ABOUT ME

My name is Irina and I am a full time working mum with 2 extremely active boys. Before I had kids, I built my career with some of the most prestigious resorts in the world, including Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah. I was also a part of pre-opening of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, which is where I met my husband. I would travel 12 times a year, deal with celebrities and help organise high priority events such as the World Economic Forum, Art Dubai and the Dubai Film Festival. When we decided to start a family I joined Travel Counsellors so I could continue working and be with kids at the same time. It was an incredible experience and being the owner of the business was so exciting.

WHERE IS HOME?

I was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan and came to Dubai shortly after graduating university.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? 

When I was younger I wanted to sell luxury real estate. I haven’t moved to far away from that dream, I have been in commercial divisions pretty much my entire career.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Currently I am working for Dnata in contracting and dealing with leading hotel chains here in UAE. The corporate world has its own charm and I am certain I have not yet fulfilled my career aspirations here.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

I believe parents set examples for their kids and I want to experience all sorts of activities with my boys. We hike, we learn to ski, we travel together. During our last holiday, we rowed boats and rode horses! Every morning I work out at home and very often boys join me for burpees or press ups. During the day I am a business lady but when I am with kids, I ride a  scooter with them around the community, play football and arm wrestle.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR WEEKENDS?

We rarely stay at home as I am always up for new experiences and adventures. We explore other Emirates, go on picnics, visit farms or chill by the beach.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?

One of my all-time favourite movies is A Bronx Tale.

IF YOU COULD EAT ONE MEAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

This is tricky as I am a foodie, but I would go for a truffle and mushroom risotto made by my husband.

WHO’S YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?

The latest one is Tom Ellis (mainly in the role of Lucifer).

WHICH DESTINATION IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO VISIT?

Lots! Working in travel allow me to see many places. I have planned few for next year- Japan, Argentina, New Zealand. My dream is to see whales in the wild.

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

A glass of ice cold Prosecco on a hot summer day .

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

To stop time when I am at my ultimate level of happiness.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN DUBAI?

Dubai has become my home and the city I am always happy to come back to after trips. I love its dynamics, contrasts, people tolerance and safety of course.