What do a Netflix creator, a professional basketball coach, and a leadership mentor all have in common?

In this episode of Expats in Dubai, host Amber Waheed is joined by Hernando Planells, a man who has lived all three lives — and is now using his unique experience to guide the next generation in Dubai through the power of storytelling, sport, and mentorship.

Together, they explore:

• The complexities of growing up as a third-culture kid
• The importance of understanding your cultural heritage in shaping identity
• How parents can help children navigate dual identities in multicultural settings
• The role of empathy, communication, and authenticity in great leadership
• Whether the “Dubai bubble” is raising soft leaders, and how to build resilience in young people
• What it means to lead with purpose in a city built on global ambition

From navigating international careers to mentoring youth in a rapidly evolving city,  Hernando Planells shares powerful insights on identity, leadership, and belonging that resonate far beyond the basketball court or the screen.

Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply someone in search of clarity and connection — this conversation is for you.

🌐 Powered by Wizbizla
This episode is brought to you by Wizbizla — the trusted platform connecting expats in the UAE with accredited service providers.

Looking for reliable professionals? Or ready to showcase your business to Dubai’s growing expat community?

Visit wizbizla.com to learn more and register today.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

Join Amber Waheed in this episode as she shares a shocking financial fraud case involving a so-called "bulletproof plan" devised by a deceptive financial advisor. She shares her personal experience of navigating intricate contract clauses, uncovering a web of deception, and battling the collusion of a trust chairman.

Through this episode Amber reveals how fraudsters craft seemingly legitimate investment schemes that are, in reality, elaborate traps. She explores the fine line between financial fraud and legal loopholes, shedding light on the critical red flags investors must recognize before it's too late. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to safeguard their financial future against manipulation and deceit.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How financial fraud is often disguised as legitimate investment opportunities.
• The role of legal documents and contract clauses in protecting fraudsters.
• Amber’s real-life experience with fraudulent financial advisors in the UAE.
• How Guardian Trust Company Ltd. and its chairman played a role in this scheme.
• The warning signs of financial fraud and how to spot deceptive paperwork.
• How fraudsters extract investor fees while allowing investments to dwindle.
• Practical steps for protecting yourself from financial fraud and legal loopholes.
• The importance of scrutinizing financial contracts before signing.

Key Quotes:

• “Fraud isn’t just about deception—it’s about crafting an illusion of trust.”
• “When legal jargon shields fraudsters, victims are left powerless—until they fight back.”
• “If something feels too complicated to question, it’s probably designed that way for a reason.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Amber Waheed’s book: The Great Fraud Fightback (Available on Amazon)
• Wizbizla’s Scam Prevention Programme 

Join the Conversation:

• Share your thoughts using #FraudWeek #TrueCrimeSeries #FraudPrevention
• Follow Wizbizla on social media for more insights on financial safety.
• Have a fraud story to share? Submit your experience at Wizbizla.com

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

In this episode of Expats in Dubai, Amber Waheed is joined by Trefor Murphy, Founder of Cooper Fitch, to unpack salary trends in the UAE for 2025. Will expats enjoy a pay rise, or should they brace for a pay cut? Drawing from Cooper Fitch’s Salary Guide, they reveal which industries are set to thrive, how rising business costs are shaping salaries, and the strategies companies are using to address talent shortages.

Amber and Trefor also discuss the shifting landscape of expat packages, the challenges of retaining top talent, and whether now is the ideal time to venture into starting your own business. Packed with practical advice and forward-looking insights, this episode is essential for professionals navigating the UAE job market or employers planning their next move.

Don’t miss this deep dive into what 2025 holds for salaries, jobs, and opportunities in the UAE!

🌐 Powered by Wizbizla:
This episode is brought to you by Wizbizla, the trusted platform connecting expats in the UAE with accredited service providers like Cooper Fitch. Whether you're searching for trusted businesses or looking to showcase your services to the expat community, visit wizbizla.com to learn more and register today.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

One of the biggest personal finance concerns many people have faced over the years is dishonest advisers selling complex, high-commission financial products to unsuspecting investors that can lock them in for years.

Amber Waheed was one of them. Amber lost $80,000 after being duped by her advisor, Neil Grant into signing up for long-term investments she believed were low risk.

It is a familiar, heart-breaking tale for many. But Amber decided to fight back and took her case to the UAE regulators. This was the first step in what turned out to be a landmark legal case in the UAE when Neil Grant was convicted of offering financial advice without a licence.

Amber joins host Felicity Glover, the Personal Finance Editor at The National, to talk about her experience and share advice to victims of financial fraud.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

Fraudsters often recruit for a ‘dream job’.

Fraud occurs in the workplace when an employer misrepresents (spoken or in writing) something about your job.  Fraud may arise when an employer makes a false representation concerning offer letters, job security, potential commission, or other aspects of employment.  

Katleen Penel, a HR specialist from Belgium, believed her husband's employer had violated his legal rights relating to his employment with the British-owned Real Estate company in Dubai.    When the company knowingly made false promises of commission on property sales, but later refused to pay the commission, she worked with her husband to bring a fraud claim against the real estate company.

In this episode Katleen shares her story of the internal workings of the real estate company that led her to explore the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization) and how she won the claim of fraud against the company.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

It's the World Cup 2022!

And from Dubai, it's less than an hour away to watch this iconic sporting event, LIVE.  What an amazing opportunity for the whole of the Middle East. 

England football fans have been through so much heartbreak over the years. The game means so much to us and while we're often the underdogs we never stop believing. Every time the world cup or euros come around, this song of hope brings everyone in the country together and that's beautiful.

Three Lions is so amazing that fans from other countries love to vibe with it too. Can't wait to sing it loud and proud in the stadium and to believe...

Is it?  Is it actually coming home!?

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be played from 20 November to 18 December. 32 teams will compete across 64 matches.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

Being in good shape is much more than just losing weight or achieving a specific look - it's about mental mastery and living life.  It's no secret,  being over 40 can make getting healthy and fit much harder.  Then there's all the different fitness programmes and exercises. What if you do the wrong exercise for your body type and fitness goals? Is there such a thing as over-exercising?  And what does a long-term calorie deficit diet do to your body?

Mark Doherty is a licensed sports nutritionist and personal trainer. As an expert in the nutrition and exercise field for over 29 years, Mark is the voice of reason in an otherwise fad-driven industry. This episode is perfect if you want to learn more about living a healthier lifestyle in Dubai, how to incorporate exercise with a large dose of nutritional knowledge, make better choices, balance life and become more confident in your overall wellness.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

We now have evidence that suggests that nearly two in three of us will experience mental health problem in the course of our lives and one in six of us is managing fluctuating levels of distress each week.  

Yet this subject remains the big elephant in the room in many offices and workplaces.  Leadership teams are hesitant about broaching this topic and saying the wrong thing - to normalise the conversation.

Amber is joined by Dani Hakim, the founder of Safe Space, and who is on a mission to rebrand mental health using her personal story and professional experience.   Safe Space provides corporate wellness programmes, workshops and initiatives, that aim to encourage individuals, teams and organizations to lead more active and healthy lifestyles.

In this episode Amber and Dani talk about mental illness in the workplace and offer compassionate directions to help you get to the state of mental health you want to be in. 

_________
This podcast is not meant to replace medical care. If you have been impacted by anything in this episode remember to reach out to a professional – in the first instance seek help from your doctor.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

Inside this first episode of season two, Amber sits down with Dubai-based lawyer Stephen Ballantine as he provides an overview of the laws, challenges and legal principles that guide medical malpractice claims in the emirate.  Stephen offers some great advice to healthcare professionals about communication and documentation and advice to injured patients who might be considering a malpractice claim.  He discusses the role of the Medical Liability Committee, UAE Law versus English Law and how damages are awarded. Don’t miss this fascinating and candid interview with a highly experienced medical malpractice lawyer.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/

Welcome to the Expats in Dubai podcast - full of lifestyle, community, financial and legal resources for the Dubai expat community.

This weekly podcast unlike any other shares information and experiences from industry leaders within the Dubai community, to help expats enjoy their experience safely. 

 
Listen, Download & Subscribe on:

Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast Stitcher 

 
Behind the Scenes of the Expat Community

Join me, Amber Waheed, author of The Great Fraud Fightback, alongside other savvy professionals, as we share helpful information on how to avoid fraud, and the behind-the-scenes scoop on what it's like to live in Dubai as an Expat. 

 In this podcast, we’ll detail the lifestyle you can expect, and the supportive communities and resources available to help you along your Expat journey.

 Expand Your Financial Awareness

The Expats in Dubai podcast will help you increase your financial advisory and legal services awareness, so you can avoid the costly mistakes most investors make. In this podcast, I share lessons I learned from winning a landmark court case in Dubai against a fraudulent financial advisor, which I detail in my book, The Great Fraud Fightback.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on [email protected]

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

Say hello on Instagram and get visual updates https://www.instagram.com/amber.waheed.wizbizla/