Moving to Dubai? A Mum’s Insightful Guide to Settling in the UAE!
- by WONDERMOM
- Nov. 29, 2024
Shifting homes can feel like uprooting a mature tree and expecting it to flourish in a brand-new terrain. But when you’re transitioning from abroad, especially as a mum, settling in the UAE can be both an enthralling adventure and a handful of challenges wrapped in a pita bread of emotions! Here’s a fun, engaging guide to help you acclimatize in this desert wonderland.
1. Local Schools: More than Just Learning Numbers!
One of the top priorities, when you’re settling in the UAE, is finding the right school for your little ones. While there are numerous international schools, do explore local Emirati schools. They offer an authentic window into the culture, allowing your kids to pick up Arabic and mingle with the local children. Imagine your child coming home, speaking a bit of Arabic and sharing Emirati tales – how’s that for cultural immersion?
2. Delightful Dates & Desert Sunsets: Embrace the Locale!
Become a tourist in your new city. Explore the deserts, dip toes in the Persian Gulf and savour a date or two (or a dozen – we won’t judge!). Use this opportunity to teach kids about the rich history of the region, and perhaps, even camp under the stars for a whimsical desert night.
3. Finding Your Mum Tribe: Because You Need Your Gossip Sessions!
When settling in the UAE, networking is your magic carpet. Attend local events, join expat mum groups and participate in community classes. You’d be surprised at how many are in the same boat as you, eager for some camaraderie, advice-swapping, and just a good ol’ chinwag over a cuppa.
4. The Great Foodie Adventure: Kebabs, Hummus & Everything Yummy!
From lavish Emirati feasts to the local shawarma joint, the food in UAE is a gastronomic treat. Make it a weekly ritual to try a new place with the kids. Let your little ones rate each dish, and soon, you’ll have your family’s UAE top 10 dishes. Psst… the baklava is always a winner!
5. Fashion Alert: Mums, Time to Rock That Abaya!
While the UAE is cosmopolitan, dressing modestly is appreciated. Mums, view this as a fashion challenge! Source some elegant abayas, throw in a pop of colour with accessories, and voila – you’re runway-ready. Plus, think of the time you’ll save not having to decide what to wear!
6. Learn, Learn & Learn: Arabic, Traditions, & The Emirati Way!
Don’t just stop at hellos and goodbyes in Arabic. Engage in language classes and involve your kiddos too. Understanding the local traditions, etiquettes, and the language can make your journey of settling in the UAE so much smoother.
Remember, every challenge you face while settling in the UAE is an opportunity in disguise. It’s about weaving beautiful memories with your family, creating stories you’d share for years.
And now, as I end this guide, imagine this: Your kiddos building sandcastles in the vast desert, you sipping on some karak tea, watching the sun set over the dunes, feeling the cool evening breeze and thinking, This, right here, is home.