This week’s Into-yous features Indian expat Neelam Serai.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a housewife. I lost my job in October, 2011 and since then I am chilling at home.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I was born and bought up in Dubai. Dubai is like my home town.

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

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Dubai isn’t like it used to be in the 80’s or 90’s, its more of a plastic city!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Rapidly rising towers and population – a complete change in 10 years.

What area do you live in?
JLT.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
In a villa in Jumeirah.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Shukran!

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
The hand gesture indicating to be slow.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
My wedding.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Paris, Dusseldorf.

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

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
Al Fallah – falafel centre in Satwa. Best place I have been since school days.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Old chocolates of Dubai, which are rare to find. There used to be red and blue colored nerds, which are not sold in any sweet factory anymore. There are all different color nerds.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Jabal Hafeet, Burj at the Top, Atlantis, Ferrari World, Desert Safari, and the beaches!

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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).