This week’s Into-yous features British expat Lianne Welford

Tell us a little about yourself
Having lived in Dubai for seven years, wanted to be self-employed and independent so started up JUST A SECOND . . ., basically recycles second hand car seats, pushchairs – anything from the baby world. I will sell them for you so they must be in near perfect condition.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I have lived in Dubai since January 2006 and it was my husband’s work which brought me here

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I was brought up in Nigeria (and Scotland) and have also lived in the USA, Switzerland and Italy.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai:
Wear sunscreen

What surprised you most about Dubai?
We lived in Dubai in the early eighties as well and what surprised me then was how busy and full of life it was down by the Creek. I loved it and still do.

What area do you live in?
Jumeira 3, very near to the beach so I feel very lucky

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
I think on the beach: there is nothing nicer than watching the waves – especially in stormy weather!

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far:
Mumtaaz – which means ‘excellent’

Your least favourite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai:
I keep availing myself of bargains. I never availed myself of anything before!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
I love swimming in the sea, especially in the summer. We sometimes go swimming at night and it’s great!

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
France would be nice

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
I miss both my children who are in the UK working. They come out here as often as they can and I go back to the UK as often as I can too.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Well, I always take our visitors to Ravi’s in Satwa where the food is good and the atmosphere unusual. For something a bit more up market, I like the Rivington Grill at Souk al Bahar. Lovely food and you can sit on the balcony and watch the fountains. Then if I really want to push the boat out, I love Pier Chic. Wonderful food, fantastic atmosphere and our visitors are always amazed by it.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
I don’t miss any actually.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
I always take them to the Bastakiya, especially the Majlis Gallery and to the Mawaheb art school for Beautiful People. Both are set in Arab wind-tower houses and are reeking with atmosphere. And the art work in both is super. If you haven’t been, you will be amazed.