I moved from Washington, DC to Dubai with 2 young kids. I'm a better version of myself here.

Kiran Ali and Kamran Jebreili/AP Photo

• Kiran Ali and her family were forced to relocate after a tree fell on their home in Washington, DC.
• They decided to move to Dubai, as Ali had enjoyed working there previously.
• Ali said Dubai offers a better quality of life, where she has more time to spend with her husband and kids.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kiran Ali...