Anyone in Dubai?

[c9590]

Hey

My husband works in Iraq and would like me to move to Dubai with our newborn son. I've visited for holidays but never got extended periods.

I'm unsure about emigrating. It's a big move and I've just had a baby. Also, I am currently studying and I run my own business. I would need to pause my studies and close my business down as I am integral to the running . I also wouldn't be able to pay someone to replace me.

Moving would mean becoming a stay at home mum and I would be totally dependent on my husband. We would be financially stable and I love the idea of being with my son full time. I can mentally process pausing my education and closing my business but I do worry about the cultural differences in Dubai. I also worry about making friends and providing a good life for my son.

Has anyone experienced anything similar?

I'd love to hear your experiences good or bad and learn more.

Thank you.

Is your husband going to be moving to Dubai as well and living with you full time? or is he going to continue to work in Iraq?

As above, where will DH be based?
I wouldnt go to Dubai if he is still going to be in Iraq. It's too much to loose from your side, without massive gains.
If DH is moving to Dubai, I would consider it. How long til your course finishes? And how easy would it be to suspend your business for a period of time? I'd it something that could be restarted easily if you came back?

There are ways to have a fantastic life in Dubai, if you can find your way through the maze of politics (and there is a lot of negativity about the UAE on MN from some sides, research it properly before you decide to go).
Making friends is easy. Many, many women are there for their husbands jobs. When we were in that part of the world, but not Dubai, it was very welcoming and inclusive. Life for young children is great - parks and swimming and beaches.

Sorry just saw this ! I know Dubai well and would say it's a brilliant place to live .. 80% of the people there are expats .. loads of young families .. you can even have Sainsbury's and waitrose delivered ! You would make friends quickly because there are lots of mums with Dhs doing regional roles ..

I'm in Dubai. As others have said, is he moving too? If not the I wouldn't. If he is I would think about it but it sounds like you have a lot to lose.

This isn't about Dubai but how much you'd be giving up.

Hi OP,

I'm in almost the exactly the same situation but our son is almost 4 years old. I'm going to visit Dubai soon to check out schools etc. I have been really miserable with my DH working in Iraq and us being here. Feel free to drop me a PM if you like.

Hi Op,

Did you make the move to Dubai I lived there from Sep 2014 to Oct 2020. I had my son there in September 2019. We left to be home closer to my family but feel we are not quiet ready to be home yet so We are considering going back again in the new year until our son starts school here in Ireland in Sep 2024. I’m pregnant again due in April and if we do move back I’m hoping to have the baby over there as the healthcare is fantastic.I also have loads of friends over there and I love it and miss it so I’m secretly hoping we do move back lol. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions re Dubai xx there are lots if Facebook groups too like IrishmumsDubai etc that you can join if you want to search things.