Employee Stories

Samuel and Prince

Helping a Colleague Settle in the United Arab Emirates

The International Buddy Programme, initiated by the Black and African Talent working group under the Black Colleague Community, was set up to support colleagues when they relocate to a new market with the Bank.

Piloting in Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE, US and UK, the programme leverages Talent Marketplace to matches an arriving buddy with a host buddy with similar lived experiences to help them to settle quickly into life in their new location.

We speak to Prince Nyarko (PN) who recently moved to Dubai in the UAE, and Samuel (Sam) Tetteh (ST) who volunteered as Prince’s host buddy, to hear how the programme has helped Prince settle in more smoothly while building a sense of community both within and outside the Bank.  

Q. Prince, as someone who has relocated to Dubai, how has the International Buddy Programme helped you cope with your new environment?

PN: Relocating to the UAE was a significant milestone in my life. While I had visited before, this was my first time staying long-term, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. From the moment I arrived, Sam took the time to visit me and walk me through what life in Dubai would be like, sharing insights from his own experience of relocating 12 months earlier.

He asked thoughtful questions – whether I was considering moving with my family, what kind of accommodation I was looking for, and what challenges I foresaw. Based on my responses, he provided solid advice, making my transition much easier.

I was especially grateful for the initiative Sam took in helping me with my apartment search. He connected me with reliable real estate agents, guided me to websites where I could explore housing options, and even accompanied me on several apartment viewings. His support didn’t stop there – once I secured an apartment, he helped me with furnishing it, recommending the best places to shop for essentials, and made sure I had everything I needed to feel at home.  

Q. Sam, how has your experience in supporting Prince settle in helped you grow?

ST: While Dubai is a relatively easy market for expatriates to settle in, it is an expensive city to live in. I think my support to Prince was timely as he arrived exactly 12 months after I did, and I was able to share fresh insights from my own relocation. For instance, I was happy to help him avoid making some of the costlier mistakes I had made, and tried to help him make wise, financially prudent choices in the short-term to avoid stress in the longer run. The experience has improved my own communications, engagement and listening skills as I made the decision to step out my comfort zone to support Prince in his transition.

Q. How has the programme helped you feel more included in your new market and workplace?

PN: Beyond providing advice around the logistics of my move, Sam also helped me find and integrate into local communities in Dubai. As we are both Christians, Sam introduced me to some predominantly African churches, ensuring that I could build a sense of belonging and inclusion outside of work. This made a tremendous impact in my early months of setting in, providing much needed emotional and social support.

ST: My support for Prince has not only enhanced my knowledge of Dubai, it has also deepened a sense of inclusion into my own networks as I introduce him to my contacts. In terms of building my own confidence, I now have a better idea of navigating around Dubai and can make recommendations such as the best accommodation based on price and location. Helping Prince gave me the opportunity to demonstrate active listening, collaborate, build trust and step out of my own comfort zone.

Q. What would you say to encourage our colleagues to participate in this programme?

PN: I often wonder how challenging my initial months in Dubai would have been without Sam’s guidance and support. Many others who relocate here do not have the same help, and as a result, may face unnecessary struggles and costs. Sam’s willingness to step up and assist me made a world of difference for me, and I am deeply grateful.

This experience has reinforced the importance of the Bank’s International Buddy Programme. If more of us took the initiative to support newly relocated colleagues, we could make their moves more enjoyable. Sam’s kindness and effort truly exemplified our Better Together valued behaviour – I hope to pay it forward to others in the future.

Samuel’s Top 3 Tips to Being a Buddy

#1 As a host buddy, be helpful and show initiative. Listen to what your beneficiary colleague needs and be open with sharing local insights, personal lessons and pitfalls to help your colleague settle in and avoid any mistakes you might have made.

#2 Provide a psychologically safe space for your beneficiary colleague to share any issues or challenges they may face during their relocation – active listening without judgement is always welcomed.   

#3 When in doubt, do look to our Valued Behaviours as a guide on navigating your buddy journey with mutual trust and understanding.