Rigga Road: Where Filipinos in Dubai Find a Second Home

Rigga Road in Dubai has become an essential hub for the Filipino community, a place where culture, memories, and daily life intertwine, creating a unique sense of belonging. In this part of the city, away from the bustling skyscrapers and luxury malls, a quieter, more intimate world thrives. Here, many Filipinos have found a second home—a space that echoes with the sounds and tastes of their homeland. For them, this road is not merely a place of residence or work, but a sanctuary where shared experiences form lasting connections. Through the stories of three Filipino residents, we can see how Rigga Road has become more than just a location; it is a cornerstone of their lives in Dubai.

“A Sense of Belonging”

Maria, 38, Domestic Worker

When Maria first arrived in Dubai, she was filled with uncertainty. The towering buildings and foreign faces were intimidating, and the absence of her family made her feel isolated. But over time, as she settled into her life in the city, she found solace in the Filipino community living on Rigga Road. “When I came here for the first time, I didn’t know anyone,” she says. “I was alone and nervous about starting over in a place so different from home. But over time, I realized I wasn’t alone. The people here made me feel like I was with family.”

Maria describes the neighborhood as a place where memories are shared over casual conversations and meals. “At the end of every workday, we gather at one of the small Filipino cafés on the road. We laugh, eat, and talk about life back home,” she adds. “I may not be in the Philippines, but I feel like I am. The smell of Filipino food, the familiar voices, the language—it all brings me comfort. This is home for me now.”

What stands out most for Maria is the sense of community that has emerged among the Filipinos living in the area. “It’s not just the shared food or language,” she says. “It’s the way we all look out for each other. If someone is having a hard time, the others step in to help. It’s like we’re all one big family here.”

“A Small Home in a Big City”

Jiko, 45, Owner of a Filipino Shop on Rigga Road

Jiko’s story takes a different angle but echoes similar themes of connection and community. He arrived in Dubai 15 years ago, determined to find work and build a life for himself. He didn’t know what to expect from the city, but like many others, he was drawn to the familiar warmth of the Filipino community that was beginning to take shape on Rigga Road.

“When I first moved here, it was overwhelming,” Jiko recalls. “The city was so big, and I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t even speak English that well. But then I started meeting more Filipinos, and things began to feel less daunting. Rigga Road became my refuge. It was here I found people who spoke my language, who shared my experiences. I began to feel like I was part of something bigger.”

As the years passed, Jiko opened his own Filipino shop on the road, selling goods from the Philippines—snacks, spices, and home essentials. His business became a meeting point for the community, where people could get a taste of home and catch up with old friends. “This shop is my pride,” Jiko says. “It’s not just a business; it’s a place where we share stories, laughter, and memories. I watch the customers who come in. They smile as soon as they see the Filipino products on the shelves. They feel at home here, and that’s what matters most to me.”

Jiko’s shop represents more than just commerce—it is a testament to the resilience of the Filipino community in Dubai. For him, Rigga Road is not just where he works; it is where he has built his life. “I’ve made lasting friendships here, and I have witnessed the changes in this area over the years. I’ve watched it grow from a small, quiet road to a lively, vibrant community. And through it all, it has always felt like home.”

“An Unforgettable Memory”

Liza, 27, Worker in a Filipino Restaurant on Rigga Road

Liza’s story offers another perspective on the Filipino experience on Rigga Road, focusing on the personal connections and the sense of belonging that she feels every day. She arrived in Dubai three years ago, working at a Filipino restaurant in the heart of the road. While the initial adjustment was challenging, she quickly found comfort in the community’s closeness.

“Working in the restaurant has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had,” Liza shares. “It’s not just about serving food; it’s about building relationships. When we’re busy, the restaurant is filled with laughter and conversation. After hours, we often sit together and enjoy meals, talking about our families, our experiences, and how we’re adjusting to life here.”

Liza recounts a memorable night that remains etched in her mind. “One evening, after a long shift, we decided to celebrate the birthday of one of our colleagues. We had a small gathering in the back of the restaurant, with Filipino music playing and traditional dishes like adobo and sinigang. It felt like a little piece of the Philippines in Dubai. I looked around at the smiling faces, and for the first time, I truly felt that I was part of something bigger.”

That night, Liza realized that Rigga Road had become a reflection of her own journey—one of adaptation, connection, and community. “It’s not just a road to me. It’s where I’ve found my second family. It’s where I’ve learned that home is not just about a place; it’s about the people you share it with.”

Building a New Home Away from Home

For many Filipinos living on Rigga Road, the neighborhood has become an extension of their own identity. It is a place that offers not only physical shelter but emotional comfort, a sense of belonging, and shared memories. Over the years, the Filipino presence on Rigga Road has grown, creating a small but tight-knit community where people can support one another and preserve their culture in a foreign land.

In this vibrant corner of Dubai, the spirit of the Philippines thrives. Whether through a shared meal, a friendly chat, or a celebration of life’s milestones, Rigga Road represents more than just a geographic location—it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and the Filipino way of finding home, no matter how far one is from it. For the many residents who call it home, this road is not just a place on a map—it is a living, breathing part of their journey, a home away from home where memories are made every day.