ABOUT ME

I came to Dubai in 2007 with my husband, son and daughter, who was 14 at the time. My son had already completed school but my daughter did her final years of school and took her A Levels here. My parents had already lived in Dubai since 2001 and we would come for holidays multiple times per year, which is what made me want to move to Dubai too. My daughter left Dubai to go to medical school, but my son stayed, got married and had a son here. We all live together, and with 2 dogs too our house is very lively, but I get to see my 15 month old grandson every day and see his milestones which I love. Next April I’m lucky enough to become a grandma again to another grandson and I can’t wait.

WHERE IS HOME?

I was born in Croydon, Surrey, but I don’t really have anywhere in the UK I would call home now. I’ve been here for 15 years and we sold the family home 5 years ago. When we eventually go back we will live somewhere in the North West to be near my daughter.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? 

I always wanted to be a teacher

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m a software developer for Al Ansari Exchange full time, and starting a new business in doll making in my spare time in preparation for retirement. I plan to ‘retire’ from the 9 to 5 stressful corporate world of IT in the next few years and spend my time working on something I love, which is sewing. My daughter-in-law, Andi, is also passionate about sewing so we went into business together with ‘Sew Natural’

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

My children are grown up and married now, but I have a 15 month old grandson, Oli. He loves water, and I love to take him swimming and play with him in his paddling pool in the garden.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR WEEKENDS?

At the weekends I’m either playing with Oli or in my sewing room making dolls and working on my new ‘book’ I’m writing to show people how to make dolls.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?

It’s so hard to pick one, I love all the movies by Quentin Tarrantino.

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

Hungarian Goulash – my daughter went to medical school in Budapest and I visited often, which is where I discovered goulash. I love it so much I used to eat it every day when I was there. You can’t buy the right kind of paprika to make it taste the same here, but I was excited to see it on the menu at the Hungarian pavilion in Expo so we’ll be making a few trips there!

WHO’S YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?

Jason Momoa, I haven’t watched Game of Thrones but I’ve seen enough to have a new crush!

WHICH DESTINATION IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO VISIT?

I love to travel and have a very long bucket list, Japan is next on the list when travel restrictions ease.

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Watching 90 Day Fiance with a family bag of crisps all to myself

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

I’d love to be able to fly, I often have dreams where I can fly in them and they seem so real

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN DUBAI?

Sunshine and tax free salaries! But also the fact that I get to live with Oli and spend so much time with him.