French Expat Living in United Arab Emirates - Interview with Ralph

Ralph, is a French Lebanese food blogger and founder of Cooking with Ralph. He is based in Dubai. He speaks 4 languages: French, English, Arabic and Spanish. He loves baking and cooking, he has recently became very healthy and started eating organic food 2 years ago. He loves to try new food and likes to eat a lot in the restaurants to discover new recipes. He loves life. Ralph's expat blog is called Cooking With Ralph (see listing here)

Here's the interview with Ralph...

Where are you originally from?
I am a French citizen, originally from Lebanon.

In which country and city are you living now?
I live in the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai.

How long have you lived in United Arab Emirates and how long are you planning to stay?
I have been living for 11 years here and am staying a lot more, no plan to leave.

Why did you move to United Arab Emirates and what do you do?
I moved here because I was always dreaming of living in Dubai. I work for a big real estate company.

Did you bring family with you?
My wife is living here with me.

How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
Easy.

Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
I made friends easily and we meet up regularly.

What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Live close to the sea and try as many restaurants as you can.

What do you enjoy most about living in United Arab Emirates?
The not very cold winter weather and the sun.

How does the cost of living in United Arab Emirates compare to home?
It's almost the same.

What negatives, if any, are there to living in United Arab Emirates?
The very hot summer.

If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to United Arab Emirates, what would it be?
Avoid credit cards.

What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Nothing

When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
I have no idea.

What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?

1. Join a health club.
2. Make friends.
3. Enjoy the night life.
4. Save money.
5. Go to the desert

Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
My blog is about recipes that I make, review on restaurants and offers on a new restaurants and hotels.

How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
by email

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