23 July 2015
| Last updated on 1 December 2015
Chocolate Always Helps
Meet Andrew, though the sports fanatic admits nothing compares to home, Dubai is coming a close second.
Where were you born?
I’m living in:
Dubai
Are you a solo Expat?
No
A bit about us:
We were both in the airline industry. My job lead us here however my wife is now relishing a new career in media.
How long have you lived there?
6 months
Have you always wanted to live/work abroad?
Yes. I have had brief spells living in Holland and Spain before moving here.
Why did you move?
We moved here for a new adventure and to embrace a new culture and style of living. Dubai offered everything we were looking for.
Why I/ we like living here:
We love the outdoor lifestyle due to the significantly better weather than we are used to at home. We are really embracing the great social life enjoyed by the expat community.
Accommodation Options:
We are in an apartment which we love, however the choice of Dubai is fantastic, ranging from studio apartments to huge palaces, this place caters for all tastes and budgets.
What do you enjoy doing with your time?
I love football, tennis and golf. Dubai satisfies all of my sporting needs and more. I am in the process of taking up scuba diving and kite surfing. I must make the most of having the beautiful Persian Gulf on my doorstep. We love visiting Dubai's luxurious cinemas and trying as many new restaurants as we can. This is never a challenge given Dubai's plethora of wonderful restaurants,
What top tips do you have for anyone considering a move?
Moving and set up costs need to be a huge consideration. shipping your possessions to another country, (or even a new continent) is not cheap and when you first arrive, set up costs seen to come at you from all directions. Information about this process is readily available on websites like expat woman, (it is even useful for men!) Once the moving process is out of the way, you will quickly settle into your new life.
What do you wish you’d known before you moved?
I wish I had known just how important items from home are when you are away. I will pack far more possessions if I move again.
Is there any where you would like to live that you have not explored?
There is a lot of the world I can't wait to explore. South America and the Far East in particular. I am lucky that my job allows me to explore the world while I'm at work. Without visiting a place, I would be very reluctant to say I would like to live there though.
Where is your favorite place to visit for a vacation?
I have so many favourite places. However I find the thought of Spaghetti Bolognese with the backdrop of the Amalfi Coast hard to resist.
SEE ALSO: What's it like being an airline pilot?
Where is your favorite place you have lived and why?
I love living in the UK. Having your family and friends close at hand cannot be underestimated. Of course being able to watch my favourite football team play live also helps. Dubai comes a very close second. It is a very safe place with a very relaxed way of life, (except for on the roads). The climate most of the year is also a big advantage.
What’s the best thing about being an expat?
The best part of being an expat is the close friendships you make with your neighbours and colleagues. Although this does happen in the UK, it is certainly disappearing from modern society. We are all in the same situation when living abroad. It seems to create a certain bond.
How do you keep a little bit of home with you as an expat?
Shipping your possessions over seems like a real pain while going through the moving process, but seeing a picture on the wall or lying on a bed that you had at home is a very comforting feeling. Cadburys chocolate always helps as well.
What top tips do you have for anyone considering a move?
The biggest advice I would give is research a place in depth before moving. When you first arrive, it is inevitable to have low days where you miss home. If you have done your research and your experience is similar to what you are expecting, it makes the transition far smoother. I have only being an expat here in Dubai for a short time but I have loved every second and met some fantastic people.
