This week’s Into-yous features Dutch expat Erik Middelkamp

Tell us a little about yourself
I’m 24 years old and a real sports, especially soccer, maniac. I have a BA in Sports Management as well as a BA in Marketing. I have been working for a professional football club in The Netherlands and on a voluntary basis serve on the board of the European Association of Sports Management. I’m very social and love to work with people. I live to explore and go on adventures but I’m also very loyal to family, friends and employers. My favourite past times are sports and chilling out with friends.
When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I moved to Dubai in July, 2010. The reason I moved was because the Active Sports Academy was looking for a person with my exact profile. I was free to move and ready to start an adventure, so it all came together.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
I haven’t been an expat elsewhere yet. I have travelled extensively but only lived in The Netherlands before moving to Dubai.

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

What surprised you most about Dubai?
The friendliness and openness of people here.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
In a nice villa, anywhere near the beach on the West side of Dubai.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
That’s definitely “Habibi!”

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
In fact, it is the Dutch word “prima.” I never knew I would use that one so much here.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
It’s a combination of all the family/friends that came over to visit me here and the pleasure of showing them Dubai!

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Australia is a dream but won’t be my next visit. Going to see friends and family in The Netherlands and on the way back I’ve been invited to Egypt visit friends I met here in Dubai.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
I miss a lot of people of course but when picking just one, my mother.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
The Blue Barjeel Creekside restaurant. Lovely atmosphere, view, local food and great staff!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Dutch Apple Syrup.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Uptown Bar. Great view and relaxing atmosphere!

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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).