This week’s Into-yous features British expat Suzanne McDonald.

Tell us a little about yourself
Having been in Dubai for 13 years it’s definitely home for me now. I run my own business here called Toffee Princess specialising in handmade toffee, fudge and other confectionery and we also tailor make favours for weddings, baby showers etc all filled with our products too.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here
I moved to Dubai in July 1998 when my husband got a job out here.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where
No.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
The first year is always the hardest so be prepared to make an effort to get out there and meet new people.

What surprised you most about Dubai
The humidity. I was prepared for the heat but no-one told me about the horribly high humidity during the summer.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai
Right where I live now – in Arabian Ranches. We bought our own home here last year and I absolutely love it!

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Mafi Mushkila (no problem)

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
The back side when referring to a location meaning behind or the next street back and NOT referring to someone’s bottom!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date
I have to say that moving out to Arabian Ranches has been a great experience. I feel much closer to nature here. I love wildlife and nature and we have so many birds in the park behind our garden it is so peaceful and serene. It feels like I could be anywhere in the world.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday
In my garden beside or in my pool.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai
My Mum, Dad and Sister and her boys are the reason that I travel home every summer.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai
Summer Place at the Metropolitan Hotel, SZR, Best Chinese in town.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country
Irn Bru. It’s available here but only infrequently and only in selected supermarkets. Usually not the ones I visit.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them
To the Rivington Grill at Souk al Bahar for fantastic food and to see the Dubai Fountain in action.

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

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