Dubai is a place where people’s talents and skills can grow and thrive, regardless of educational background. As long as you have the confidence, passion, and determination to succeed — you can look forward to having a flourishing career in Dubai. One great example is our latest featured OFW, visual artist Cathy Nunez, a.k.a. “Cait” or “Caitriona” of @caitrionarts.
Caitriona’s life story is as unique and interesting as her artistic talent. In 2014, she came to Dubai to “chase love,” but life had other plans. And although she landed a stable job, the artist in her craved for something more fulfilling. Eventually, her face painting “side gig” led to a full-time visual artist career!
These days, Caitriona specializes in live art shows, ranging from live sketching, creating quick portraits, and sand art animation, which is one of her signature performances. Notably, she has showcased her art in various events, not only in Dubai and across the UAE… but in different parts of the Middle East!
What’s Caitriona like behind the scenes? In this Q&A session, “Cait” talks about her ups and downs, her previous jobs, her future plans for family and career… and what’s life really like as an OFW and as a visual artist in Dubai!
Contents
- OFW Feature: Caitriona of @caitrionarts
- 1. Tell us about yourself.
- 2. Why did you come to Dubai?
- 3. What were your previous jobs?
- 4. How did you find your current job? Are you happy with it?
- 5. Are you able to save in Dubai?
- 6. As a family, is it difficult to live in Dubai?
- 7. What do you like about Dubai?
- 8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?
- 9. What are your plans for your career/family/future?
- 10. You have any tips for kabayans when working/finding work/living in Dubai?
- Connect with @Caitrionarts Online
OFW Feature: Caitriona of @caitrionarts
Name: Cathy Nunez
Nickname: Cait
Stage Name: Caitriona
Current Profession: Professional Artist
Education: High School, Training in Photography
Years in Dubai: 9 years
1. Tell us about yourself.
Hello! I’m Cait Nunez, also known as “Caitriona” in the events world, inspired by my Instagram handle @caitrionarts. I moved to Dubai in 2015 after a brief “hiccup” with Philippine immigration in 2014. I didn’t pursue college due to financial reasons and only have a high school background with some training in photography, but not in the arts. Today, I’m proud to call myself a professional artist thriving in this city.
2. Why did you come to Dubai?
Initially, I came chasing love, but life had other plans. Though things didn’t work out — I stayed, built my career, and found a purpose far bigger than what I originally imagined.
3. What were your previous jobs?
In 2014, I worked in Sharjah as an admin assistant for AED 1,200 a month — sometimes even less, around AED 350. To survive, I took on multiple part-time jobs. The following year, in 2015, I joined a travel company as a sales and marketing admin, which helped me gain confidence and grow professionally.
In 2016, I landed a job as a receptionist at one of the world’s biggest cigarette companies. Though I stayed for almost 10 years, earning AED 6,440 monthly, there was no growth… and I craved for something more fulfilling.
4. How did you find your current job? Are you happy with it?
While working full-time in 2016, I accidentally got discovered by an event agent and started doing face painting at events for AED 100 per day. This “side gig” gradually evolved into a full-time career, as I transitioned into being a full-time artist.
Am I happy with my current career? Absolutely! What started as face painting has now turned into live art performances like speed painting, sand animation, and live sketching. I’m not just working in the UAE, but across the Middle East. It’s been a rewarding journey!
5. Are you able to save in Dubai?
Yes! I’ve traveled to over 30 countries for work and leisure, and I’ve invested back home with three houses and eight land properties. My family also visits me every December.
6. As a family, is it difficult to live in Dubai?
It was tough in the beginning, especially in 2015 when I was earning only AED 200-300 per month. I juggled a full-time job and event gigs, often sacrificing sleep.
But now, life is much better. My mum is here with me, and when I’m not busy with big events, I visit Germany, where my husband and I are building our life together.
7. What do you like about Dubai?
Dubai values talent. Back in the Philippines, I worked in fast food and didn’t see myself as an artist. Here, I’ve found opportunities to showcase my skills and even set my own talent fees. Performing live on stage is my favorite, and I’ve reached the point where I’m earning six figures a month in commissions!
8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?
The weather, especially in the summer. But I make the most of it by traveling during the hottest months!
9. What are your plans for your career/family/future?
For my career, I want to keep building my reputation as a live performance artist and expand my reach globally.
For my family, I just want to ensure they’re financially secure and happy.
10. You have any tips for kabayans when working/finding work/living in Dubai?
Never give up. The beginning may be tough, but persistence opens doors. Keep pushing—you never know when your big break will come.
Connect with @Caitrionarts Online
Get to know more about Caitriona and her art shows by contacting and following her through these online channels:
Website: https://www.cnunezme.com/
Mobile: +971555788083
Facebook: Cnunez Channel
Instagram: @caitrionarts
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* Photos provided by Caitriona
Are you an expat in Dubai? Do you want to be featured in the website? Send us an email telling us you want to be featured at admin@dubaiOFW.com and we will send you the set of questions! Let’s help other Pinoys who want to come to Dubai understand what life in the UAE is like through your story.