This week’s Into-yous features British expat Gavin Bannerman.

Tell us a little about yourself
I’m 28, originally from the UK and have been running my own energy saving company Laminas in the UAE for the last year offering residential property owners a solution to the immense summer heat and their increasing energy bills. Mainly for villa communities such as Arabian Ranches, The Springs, Meadows, Palm Jumeirah often reducing their bills by up to 30% while also blocking glare, cutting harmful UV rays and improving the overall appearance.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I moved to Dubai in 2007 after a couple of short visits in the years preceding. Both my father and my sister have been living in the region so i took the plunge and left the UK; I haven’t looked back since.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I had a brief spell in Singapore when I was much younger, that was a great experience of living out of my home country.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
The first time I was here it was the unknown, living here has been certainly a different way of life but I don’t think any advice can prepare you for such a difference.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Everyone was happy. You used to get in a lift and everyone would say hello. Everyone was making money, living a great life. Things have since changed but it’s still a relatively positive place to live.

What area do you live in?
Dubai Marina.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Probably a villa on the Palm or a penthouse in the Marina.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Shoo? – What?

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Best price.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
My current life as I am pushing my dream of developing my own business and looking at new areas to build companies.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Thailand or America.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My mum is back in the UK, but she comes to visit now and again.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
I tend to cook at home a lot but I do like Thai food and the usual brunch places.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Ready made stir fry vegetable pack from Tesco.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Burj Khalifa, JBR Walk and Barasti.

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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).