This week’s Into-yous features British expat Sue Tyson

Tell us a little about yourself
Moved to Dubai around 6 years ago from the Far East (Hong Kong) after 10 years with husband and 2 cats and have made Dubai our new home. Whilst in Hong Kong I started a small Bespoke Design Jewellery & Accessories Business called Kaleidoscope Designs (new website coming shortly!) and I continue to design and make exclusive pieces for the ARTE soukh and a few select outlets in Dubai.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here
In 2005 as my husband was relocated with his company!

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where
Yes, in another life, in Germany after studying at university, then again later in Hong Kong, China

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
I was told by friends in HK that it would be an adventure, despite the heat, the lack of rain! Actually the first week we arrived it DID rain which was a huge surprise. Also to embrace & learn from whatever you encounter; I threw myself into a Group Arabic Language course at the Trade Centre for a year or two which was the best thing to do, as it lessens homesickness, you make new friends, have fun and learn about Dubai’s culture. I was also told to wear lots of moisturiser and sunscreen!

What surprised you most about Dubai
That it rains and that there is always something new to discover and notice, even after 6 years. Little alleyways with old Arabic houses with unusual architecture.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai
Where we live now, 5 mins walk from the Beach with old established leafy trees. Going for a beach run before Breakfast is the best way to start the day!

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
SeHetak / SeHetik (Cheers!)

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
La la la!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date
Being taken on a surprise hot air balloon trip with visiting friends – they booked for me and my husband to join them. Over the desert very early watching the sun rise twice. Amazing and surreal.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday
On a surprise trip that I’ve arranged somewhere in Oman for my husband’s upcoming birthday (it’s a secret so cant include it here in case he sees it!!)

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai
Would have to say our good friends from HK and also my mother & sister

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai
Can I include 2?! Pier Chic at Al Qasr as it has wonderful food and you sit right over the water above the Arabian Sea. Also TOSCANA, the Italian at the Madinat Jumeirah Souk.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country
Don’t really miss anything in particular – maybe the Pret A Manger Sandwich chain in the UK!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them
To Burj Al Arab for Tea – it’s best during the day so you get a bird’s eye swooping view over Dubai. Also to the Creek and the Spice / Textile soukhs so they can smell all that amazing cinnamon, nutmeg, curry powder etc coming from the little shops.

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The team at Expat Echo Dubai would like to feature you in our Into-yous section

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