This week’s Into-yous features American expat Justin de Casterlé.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a freelance Life Coach as well as a Language Coach, helping people overcoming confidence problems, but also perfecting diction, vocabulary and preparing for presentations and exams.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
My wife and I moved to Dubai 6 years ago. My wife had a friend here and came to visit regularly, every time coming back raving about the place. When one day I was contacted for a job here, we didn’t hesitate.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I grew up as an expat seeing as my father was a diplomat for the United Nations. I grew up all over Africa (Morocco, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Congo, Chad, Tunisia, etc.).

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Strangely enough I was told to make sure my marriage was solid.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
It’s capacity to accommodate to all people of different cultures, religions and beliefs in a very harmonious way, but also its dynamism and drive.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Exactly where we live now in the Springs. We love our home.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Inch’Allah. It is just perfect!

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
“I’m stuck in traffic on SZR because there’s been an accident”.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Buying our house

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
On the island of Bom Bom in Sao Tome & Principe

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

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Bussola at the Westin Hotel

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Twinkies

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Up Burj Khalifa. But for the ladies without a doubt Karama. They have to see it to believe it!

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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).