This week’s Into-yous features South-African expat David Nascimento

Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a professional photographer who loves design and architecture. I started Juicy Monkeys with 10 years of photographic experience, including work for major international hotel chains. My intention is to maintain exceptionally high standards while having fun capturing great images.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I moved here in September 2000 to work at a photographic studio.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I had a lot of fun working in music retail in the UK for 3 years.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Buckle up!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
I’m surprised every day on Dubai’s roads

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
A 2 bedroom apartment at Sunset would be sweet.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
I like hearing the word Luqaimat, it just happens to be a delicious Emirati treat too.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
What to do?

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
I enjoy doing aerial photo-shoots over Dubai, the side door of the helicopter gets removed and then you lean out as far as you dare. Work like that makes me appreciate life on so many levels.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Northern Ireland, where my niece lives.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
At the moment it’s Kaitlyn, my 3 year-old niece.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Definitely BENTOYA near the Dusit on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The Nasu Miso Itame is ridiculously good.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Bunny Chow

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Dubai Mall’s Aquarium

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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).