You've been asking for more "day in the life" content – so here it is. A full week of solo parenting in Dubai, unfiltered.
Adam's been working away, we've just moved into our new villa in Villanova, and I've been handling everything alone. The boxes might be unpacked, but life is far from "settled."
If you've ever wondered what day-to-day family life looks like here – especially as a mum adjusting to a new home, new routines, and a city that moves fast – this one's for you.
Saturday: And Then He Was Gone
Adam left about 9am. By 11:30, the boys and I were at Festival City Mall heading to IKEA for house essentials.
Missing him already.
IKEA Reality Check
Found some cushions I loved. 40 dirhams each. Perfect.
Then I discovered the cushion cover and actual cushion are sold separately.
Classic IKEA.
Got the boys' haircuts done back at Sobha Hartland – 2pm and 2:30pm. Then açaí bowls because since moving to Dubai, I've been absolutely obsessed with them. Oak Berry is my go-to.
Monday: 6:15am Wake-Up Call
Coffee in hand. Reggie's so tired he woke up two minutes ago. Riley's already wet his hair down and made his bed.
Daddy will be proud.
The Rubbish Saga Begins
We'd put all our moving boxes near the path the day before. Someone told me they won't walk up your drive to collect it in case it's something you don't want throwing.
Spoiler: it wasn't gone when we got back.
School Drop-Off
I pull into a layby, the boys walk up and cross at the lights. Short walk to school. Kiss goodbye. Love you, boys.
Then it's Dubai Mall, Fountain Views, for a workout at Chance gym. Post-gym: peanut butter latte shake (so good), laptop out, bit of work.
Walked past some incredible pastries. Chose spinach salad instead.
Adulting is hard.
Tuesday: The Traffic Reality
The difference between leaving 5 minutes early versus 10 minutes late is HUGE.
We got there at 7:41. Thought school started at 8. Turns out it's 7:45.
"To be honest, I am already sick of the drive. It's a rubbish start to the day. Before, it was a chill walk – no stress, no drama."
Driving in Dubai: Real Talk
You've got to be SO alert driving here:
- No one indicates – and if they do, it's been on for god knows how long
- Lots of guesswork – you're constantly predicting what people will do
- You need a big car – the amount of people who try to bully you on the road
- Concentration is exhausting – it's not a relaxing commute
The Manners Thing
I was stood waiting to be served at a shop. Guy behind the counter disappeared. I waited patiently. Two guys walked up to the counter. Didn't acknowledge me. Got served first.
"Maybe it's us Brits that are just too polite. I've been brought up with please, thank you, holding doors. You hold a door here for someone – eight times out of ten, you won't get a thank you."
I was THIS close to saying something.
Deep breaths, Sara.
After School
Riley had his G assessment – the big one that determines what class he'll be in next year. Thinks he got 90% (accidentally skipped a question).
Reggie came out with a balloon from his teacher. Big shout out to Miss Lauren!
Also: the car was 41.5°C inside. Burned our legs getting in.
Bins Arrived!
Green is recycling. Black is normal.
I'll probably need reminding three times a day.
The rubbish boxes? Still there.
Wednesday: Broker Training Begins
8:30am – 20-minute endurance run with the Peloton app, then some boxing.
Then the exciting bit: meeting with Dan at Tier One about starting my real estate broker license training.
"Just come out of the meeting. Went well. Started learning. Yeah, exciting!"
Got completely lost trying to find my car afterwards. Every time I come to these places.
42°C outside. Melting.
The Jacket Potato Crisis
At Giant Express in Villanova Community Mall. Riley and I have been fancying a proper British jacket potato.
Plan: cook them in the air fryer (gas still not connected, no working cooker).
Found potatoes – 8 dirhams on offer. Perfect.
Then I realized: how are we going to have baked beans when we can't warm them up?
You can't have a jacket spud without beans.
Reggie: "Yeah, you can."
You can't, Reggie. You just can't.
Thursday: Podcast Day
Coffee with Mel after school drop-off, then off to the podcast studio. Mel's going to be a guest on Dubai Diary!
We were both a bit nervous at first – my first time hosting solo, her first time being on a podcast. But it was good. Really good.
Friday: Really Missing Adam Now
Off to get my nails done. Nice red.
"Today it really hit me. Something about this day. I just want him back now. Miss him."
To be fair, it's gone quite quick. Been super busy. But yeah.
Not long left now.
Saturday: Pool Day & Daddy Coming Home
Morning in my Global Village pajamas (about £10, silky, so comfy).
Had my hair done yesterday – found a brilliant mobile hairdresser. British lady who's been in Dubai 16 years. Made a great job of my hair. Exactly how I wanted it.
Birthday ready! Hitting 37.
The Present Discussion
Me: "Have you planned something for my birthday?"
Reggie: "Maybe. Maybe not."
Riley: "I know what I'm getting you. I discussed it with daddy."
Me: "What did daddy say?"
Riley: "Yeah, that's a great idea. Red."
Now I'm intrigued.
Privilee Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Meeting Mel and her two kids for a pool day at St. Regis Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.
Finally! It feels like ages since we've had a proper chill day. With the move and being busy – it's been non-stop go go go.
About an hour and 20 to an hour and a half drive. Leaving at 10:30.
The Rubbish Is Finally Gone!
As we're heading out – IT'S GONE. Finally!
How much better does that look?
Last Exit Stop
On the way to Abu Dhabi, we stopped at Last Exit – this Route 66 style American services I've always wanted to check out.
So cool. Got a Starbucks. You can even come through the drive-through.
Real Talk: What Solo Parenting in Dubai Taught Me
| Lesson | Reality |
|---|---|
| Give yourself grace | You can't do everything perfectly. And that's okay. |
| Villa life is different | More space = more to manage. Bins, gas connections, rubbish collection... |
| Air fryers save lives | When you have no gas, you learn to cook everything in it |
| 5 minutes matters | Leave on time or the traffic will eat you alive |
| The heat makes everything harder | 41°C car interiors. Burned legs. Melting on school runs. |
| Community matters | Pool days with friends and their kids make all the difference |
Why I'm Sharing This
So much of what you see online about Dubai is polished, flashy, filtered. But real life here – especially for families and mums – is rarely shown.
This is a love letter to all the mums doing their best. Whether you're managing solo for a few days or full-time. Whether you're moving to Dubai, already here, or just curious about how families actually live here.
The emotional weight of handling everything alone is real. I cried over a missed delivery. I cried over homework. The joy of a tidy kitchen became a genuine highlight.
That's real life.
Quick Villanova Update
- Giant Express in Villanova Community Mall – decent for quick shops
- Rubbish collection – put it near the path, not up your drive
- Green bin: recycling | Black bin: general waste
- School run: timing is everything. 5 minutes = the difference between smooth and nightmare traffic
Thinking about moving to Villanova? Check out our full Villanova community tour or read the neighbourhood guide.
Overwhelmed by the thought of relocating? Take my neighbourhood quiz to find your perfect area, or check out the relocation package – I'd love to help you figure it out.
From one expat mum to another – you've got this. ❤️