This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nizar Mezher, 32, an architect and interior designer based in Dubai. His words have been edited for length and clarity.
I was born and grew up in a small village in the mountains of Lebanon. There’s a certain intensity to life there; culturally, it’s rich, but also unpredictable at times. You learn resilience without being taught it directly, and you develop a strong sense of adaptability to any kind of situation.
Looking back, those qualities have influenced not only who I am and my character, but also how I approach design and decision-making.
I completed my bachelor’s degree at the Lebanese American University in Beirut and moved to Italy, initially to pursue my master’s degree in interior design at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arte in Milan.
The experience became a defining chapter in my life. Italy gave me a strong foundation — not only academically, but also professionally.
The future in Lebanon was always unpredictable
I wanted to have a plan B in the back of my mind. Plan B became plan A, and I think it really shaped my entire career and life direction. Going to Italy to study was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. But after about 8 years, I felt I’d absorbed everything I could from that environment.
It prepared me for the next step. Moving to the UAE two years ago was a no-brainer — it’s one of the places where I knew I’d have a lot of opportunity to grow and achieve.
My time in Italy showed me what excellence looks like, but also made me aware that I wanted to operate at a different scale and pace.
My first impressions of Dubai
What struck me immediately after arriving in Dubai was the nation’s vision.
There is a collective belief in progress, in pushing boundaries, and in constantly improving. It also gave me the impression of a place where ideas are not only welcomed but given the structure and support to become a reality.
I’ve found that if you are committed and consistent, Dubai responds. Its diversity creates a stimulating professional environment. The challenge is the pace. Expectations are high, and things move quickly — that’s also part of its appeal.
When I arrived in Dubai, I expected growth in my life and career, but I didn’t anticipate the speed and scale of it. The level of responsibility I was given, the size of the teams I managed, and the complexity of the projects all exceeded my expectations. What surprised me most was how merit-driven the environment is. When you deliver, you are trusted.
Branching out on my own
Until two months ago, I worked as a studio manager for a boutique architecture and interior design studio. Professionally, it marked a shift into leadership — moving beyond design into managing teams, overseeing projects, and contributing to a broader vision.
Personally, it was a form of validation. It confirmed that the foundation I built over the years could translate and grow into a much larger and more dynamic context.
I’m now starting my own construction business. It marked a shift into my lifelong dream. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and move beyond the realm of design.
The right place to build my future
Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed a quieter side of Dubai. There are fewer cars on the road, and more people are working from home, but overall, business is going on as usual.
Even with these small changes, the city’s spirit feels strong and resilient.
I still believe Dubai is where I will find opportunity. It’s not something I had to overanalyze. I trust the leadership.
No matter what, the UAE is still the safest bet for me. I don’t see Dubai as a temporary stop — it’s a long-term base. I see my future here.
There may be moments of slowdown, but I see them for what they are: temporary phases, not defining conditions. Every market has them.
