This week’s Into-yous features English expat Susanne Skelding.

Tell us a little about yourself
I’m married with 2 children and have lived in the UK, France, Indonesia and Dubai. I’m a netball coach and have worked in education for over 15 years. Prior to that I was in sales and marketing. I have set up a netball coaching company in Dubai offering training in umpiring and coaching. I work alongside Internationally capped players and officials and love, love, love netball! 

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I came out here almost 2 years ago now, doing the usual, following my husband to his new job.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I’ve been an expat in France and Indonesia and Dubai is the best of all those locations from an expat perspective.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Be prepared for things to take a little longer to do but don’t give up!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
How much it had changed since the 80’s!

What area do you live in?
We live in Downtown Dubai, having been here in the 80’s it is the Dubai we knew and so we felt comfortable being here. I am enjoying apartment living it’s nice to have a different life to being back in the UK.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
To be honest I am very happy here so no desire to be anywhere else.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Habeebi is a lovely word, it sounds very loving.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
“mafi Fulus”

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Sailing off the shores of Dubai with friends.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Thailand.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My children without a doubt! Although I have my daughter coming out for a years work experience next year, so that’s something to look forward to.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
La Petite Maison in DIFC.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Watercress!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Ravi’s in Satwa for a great little street supper followed by dessert and drinks by the fountains at Souk Al Bahr.

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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).