This week’s Into-yous features Indian expat Karishma.

Tell us a little about yourself
Living in Dubai for 15 years. I have 2 beautiful kids. I have been running my own business for 15 years. I have 2 companies; one dealing in advertising, called Noble Advertising, and the other company deals with instant furnishing and uniforms for corporate & hospitality industry.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
Moved to Dubai in 1994, marriage brought me here.

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

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
First year is the toughest as in finding the right friends, weather, etc… Takes time to get adjusted from being away from your family but don’t give up. Get out and about to make new friends and enjoy the weather as it is and you will be fine.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Coming from a buzzing city like Mumbai, it was a shock to come to such a quiet city which slept from noon and where everyone worked on a slow pace – but bear in mind, this was 15 years ago!

What area do you live in?
Arabian Ranches, one of the most serene places in Dubai.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Palm Jumeirah – on the beach.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Inshallah – still getting used to this word.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Inshallah- for the same reasons above.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Giving birth to my 2 kids in Dubai.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Australia.

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

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
Da Vinci’s, the Italian restaurant.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Indian low fat snacks are not available at all in Dubai.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
To the beach.

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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).