From Syria and Panama to a Life Built in Chiriquí: Nawal and Ricardo’s Story of Family, Business, and Belonging
- Ken Norton
- May 20
- 4 min read
Updated: May 23
For many people considering a move to Panama, the biggest questions are not only about real estate, cost of living, or climate. They are also about something deeper: Can I build a real life there? Can I raise a family, create lasting friendships, and find a true sense of home?
For Nawal, originally from Syria, and her husband Ricardo, who is from Panama, the answer has been a resounding yes.
The couple met while living in the United States, where their relationship began and their shared future started to take shape. Eventually, they made the decision to move to David, Panama, in the province of Chiriquí. That move became the beginning of an 18-year journey of building a family, growing roots, and creating a life that blends cultures, opportunity, and community.
Choosing David, Panama as Home
David is often described as the commercial heart of western Panama, and for Nawal and Ricardo, it offered a practical and welcoming place to settle down. With access to hospitals, schools, shopping, restaurants, and essential services, David provides many of the conveniences of a city while still maintaining a slower, more relaxed pace than larger urban centers.
Over the past 18 years, Nawal and Ricardo have raised their family in David and watched the region continue to grow. Their children have had the opportunity to grow up in a multicultural household, connected to both Panamanian roots and Nawal’s Syrian heritage, while also benefiting from the warmth and community life that Chiriquí is known for.
For families considering a move to Panama, stories like theirs are powerful. They show that Panama is not just a place to retire or invest, but also a place where families can thrive, children can grow, and long-term lives can be built.
A Life Connected to Boquete
Although they live in David, Nawal and Ricardo also do business in Boquete, one of Panama’s most beloved mountain towns. Boquete has become known internationally for its cool climate, natural beauty, coffee farms, active expat community, and growing small-business environment.
For the couple, Boquete represents another important part of their life in Chiriquí. The connection between David and Boquete is one that many residents enjoy. David offers the convenience of city services, while Boquete provides a refreshing mountain atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and a steady flow of visitors, residents, and entrepreneurs.
Their experience reflects what makes Chiriquí so attractive: people do not have to choose between city access and lifestyle. Within a relatively short drive, residents can enjoy both the practicality of David and the charm of Boquete.
Building a Life Across Cultures
Nawal’s story is also one of adaptation, courage, and cultural connection. Moving from Syria, meeting Ricardo in the United States, and later building a family life in Panama represents a remarkable international journey.
Panama has long been a meeting place of cultures, and Nawal’s experience is a beautiful example of how people from very different backgrounds can create a meaningful life here. Over nearly two decades, she has become part of the local fabric of Chiriquí while continuing to carry her own heritage with pride.
For many foreigners thinking about moving to Panama, this matters. A successful relocation is not just about finding a house. It is about finding acceptance, building relationships, and feeling that your life has room to grow. Nawal and Ricardo’s journey speaks directly to that possibility.
Raising a Family in Panama
One of the strongest themes in their story is family. Having raised their children in David, Nawal and Ricardo have experienced Panama not as visitors, but as parents navigating real everyday life.
They have seen what it means to educate children, participate in the community, build friendships, and create stability over time. Their story reflects why many people are drawn to Chiriquí as a place to raise a family: it offers a more grounded lifestyle, access to nature, and a sense of connection that can be harder to find in larger, faster-paced cities.
David and Boquete together create an especially appealing balance for families, professionals, and business owners. One provides infrastructure and convenience; the other provides beauty, tranquility, and a strong local and international community.
Business, Community, and Opportunity
Nawal and Ricardo’s connection to business in Boquete also highlights another reason so many people choose this region of Panama: opportunity.
Chiriquí continues to attract new residents, entrepreneurs, retirees, and investors. Boquete in particular has become a strong environment for small businesses catering to locals, expats, and tourists alike. David, meanwhile, continues to grow as a regional center for commerce and services.
Their ability to live in David, raise a family, and conduct business in Boquete shows the flexibility and opportunity available in this part of the country. For those considering relocation, it is a reminder that Panama can support not only lifestyle goals, but also professional and business ambitions.
Why Their Story Matters
Nawal and Ricardo’s journey is inspiring because it is not a short-term adventure. It is a story of 18 years of commitment, family, adaptation, and belonging.
They came to Panama, built a home, raised children, established business ties, and became part of the larger Chiriquí community. Their story reflects what many people hope to find when they consider moving abroad: a better quality of life, a welcoming environment, meaningful opportunity, and a place that truly feels like home.
For anyone wondering whether Panama can become more than a destination — whether it can become a life — Nawal and Ricardo’s experience offers a heartfelt answer.
Thinking About Moving to Panama?
At Panama Properties, we believe choosing the right area is just as important as choosing the right property. Whether you are drawn to David, Boquete, the beaches of Pedasí, or another part of Panama, understanding the lifestyle, community, and opportunities in each region is essential.
We are here to help you explore Panama with clarity and confidence, whether you are planning a relocation, looking for a family home, or considering a real estate investment.
Visit www.panama-properties.com to learn more about living, investing, and buying real estate in Panama.
If you would like to find out more about Nawal and Ricardo's wonderful food you can reach them here----> Nawal Arabic Foods:
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