He arrived in the UAE on a tourist visa in 2007 — today, he serves as a financial controller at a global tech company.
Dubai: When Barun Khanal arrived in the UAE from Nepal in May 2007 on a three-month tourist visa, he carried with him uncertainty about what the future would hold.
Despite having an MBA in finance, he had no job offer, no long-term roadmap and no guarantee of success. To make ends meet, he accepted any work he could find, including a cashier’s role at a hotel.
Nearly two decades later, Khanal now works as a financial controller at a multinational technology conglomerate, overseeing the commercial and financial operations of major airport infrastructure projects across the Gulf region.
His journey reflects the opportunities the UAE can offer to those willing to begin modestly, work persistently and continue learning along the way.“My professional journey in the UAE was built one step at a time. The early years were far from glamorous, and I believe it is important to acknowledge that honestly,” Khanal told Gulf News. “Like many expatriates, I began with modest roles, but each experience taught me discipline, accountability and resilience.”
A visit that became a life
Khanal initially came to the UAE hoping to gain international experience before eventually returning to Nepal. But over time, he found himself drawn to the country’s rapid development, safety and multicultural environment.
“From the moment I arrived, I was genuinely impressed by the UAE,” Khanal recalled. “I felt this was a country where hard work and talent could create real opportunities, regardless of where you come from.”
What began as a temporary visit gradually turned into a long-term future. His wife joined him in the UAE in 2010, and together they built their life in the country. Today, their two children are studying in the UAE.
“This is not just the country where I work,” he said. “It is where my family has grown, where my children are studying, and where we truly feel at home.”
Career growth through persistence
Khanal said each role he took on during his early years — including cashier, administrator, sales coordinator and project accountant — helped shape his professional journey and taught him valuable lessons along the way.
A major turning point came in 2012, when he joined his current company as a commercial administrator.
“It was a structured, high-standard environment that challenged me in the best possible way,” Khanal said.
Over the years, he steadily advanced through several positions, moving from commercial officer to commercial project manager before eventually becoming a financial controller.
According to Khanal, one of the UAE workplace’s greatest strengths is that dedication and performance are recognised and rewarded.
“The environment encourages professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement,” Khanal said. “I never felt limited by my nationality or background. Instead, I believed that if I consistently delivered quality work, opportunities would naturally follow.”
He also credited the UAE’s competitive work culture for motivating him to keep improving his skills through hands-on experience, self-learning and professional certifications.
“The UAE taught me that career growth is not determined by where you begin, but by how committed you are to improving yourself,” Khanal said.
Supporting major airport projects
For much of his career, Khanal has worked in the commercial administration of airport baggage handling systems across the Gulf region.
His work has contributed to projects associated with Dubai Airports, Abu Dhabi Airports, King Khalid International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
His responsibilities have included budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cost control, audit coordination and overall project financial governance.
Although much of his work takes place behind the scenes, Khanal emphasised that strong financial discipline plays a vital role in the successful delivery of major airport infrastructure projects.
“It is personally rewarding to know that my work has contributed, even behind the scenes, to supporting millions of passengers travelling through Dubai Airports,” Khanal said. “Being part of the UAE’s growth story is something I take great pride in.”
Why he chooses to stay
Like many long-term expatriates, Khanal once imagined eventually returning to Nepal. However, over the years, the UAE evolved from simply being a place of work into a place he now considers home.
“Home is not only the place where you are born, but also the place where your life takes on its most meaningful shape,” Khanal shared.
He said safety, stability and opportunities for children played a major role in his family’s decision to remain in the UAE.
“As parents, those things matter deeply,” he explained. “Our two children are growing up here, receiving a quality education and experiencing a multicultural environment that prepares them for a global future. That gives families and professionals a sense of confidence and security.”
Khanal also praised the UAE’s leadership and stability during times of regional uncertainty, saying it further strengthened his family’s trust in the country.
“When you spend nearly two decades in a country, the connection becomes emotional rather than purely professional,” Khanal said. “For us, remaining in the UAE is not just a career choice — it is a family decision built on trust, security and gratitude.”
Giving back to the community
Beyond his corporate career, Khanal has stayed closely connected to the Nepali community in the UAE and frequently mentors newcomers beginning their own journeys in the country.
Drawing from his personal experience, he offers guidance on financial discipline, career development and adapting to life in the Emirates.
“If my journey can inspire even one person to believe in their own potential, that is something I value deeply,” Khanal said. “Many people focus only on immediate income, but I always remind them that building knowledge, credibility and professional character creates long-term success.”
His message to young professionals is straightforward: “Your first job is only the beginning, not your final identity. If you remain committed, continue learning, work honestly and stay patient, opportunities in the UAE can take you much further than you ever imagined.”
