Big news – we're officially on the move! After almost a year in our apartment at Waves Grande in Sobha Hartland, it's time for the next chapter: a family townhouse in Villanova.
This is Move Week Part 1 – the real, behind-the-scenes view of what relocating within Dubai actually looks like. If you're planning a move yourself, here's everything we wish we'd known.
Why We're Moving
Quick context: we moved to Dubai as a family in July 2024. We got a three-bed apartment (really a two-bed plus maid's room) at Waves Grande in Sobha Hartland. Reggie's room was always going to be too small eventually.
The Reasons
- More space – Lower cost per square foot at Villanova
- Better bedrooms – Both boys get rooms they won't outgrow
- Back garden – Artificial grass now installed
- Community – Local pub (The Bolt Hole), great amenities
- Home office – Finally getting a proper desk space
The Trade-Off
Sara's anxiety: the school run. Right now, it's a 1km walk. At Villanova, it's a 25-minute drive each way.
"That's the only real downside. It's slightly away from downtown, but in the relative amount of time we spend there, not an issue. And it's slightly closer to the Dubai 7's rugby stadium."
The Numbers
| Property | Rent (AED/year) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Waves Grande (Sobha) | 165,000 | 2 bed + maid apartment |
| Villanova | 180,000 | Townhouse |
| Difference | +15,000 | Much more space |
We're paying more, but getting significantly more space per dirham.
Step 1: Get Ejari Sorted
Ejari is the legal contract between you (tenant), the owner, and the government. It says: these people live here, this is how much they pay, this is how long it's for.
This is your "do not pass go" step. Without Ejari, you can't get DEWA set up.
How We Did It (The Easy Way)
Last time, we physically went to a building with all our documents. This time? Our broker Vanessa introduced us to the Dubai REST app.
- Upload all required documents
- Press go
- Owner gets notified and co-signs
- Government document comes back approved
- Pay 177 AED
- Done
Seamless. Highly recommend.
Step 2: Transfer DEWA
DEWA = Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. They provide electricity and AC for the building.
Once Ejari is done, the next job is moving DEWA from our current place to Villanova. This can be done without visiting an office.
Step 3: Move Your Internet
The kids' first question: "Are we going to have internet from day one?"
(I told them no, it would be a month. The heartbreak was real. I was joking.)
How to Transfer DU Internet
I popped into the DU store expecting complexity. Here's what they said:
- Open the DU app
- Click "Move Home"
- Tell them where you're moving to
- Give 2 days notice
- They reconnect everything for you
"Very different to what I remember getting internet connected into a new building back in the UK."
Step 4: Find Movers
When we first moved to Dubai, we came with 7 suitcases. That was everything. Now we've got furniture, beds, wardrobes – actual stuff that needs moving.
The idea of dismantling IKEA units myself? My idea of hell.
What We're Paying
Sara's friend recommended a moving team. For 1,500–1,800 AED, they will:
- Come to our apartment
- Take everything down
- Box it up
- Put it in the van
- Move it to Villanova
- Put it all back up
The Plan
The boys have a sleepover scheduled. We have Kevin Hart tickets (Christmas present from last year). Movers come Friday. We go to Abu Dhabi. Pick up kids Saturday. In theory, everything has magically moved from Waves to Villanova.
Fingers crossed.
Step 5: Get Keys Early & Measure Up
Our broker Vanessa helped us get the keys early so we could:
- Measure rooms for furniture placement
- Plan where everything goes
- Tell the movers exactly what goes where
This makes moving day much smoother.
First Look at the New Place
Walking around with the boys:
- Artificial grass – Already laid in the garden
- Room sizes – The boys measured and confirmed: exactly the same size (debate avoided)
- Balcony situation – Reggie: "At least I've got a balcony." (It's not really a balcony.)
- The bath – "This is what's going to make Mommy love the place."
- My office – Finally going to have a proper desk space. Save hundreds just on coffee.
The Boys' Verdict
"Guys, in just over a week, you're going to be living here."
"I know. That's crazy."
Banking Challenge
One unexpected hiccup: I have money in a bank that I can't withdraw. Which is far from ideal when you need to pay a full year's rent upfront in one cheque.
Off to MBD to sort that out. (More on this in Part 2.)
Checklist: Moving Within Dubai
| Task | How | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ejari | Dubai REST app | 177 AED |
| DEWA transfer | Online/app | Varies |
| Internet (DU) | DU app → Move Home | Usually free |
| Movers | Recommendation/research | 1,500–1,800 AED |
| Early key access | Ask broker/landlord | Free (negotiate) |
What's Next
Move Week Part 2 is where the actual move happens. Hopefully next week's vlog is recorded from our new townhouse in Villanova, showing that everything went swimmingly – internet connected, electricity working, furniture in place.
Stay tuned to see if the plan actually works.
Thinking about Villanova? Check out our full Villanova community tour or read the neighbourhood guide.
Planning your Dubai move? Take my neighbourhood quiz to find the right area for your family, or check out the relocation package if you want hands-on help navigating the process.
Fingers crossed for next week! 🤞