Banking on UAE - Filipino high-flyer on why life in the fast lane is really about family

"High-flying financier and digital creator JunalAbdullah Lami-in - originally from the Philippines - has lived in the UAE for nearly two decades. But while many go for the high-life, expensive cars and fabulous penthouses that attract those in his very special position - for him, it's all about putting down roots and raising his family. "The most rewarding part is that, you know, being able to build a life that actually holds. You know, talk about family, talk about career, talk about business or routines that make sense. I think that's actually what happens," he revealed. "It gives my children a foundation to grow. Eventually make their own path. And yeah, Abu Dhabi is home and, you know, the base will rely on." He also introduces us to his wife, and explained how his 'mixed culture, mixed faith household' could thrive - because in Abu Dhabi, you had a "space to live like that without always explaining." With a life like his, it's easy to fall into 'all work, no play' - but for Lami-in, those stolen moments of relaxation are important - and Abu Dhabi has those in abundance. "When I need to reset. I usually, you know, go to predictable places, you know, somewhere I can relax and be on my own," he said. "A coffee shop would suffice. Or even I can go to the mall, or even I can go to the park. The good thing is that, you know, it doesn't matter which part of UAE you are, as long as you feel that this is home. And that's what matters to me." Security in the UAE has hit the headlines in recent weeks and months, with conflict in the region - but Lami-in explained that the decision to keep calm and carry on wasn't just about 'blind faith' but about trusting in the system. "It's about what you experience over the years," he said. "For me, Abu Dhabi provides an environment where systems work, families can maintain routines. You know, the day to day life is manageable even [as] things around us shift.""

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