Often overlooked or misunderstood, racial and cultural disparity is experienced within and by black communities on a worldwide scale for a variety of reasons, overshadowing the sheer amount of talent, beauty and excellence we possess. 

This Black Excellence project highlights black expatriates who moved to the Middle East to explore new opportunities in contrast to their birthplace. Rebuilding home away from home is no tall order, especially in the ever evolving UAE where people and businesses can often get lost in the mix and even go unseen without any exposure.

Bringing together UAE Black Excellence through this project was nothing but humbling and evidence of the strength, resilience and faith that resides in the black community.

The Black Excellence project seeks to raise awareness about our amazing expatriate community to the world. It exemplifies the possibilities of what can be achieved by building, supporting and amplifying each other. There is strength in numbers.

Curated by Black Girl in Dubai Founder, Kai Charles and Marcia Mcleod of Black Economic Collective, both expatriates from the diaspora, with 25 collective years of living experience in the UAE. We see ourselves as facilitators who play a significant role in cultivating approaches to promote equality and a more equitable economy. We believe that the nurturing of black people must be part of the solution that enables growth, community development, and empowerment of a collective economic ecosystem that will ensure the collective economic success now and for generations to come.

Our vision is to raise awareness about our amazing expatriate community to the world. United we stand, divided we fall. We are showcasing to the world black excellence and what is possible when you are willing to leave the comforts of what you consider to be home.