This week’s Into-yous features British expat Joss Sargent.

Tell us a little about yourself
I have worked for over 20 years in various industries such as Sports (I was the Ass. Tournament Director for the Dubai Sevens for several years); Communication, Sponsorship (I headed up Sponsorship & Events for HSBC in the Middle East). I then realised I needed a change and what I really loved was the people side and people development. I trained to be an Executive/Corporate Coach, a vocation that I absolutely love and know is right for me and that’s what my clients tell me!

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I moved over 8 years ago and have lived in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I decided on the move as the UK was a little too depressing at the time and I could not stand another winter there! I knocked on the door of the company that was running the Sevens and asked them to give me a job as I had Sevens experience, the rest is history!

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
Australia and Hong Kong, both places which I adore!

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Be open to every possibility and push yourself out there and you will meet fantastic, like-minded people that you become friends with for the rest of your life.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
How friendly it is. You can be as active or as non-active as you want and there is something for everyone in Dubai, you just have to dig a bit to find it sometimes.

What area do you live in?
The Springs. I have a dog and it’s the best areas to live if you have a pooch!

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Emirates Hills, Meadows, Lakes.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Mabrouk – means congratulations….how positive and it’s a lovely sounding word.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Here comes the summer!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
A friend and I have birthdays close together and years ago we booked a desert camp and did it up and coached all our pals out there for an over night party….fantastic fun!

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Australia – I love it!

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My family and close pals back home

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
Mezzo – even though I don’t live near it now, the food is fab and the ambiance is stunning. They really have got it right!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
I miss the full Marks & Spencer food hall selection!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Burj Dubai, the fountains and the Souk Madinat

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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).