This week’s Into-yous features British expat James Waters.

Tell us a little about yourself
I was raised and educated in Zimbabwe. I started a company called Associated Response over two years ago and we basically distribute, procure and are service providers to the ‘lifestyle’ industry. We also promote eco-friendly initiatives and have introduced EZ-FLO which is revolutionizing the landscape industry with water, fertilizer and labour saving attributes.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here
Been in Dubai now roughly 3 years. Moved from Zimbabwe to escape the chaos of Mugabe’s regime and join my brother who has been in Dubai over seven years. To greener pastures you might say!?

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where
No, being an expat is a first for me!

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Expect to take a minimum of a year to settle in and is also not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but we often forget all the positives of living in a progressive, safe place!

What surprised you most about Dubai
The availability of EVERYTHING you could possibly want to buy!

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai
Would have to be on that Hill near the Montgomery!

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Inshallah! Can mean so many things.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
“Sorry, can’t talk right now – going into a meeting…” when an investment broker phones!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date
Watching ‘live’ events and practically rubbing-up close against the celebrities – where else do we get these opportunities?

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday
Deserted island with sun-screen and pinacolda in hand!

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai
Family and friends from back home as nothing matches with those!

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai
Several, but recently found a brilliant Thai/Malaysian restaurant on Al Diyafa which is authentic and kind on the pocket!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country
Silly things like Tanganda Tea, Mazoe juice and Mopani flies!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them
Well, getting tired of dune bashing and the like, so normally send them to do that stuff on their own. I like finding the soulful areas of old Dubai and other Emirates as we don’t see too much of that, and that I believe is so much more interesting than looking at tall buildings!

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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).