Atterbury Europe’s tax and legal director, Ansu Kretzmann, has had the unique experience of living in and working from the Middle East for the last seven years or so. She shares some of her learnings.

You’ve been based in the Middle East for the last seven years, first Dubai, and more recently Doha, Qatar for the last three years. How has the Middle East changed in the time you’ve lived there, and did Covid play a role in that?

The Middle East is growing fast. Cities are modernising and with a high number of expats from diverse cultures we see new things and places all the time. In Qatar specifically, Covid was softened slightly – with borders closed the people here continued with the efforts in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The tournament will be hosted by Qatar later this year, during November and December.

You’re the only member of the Atterbury Europe team who is not based in Europe – what are the particular challenges of being apart from the team, and how do you work around those?

In a “new normal” world post Covid most people can now relate with working remotely! I personally find a good routine and daily contact with the team keeps me motivated and feeling included.

Working as Atterbury Europe’s legal eagle, what have been your professional priorities for 2022?

With the ongoing projects my priority is to make sure that my tasks contribute to the successful delivery of transactions and the company’s overall objectives.

Can you share some of the highlights of living and working in Qatar? Is there an expiration date to your stay there, and is that in sight or not yet? What will you miss once you leave?

The exciting part is being exposed to so many different cultures – the learning experience of this alone is something I will always treasure. And no, there is no immediate plans on an end date yet.

How is your Arabic after seven years? What has been the most useful phrase to know?

Terrible, if I am honest, but we have learnt some basic Arabic! The Arabic culture is very conservative and it is appreciated locally if you are able to at least greet (As-alamu alaykum) and say thank you (Shukran) in Arabic.

Both your children were born in the Middle East, right? How do you compensate for having the support network of family; is there anyone in particular that you wish you could bring to Doha?

Our son was born in Dubai in 2018 and our daughter in Doha last year. Everyone here is away from their families, so friends help each other out a lot. Of course it would be fantastic if grandparents could be around the corner!

When last did you visit home, and what is the one thing you always bring back from South Africa and Europe?

We were in South Africa over Christmas in 2021 and now with restrictions lifted I travel to the office in Europe as frequently as required. I love bringing back biltong from SA and Tony’s chocolates from Europe whenever I go.