This week’s Into-yous features British expat Abbi Kemp

Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a lifestyle photographer born in London and raised in Hertfordshire. Ever since I can remember I’ve been on the move. I spent a short stint living in Antigua as a child. I spent 4 years living by the English seaside in Brighton. I moved to Rio de Janeiro for a few months working on a photography project and now I’m the Middle East. It’s was this variation in my surroundings that lead to my love of photography. I love seeing things beyond the obvious and capturing the essence of whats around me.

Aside from photography & travel, I’m interested in literature, films, skiing, horse riding, diving and graffiti.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here:
I love the sunshine and new adventures, so I moved to Dubai 5 months ago for a next chapter of my story.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
Never for longer than 3 months, so I didn’t really get involved with the expat community before.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai:
Wear factor 50 and buy a good pair of sunglasses!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
The art scene and how welcoming everyone is!

What area do you live in?
Downtown. In London I walked everywhere as I love finding hidden gems whist getting lost. So one of the things that I was worried about was being confined to a car and therefore it was important to me that we lived somewhere that we could walk to shops & cafes. We couldn’t have chosen a better place. I simply love Downtown.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Where I am but on a top floor penthouse apartment. Oh and with a private swimming pool and terrace where we could sit out and have our breakfast!

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far:
Habibi. Not only is the meaning lovely but it also sounds beautiful.

Your least favourite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai:
’You idiot’ (watered down) whilst driving on the roads in Dubai.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Spending the day in the desert with my parents.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
I’m off to Uganda in July for a 2 week photography trip.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
I couldn’t pick just one person! I have a truly amazing set of friends and family at home in England and I miss them all everyday.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Le Petit Maison.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Quality, sensibly priced chicken!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
The Creek, The One and Only, Deira, Bastakiya, galleries in DIFC and all of Downtown!

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The team at Expat Echo Dubai would like to feature you in our Into-yous section

Please complete our 5 minute interview and submit your answers along with a profile picture (in JPEG format).