Dubai After 90 Days: The Truth About Family Life and Costs

Three months before their big move to Dubai, Conor and Jessica joined us on the podcast to share their relocation plans. Now, three months after arriving, they’re back, with the full truth of what life in Dubai as a young family is really like. From shipping containers and schooling to shopping, community, and hiring help at home, this conversation is packed with honest insights, laugh-out-loud stories, and practical lessons for any family planning a move to Dubai. Key topics covered: Shipping and relocation costs • How they moved the contents of a three-bed house from the UK to Dubai for £2,900 • What was included in the service, how long it took, and the small but vital things they packed (like their favourite laundry detergent) Finding a community and choosing Villanova • Why they chose Villanova over Ranches 3 and Town Square • What life is really like in the community, pools, neighbours, friendships, and the pros and cons of local facilities Schooling, summer camps and the big adjustment • How they found the right school with a holistic, no-tech approach • Costs of summer camp (£2,000 for four weeks), surprising lunchbox rules (no pork, no chocolate), and how their kids adapted within days The cost of living reality • Why grocery shopping became the biggest shock, from £7 milk to £9 bags of carrots • The truth about Spinneys vs other supermarkets, meal kits like Spring, and where you can actually save money Hiring help at home, their honest experience • What it’s really like having a live-out maid (costs, hours, boundaries, emotions) • How it’s changed their daily life, reduced arguments, and given them balance • The cultural and parenting lessons around having help in the home Driving and owning a car in Dubai • Buying vs renting, what GCC spec actually means, insurance pitfalls, and annual registration costs • The real truth about Dubai roads, lane discipline, and why “indicating is weakness” Settling in, mindset and lifestyle • The emotional shift after moving, from chaos to calm • How safe they feel raising kids in Dubai compared to London • Why having sun every day is “good for the soul” • The real timeline to feel settled, about a year Their best moments so far • Watching their kids learn to swim in four weeks • Poolside weekends with new friends • The feeling of calm and safety that made the whole move worth it Top advice for anyone moving to Dubai: “Get in your lane and stay in your lane. Don’t compare yourself to what everyone else is doing, find your people, find your rhythm, and you’ll love it here.” Whether you’re months away from relocating or just dreaming about it, this episode gives you a clear, authentic look at family life in Dubai. Watch Part 1: Preparing to Move to Dubai, Conor and Jessica’s Story Subscribe for more real family experiences, costs, and honest advice about life in Dubai.