This week was different. Adam flew back to the UK for work. I was in Dubai with the boys. No friends or family on the doorstep. Just me, in a new country, responsible for two children.
Here's what that week was really like.
Monday: The Tearful Goodbye
We had breakfast together at Dubai Mall, then I dropped Adam with the others going to the airport.
Reggie cried at drop-off. Which surprised me – Reggie's very much a mummy's boy. Riley's more of a daddy's boy, but Riley was okay.
The thing is: since we moved here, Adam's around more. In the UK, he was away a lot, so it was just normal. Here, we've all been together daily. All the time. So this separation was a shock to the system.
My Initial Thoughts
Walking to pick up the boys (we forgot to leave one scooter at school), I recorded my honest feelings:
"Ultimately yes, I've got the boys. But I'm on my own apart from that. I'm in a new country. I'm responsible for two children. It's a little bit unnerving."
It wasn't fear that I was scared or didn't feel safe. It was just... when Adam was away in the UK, you had friends and family around. You don't have that here.
I gave myself a pep talk on camera:
"Keep busy. Keep focused. Stay strong. You got this babe. You got this. You're strong."
Adam's Side: Missing Home
Meanwhile, Adam was navigating Birmingham Airport, delayed trains, cancelled trains, doors that wouldn't open, a broken suitcase handle, and the Tube at midnight.
"It's 5 to 11 back at home. Where my wife is. My two boys. And I'm feeling very sad. Just... sad. Missing them like crazy already."
The contrast wasn't lost on him either. Filling up petrol in England:
"Normally when I fill up, someone comes, opens the window, smiles, fills the car up, I tip a little, drive on. Here there's rain. No people. And it looks like I have to do it myself."
He missed Dubai.
Wednesday: Good News on Visas
Finally – the boys' visas came through.
We'd had an absolute nightmare with the process. Backwards and forwards with the company. "You've not uploaded this. We're waiting for that." And I'm like – I've uploaded everything!
But it's done. And now we can finally get medical insurance sorted, which has been hanging over us.
Top Tip: Get Documents Attested in the UK
Advice from our experience: get your documents attested while you're still in the UK.
I thought the attestation would be the hard bit and getting the Emirates ID would be easy. It wasn't the case. The whole process has been stressful and long.
If you get documents attested before arriving, the rest should be straightforward.
Thursday: Emirates IDs – Finally Official!
We picked up the boys' Emirates IDs from Meydan.
We are officially Dubai residents! 🎉
Also did some child-free shopping at the mall (without nagging about "how many more shops are we going into"). Adam's happy I did that while he was away so I don't drag him around later.
One thing I found crazy: all the winter clothes are out. In Dubai. In September.
The Kite Beach Morning
Met friends at Common Grounds at Kite Beach. One had her sister visiting from the UK.
These moments – finding your people, having places to go, building routines – they make such a difference when you're in a new country.
Adam's UK Time
Over 5 days, Adam bounced between London, Birmingham, and Northampton. But hadn't seen his mum until the last day.
The reunion was emotional:
"Going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you too. Don't make me cry."
They had an awesome night – got a Chinese, played Splash (a card game his parents made up when they lived in Malta). His brother's family came round. Wholesome and special.
But there was something strange about being back in the family home that's now his mum's place. We're going to talk about those emotions properly on the podcast.
The Surprising Realization
By Saturday, I had an unexpected thought:
"I've coped better than I thought I would."
And then it hit me:
"I think it's a testament to how quickly we've settled here. That I feel comfortable to be in a new country, on my own with the boys, and feel safe. Safe and happy to be on my own."
Obviously I'd prefer Adam to be here. But this week showed me something I hadn't fully realized: Dubai feels like home.
Not just "we call it home" – it actually feels like home.
Why We Feel Settled
- The boys have settled into school
- The rugby club community
- Keeping busy with normal stuff – the things you do when you're settled somewhere
- Finding friends, building routines
I probably only just realized how settled we are since Adam's been gone. Which sounds weird, but being left here and being okay? That's when it clicked.
What the Vlog Did for Us
Something unexpected: doing this vlog kept us really close during the separation.
There's limited time for calls and Zooms with time differences and work. But Sara sent lots of video clips, and I included maybe 20% of what she sent. It was awesome to see what was going on.
Super proud of her for being so strong.
The Kids This Week
Reggie: Solved a Rubik's cube on the way home from school. Proud mum moment!
Riley: Working on his Voldemort monologue for his new Lambda drama class at school. He's got nerves about it. Adam's going to help him with breathing techniques over video calls.
Pool day: Visited friends who moved to another building in Sobha Hartland. Now we're thinking about exploring different buildings rather than just committing to Waves Grande.
Practical Wins This Week
| What | Status |
|---|---|
| Boys' Emirates IDs | ✅ Finally done! |
| Medical insurance | Next priority now documents are sorted |
| Document attestation | Lesson learned: do it in UK |
| Adam's return | Pulled flight forward – landing Tuesday |
What This Week Taught Us
- Separation is harder when you're closer. In the UK, Adam being away was normal. Here, we're together all the time – so separation hits different.
- Feeling safe alone is a milestone. Being okay on your own in a new country means you've actually settled.
- Community matters. Friends, rugby club, school – these connections make the difference.
- Vlogs keep you connected. Recording daily clips meant we shared experiences despite the distance.
- You might be more settled than you realize. Sometimes it takes being tested to see how far you've come.
The Emotions Nobody Warns You About
Relocation content is usually about the exciting stuff – the new apartment, the beach, the weather.
Nobody really talks about the moment your partner flies back and you're standing in a new country thinking: I'm responsible for two children and there's no one I can call if something goes wrong.
But also: nobody talks about the quiet pride when you realize you handled it. You're okay. You're more than okay. You're home.
Planning Your Own Move?
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find the right area for your family
- 6 Months Review – Our fuller reflections
- Relocation Package – Help from someone who's been through it
Got questions about the emotional side of relocating? Drop them in the comments. We're an open book. 🇦🇪