ABOUT ME

I am half English, and half Lebanese,  born in Sharjah and raised in Dubai. And just to add a little more spice, I’m married to a Filipino! 

I am a mama to 3 children. Mica Ella 14, André 7 and my little tornado of destruction, Daniella, who is 19 months. 

I’m an absolute fitness fanatic, extremely competitive and LOVE any sort of physical challenge. Between school runs, the gym is the place you will find me on a daily basis.  

Apart from my family, my next greatest love is ballet. I danced for 15 years and would love to get back into it at some point. 


WHERE IS HOME?

Dubai is home and always will be regardless of where we end up in the future.  Having grown up here, even if you leave for a few years, there’s always something to draw you back at a certain point. We are very happy here and live a wonderful life. 

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? 

A flight attendant!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I work in the Aviation sector here in the Middle East and have done for the past 16.5 years. I travel on a regular basis for my work, yet would you believe I’ve only seen 26% of the world?!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

Anything outdoors and physical! Unfortunately I don’t have much patience when it comes to playing with them at home, but get me outside, and it’s all about making memories with them. 

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR WEEKENDS?

Saturdays are our non-negotiable family day. We will always start the day with a big breakfast. Since Covid, we were forced to start what we call our UAE Adventures where we try and explore the UAE in all shapes and forms, heading off the beaten track and into all those hidden gems that our home has to offer us.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?

Legend. I could watch that film over and over. It may help a little that Tom Hardy is the main character though! 

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

Cheese. Give me all the cheese.

WHO’S YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?

Without a doubt Johnny Depp! I can’t think of any other man that could wear eyeliner and still be so delicious! 

WHICH DESTINATION IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO VISIT?

Well seeing as I’ve only seen 26% of the world, there are a few! Next on the list is Armenia, Georgia and Nepal! 

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Gin. Give me all the Gin. I may be known as Gin Leila to some…

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

This is a tough one… If I could bring back lost loved ones that would be epic. But I would also settle for the power to have a clean tidy house 24 hours a day…


WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN DUBAI?

Oh way too many to list! I love that Dubai is a safe space for myself and my family, and I love that I can watch my children grow up amongst an army of different nationalities and cultures as I did.  Most of all, I love the feeling of “home”. This is where I belong.