OFW Interview with Kathrina Gonzales-Cirujales, Filipina Nurse in Dubai

Like many fellow OFWs, Ms. Kathrina Gonzales-Cirujales came to the UAE with the goal of helping her family back home. Notably, she came here twice; first, from 2006 up to 2012, and then again in 2021 up to the present. Currently working as OPD Surgery Nurse for Saudi German Hospital, she had previously worked as a Community Nurse for her home province of Bicol in the Philippines.

As a nurse, Kathrina or “Kath” lives out her profession with compassion, dedication, and a deep sense of empathy for others. Notably, her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, as she has recently received the DAISY Award, an international award for extraordinary nurses!

Indeed, “extraordinary” is a word that best describes Kath, as she always goes above and beyond for the patients that she cares for. A dedicated nurse with huge dreams for her child and for her family, she looks forward to the day when she eventually returns home. Learn more about Kath and her inspiring story through this latest OFW interview!

OFW Feature: Kathrina, Filipina Nurse in Dubai

Name: Kathrina Gonzales-Cirujales
Nicknames: Kath
Current Profession: OPD Surgery Nurse
Years in Dubai: 10 years (2006 – 2012, 2021 – present)
Achievements/Awards:

• Diseases Attacking the Immune System (DAISY) Award, December 2025

1. Tell us about yourself.

Hello! I am Kathrina Gonzales-Cirujales, married, with a 7-year old girl. My friends call me “Kath.” I graduated in 2006 from Bicol University Tabaco Campus. A registered nurse and midwife in the Philippines, I also have a Saudi license as well as DHA and MOH licenses in the UAE.

I came to the UAE in 2006 and worked as a Nurse for a medical center in Sharjah. In 2012, I returned to the Philippines and worked as a Community Nurse for the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol until 2012. In the same year, I went back to the UAE and worked as a PCR Nurse (during the COVID-19 pandemic), before eventually joining Saudi German Hospital in January 2023 as an OPD Surgery Nurse.

Last December 29, 2025, I am delighted to share that I received a the DAISY Award, an international award that recognizes extraordinary nurses.

2. Why did you come to Dubai?

I moved to Dubai in 2006 to pursue career opportunities and to help my family. During that time, my siblings were still studying, and since I am the eldest child, I wanted to help my parents and support my family.

In 2001, I returned to the UAE to help handle the hospitalization costs of my father, who was ill and undergoing dialysis treatment. My siblings, who had their own jobs by that time, also helped.

3. What were your previous jobs?

As mentioned earlier, I came to Dubai in 2006, after graduating from college and passing the board exam in the Philippines. I worked for a medical center in Sharjah until 2012, then returned to the Philippines and worked as a Community Nurse with the DOH in Bicol. In 2021, I went back to Dubai and worked as a PCR nurse, before landing my current job as an OPD Surgery Nurse for Saudi German Hospital.

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

I am very happy and satisfied with my current job. Saudi German Hospital has a strong exposure to “diverse cultural aspects,” where we live out the value of “Caring Like Family” across its global network of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and educational facilities. We make sure that patients, staff, and the rest of the community receive the best possible care and are treated like family.

In the workplace, I also love the “positivity” vibes, respect, and career advancement opportunities. The management is very supportive to all the staff. The doctors, nurses, and staff are very respectful and supportive. In addition, the hospital is deemed as “globally present,” as it continuously pursues advancement in terms of health standards.

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

Yes, I am able to save and provide for my family during my stay here. This is the main reason why I am here, after all.

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

As long as you have a good job in the UAE and you follow the rules, life is easy and safe in Dubai. In fact, Dubai is one of the safest cities to live in, and it offers plenty of job opportunities to different nationalities, including Filipinos.

7. What do you like about Dubai?

Dubai is a very beautiful place! There are lots of opportunities here die to the booming economy. Furthermore, it has a multicultural environment with a supportive and diverse expat community.

8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?

What I don’t like is the extreme heat during summer, the extreme cold during winter, and maybe the high cost of rent for accommodations.

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

My plan is to continue working for Saudi German Hospital, to earn enough savings, and to establish a small business back in the Philippines, when I eventually go back home for good and live with my family.

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

For my fellow kabayans, here are some personal tips:

• Do your best!
• Be good and kind everyday, as this will come back to you in many ways.
• Be respectful and honest.
• Live simply. Dubai is a “luxurious” country, with many things to offer, but you must think first before spending your hard-earned money.
• Be careful when posting on social media, as the UAE is quite strict and there are rules that we should follow.
• Follow your dreams, and always put GOD first above everything else!

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* Photos provided by Kathrina Gonzales-Cirujales

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.