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

Tell us a little about yourself
Prior to becoming a life coach f, I was active in the corporate world as marketing and public relations professional. As life changed, I felt a deep quest in me towards spirituality which further opened the door to understand yogic knowledge and mind patterns and tendencies. My focus is on coaching women to strengthen their emotional independence and freedom of choice to ‘be’ unique and virtuous in their own right. Apart from this, I have a passion for yoga and love sharing my experience in workshops and one-on-one sessions with my business The Virtuous.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I came here almost 12 years back for my higher studies and then decided to settle here.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
It’s been only Dubai. I’ve only been traveling between Dubai and India all these years.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
The best time to go for a vacation is June-July!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
It’s nice to look back and wonder about the phenomenal growth Dubai experienced in the last decade.

What area do you live in?
Dubai Marina and its absolutely fantastic living here; very comfortable and beautiful.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
I guess it’ll still be Dubai Marina. I truly enjoy being here.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Masha’Allah…very beautiful word.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
“That’s how it is…!” – Often used to express hopelessness, unwillingness to take responsibility.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
I met very genuine, loving, and honest people here and it has been a very meaningful experience being with them in the academic, corporate and spiritual world. I would say the best learning experience was to understand and live a balance between mind and heart.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Next holiday – I’ve shortlisted a few places in India that are mesmerizing for their natural beauty, rich elegant history, and
culture.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
Few of my relatives together, we call our group ’Summer Camp’. Spending time with them is a hilarious experience, a complete laughter therapy. I really miss them.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
I absolutely relish dining at the Asha’s at Wafi Pyramids for Indian cuisine and the Dynasty at Ramada Hotel for Chinese food.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
I wish certain ingredients were available here to make our traditional home sweets.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
It’s so rare that my friends and family visit here. I would love to just have them home and spend the same quality time as before.

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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).