my journey in the UAE has personally been positive, almost, eight years – filled with more achievement in this time than my whole adult life in the UK. It’s not just a relocation but an exploration and celebration of work opportunities and discovering culture within friendship circles, from all over the world.
Jennifer Kolomoni – Stylist and Creative Director
I wish people knew that being a black woman in the UAE brings forth a unique set of challenges that stems from the intersecting identities of race and gender.
First and foremost, we face discrimination and prejudice based on our skin color. I’m Congolese, black and have a darker complexion. So I will speak on my personal experience. Beyond racism, the UAE, just like Belgium where I was born and raised, has a colorism issue, where lighter skin is often considered more desirable, more acceptable and associated with higher social status.
In many areas of our lives, these racial prejudices affect us. Let’s start with employment opportunities, where sometimes, if you do get the job, you may need to accept the fact that you’ll be paid less than your Arab or white counterparts.
Furthermore, black women are still under-represented in the media and public spaces.
I’m aware that I’m now having opportunities in the UAE that would not have been possible for a black woman 10 years ago. Me writing this right now, is a testimony to that. I’m in a privileged position, but many black women in the UAE can’t say the same.
We’re given a space, a seat at the table but only to meet a quota, so that these corporations can later point at me, and say “We’re not racist, look, we’re diverse.” We might have a seat at the table but our voices are not included.
A simple example I like to give is when you walk through the supermarket, how many hair and skin products can you find that are catered to black women?
There’s still a lot of work to be done to represent the unambiguous, dark shades of black, with range and in a context other than super edgy, avant-garde and high fashion. We’re always depicted as strong or angry. Can we also be soft, can we sit in a luxury car? Can we sell dishwashing liquid?
The problem with representation is that the other women get to be many different things on camera; moms, wives, businesswomen, doctors…while we’re stuck in one box.
Despite the challenges black women face in the UAE, we are on the rise and have made significant contributions. We are creatives, leaders, and advocates for social change. Our stories need to be acknowledged and amplified to promote inclusivity, equality, and justice.
I’d like to conclude with a quote from Toni Morrison that paints a picture of what I wish people knew about being a black woman in the UAE: “My world did not shrink because I was a Black female writer. It just got bigger.”
Kai Charles – Speaker, community leader and founder of Black Girl in Dubai
As a black British female of Caribbean heritage in Dubai, I wish people knew the amazing, diversity of talent, strength, and resilience within our community. Did you know, the first female-owned festival in the Middle East proudly belongs to an African woman? It’s a place where we can be ourselves, truly shine, collaborate and birth unique concepts, otherwise overlooked traditionally in other parts of the world. We are appreciated here. We are creating our own lanes. We are uniting and learning from each other. Some women have been here for over 20 years and others have just begun their journey, leaving the Western world for greener, sandy pasters. There’s an array of women from the diaspora ranging from engineers, salon owners, marketing moguls, community builders, restaurateurs, pastors, entrepreneurs and beyond. Dubai offers a unique platform where we can challenge stereotypes and amplify messages of excellence.
The expatriate community, composed of Arab, Western, American, African and Caribbean women, has embraced the UAE as a place to build futures—be it pursuing professional careers, realising dreams, or seizing business opportunities. Dubai is not without limitations, however, contrary to global misconceptions, here, we find the opportunity to redefine and amplify narratives.
In Dubai, we are not confined by stereotypes, and the city provides a canvas where we can showcase our talents and challenge preconceived notions. With over 200 nationalities converging in Dubai, the city epitomizes tolerance, celebrating various faiths and cultures. In this dynamic international hub, diversity is not just acknowledged but embraced, creating an environment where everyone’s cultural identity is appreciated.
Dubai stands as a testament to the strength that comes from unity in diversity, offering a unique platform for black women to thrive, grow, collaborate, and contribute to the global narrative of excellence.
Shemaliah Goulbourne – Freelance Marketing Manager
I wish people knew how many black girls are in Dubai, the diversity in this country is so much more than people realise. When I first moved here, I was worried about finding hair salons and products, but it’s been such a relief to see how accessible everything is. You can find what you need in supermarkets and hair shops, and even online platforms like Amazon are pretty similar to what you’d find back in London. It’s made settling in a lot easier!
Maybe it’s the fact that the sun shines every single day, but it feels like there’s this constant buzz of positivity and opportunity in the air. As a black girl from south London, this is very refreshing. Sure, you might come across a few gatekeepers here and there, but for the most part, people are genuinely helpful.
One thing I’ve noticed is that no idea is ever considered too crazy. If you’re passionate about something and you want to make it happen, you’ll find plenty of support here. Whether it’s someone pointing you in the right direction or plugging you into the right network, there’s this sense of community and encouragement that I sometimes felt was lacking back in London. It’s like everyone’s rooting for each other to succeed here and that’s an incredibly empowering feeling.
While I do wish there were more Caribbean restaurants around, and I’m constantly begging friends from London to bring me back some all-purpose seasoning since it’s not easy to find here, it’s nice to be able to go out and experience our culture musically at events such as Ting irie brunch on Saturdays which is a bashment and soca brunch with an unlimited rum punch (my favourite!).
I also wish people knew that not everyone goes to the club every day like you would do on holiday, living here is a completely different experience, and it’s possible to stay focused here with the right people around you and ambition. Beyond the brunch and nightlife scene, Dubai offers an array of alternatives, personally, I love unwinding by horse riding or indulging my creative side with painting in my free time. There’s truly something for everyone here, and it’s all about exploring and embracing the diverse array of activities and hobbies that make living in Dubai so special.
Click here to read all of Cosmo ME’s Black History Month content.