This week’s Into-yous features Pakistani expat Farah Shah.

Tell us a little about yourself
Mother of 2 beautiful girls, wife to a fabulous man. I am a complete fitness freak! and a complete workaholic…recently started my own business School Bus in Dubai and loving it:)

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
Our family moved here in 1979 when my father was presented with an excellent opportunity.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
In California, lived there for a couple of years after I got married.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Advice I can give to new comers here: Respect all religions and cultures. And be strong enough to hold on to your own!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
As I’ve lived here all my life, don’t have any surprises but when I compare Dubai to other countries I’ve visited, the best thing for sure is the standard of living.

What area do you live in?
Karama

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Palm Jumeira…especially because of the sea view.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Inshallah

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

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
The realization “Impossible is Nothing” in Dubai

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Florida, USA – gotta take my girls to Disneyland

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
We are lucky to have both our families in Dubai.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
Barbecue Delights – the best in Pakistani cuisine.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
“Baqer Khani” well its bakery item…traditional pakistani puff. I have to eat it whenever I visit Pakistan.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Children – definitely Kid Zania
Friends – The Walk, JBR

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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).