OFW Interview with Jed, Mechanical Engineer and Vlogger in Dubai

You may have come across our latest featured OFW and his wife in their blog, “Jedax Foodtrip,” which presents the latest reviews and happenings in the Dubai food scene. For this interview, we got in touch with the vlogger, Jed, who happens to be a Mechanical Engineer and has been in Dubai for 19 years!

At present, Jed is a Senior Distribution Sales Engineer for a leading air conditioning manufacturing company. Prior to this, he worked as a graphic designer before transitioning into an engineering position with another company. Today, he is recognized as one of the “Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025” by The Filipino Times Watchlist. Congratulations!

Aside from working full time and creating videos for their vlog, Jed and his wife Shiel Ann have also ventured into the cake business. Indeed, there’s seems to be no stopping this multitalented Filipino engineer and vlogger! Let’s get to know more about Jed and his amazing journey through this OFW interview!

OFW Interview: Jed, Mechanical Engineer and Food Vlogger in Dubai

Name: Jed Gregorio Perpetua
Nicknames: Jed
Age: 44 years old
Current Profession: Senior Distribution Sales Engineer
Years in Dubai: 19 years
Achievements/Awards:

• One of the “Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025” (The Filipino Times Watchlist)
• One of the “100 Filipino Influencers in the UAE 2023”

1. Tell us about yourself.

Hi! I am a 44-year-old Mechanical Engineer with 19 years of experience in Dubai, where I reside with my wife. Currently, I am working as a Senior Distribution Sales Engineer for a leading air conditioning manufacturing company, specializing in sustainable HVAC solutions.

This year, I was honored as one of the Top Engineers at The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2025. The awards recognized 126 exceptional Filipino professionals across various engineering disciplines for their significant contributions to sustainable infrastructure and urban development in the Middle East.

Beyond my engineering career, my wife and I are passionate about food vlogging. What started as a hobby has evolved into a side hustle, allowing us to share culinary experiences and connect with our audience.

2. Why did you come to Dubai?

I relocated to Dubai seeking better career opportunities and professional growth, as better salary compensation in the Philippines were very limited.

3. What were your previous jobs?

Arriving in Dubai on a visit visa, I faced significant challenges in securing employment. Many recruitment agencies demanded upfront fees in exchange for job placements, which I later discovered were scams.

Lacking Gulf experience, I accepted a position as a graphic designer, despite it not aligning with my degree, with the hope that it would eventually lead to an engineering role. Fortunately, my perseverance paid off, and I successfully transitioned into an engineering position within the same company. After gaining valuable experience over a year and a half, I moved to a new company, where I continue to work today.

4. How do you find your current job? Are you happy/satisfied with it?

I have been with my current company for over 17 years, starting as an Application Engineer Support and now serving as a Senior Distribution Sales Engineer. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities provided to me, which have significantly contributed to my professional growth and financial well-being. The support and trust from my company have been instrumental in my career development, and I look forward to continuing this journey with them.

5. Are you able to save in Dubai? Or do you have any investments you wish to share?

My career has provided me with financial stability. During my single years, I diligently saved and invested in multiple land properties in the Philippines when their values were still modest. In 2018, we constructed a four-door apartment complex, and last year, we acquired a condominium unit in Metro Manila.

Additionally, here in Dubai, we ventured into the cake business, forming a partnership. These investments have proven fruitful, generating passive income that continues to support our financial goals.

6. Is it difficult to live in Dubai? What are your struggles? What’s life like outside work?

In the early stages of my journey in Dubai, I faced significant challenges. The initial salary was modest, and the living conditions were far from ideal — overcrowding in a single room made those times particularly difficult.

The high cost of accommodation remains one of the most pressing issues for residents here. Over the past year, rents have increased, driven by a rapidly rising population and new supply failing to keep pace with demand. This disparity between escalating living costs and stagnant salaries poses financial challenges for many expatriates.

7. What do you like about Dubai?

We truly feel safe and welcomed in Dubai. The city’s rich cultural diversity and the harmonious coexistence of over 200 nationalities create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. This multicultural environment is beautifully reflected in the city’s culinary scene, offering an extensive array of dining options that cater to every palate. From authentic Indian and Filipino dishes to Lebanese mezze and Japanese sushi, Dubai’s food landscape is a delightful journey through global flavors!

8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?

The hot weather during summer!

9. What are your plans for your career/family/future?

My goal is to achieve early retirement, launch and manage multiple businesses in the Philippines and here in Dubai, and embark on a journey of travel and leisure with my wife, savoring the rewards of our hard work.

10. You have any tips for kabayans when working/finding work/living in Dubai?

To our fellow kababayans: patience, continuous learning, and gaining experience are key. Seek better financial and career opportunities, save diligently, and invest wisely. Strive for a balance between work and lifestyle, and always prioritize family time, even amidst a busy schedule.

BONUS: Would you like to share a special message?

To all food enthusiasts and restaurant explorers: Follow us on our social media platforms — Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook — at Jedax Foodtrip for the latest dining adventures and reviews!

Hope you can also support our cake business! Discover our customized cakes at Sweetslice AE by Ms. Gren. For orders and inquiries, please contact us via WhatsApp at +971 52 981 0901.

Connect with Jedax Foodtrip Online

For the latest reviews and updates on the Dubai food scene, follow “Jedax Foodtrip” on social media!

Instagram: @jedaxfoodtrip
Tiktok: @jedaxfoodtrip
Facebook: Jedax Foodtrip

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* Photos provided by Jed and Jedax Foodtrip FB page

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.