ABOUT ME

I’m Katy and I live in Dubai with my husband Andy and three kids. Like a lot of British expats, we told everyone we were coming to the UAE for a year or two, yet three kids, a grumpy rescue cat and ten years later, here we still are with no sign of leaving.


WHERE IS HOME?

I was born and grew up in Surrey, in the UK. There are lots of things I miss about England (even the weather, believe it or not) but Dubai has been such an incredible place for us as a young couple, and now a young family. My children were all born here and we feel very proud to call Dubai ‘home’.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? 

I always knew my career would involve writing and for a long time, assumed I would be a journalist. I studied languages at university so always expected to live and work abroad, although I never imagined that would be in the Middle East.  

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m currently Head of Communications Strategy & Planning at Expo 2020. I’ve been at Expo for over eight years, and it’s such an amazing feeling to see it come to life.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

My kids are like puppies and need lots of fresh air and exercise! When the weather is good, I love taking them out on their bikes or scooters and stopping for ice cream afterwards.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR WEEKENDS?

We’ve had Privilee membership for a few years now so most weekends you can find us by a pool or on a beach.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?

Currently the Paw Patrol movie because it buys me an hour of peace and quiet!

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

Anything that I don’t have to prepare myself! Luckily, my husband is a decent cook – I just tidy up!

WHO’S YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?

Does Eric from the Little Mermaid count? Kind, brave (and presumably rich).

WHICH DESTINATION IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO VISIT?

I would love to visit Australia and New Zealand – when the kids are a little older, I would love to take a really long holiday there and explore. But for now, the idea of such a long flight with three small kids is a little daunting!

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Reality TV and celebrity gossip. Embarrassing but true!

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

I wish I could be in two places at once, it would make life so much easier and stop the constant mum guilt.  Being invisible would be fun as well – I would love to see what my kids get up to at school.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN DUBAI?

There’s a great energy and ‘can do’ spirit that’s hard to find elsewhere. People like to see others succeed and there are so many exciting opportunities – whether that’s interesting people to meet, new experiences to have or exciting places to explore.