This week’s Into-yous features French Moroccan expat Hanane

Tell us a little about yourself:
I come from Morocco and I lived in France for 15 years where I studied Finance in a management business school. I have spent 6 years working in a consulting company.

However, my passion for the culinary art and my desire to make it discover crept up on me. So, I renounced to my career as a Financial manager in order to live fully my passion.

I had the opportunity to open my own restaurant in Paris, where I have been able to share my passion for the Moroccan authentic cuisine and to reveal its secrets through the organisation of private courses and publication of recipes in local magazines.

Actually, I am living in Dubai, married and mum of a little boy and I am continuing my activity but with an other version: I am organizing Moroccan cooking classes and catering services.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here:
I moved to Dubai in February 2013.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
No

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai:
Be curious and enjoy the cosmopolitan environment

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Mix of nationalities

What area do you live in?
Arabian ranches

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
i am very happy where i am living now 😉

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far:
Ialready speak Arabic. I am native Moroccan. but I learned to talk Egyptian!

Your least favourite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai:
lunch box 😉

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Seeing my son learning English

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Sri Lanka

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My brother

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Maya, Mexican restaurant

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
French morels mushrooms

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
not yet