rachel vella

With Dubai facing a period of uncertainty following attacks by Iran, ROCS Group Director Rachel Vella has reflected on her 28-year bond with the Emirati city. 

“For 28 years, as many know, Dubai has been part of my journey,” Ms Vella said.

“Not merely as a destination, but as a place that shaped me professionally and personally. I have witnessed it rise, evolve, innovate and lead.”

“We have built business there, we have built friendships there, we have built memories that now span decades. When you invest that much time into something, it becomes part of who you are.”

Ms Vella said that while Malta will always be her home, she felt a pull to Dubai from the moment she first set foot in the city. 

“I was drawn to its energy, purposeful and unapologetic, its ambition without limits, its clarity of direction, and its refusal to accept small thinking,” she said. 

“Many people ask me what brings me back to the UAE time and time again. My answer is simple – the mindset.”

“A nation shaped by foresight, structured ambition and the courage to think decades ahead.  A place where safety is tangible, service is world-class and standards are not optional, they are embedded into the system.”

“Great cities are not born by coincidence; they are built through vision, structure, and unwavering discipline. And when foundations are this strong, they do not weaken under pressure, they recalibrate, adapt and rise stronger.”

Ms Vella concluded by saying that her confidence in the region is rooted in the quality of its partnership and the dedication of its workers.

"Today, more than ever, I acknowledge and appreciate everyone on the ground who continues to support our travellers with integrity and professionalism."

"To every partner, colleague, and team member working behind the scenes to support our clients, thank you. Your commitment does not go unnoticed. And to everyone who reached out, thank you. Your messages meant more than you know."

Cover photo: Rachel Vella

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