From Dubai to Seoul: Marwa Chami Begins a New Chapter in Korea

For Marwa Chami, moving to Korea was once a dream. Now, it has become her reality.
After growing up and building her academic, creative and sporting journey in Dubai, Marwa
has officially begun a new chapter in Seoul as a student at Sungkyunkwan University
(SKKU), while continuing to pursue her passion for figure skating in Korea.
The move marks an important milestone in a journey shaped by years of hard work,
determination and a willingness to pursue opportunities beyond her comfort zone.
Dubai remained at the heart of Marwa’s journey. Over the years, she built a diverse portfolio
of achievements, from publishing her own book and participating in fashion and creative
projects to being featured in local media and developing her career as a competitive figure
skater.
Her connection with Korea also grew alongside these experiences. As her interest in Korean
culture and language developed, so did her dream of eventually studying and training there.
That dream became a reality when she was accepted into Sungkyunkwan University to study
Business Administration on the English track, receiving a scholarship.
“Moving to Korea has been something I have worked towards for a long time, so actually
arriving here feels almost unreal,” Marwa said.
“Dubai is where I grew up, where I trained, studied and built the foundations of everything I
have achieved so far. Coming to Korea does not feel like leaving that behind. It feels like
taking everything I have built there and carrying it into a completely new chapter.”
Since arriving in Seoul, Marwa has been settling into university life, meeting new students
and exploring her new surroundings. She has also continued developing her Korean, hoping
to become even more connected to everyday life in Korea.
Her figure-skating journey is another major part of this new chapter. Rather than putting
skating on hold while beginning university, Marwa is determined to continue training in
Korea and has started arranging regular training sessions at a local ice rink. For her,
continuing to skate in Korea carries a special meaning.
“Figure skating has been such a big part of my life, and I didn’t want moving countries to
mean stopping. I want to see how far I can take my skating while also building my academic
and personal life here.”

The transition has not been without its challenges. Moving countries, starting university,
navigating new systems and building a new routine have all required independence and
adaptability.
But those challenges have also made the experience more meaningful.
From receiving her SKKU student ID and preparing for her first university events to
exploring Seoul and beginning her skating journey in Korea, Marwa is slowly turning what
once felt like a distant dream into everyday life.
She also hopes that her story can inspire other young people from the UAE to pursue
opportunities internationally without forgetting where they began.
“I’m still a Dubai girl at heart,” she said. “Dubai gave me so many opportunities and
memories, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. Now I want to see what I can build in Korea
while carrying that part of my story with me.”
For Marwa, this is not the end of the journey that began in Dubai. It is the continuation of it.
With university, figure skating, Korean language learning and new opportunities ahead, her
next chapter has officially begun — this time, in Seoul.