This week’s Into-yous features British expat sisters Nour and Hiba Abdo.

Tell us a little about yourself
Mothers to 5 very demanding children combined aka baby popping machines! We like to think that by having kids of our own, we know what mums want. With our recent acquiring of Peekaboo, a creative play center for children, we hope to use our background and knowledge to create the best experience and service possible for both parents and their little ones.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
Nour: I moved to Dubai from London nearly 4 years ago and I’ve loved every minute, so much so, I convinced my sister Hiba to come visit me and she ended up meeting her husband here.
Hiba: …the rest is history!

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
No, we came here from London where we had lived most of our lives.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Hiba: A wise man once told me ‘don’t judge Dubai before at least living here for a year’! That wise man being my husband naturally… lol!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
That we really do have everything here! Dubai is an amazing place to live especially when you’re far away from home! We have found all our little home comforts that we’re used to which is great, from things such as groceries to restaurants that we love!

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Nour: Luckily we are neighbors and that is all that matters!
Hiba: Wherever it is as long as it’s a 5-minute drive from Nour’s nursery 😉

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Nour: Well since we speak Arabic we can’t really answer that question, however my son’s favourite Arabic word lately seems to be ‘laa’ which means ‘no!’
Hiba: My friends seem to think that every other word that comes out of me is ‘mahek’ which means ‘isn’t it so’ so I guess that would have to be mine.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Hiba: ‘Burpies’ – need I say more?

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Feeling like we’re on a continuous holiday, the weather is great (most of the year) and we love spending the weekends at the beach with the kids.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Nour: We have booked our summer holiday to Greece this year and are very excited about checking out some of its beautiful islands.
Hiba: I hope to have a holiday soon after giving birth! Will keep you posted on where…. But my ultimate destination would have to be New York!

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
Our mum! She’s an amazing woman and more of a best friend.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
It’s so difficult to choose just one being such big foodies. So for French – La Petite Maison is yummy and for fish – Flooka in Dubai Marine Beach Resort. For Arabic home cooked food – Rania’s Kitchen and for that cheeky burger it would have to be Shake Shack in MOE!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
The whole of M&S food hall!!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Considering the weather in London the closest beach we can get to!!

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The team at Expat Echo Dubai would like to feature you in our Into-yous section

Please download our 5 minute interview and email your answers along with a profile picture (in JPEG format) to us at info@expatechodubai.com