This week’s Into-yous features Lebanese expat Mona Al-Assaad

Tell us a little about yourself
My Life is My Loving Family, Dubai, and my Art. We moved to Dubai 17 years ago and since then we made home out of it because it’s who we are: mixture of East and West. The View from our 24th floor on Sheikh Zayed Road in our luxury 4 bedroom flat is breath-taking. Our building hosts neighbours from all around the world. Nothing more lovely than to see the kids playing happily and the nannies giggling around them. A peaceful feeling invigorates my spirit and drives me to say Hamdulillah we are fortunate to be in Dubai so I take my brushes and I paint the beautiful Dubai sky-scrapers scene in a thousand colours and tones 🙂

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
We have been expats in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, and in Monterey, California.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
There was no avice to be given. Dubai speaks for itself, if not through the strong international media it’s through the 1st moment you lay eyes on it. Only the summers are too hot but worry not as Dubai is equipped with the most high-tech indoor entertainment and leisure activities in a Clean Airconditioned atmosphere.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
The friendship of people from diverse backgrounds, religions, and races.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Where i am right now. DIFC area.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
I am Arab Lebanese, my mother tongue is Arabic, but French is like my Arabic, and English is my 3rd language. I still can learn more words in all 3 languages. A fascinating word I learned in Arabic and didnt know before is : Nakhwah

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
La : No

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Having taken the role lead in one of Miss Nayla Al-Khaja’s Short Films Competion.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
In Côte d’Azur: Cannes

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My French Childhood Teacher: DiDi

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
AT.MOSPHERE, Burj Khalifa

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Ma Zaher : Eaud de Rose. Rose Water (but i assure you …you can find anything in dubai). 🙂

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
I would absolutely take them downtown Dubai: Dubai Mall, the fountain, Burj Khalifa.

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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).