We hit 100 days in Dubai. Here's what two weeks of actual family life looks like – the rugby games, the spontaneous trips, the markets, the Safari Park, and yes, working out how to get a bottle of wine in a dry country.
Rugby in Dubai: Exiles Club
It all kicked off with Riley's first competitive rugby game with Exiles at the Sevens Stadium.
"Basically, they kicked to us... this kid had his back to me and I just went – gosh, I got the ball! I was all across the pitch that half and then I just ran, picked the ball up and scored a try."
If your little ones are thinking about playing rugby and you're coming over here, I'd highly recommend checking out Exiles. Yes, there are likely lots of great clubs, but we've committed to Exiles and the coaching and community is second to none.
Everyone seemed to know exactly what to do. Anytime someone went down, the bridges were there. There were counter-rucks, there were tackles. From a coaching standpoint – brilliant.
Spontaneous Abu Dhabi Trip
We were meant to be in Abu Dhabi watching the NBA game. On the way back, I decided – why don't we extend this?
Instead of a few hours, we spent 36 hours exploring:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Heritage Village
- The Louvre
One of our best memories so far came from an unplanned trip. Be open to spontaneous adventures – sometimes that's where the magic happens.
Ripe Market: A Hidden Gem
The Ripe Market has just reopened (it's seasonal). We used to love this sort of thing back in the UK, but normally it'd get rained off. To have this in the sunshine – much better.
What to Know
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entry | 5 AED per adult, children free |
| What's there | Handcrafted goods, food stalls, petting zoo |
| Petting zoo | Additional fee, but kids love it |
"The stores are just so nice – everything handmade and handcrafted. Really nice, cool vibes."
Prices
Sara noted the prices felt reasonable. For saying everything is handcrafted and handmade, normally you'd pay a premium. It didn't feel expensive – but maybe we're just more accustomed to pricier prices now!
There's loads for kids to do. The petting zoo was a highlight – you get up close with animals. Even Sara got involved (though she was NOT holding the snake).
100 Days Celebration: Mekong Restaurant
To kick off half term, we hit our 100-day milestone and headed out for a family meal.
The Restaurant
- Name: Mekong
- Location: Anantara Hotel, The Palm
- Found on: Entertainer app (2-for-1 on mains)
"We're celebrating today because we've done 100 days in Dubai! Of course you've got to celebrate it."
I was worried Sara would turn this into "200 days! 250 days!" – but 100 days, I'll go with.
The restaurant was absolutely stunning. Highly recommend if you're looking for a nice meal at the top of the Palm.
The Krispy Kreme Challenge (Don't Do This)
After the meal, the kids tried to get dessert out of me. There's a bet going on that both boys think they can eat 25 Krispy Kreme donuts each in an hour.
To prove a point, I got them 3 donuts each.
Riley: "I'm extremely confident."
6 minutes later, Riley's finished his 3. Reggie...
"I don't even think I have the appetite to finish the Biscoff one. Firstly because it's really filling, and secondly because it's not very nice."
Result: Challenge abandoned. Lesson learned. Don't bet your kids they can eat 25 donuts.
Kite Beach: Morning Run + Sea Dip
Having eaten that leftover Biscoff donut, I decided to keep a promise to myself.
I've been telling myself I'd get up and do a 5K run at Kite Beach. Watched an amazing podcast with Jay Shetty and Kobe Bryant about not negotiating with yourself – told myself I'd do it, and I did.
Then I saw people in the water and thought: something I've never done is just have a run, then jump in the sea.
So that's what I did. First and definitely not last time.
Tip: Kite Beach is perfect for a morning 5K followed by a refreshing dip. Highly recommended if you want to shake up your fitness routine.
Trampoline Park: Father-Son Bonding
Half term means keeping the boys busy while juggling work. Reggie had a playdate, so I had a couple of hours with Riley.
"What do you want to do?"
We ended up at Loco Be (trampoline park).
"I'm too old for this. My back's not good enough for this."
But Riley said "man up for at least an hour" – so I went full big kid mode.
Verdict: I'm not too old. Not yet. Even parents can join in the fun.
Dubai Safari Park
Sara's best friend Becky arrived from the UK with her two daughters. First activity: Safari Park.
It's just opened back up (closes during summer). For the value, I think it's an absolute must-visit whether you live here or are just visiting.
Quick Overview
- Recently reopened after summer closure
- Excellent value for money
- Great for kids and adults
- Full review coming – but spoiler: highly recommended
How to Buy Alcohol in Dubai (It's Easier Than You Think)
After Safari Park, we were all tired. Chilled by the pool. Becky says: "How about we pop to the local shop and grab a bottle of wine?"
She didn't know it's a completely dry country.
Yes, you can drink in restaurants (we've covered that in previous vlogs). But you can't just walk into a Tesco equivalent and grab wine.
So I made it my mission: is there a way to get a bottle of wine?
There was.
Step 1: Get a Liquor License
Sounds complicated and expensive. It's neither.
- Download the License DXB app
- Follow the process
- Within 10 minutes, I had a liquor license
Step 2: Order from MMI
About 500 metres from where we live, there's an MMI store. With a liquor license, you can:
- Walk in and buy
- Get it delivered
Within about 90 minutes of starting the process, I had wine delivered. And I treated myself to a bottle of whiskey.
The Pricing
I was expecting to get absolutely gouged. The prices were unbelievably reasonable.
Best of all: the wine arrived perfectly chilled.
"You got wine!" – Becky, very pleased
White Beach & Maison Mathis Brunch
White Beach
While I chilled with the kids, Sara and Becky headed to White Beach at the top of the Palm. One of our favourite spots – great for a girls' day out, just catching up.
Maison Mathis Brunch
To wrap up the visit, we all headed to Maison Mathis for brunch – same place we took my friends when they visited.
All I can say is: we got max value and everyone ended up on the dance floor.
Hence the sore heads this morning.
Quick Tips from This Fortnight
| Activity | Tip |
|---|---|
| Rugby clubs | Check out Exiles – great coaching, great community |
| Ripe Market | 5 AED entry, kids free, seasonal opening |
| Restaurants | Download Entertainer app for 2-for-1 deals |
| Morning fitness | Kite Beach run + sea dip is unbeatable |
| Safari Park | Great value, closes in summer, must-visit |
| Alcohol | License DXB app + MMI delivery = wine in 90 mins |
| Trampoline parks | Parents can join – you're not too old (yet) |
| Spontaneous trips | Some of best memories come from unplanned adventures |
Community Events
One thing worth noting: even within our community (Sobha Hartland), there's always little events going on. We find out about them in the lift – posters everywhere.
We went to a Dandia festival in the community. Keep your eyes open for these – they're a great way to experience different cultures.
The Reality of Expat Life
This fortnight captures what life actually looks like here:
- Kids' sports activities
- Spontaneous trips to other Emirates
- Markets and family days out
- Working out how things work (like buying wine)
- Friends visiting from home
- Community events
- Finding your fitness routine
- Celebrating milestones
It's busy, it's varied, and there's always something to do. That's what 100 days in Dubai looks like.
Planning Your Move?
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find the right area for your family
- Sobha Hartland Guide – Where we live
- Relocation Package – Get hands-on help with your move
Got questions about life in Dubai? Drop them in the comments – we're always happy to help! 🇦🇪