Thinking of relocating to Dubai as a single parent? In this heartfelt episode, I sat down with my Dubai bestie Mel – a mum of two who made the life-changing move from the UK in 2023.
No fluff – just an open and honest conversation about why she relocated, how she planned it financially, what it's been like settling her children into school, and the emotional highs and lows of solo parenting in a new country.
Meet Mel
Mel is 35, a mum to Kesa (11) and Kyla (8), and originally from Bedfordshire. She runs a successful aesthetics business in the UK – advanced facials, injectables, a training academy, and her own skincare line.
She'd been to Dubai 18 times on holiday before making the move.
"The reason we chose Dubai is just the way it makes the kids feel. They love it here. They never want to leave. There are just so many opportunities."
Why Dubai? Why Now?
In February, Mel came to Dubai to scope out areas. Her son Kesa was about to start Year 7 in September – and he didn't get into the school she wanted.
"I thought, if I don't make this move now, when will I ever do it? I didn't want him to go to high school, go down the wrong path, and then it would be frowned upon on me – 'she's a single parent, her son's gone down the wrong path.'"
The UK, especially Bedfordshire, was feeling increasingly unsafe:
- Gangs and knife crime
- Rough areas
- Fear for the kids' future
Dubai offered safety, opportunity, and a fresh start.
The Courage to Go Alone
Moving as a single mum with two kids – no partner, no safety net – takes serious courage.
"I'm a firm believer in giving things a go. If it doesn't work, it's fine. I can always go back. I've still got my business there, my family, my friends. But I'm a firm believer in just giving it a go and see how it goes. Wing it."
But behind the confidence, there's reality:
"I'm a very strong person. I can put a mask on and be like 'everything's great.' But really, it's bloody difficult."
Financial Planning: The Spreadsheet Queen
Mel doesn't wing finances. She researched everything:
- Rent
- Electric, AC, water, gas
- Phone and internet
- Car hire (you can't easily buy a car when you first arrive)
- Visas and documentation
- Food shopping (she did a mock shop online to see the costs)
- Furniture (chose unfurnished to avoid "old-fashioned" rentals)
"I don't have anyone else to fall back on. It's just me and the kids. So when I compare it to my UK costs, it actually works out cheaper for me in Dubai."
Her UK outgoings were crazy – car insurance in Bedford is inflated due to dodgy claims. Dubai actually costs less.
The NOOCC: What Single Parents Need to Know
If you're a single parent sponsoring your children in Dubai, you need a NOOCC – No Objection Certificate from the other parent.
How It Works Now
The process has changed. It's now done through an online court video call:
- You log in to a video call
- Your ex-partner logs in separately
- A judge asks if they object to you bringing the children to Dubai
- They confirm they don't object
- Done
Cost: 1,500 AED per child (so 3,000 AED for two kids)
The First Two Weeks: Airbnb to Villa
Landing in Dubai
Mel had everything pre-arranged:
- Car picking them up from the airport
- Airbnb booked for two weeks at Azizi Riviera (quiet in July – everyone leaves for summer)
- Real estate agent lined up to view properties
Finding a Home
She viewed about seven villas. The last one was the winner.
"As soon as we walked in, Kyla went, 'Mom, this feels like home.'"
They moved to Damac Hills 2 – a three-bedroom, five-bathroom villa with a maid's room.
Why Damac Hills 2:
- Affordability (value for money)
- Community vibe
- Everything on your doorstep
- Could pay in one cheque (important without Emirates ID)
The downside: It's a bit of a drive from central Dubai.
Looking back, she thinks it's too big for one adult and two kids. Next lease, she's moving to an apartment.
Schooling: E-Learning First
The kids had been taken away from their UK friends, family, school, and home. Mel didn't want to immediately throw them into another new environment.
"I felt a bit crap. I was like, don't let me chuck them into a new school and be like 'right, let's get on with it.'"
Kings InterHigh
They tried online schooling through Kings InterHigh:
- UK-based company with a UAE option
- UAE school timings
- Set timetable
- Same price as Dubai schools
- Flexible payments (monthly or termly)
After two months, the kids had had enough. They're social kids – "like little adults" – and wanted to be around other children.
Now they're at a GEMS British curriculum school and have settled in brilliantly.
The Emotional Reality
It wasn't a holiday feeling. Mel was stressed.
"I was stressed out to another level. I had so many things crop up along the way. I just thought, Mel, go through it. Try and ride it out. At the end, it will be okay."
She got her first grey hair during those early weeks. At 35.
Learning to Drive on the "Wrong" Side
Mel could drive – but not on the left side of the road.
She hired a car, got it delivered to her area, and practiced on quiet roads first.
"I said to the kids, 'Right, be quiet. Let me just focus.' I had my music on. Within an hour, I felt like I'd been doing it forever."
Lifestyle: Staying Grounded
Mel isn't about the flashy Dubai lifestyle. She's a saver, a home girl, and focuses spending on experiences with the kids.
Money-Saving Hacks
| Tool | What It Does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Privilee | Access to 96+ five-star hotels, gyms, beach clubs. 20-30% off restaurants. | ~650 AED for her + 2 kids |
| Entertainer | Buy-one-get-one-free on brunches, restaurants, activities | Annual subscription |
What the Kids Love
- Being outside all the time (unlike UK weather)
- Freedom to play safely
- Evening swims at the community pool
- Lying on sun loungers watching stars
- Friends knocking for them (safely)
"In the UK, it would be grafting, work, kids, schooling – then we'd look forward to weekends. Here, every day we can do something after school."
Raising Grounded Kids in Dubai
One thing both Mel and I feel strongly about: not raising spoiled kids.
"Some of the kids here are crazy. I was in a queue and a child was stamping on his nanny's feet. She didn't even tell him off. I actually said to him, 'Don't do that. That's not nice.'"
We make sure our kids understand:
- Not everyone lives like this
- Everything can be taken away
- Be grateful, stay humble
- Good morals and manners matter
Making Friends in Dubai
At first, Mel was head-down focused on getting everything sorted. Friends weren't on the radar.
But over time, she found her people through:
- Facebook groups (women's groups for Dubai)
- Being brave and putting herself out there
- Genuine connections (not surface-level "follow me on Instagram" networking)
"You feel like a bit of an idiot. You feel like a beggy trying to make mates. But get yourself out there. The girls I've found – they've got my back. These are my girls for lifetime."
Running a UK Business from Dubai
Mel still runs her aesthetics business remotely:
- Someone trained covers treatments
- Mel handles bookings, consultations, stock, content
- Returns to UK periodically to train students
- Maintains personal relationships with clients
"It was very scary. I'd put so much hard work into my business – it's like my third child. But the business is doing really well."
Mel's Advice for Single Parents
| Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
| Money | Have savings. Research EVERYTHING. Initial outlay is nuts. |
| Income | Have a job lined up OR a business that runs remotely. Do NOT come without income. |
| NOOCC | Budget 1,500 AED per child for the certificate |
| Research | Spreadsheet everything: rent, bills, car, visas, food, furniture |
| Quality | "Buy cheap, pay twice" – get good quality, especially furniture |
| Jobs | Getting a job in Dubai is HARD. Some people try for 2 years. |
| Family | Being away from family is the hardest part. Plan visits home. |
"I must stress – and I mean STRESS – if you haven't got a successful business or a secured job, you will come crashing down. Cover everything."
Would She Change Anything?
No.
"I was so organized with everything. Because it was just me and the kids, I had to make sure everything was fully organized. Whatever mistakes happen, they happen for a reason."
The Hardest Part
Being away from family.
"I'm such a family girl. Moving the other side of the world from my family – I've really felt it. Hence why I'm going back next month for six weeks to see them."
But she's found her people in Dubai. Real friends who have her back.
Connect with Mel
Instagram: @mel__1989 (two underscores)
If you're a single parent thinking about the move, Mel's happy to answer questions.
Thinking about relocating to Dubai? Take my neighbourhood quiz to find the right area for your family, or check out the relocation package if you want hands-on help navigating the process.
From one expat mum to another – if Mel can do it solo with two kids, you've got this too. ❤️