This week’s Into-yous features Canadian expat Salman Quraishi

Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born and raised in Dubai, UAE for the most part with stints overseas for school and university. I run a business called Apex Gulf Enterprises (LLC) which deals in automotive car care such as 3M window tinting, paint protection, vehicle graphics & car detailing. The company is also involved in the architectural market with products such as sun control window film, safety and security film, decorative window film and commercial graphics.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here:
I moved back from Canada after university mainly because I had most of my family here as well as the excellent work opportunities that presented themselves at the time.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I have not been an expat elsewhere – but I have been an international student in Canada and the UK.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai:
Accept and appreciate the multiculturalism you will find around you.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
How quickly it has changed while I was away

What area do you live in?
Shk Zayed Rd.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Emirates Hills

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far:
Inshallah and shooo hada

Your least favourite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai:
Walllah

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Building a successful business and setting it up for sustainable growth in the future.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Tahiti for my honeymoon in Nov ’13

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My fiance as she lives in Canada for the moment.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Way too many to name.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Kraft Mac n Cheese

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Burj Khalifa, Marina Walk, JBR Walk, Barasti, Reem Al Bawadi