The Expat Experts
Welcome to The Expat Experts, a podcast where Samara Iqbal, an esteemed international family lawyer and founder of Aramas International Lawyers, delves into the intricate world of expat law. With offices across the UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, Samara and her team are dedicated to helping expatriates navigate the complexities of divorce, family law, and cross-border legal challenges. In each episode, Samara engages in insightful conversations with highly qualified experts from around the globe. Together, they explore critical topics such as international divorce, child custody arrangements, Sharia law, jurisdictional disputes, and much more. Whether you’re an expat facing legal hurdles or simply interested in the nuances of international law, The Expat Experts offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you understand and address your legal concerns. Join us as we unravel the complexities of expat life and provide you with the expert knowledge you need to protect your rights and secure your family’s future, no matter where in the world you are. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for the latest episodes!
Episodes

Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
In this dynamic episode of The Expat Experts Podcast, we’re joined by Silvia Eldawi — real estate trainer, YouTuber, and the voice behind Golden Nuggets. Silvia shares her candid take on the UAE property market, revealing the top mistakes expats make when buying or renting, how to find a trustworthy agent, and why she believes real estate is one of the smartest long-term investments expats can make. We also explore the rise of fractional ownership, Dubai’s booming development scene, and how to separate hype from real value. Whether you’re living in the UAE or investing from abroad, this episode offers grounded, expert-led advice you can actually use.

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
In this warm and inspiring episode of The Expat Experts Podcast, we speak with Naveen Eldesouki — founder of Coffee with an Expat, a thriving community for women navigating life in the UAE. She shares her own journey across eight countries, the emotional highs and lows of expat life, and how genuine connection, purpose, and community support can transform the experience. From financial independence and solo parenting to making real friends and finding your people — this episode is full of honesty, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement for anyone trying to find their feet in a new place.

Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
In this episode of The Expat Experts Podcast, we speak with Stuart and Yasmin from GSB Wealth, who specialise in helping expats take control of their financial futures in the UAE. From pensions and hidden tax traps to long-term investment strategies and DIFC foundations, they share expert advice tailored for international professionals living in the region. Whether you’re just settling in or thinking about retirement, this episode is packed with practical guidance and honest insights.

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
In this episode of The Expert Expats, we welcome Majdel Musa, Director of Operations and Legal at Real Trust Conveyancing. With over 10 years of experience in the UAE real estate market, Majdel shares essential insights for expats looking to rent, buy, or invest in Dubai.

Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
In this episode of The Expert Expats, we welcome Ali Zakaria, a former Egyptian judge and a leading family lawyer in Dubai. With vast experience in international family law, Ali shares valuable insights into expat relationships, divorce, financial transparency, and cultural challenges in the UAE.

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
In this episode of The Expert Expats, we welcome Saria Moran, founder of The Liberated Woman, a coaching and training provider focused on helping survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their lives.
Saria shares her personal journey, discussing how it took her 20 years to recognise her own experiences as abuse and how that led her to create a safe and empowering space for women. She highlights the unique challenges expats face when dealing with abuse in the UAE, from legal barriers to lack of family support.
We explore the signs of abuse, including financial control and emotional isolation, and discuss how friends, employers, and communities can provide support. Saria also offers practical steps for survivors to access legal help, financial guidance, and emotional recovery resources.
This episode is an important listen for anyone affected by domestic abuse or those looking to support survivors in their community.

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Join Samara Iqbal as Laurence Black shares invaluable insights on how expatriates can secure and structure their wealth in an ever-changing financial landscape.

Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
In Episode 10 of The Expat Experts - Join Samara Iqbal as she explores the world of Islamic finance with Mohsin Patel, co-founder of Islamic Finance Guru.
This episode is a deep dive into the strategic elements of investing within the Islamic financial framework. They discuss the importance of understanding your investment goals, whether it’s funding a child’s education or planning for a future purchase, and how these objectives shape your investment choices. Mohsin emphasizes the need for due diligence and selecting investments that align with both financial and Islamic principles, offering insights into navigating investments with a long-term perspective versus those that are more liquid for short-term needs. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on making informed, goal-oriented investment decisions within the realm of Islamic finance.
A crucial listen for anyone interested in integrating their financial plans with ethical guidelines!

Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
In Episode 10 of The Expat Experts, we sit down with George Howard, a seasoned Chartered Financial Planner from The Fry Group, to discuss the unique financial challenges faced by expats in the UAE. With over 30 years of experience and 5 years living in Dubai, George shares invaluable advice on retirement planning, managing investments, the importance of wills, and creating emergency funds. Discover practical tips to build a solid financial foundation, optimize wealth management, and secure your family's future while living abroad. A must-listen for expats aiming to achieve financial stability in a dynamic environment!

Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Crowther mediation working with international families in the UAE and globally, teaching and training mediators, inspiration and background, converting from solicitors to mediators, how to know if mediation is suitable for you.







