This week’s Into-yous features French expat Deborah Jossa .

Tell us a little about yourself
As a citizen of the world, Dubai has provided the ideal base to have a family and career at the same time. I opened The Perfect Help with my partner Eugenie, to respond to a real need: finding and training the best home help possible.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I followed my husband Adrian who was offered a role at the DIFC in 2004. It has been a fabulous experience.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I was an expat child, and have lived in Paris, Jeddah, Madrid, Barcelona, Casablanca, Montevideo, London and Geneva. I have never stayed this long in one place!

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Leave your winter clothes behind!!!!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
How fast it has changed – when we got here in 2004 the marina did not exist, let alone downtown!

What area do you live in?
We are in the new Green Community at Motor City.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
I would like to have 2 places: a house by the sea, an apartment in Burj Khalifa!

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Mashallah – I like the idea of giving thanks for everything beautiful that happens to you.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Bukra…. I like things to be done quickly, so waiting for tomorrow always makes me sigh!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Having my children here – the quality of medical care and the attentiveness of the nurses have made childbirth an even more unforgettable experience.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
In Turkey – my husband is opening a hotel in Bodrum and we will be spending all our holidays there.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My whole family – I have two siblings and am used to popping over to see them anytime. Now we need to plan and travel to see each other.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
Without a doubt La Petite Maison, the quality of food and service are astounding, and the predominantly French staff is excellent!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Thanks to Carrefour I find most French ingredients here, however, with a Columbian grandmother, I miss my dulce de leche…

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Absolutely everywhere -there are so many facets to Dubai I always try to give my guests the full picture. I have written a small guide to Dubai so that my guests can actually go out and visit themselves as I have quite a busy work schedule.

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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).