This week’s Into-yous features American expat Thomas (Tommy) Dyer

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a new Dubaian transplanted from New York City. I live in TECOM and work in Media City and I’m looking forward to traveling around the region as much as I can.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here:
I moved to Dubai in November 2013 which already seems like a long time ago now. I came here to work with a former grad school classmate of mine who has opened a unique center in Media City called the Hissah Enrichment Center. We’re both psychologists with different specialties. She mostly works with families and children and I mostly work with professionals, students thinking about careers and youth leaders. If you’re looking for a great place to talk through things I highly recommend it. It’s a peaceful place. Check us out at hissahec.com.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I was kind of an expat for a few months when I lived and interned in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2007. I was trying to brush up on my Spanish. It helped but not as much as I would have liked.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai:
Give it time…

What surprised you most about Dubai?
How the weather at this time of year is really pretty delightful. It’s kind of like spring back home.

What area do you live in?
I live in TECOM.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
The One and Only.

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far:
Not sure how to write it. If I were to try I’d write: Sagh?

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

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Probably walking from home through the Marina then along the beach till it got too chilly. I should probably do that more often.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.

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

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Any Mexican restaurant. Even if they don’t compare to the real thing.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Cholula hot sauce. I’ve heard you can find it here, but I’ve been lazy and had no luck.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Definitely to see that really tall building downtown.

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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).