Vlog 001. This is where it all started.
Birmingham Airport. Raining. About to check in for the flight that changes everything.
The Arrival
Landed in Dubai at 2:30am. Got to the hotel, crashed, woke up 4 hours later.
The original plan was ambitious: land, find an apartment, source a broker, secure a deal, get keys, and furnish it within 5 days.
We realised that was probably too ambitious. So we did everything remotely before arriving.
"We did everything via WhatsApp including the contract signatures and payments. But I probably couldn't have done it if we hadn't seen the apartment and known the building previously."
First Time Seeing the Apartment
We'd signed everything remotely. Now we were about to see it for the first time.
Took a cab from the broker's office (Luxbridge – Wiam has been amazing) to the apartment.
First reaction: "Wow wow wow wow wow."
The balcony. The view. The amenities downstairs.
Then:
"This is smaller than it looked. I'm currently getting a bit panicky about this space."
The Space Concern
We're going from a 4-bed detached house in the UK to a 2-bed + maid's room apartment.
(Quick note: "maid's room" is standard terminology here. We don't have a maid – it's basically a small third bedroom.)
The boys are 8 and 10. They need their own space. We both work remotely and need to take Zoom calls. The bedroom situation needed solving.
The Desk Discovery
Then I spotted it:
"There's potential for a desk to be tucked up in one of these corners – it's just dead space. A desk here looking out. Not obstructive. Not ugly."
Solution found.
Boys get separate bedrooms. Desk goes in the living room corner. When they're at school, we can split rooms for calls.
Crisis averted.
The Admin Run
Stop 1: Al Barsha Mall – Ejari & DEWA
Ejari: Formalises your tenancy contract, gives tenant protection, legalises the rental.
DEWA: Water and electricity setup.
First attempt: Systems were down. Waited 30 minutes, then bailed.
Second attempt (later): Got it sorted.
Stop 2: Dubai Hills Mall – Home Centre
Started as a browse. Got serious fast.
The service was unbelievable:
"Almost like a personal shopper. Not pushy. Showing what's available, different options, different layouts. Absolutely amazing service."
What we bought:
- Bed
- Couch
- Table
- Dining chairs
Wanted a rug but decided to come back.
Stop 3: Festival City – IKEA
Jebel Ali IKEA. Big store. Similar excellent service.
What we bought:
- Desks for the boys
- Beds for the boys
- Small bits
The boys don't know they're getting separate rooms yet. We're making it special for when they arrive in July.
Stop 4: Festival City – Pan Home
Not impressed compared to Home Centre. Different vibe, different quality. Didn't stay long.
Getting Around: U-Drive
Rented a car using the U-Drive app.
How it works:
- Open the app – see cars available near you on map
- Check fuel level, distance, daily rate
- Reserve (15-minute timer to reach it)
- Swipe to unlock when nearby
- Keys are inside
Cost: Pay per minute or daily rate. Fuel included. Some include parking, some don't.
Note: Need to verify with passport/ID first time.
End of Day 1
Sitting in Dubai Hills Mall. Haven't eaten since morning. Exhausted.
What we accomplished:
- Got keys from broker
- Saw apartment for first time
- Measured everything (laser level = essential)
- Ejari sorted
- DEWA sorted
- Home Centre shop done
- IKEA shop done
- Delivery scheduled
What's left:
- All the "little bits" – plates, cutlery, etc.
- Balcony furniture
- TV and unit
- Curtains/blinds
The Tidbits Debate
Sara called them "tidbits." I'm convinced it's "titbits."
This argument runs through multiple vlogs. For the record: both are acceptable, but the original word is "titbit."
I'm claiming victory.
How It Feels
"It feels very very real now. I don't think it's truly settled in yet."
Moments of panic about the space. Moments of excitement about the view. The reality of going from a 4-bed house to an apartment with two young boys.
But we're here. We have keys. We have furniture coming.
72 hours to make it home.
Store Comparison (Quick Take)
| Store | Verdict | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Home Centre | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Personal shopper level |
| IKEA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent, helpful staff |
| Pan Home | ⭐⭐ | Didn't impress us |
The Full Journey
This is Day 1. Here's what happened next:
For Anyone Starting This Journey
It's chaotic. It's overwhelming. You'll have moments of "what are we doing?"
But by the end of Day 1, we had keys, a plan, and furniture on the way.
You've got this. And if you want help navigating it all – Sara's been through it and can guide you.
Day 2 tomorrow. More furniture. More chaos. More tidbits. 🛋️