Daniel Palm is a Media Relations Manager in Abu Dhabi where he has lived for the last four years. He previously worked as a journalist in the city.

Where do you live and why?

I live in the Al Khalidiya area of the city, which is one of the better known expat areas. It’s perfect for my needs – near the schools for the kids, not a million miles from the Corniche area of the city and it’s fairly peaceful round there. We are more than happy there, but I think if I were single again I would definitely consider the great new apartments along the Corniche...they are stunning.

What advice would you give a tourist? Any must do’s?

Do not be put off by Abu Dhabi, it’s a city that has so much to offer but it won’t come and find you – you have to go and find it. There are certainly a couple of must do dining experiences but for a true feel of the city I would highly recommend a stroll along the corniche at sun-down.

What advice would you give a visiting businessperson?

Abu Dhabi is a city developing at a very rapid rate but do not get blinded by the progress. Remember that this is an Arab and Muslim city where things are done differently than you might be used to. Before making any rash, or costly, decisions while in Abu Dhabi make sure you observe the business culture, maintain your patience at all times, do not turn down hospitality and make a concerted effort to understand the language and etiquette.

What and where have been your most memorable meals?

One of my first, and to this day most memorable experiences of Arabic cuisine was at the Al Mawal restaurant at the Hilton. The setting is stunning and the food has to be seen and tasted to be believed – it just keeps coming but you always find room for the next dish. It was a true dining experience for me and I’ve been a huge fan of Lebanese cuisine ever since.

Where would you take a client to wow them?

If it were on the company plastic then Al Mawal, if it were my choice then Vasco’s just for the view and if I wanted them to see something completely different then it would have to be one of the Le’s – Le Beuajolais and Le Rabelais at the Novotel.

What do you miss about Abu Dhabi when away?

It’s the safety, my children are in their element growing up here and I never worry about their whereabouts. It’s also the community atmosphere that you build up as an ex-pat in a relatively small city.