Watch this before Moving to Dubai in 2025

From Thinking About Dubai to Making the Move: Real Talk with Conor & Jessica

Join us for a candid conversation with Connor & Jessica, a UK couple relocating their family and business to Dubai this July! Get the inside scoop on their journey, fears, and expectations.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and connection
05:45 - Safety and lifestyle improvements
16:00 - School choices and preschool options
30:30 - Shipping logistics and costs
36:20 - Community selection (Ranches 3 vs Villanova)
46:00 - Business setup in Dubai
57:00 - Commuting concerns
1:12:20 - Sports for children
1:14:15 - Driving in Dubai


🌴 Why Dubai?

Connor loves the "glitz and glam" while Jessica prioritizes safety for their kids
"I don't want my children growing up thinking it's normal not to feel safe outside" - Jessica
Better quality of life with outdoor activities year-round
Business growth opportunities in the quantity surveying field


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Environment

Children welcomed everywhere: "Kids are king here"
Jessica loved hearing children playing outdoors in Villanova
"Reggie's confidence has massively grown from more freedom and socializing with different children" - Sara
Safer environment allows kids more independence


🏫 Education Options

Considering Maple Bear Canadian nursery (similar cost to UK)
Purpose-built facilities with child-sized everything
Preschool costs: "It's really on par with the UK, potentially cheaper" - Jessica
Planning smaller nursery first before larger school transition



📦 Shipping Practicalities

Cost: £2,900 for half a 40ft container (20ft)
Timeframe: 6-10 weeks door-to-door
Shipping beds, sofas, kitchen items, garden furniture, toys
Professional wrapping service included
Local customs representation speeds up clearance



🏙️ Community Selection

Arabian Ranches 3: New development, convenient souk, smaller living spaces
Villanova: More spacious homes, greener feel, community pub with garden
"I heard children playing outside and thought 'that's exactly what I wanted'" - Jessica
Plan: Rent for one year before buying permanently



💼 Business Setup

Mainland company (£11,500) vs Free Zone (£6,800-8,000)
Chose Mainland for hiring flexibility
Maintaining UK operations while developing Dubai presence
Opportunity to employ local talent at competitive rates
"Our goal is to continue growing our UK business with Dubai developing organically" - Jessica



🚗 Transport Considerations

Transitioning from walking to school to driving
Traffic concerns: "It terrifies me" - Connor
Dividing school runs between parents
Adaptation period: "Within a couple weeks you get used to it" - Sara
Tip: "Use Waze, not Google Maps" for lane positioning
Budget for Salik (tolls): 100-150 AED monthly



🏈 Sports & Activities

Schools vary in sports emphasis
Earlier start ages in Dubai (3 vs 5 in UK)
Rugby community provides valuable connections
"If we don't put Riley in a better school for rugby, we're doing him a disservice" - Sara



🔮 Future Goals

Housing: Rent first year, buy second year
Connor: Focus on health and fitness in this fresh start
Jessica: Explore home education options
Building community and establishing new routines
"I don't want to replicate my UK life here" - Connor

We'll check back with Connor & Jessica in 12 months to see how their Dubai journey unfolds! Whether you're considering relocation or just curious about expat life, this conversation offers valuable insights from those just starting their Dubai adventure.