H Jen, thanks for sharing this different view than what we are used to hearing. Would be interested to know if you had seen/ do end up seeing any changes in their attitudes to LGBT+ people? Something we need to take into account when travelling and thus we have never considered Dubai. My (female) partner and I had to stay there overnight once whilst on a flight change over and I was freaking out as we were sharing a room. We were given a twin room and I didn't want to challenge it given the fact we are "illegal" there.
Loved reading this. I had no idea at all that Dubai was like this. Can understand why you’ve moved back there, it sounds wonderful. I’ve only ever heard from tourists who just seemed to go for the shopping and had assumed that it was the totally vacuous place they talked about. What a brilliant environment you’re taking Arthur into. Makes me want to start looking for a job out there although I think I’d melt. NB in the sun was enough for me yesterday 😂 - was thinking of you as I bounced with glee to the Happy Mondays. Hope you get the paperwork sorted soon and can start to fully enjoy your new life.
Hahaha, north berwick in the heat was enough for me when I was packing up too - long live aircon! Definitely cope better with the heat out here than at home 🥴 So upset I missed the Happy Mondays - had to leave time to get visas and everything here completed before school starts. But I’ll be back for FBTS next year - and with bells on! 💃🏼
So lovely to read your account of life in Dubai as you find it now, & the progress & evolution you’ve observed since returning. Arthur’s school sounds amazing! Looking forward to further updates. All best wishes to you all 💚 Jen x
Love this article. Makes me want to drop everything and move! We lived in Singapore for five years (pre kids) and it was amazing, but moved home because of ageing parents and the FOMO with siblings growing families. Friends who live in Dubai similarly love it, although every once in a while oddities crop up like having to get a signed letter of permission from your husband to be able to drive, or only being permitted to live together if you're married. Have you come across these too?
That’s actually changed a huge amount in the last year or so. It was one of my major bugbears when I lived here before (particularly when divorce from my ex entered the picture) but it’s now legal to cohabit and have children unmarried, and Rich and I each have our own visas through work so are on equal footing. Gender equality is now actually enshrined in the constitution! X
My brother lives in Dubai and has done very happily for ten years. I’ve often considered it but feels scary. Your account is a really encouraging one and definitely makes me think again. Particularly the schools. Thank you xx
That’s really interesting! I have holidayed in Dubai because you could definitely be sure of the weather (!) but have put off since then by hearing what a hideous human rights record it has (though I confess I haven’t done any research myself).
Its something I’ve thought a lot about myself and I’m very much still learning, but working in media here, the progress is tangible. While the Uk is actively removing human rights, cracking down on protest and ‘offshoring’ refugees, a lot of criticism feels like western exceptionalism. Xx
As always it’s so refreshing to read your perspective. Literally …sign me up! I’ve been hella-keen to relocate for a while and hinging my exploration of opportunities everywhere but the Middle East, for entirely all the reasons you listed. Soooo many people have said I should explore it as it’s a place likely to be thriving with my ideal clients, so now perhaps I will open a little more and see where I end up. 😊
H Jen, thanks for sharing this different view than what we are used to hearing. Would be interested to know if you had seen/ do end up seeing any changes in their attitudes to LGBT+ people? Something we need to take into account when travelling and thus we have never considered Dubai. My (female) partner and I had to stay there overnight once whilst on a flight change over and I was freaking out as we were sharing a room. We were given a twin room and I didn't want to challenge it given the fact we are "illegal" there.
I’ve emailed you some info xxx
Loved reading this. I had no idea at all that Dubai was like this. Can understand why you’ve moved back there, it sounds wonderful. I’ve only ever heard from tourists who just seemed to go for the shopping and had assumed that it was the totally vacuous place they talked about. What a brilliant environment you’re taking Arthur into. Makes me want to start looking for a job out there although I think I’d melt. NB in the sun was enough for me yesterday 😂 - was thinking of you as I bounced with glee to the Happy Mondays. Hope you get the paperwork sorted soon and can start to fully enjoy your new life.
Hahaha, north berwick in the heat was enough for me when I was packing up too - long live aircon! Definitely cope better with the heat out here than at home 🥴 So upset I missed the Happy Mondays - had to leave time to get visas and everything here completed before school starts. But I’ll be back for FBTS next year - and with bells on! 💃🏼
So lovely to read your account of life in Dubai as you find it now, & the progress & evolution you’ve observed since returning. Arthur’s school sounds amazing! Looking forward to further updates. All best wishes to you all 💚 Jen x
Thank you so much, lovely Jen. We are SOOOOOO excited about Arthur’s school. 💚 xxx
So interesting. I’ve never fancied visiting anywhere in the Middle East for many reasons but you’ve got me to question some of my views.
Love this article. Makes me want to drop everything and move! We lived in Singapore for five years (pre kids) and it was amazing, but moved home because of ageing parents and the FOMO with siblings growing families. Friends who live in Dubai similarly love it, although every once in a while oddities crop up like having to get a signed letter of permission from your husband to be able to drive, or only being permitted to live together if you're married. Have you come across these too?
That’s actually changed a huge amount in the last year or so. It was one of my major bugbears when I lived here before (particularly when divorce from my ex entered the picture) but it’s now legal to cohabit and have children unmarried, and Rich and I each have our own visas through work so are on equal footing. Gender equality is now actually enshrined in the constitution! X
Right, that's it, I'm packing my bags ...😀
😂😂😂
Love this Jen!
My brother lives in Dubai and has done very happily for ten years. I’ve often considered it but feels scary. Your account is a really encouraging one and definitely makes me think again. Particularly the schools. Thank you xx
Hope you’re coming to visit again soon! 😘😘😘
That’s really interesting! I have holidayed in Dubai because you could definitely be sure of the weather (!) but have put off since then by hearing what a hideous human rights record it has (though I confess I haven’t done any research myself).
Its something I’ve thought a lot about myself and I’m very much still learning, but working in media here, the progress is tangible. While the Uk is actively removing human rights, cracking down on protest and ‘offshoring’ refugees, a lot of criticism feels like western exceptionalism. Xx
Yes you’re in a much better position to observe than I am, back in the U.K.
As always it’s so refreshing to read your perspective. Literally …sign me up! I’ve been hella-keen to relocate for a while and hinging my exploration of opportunities everywhere but the Middle East, for entirely all the reasons you listed. Soooo many people have said I should explore it as it’s a place likely to be thriving with my ideal clients, so now perhaps I will open a little more and see where I end up. 😊
I can’t see your email from this, but is this bra wizard Sarah? Because if so, 100%. Lingerie market here is HUGE 🩲
It absolutely is me 😅👙
Brilliant! Where do I sign up for this dream job? 😉