This week’s Into-yous features British expat Alexandra Horsley

Tell us a little about yourself
I am married with a 1 year old little boy, Hugo. I am a divorce lawyer and partner at Al Rowaad Advocates, where I manage the Expatriate Law division. I advise British expats on divorce, child custody and other family law issues. I am a UK qualified solicitor with additional accreditations in international family law and advanced financial settlements.I enjoy being a family lawyer in Dubai, and find the work interesting and challenging. Most friends think my job must be too emotionally demanding, but I find it rewarding to solve people’s problems.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
My husband and I moved to Dubai in 2007 as we had both wanted to experience life abroad in a country in which we could pursue our
careers.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
No, just Dubai.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Bring Marmite (it wasn’t sold here when we arrived!).

What surprised you most about Dubai?
The heat – nothing could prepare me for the Dubai summer.

What area do you live in?
Um Suquiem.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Where we are now – we love being able to walk to the beach and to see friends.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Assalaam Alaikum.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Inshallah is not my least favourite phrase, but it does make me chuckle when it is tagged on the end of ‘I will definitely have it finished tomorrow….’!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
The birth of our little boy last year.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
On the south coast of England.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My mother – although I am lucky to see and speak to my family regularly.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
The restaurant at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club – unpretentious, great atmosphere and delicious food.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Fresh fruit! I don’t like the thought that fruit on the Dubai supermarket shelves has traveled so far.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Wild Wadi – any excuse!

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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).