Dubai Music Week (DMW) 2015 announces first set of confirmed artist

Dubai Music Week (DMW) 2015 has announced that Ellie Goulding will perform on Thursday, September 24^th. Thirty Seconds To Mars will be taking the stage on Friday, September 25^th. Names of two more music heavyweights for the concert nights as well as world renowned celebrity guest speakers and hosts for the master classes will be released in the coming weeks.

           

DMW 2015 in partnership with Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) and Live Nation Middle East supported by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) are proud to mark Dubai’s calendar with this international music festival for the Middle East. The festival will feature four main segments; including concerts with an award-winning line-up of A-list performers, celebrity guest speakers, master classes and an interactive entertainment village. DMW 2015 hosted at DWTC is expected to attract local and international music fans, and will be from Wednesday, September 23^rd through to Saturday, September 26^th.

                

DMW 2015 proudly welcomes singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ellie Goulding on its second concert night. Ellie Goulding brings with her an illustrious career, which produced over six million album sales and 20 million single sales worldwide. She has also been presented a Critic’s Choice and Best British Female Solo Artist at the Brit Awards as well as numerous nominations and recognitions internationally. From performing at festivals, packed out concerts and even the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the reasons for Ellie Goulding’s meteoric rise to fame will be obvious when she takes to the stage of DMW 2015.

Performing on the third night will be award-winning California based band Thirty Seconds To Mars making their premier appearance in Dubai. The band, consisting of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto as well as lead guitarist Tomo Miličević, has achieved 85 music industry awards in recognition of their talent and have sold over five million albums worldwide over almost two decades since their conception. The band’s distinctive live performances have consistently packed out venues and sold out tickets worldwide.

30 Seconds to Mars

Hamad Mohammed Bin Mejren, Executive Director, Dubai Events and Conventions Bureau at DTCM said, “As Dubai Music Week goes from strength to strength each year, Dubai Calendar is We are excited delighted to be supporting be extending its support once again to Dubai World Trade Centre and Live Nation Middle Eastto in bringing the 2015 editionof Dubai Music Week to life. In line with Dubai’s growing profile as a world-class event destination, Dubai Music Week offers continues to offer music fans access to relevant, emerging and current global talent year after year.”

The festival, which provides a platform for music fans to interact with local and international celebrities and musicians, will announce further acts in the coming weeks. Tickets for both concerts are priced at 295 AED for general admission, fan pit access at 395 AED, and 550 AED for VIP admission. Tickets for Ellie Goulding will go on sale soon. For Thirty Seconds to Mars, please visit Dubai Music Week or Ticketmaster to buy tickets now.

Even in this heat wool matters…

SUKETDHIR and Taller Marmo were today announced as the menswear and womenswear winners respectively, of the 2015/16 International Woolmark Prize India, Pakistan and the Middle East regional final, at an awards event held at the Manzil hotel, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
 

A judging panel comprising of Nez Gebreel, CEO, Dubai Design & Fashion Council; Osman Yousefzada, Designer; Bridget Cosgrave, Fashion and Buying Director, Boutique 1; Louise Nichol, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia; Melissa Grace, The Woolmark Company; Che Kurrien, Editor, GQ India and Alison Tay, Editor-in-Chief, Grazia Middle East, selected SUKETDHIR as the menswear winner and Taller Marmo as the winner for the womenswear category.

Nez Gebreel, CEO of Dubai Design and Fashion Council commented, “As the official supporters of the regional prize, the Dubai Design and Fashion Council team was excited to work alongside the International Woolmark Company; an entity renowned for investing in young emerging talent and opening doors for designers not only in their respective local markets, but also across the globe.  More importantly, this is a prize that educates and supports designers throughout the design process in its entirety, aligning with the council’s mandate to nurture emerging talent so they have an opportunity to flourish.  I was extremely impressed with the creativity of the finalists and how they incorporated Merino wool into their designs; the designers have created pieces which truly demonstrate the wealth of talent we have in this region.”

SUKETDHIR impressed the judges with his unique merino fabric developments and hand woven techniques which he presented passionately; representing the region brilliantly while UAE based Taller Marmo showed a truly exciting collection with a very international perspective.

Menswear category winner SUKETDHIR said, “I am extremely proud to have received this accolade from such a prestigious institution, particularly when taking into account all the amazing designers that have come before me. I am so grateful to The Woolmark Company for creating this wonderful platform to support designers.”

Womenswear winners Yago and Ricardo behind Taller Marmo said “To be honoured with such an award, from such a distinguished jury, is overwhelming. Now, we are looking towards the international Womenswear final in New York; truly excited to see what lies ahead as a result of this opportunity.”

Chosen from amongst the 11 most promising talents in India, Pakistan and the Middle East fashion design, both winners gain a financial contribution of AED 136,112, plus the opportunity to represent India, Pakistan and the Middle East and compete in the prestigious international final.  The final for menswear will be held in Florence in January 2016, and the womenswear final will be held in New York in February 2016.

For the next six to seven months, the winning designers will be required to develop a capsule collection in Merino wool, to be showcased at one of two extraordinary events that will highlight the six menswear finalists and six womenswear finalists selected from across the globe.

The finalists will compete for the coveted International Woolmark Prize, the winners being awarded an additional AED 272,224, and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important retailers of the world, including Harvey Nichols (London), 10 Corso Como (Milan, Beijing and Shanghai), Matchesfashion.com (online), Mytheresa.com (online), Saks Fifth Avenue (NYC), Joyce (China), Boutique 1 (UAE) and David Jones (Australia).

The Woolmark Company Managing Director Stuart McCullough explains, “The International Woolmark Prize is our commitment to educating the next generation of fashion industry leaders about the extraordinary potential of Merino wool, and we congratulate SUKETDHIR and Taller Marmo on their win.  With the number of countries represented the largest yet, the International Woolmark Prize is a truly global celebration of emerging talent and most importantly provides the winning designers with a unique opportunity for commercial success on a global scale.”

Dubai is committed to the underpinning itself as a global fashion hub, as Stefan Viard, General Manager, Vida Hotels and Resorts explains, “We are delighted to have hosted the regional final of the 2015/16 International Woolmark Prize, which celebrates the newest talent in high-end fashion and design.  As one of the first international fashion events to be held in our property, in the central location of Manzil Downtown Dubai, its unmatched architecture and elegant features are a perfect fit to this high-calibre design event.  We will continue to extend our support to such initiatives that further underline Dubai as a global fashion hub.”

Illamasqua TO BE ALIVE collection

This summer Illamasqua has turned to their blue side as they delve into the spirit of colour, seeking the force of feeling and emotion through make-up, in particular creating a ‘blue movement’ in this season’s collection.

Admittedly, it is quite a shock initially - especially for someone who is rapidly approaching middle age, or at least feels like they are - when they see shocking blue lipstick, but on closer analysis I must admit, in my (slightly) younger years, I would have loved it; The Palette in Spirit does have beautiful shades of blue that I would wear now, albeit toned down slightly to the pictures sent to me with their Illamasqua's models.  Alternatively blue nail varnish... Well I have been wearing that for years.  In fact, the Prismatic nail varnish is actually a more mature version of the electric blue I ask my manicurist for.

“Blue is the colour of pure mind, healing clarity and stillness that gives way to movement and spirit, the authentic self and true gesture,” said Alex Box.  “To celebrate this movement, we here at Illamasqua have launched a collection dedicated to blue, portraying the beauty and clarity of its vivid, alive connotations”.

picture from www.reallyree.com

New PALETTE in SPIRIT

The new pallet in Spirit provides four colour-intense eye shadows including cream and powder finishes with Powder Eye Shadows in Cascade (ultraviolet light), Inspire (rich true blue) and Refine (intense midnight blue) combined with Shimmer Cream Eye Shadow in Awaken (delicate ice blue).   These can be worn alone for a simple touch of blue or blended to create a deep, azure/sapphire smoke.

New GLAMORE LIPSTICK in VENDETTA

This new colour intense, rich cobalt blue lipstick is enriched with moisturising Vitamin E.  Glamore Lipstick in Vendetta provides a long-lasting satin finish in a smooth, hydrating formula that glides onto lips without compromising on colour pay off.  It is the ultimate electric blue statement.

New SHINE LIPGLOSS in IRIDESCE

The newest lipgloss formulation to the Illamasqua range, this shine effect reflecting formula can be used on its own or with lipstick to enhance colour and add definition.  Iridesce’s light texture also glides onto lips and provides an ultra-shine veil without a tacky finish.

New NAIL VARNISH IN PRISMATIC

An optical opalescent, this two-tone effect Nail Varnish provides a long-lasting finish in a chip resistant formula.  Apply two coats of this dimensional aqua tone colour for a perfect, professional finish.

diptyque LES EAUX collection launch

Hot off the press - This month diptyque launches the floral and citrusy Les Eaux collection.  Going from freshness to playful scents, these new fragrances will appeal to many different moods, perfect for those feeling like me right now!

- Citrus collection -

les hespéridés

L’EAU DE L’EAU spicy citrus

A spicy freshness to stir the senses

A citrus scent that evokes all the transparency of L’Eau, the first of diptyque’s fragrant waters, created in 1968.

• Italian Green Mandarin, Florida Grapefruit, Petitgrain from Paraguay

• Clove Leaves, Ceylon Cinnamon Bark, Egyptian Geranium, Orange Blossom

• Lao Benzoin, Venezuelan Tonka Bean, Indonesian Patchouli

L’EAU DES HESPERIDES - aromatic citrus

A playful, zesty scent with a green, contrasting freshness

Slightly provocative, it invites the frisson of a forbidden garden.

• Bitter Orange from the Ivory Coast, Italian Mandarin and Lemon, Red Thyme, African Rosemary

• Crinkle-leafed Spearmint, Peppermint

• Immortelle Flower, Georgy Wood (warm, woody, cedar-y note), White Musks

L’EAU DE TAROCCO - fruity citrus

A fruity fragrance that’s sweet yet vibrant and spicy

It carries the exhilarating scent of the Mediterranean in winter, the freshness of fruit just plucked from the tree, plump and ripe.

• Sweet Italian Tarocco Orange, Florida Orange, Grapefruit

• Saffron, Ginger Extract, Cinnamon, Curcuma Extract, Bulgarian Rose, Orange Blossom

• Cedar Wood, Somali Frankincense, White Musk

- Floral collection -

Les Florales

EAU ROSE

Its olfactory composition is designed to celebrate the multiple aromas of the flower in its natural state, as it blossoms over time. The top note, a sharp, fresh surge of bergamot and blackcurrant, gives the rose a lively, even piquant, freshness. The middle notes contain a majestic rose, both discreet and powerful, unveiling all its force through a subtle combination of two roses: the Centifolia rose (or Rose de Mai) and the Damask rose. The base notes evoke a rose warmed by the sun, almost at dusk, when its floral richness exudes sensual, balmy, more intense tones.

 

EAU DE LAVANDE

Eau de Lavande, examines the subtlety of lavender, a small flower that turns the fields of the South of France bright blue. Designed like an eau de toilette, that can be used liberally on yourself or to share, these compositions have many sides to them, just like the purest of fragrances. The raw materials are rigorously selected, and the blend is sophisticated: the emotion remains intact, it is the fragrance we recognize from nature.

EAU MOHELI

Ylang-Ylang, a flower known for its intensely sweet scent, grows on Mohéli, one of the smallest islands in Comoros. This archipelago’s diverse population is a mixture of African, Indian and Arabian cultures.

The island’s rich heritage, coveys the story of one-way crossings and long haul voyages on the Southern Seas. The climate and the light on Mohéli gives the island an exotic, escapist ambience in which visitors feel like they are at the end of the world. In the heart of this tropical Eden, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the luxuriant vegetation – orchids, coconut trees, palm trees and clove trees – the ylang-ylang blooms.

GERANIUM ODORATA

Geranium Odorata now takes us into clusters of the crimson-colored flowers whose springtime blossoming in gardens and on balconies announces the arrival of a joyful, sunny season. The geranium is both a masculine and feminine flower, sharing some scents with the rose. It is bright, fresh, crisp and diverse. At diptyque it is now the special object of our attention, reflecting our taste for simplicity with an added dash of mischief. Many artists have also taken it as a model, an amicable, everyday companion.

 

diptyque LES EAUX fragrance collection

- Floral collection -

Eau de Lavande EDT 100 ml – 395 AED and Roll-on 20 ml – 195 AED

Eau Moheli EDT 100 ml – 410 AED and Roll-on 20 ml – 210 AED

Eau Rose EDT 100 ml – 410 AED & Roll-on 20 ml– 210 AED

Geranium Odorata EDT 100 ml– 395 AED & Roll-on 20 ml– 195 AED

- Citrus collection -

L’Eau de L’Eau EDT 100 ml– 475 AED

L’Eau des Hesperides EDT 100 ml– 335 AED

L’Eau de Tarocco EDT 100 ml– 410 AED

Available at:

Dubai

diptyque Store, The Dubai Mall +971 4 3308423

Abu Dhabi

Areej store, Marina Mall +9712 6815662

Only In Dubai – First World Problems…

So I am having a major dilemma right now… Do I choose a seven-seat car, or standard SUV?  I know, first world problems right?  Even to write this feels stupid, and it is actually quite embarrassing if I read this back even with my baby brain, but it is really vexing me!  Ridiculous, huh?

The thing is, yes I am a mummy.  And yes, I know full well that I have another on the way, but seriously, am I really ready for a ‘Practical Family Car’. I am six and a half months pregnant and wearing my four inch heels still, with jeans in 49 degree heat with a full face of makeup.  Most other women I know, especially all those at my stage of pregnancy, are in flats.  I just can't bring myself to do.  For me, a 'Practical Family Car' is is the motoring equivalent of comfy shoes – You just don’t do it!

Admittedly, with my BFF moving here in October, 7 seats will be infinitely more practical, as I can take her kids out with mine.  Not to mention at Christmas when my family come and stay, we can load up one car and get Safe Driver (Safe Driver is a taxi service in Dubai whereby they will come and collect you from whatever watering whole you have fallen into, and drive your car all the way home with you in it), instead of paying for several taxi’s.  But whichever way I look at it, I’m not ready for a practical family car.

Initially, Ian and I were talking about a buying another Range Rover, and this would be fine for just four of us, but what about when my nephew moves back here, and we want to take him and our maid out with us?

Aston Martin DB9

I do love Range Rovers.  The one thing both Ian and I agree on is that we don’t want to be embarrassed when we pull up to a valet.  Call us what you will - and if I didn’t live in Dubai, I would be thinking some awful things right now - but in the past couple of months of being pregnant, I have yearning for a 2-seater sports car… even a convertible.  I haven’t wanted a convertible in years, let alone a 2-seater sports car.  I’m 37 for goodness sake, not 27!  That said, my 2-seater car lust has grown along with me - the car in question is a DB9, not some Mazda MX5 like it was back in the day (oh to be 22 again).

My brain knows I need more seats and increased protection.  Over here, being high in a car gives you so much more of a chance to react in case of other bad drivers, that you just wouldn’t consider a 2-seater sports car.  Also, I wouldn’t dream of driving a car without everyone in it being harnessed in correctly, so the more seats the merrier.  Realistically though, I know in the back of my head that we will be choosing a car on the basis of maybe one month worth of driving.  The thing is, I know I would regret not getting 7 seats at every available opportunity.  And yet…

Is this a normal part of pregnancy?  Is this need to regress some weird call for help, whereby one part of my brain refuses to accept that I have to grow up?  Do I really want to relive my 20’s, because, if the truth were told, they weren’t amazing...  I didn’t feel like this when we adopted, but I was mentally prepared for the adoption.  Is this normal if you fall pregnant when you least expect despite the fact you now have your miracle child?  I spoke about this with my friend Kelly, "You aren't in control.  You can't eat what you want.  You can't drink what you want.  Your life will never be the same again.  You know this as you have one already.  You are regressing because you know you literally will be regressing - All over again."  Hmm.  Now that's a cheery thought.

Having reread this, I can’t imagine how I must sound right now.  “Poor, spoilt rich girl, is what springs to my mind.  If I put this on twitter I would certainly post it #onlyinDubai.  As I said, first world problems…

Laura Mercier launches new Flawless Contouring Palette

Laura Mercier has only gone and done it again with a newly launched, exclusive Contouring Palette that brings Laura’s artistry techniques to life with ease. Through her artisan lens and years of working as a professional makeup artist, Laura has carefully chosen these neutral shades in a darker range that help sculpt the face.

Laura’s Contouring Palette is designed to define and highlight your features with 5 unique crèmes:

3 Neutral brown matte crèmes – for shading

2 Crème highlighters (light and dark) – for light reflection

Known for her specialty of creating the flawless face, Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, Skincare, Body & Bath, and Fragrance. As the personal makeup artist to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Madonna, Susan Sarandon, Isabella Rosellini, Brooke Shields, Ellen Barkin, Celine Dion, Meg Ryan, Ashley Judd, Meryl Streep, Julia Ormond, Juliette Binoche, and as a contributor to cover designs and editorial shoots, Laura Mercier creates looks that are both flawless and accentuate one’s natural beauty.   “I am so excited to share this incredible art with you. The key to everyday contouring is to be discrete, so let’s have some fun and play with light to enhance, sculpt and shadow,” said Mercier.

The extraordinary cream formula is more blendable than typical contouring powders, allowing for a natural, flawless, fool-proof application every time. This beautiful contouring kit includes Laura’s step-by-step tutorial guide and quick fix tips.

It is available at Areej stores.

Paul Marciano Announces His Successor As Guess, Inc. CEO

Paul Marciano, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Guess, Inc. (NYSE: GES), announced today that Victor Herrero will be his successor and new CEO of Guess, Inc. in August 2015. Paul Marciano will replace Maurice Marciano as Executive Chairman of the Board and will continue serving as Chief Creative Officer. Maurice Marciano will remain a director, and has been named Chairman Emeritus by the Board of Directors.

Victor Herrero joins GUESS with over twenty years of global experience spanning Europe and Asia. Victor served as the Head of Asia Pacific for Inditex Group, the world's largest fashion retailer with brands including Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Bershka, and Stradivarius. In the past 10 years, Victor was responsible for building Inditex's multi-billion dollar business in Asia.

Victor Herrero, CEO, Guess

Victor has been with Inditex for the past twelve years after he started his career with them in Europe. Prior to Inditex, Victor was a management consultant working for Arthur Andersen in Asia. Victor has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from ESCP in Paris, France and has a Bachelor's of Law Degree from the University of Zaragoza in Spain.

Paul Marciano commented, "Maurice and I have been working with the Board for over a year now to select the right candidate to be my successor as Chief Executive Officer of Guess. The most important criteria in our view are the understanding of our brand, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year, the complexity of our business being in over 90 countries with more than 25 categories of products, and having a deep understanding of the changing environment of the retail world. We believe that Victor is the perfect top executive because, in addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, he has unparalleled experience in building a large business in Asia, he has a deep understanding of the current world of retail, and he is extremely knowledgeable in best in class sourcing and supply chain."

Victor Herrero commented, "I am excited at the opportunity to work with Paul, Maurice, and the team at Guess who are at the forefront of more than 90 markets worldwide. It's a pivotal time for Guess, and I look forward to joining a group that is poised to continue as an innovative leader in the fashion industry. I am particularly thrilled to have the opportunity to use my background and to contribute my skills in order to unlock a tremendous amount of value for our shareholders."

Live Nation Middle East and DSS 2015 bring Madagascar Live! to the UAE

I have a very excited toddler right now as Madagascar Live is coming to Dubai!  Even better, it is on over the last weekend of August so perfect for summer.

Based on the blockbuster DreamWorks animation, will be an official event of this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the biggest summer celebration in the region. Madagascar Live! will be showing at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Friday, August 28^th to Saturday, August 29^th; and will be taking audiences of all ages to a wild and action-packed adventure with two shows per day at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.

Madagascar Live! follows everyone’s favourite characters, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and the hilarious plotting penguins as they escape from their home at The New York Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien. Relive the fun and humour of the animals and their escapades, brilliantly brought to life by an imaginative set and costumes, joyous dance numbers and spectacular songs including the hit, “Move it, Move it.”

“Madagascar is one of the biggest brands in family entertainment and Live Nation Middle East has been working for quite some months to ensure it comes to Dubai. It will certainly be one of the show highlights of the year and will be a perfect way for families to end the summer holidays,” says James Craven, Managing Director of Live Nation Middle East.

Madagascar Live!, which vividly brings to life the film audiences worldwide have grown to love in an arena production with West End values, is also a DSS 2015 official event. Get ready to “smile and wave,” as Skipper the Penguin puts it, dance in the aisles, “Move it, Move it”, and celebrate friendship with the zany crew of Madagascar Live!

Tickets are priced at AED 125 for Bronze, AED 175 for Silver, AED 225 for Gold, AED 350 for Platinum, and AED 650 for Royal. Tickets go on sale at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 22^nd and will be available via tickemaster.

For more information click HERE

#MadLiveDXB

Moving to Dubai...

So my best friend is moving to Dubai with her family as she has got the most uh-mazing job offer out here.   Obviously I can’t wait.  It did get me thinking though, what is the one thing you wish you had known prior to moving here that you weren’t told?

She knows all about attesting her documents, from her marriage certificate through to her degree, as she remembers the nightmare I had trying to figure it all out.  But what else is there that she should know?

What to Pack

The Ampitheatre, Media City

Personally, I took in my hand luggage a full file of paperwork, (birth certs, marriage etc.) including back up copies of everything.  With hindsight, especially considering the angel of "What would I have brought if I had kids to consider too?"  I would have also brought all medical records, dental records, iPad and laptops for the journey as well other things like:

·      A small sewing kit - to get me through the first month until we found accommodation and until I found where to buy this sort of thing

·      A lot of money - especially if you are in a hotel as their food bill soon mounts up and you may have to pay this.  Also, cash is king in Dubai.  For someone who never carried cash, it took a bit of getting used to to not whip my debit card out at every opportunity

·      A VPN on your laptop if you want to watch your home TV from abroad as these are very difficult to install from here - That said, we have subsequently ditched ours as 1.  We found we didn’t use it and 2.  They have been made illegal

·      My Jewellery – Which I have since taken back home to the UK and left behind unworn as I just no longer wore it all

·      Makeup – which I found was completely wrong for me in 45 degree heat, so I had to start all over again with the trial and error of finding the right products

Bearing in mind that you will be spending so much time in air-conditioned taxi’s trying to find your way around the city and looking for your new home, and then going out into the heat, you will want to pack light weight materials and flowing pieces.  Whilst you acclimatise, you will be hot and after a couple of months, you will swell up slightly.  I couldn’t fit in half the shoes I had owned after a month or so, yet I can now.   This lasted about a year! 

Believe it or not, going from the heat outside that you are not used to, to the cold inside is a shock.  Not to mention, it is only polite here to cover up a bit more than you may at home.  Pashmina’s and very light cotton cardigans were great for me.  I also thought the way forward would be light cotton flowing dresses… How wrong was I?  I felt very out of place in my cotton trousers and flowing summer dresses.  Maybe it is because I just wouldn’t wear these items at home either, but I did find that the women here when they go out, make an effort.  In fact, Emirates Women has a quote in it this month from Rosemin Manji who states, "I love that here we wear so much  colour - Middle Eastern style is all about celebrating glamour and femininity".  She isn't wrong,  everyone will dress to impress, so make sure you pack you best going-out clothes and include heels just as much as flat shoes, sandals and flip-flops.  

Also, don't think you can get away with not wearing makeup.  Makeup and perfume is a big business here.  For those of us with too little time to spend contouring our faces 24/7, false eyelashes from a salon seem to adorn 70% of the population easily.  Posts on the FB forum regularly ask about where to go for massages, HD Brows, Botox and fillers.  These are far cheaper here than in the UK.

Despite the fact that everyone here takes good care of themselves, don’t bother with your mani-pedi before you come.  They are far cheaper here than in the UK.  However, definitely touch up your roots.  Finding a good colourist in the city is like winning the Euro Millions.

Al Wasl Road

What Others Think

I asked a group of mums what they wish they had been prepared for prior to their move.

“Patience!” was a huge response.  It is different living here, and everything is “inshala”.  The working culture takes so much to get used to if you do decide to work.  Meetings often start late, as people don’t arrive on time.  The majority of business is conducted via emails, text and whatsapp.  It is very difficult to get to speak to people.  It has changed dramatically over the last three years, but still…

“Attesting Documents.”  I was surprised so many people weren’t aware of this before they moved.  This must have made life really difficult once they were here.  Basically, you have to get stamps in your home country from the relevant authorities on things like birth, marriage and exam certificates.  Then at the UAE embassy in your home country, and again when you get here.

“I wish I’d known about the ‘Dubai Stone’,” said Stacey Louise Galley, “or several stone in my case!”  Again, this is not an urban myth.  Maybe it’s the Ladies nights on Tuesday, or the constant eating out which part of the expat culture here, but definitely expect weight gain above and beyond the ‘heat bloat’ that you are likely to experience.

“You will always need more money”.  This is so true.  With so many great restaurants and hotels to visit throughout the UAE, plus your basic living expenses, the UAE is just like living at home; you will always want to be earning more.

Stephanie Mincher Cloke suggested, “Patience, money and yes a thicker skin.  People are good but brutally honest.  I have been told, “You look tired”, or “You got fat” and, “What are those spots on your face.”  After 8 years I have got used to this!”   This is so true.  I stormed out of a beauty shop once after being told by the sales girl that my, “Skin is aging badly.  You have big pores and discolouration.  It will take a lot of time and money to make you look great again, but we can definitely help mask all of this for you!”

The Truth

As a wife of someone who was working here, I found the first couple of months quiet – Hence Irisa Dubai – but I wasn’t lonely.  I found I would skype continuously, not just my family in the UK, but my extended throughout the world.  In truth, it has brought me closer with some family members who themselves moved to far off shores.  I find I converse with them more now, maybe because they understand far more than others what I am experiencing…

I also loved being able to get out and explore, so the guidebook was great purchase at the airport.  It does often surprise me the number of women I have met that felt like they couldn’t step outside on their own for the first couple of months.  This may be daunting.  It certainly was for me and I didn't have a toddler or baby with me, but lets face it, I have just moved to another country, far away from family and friends so why not get out and about and embrace my new life?

Ultimately, moving to any country is scary, and my BFF is extra lucky as I am here (yes, I am the best, clearly), but embracing it is the best thing I have ever done.  It is difficult.  You do miss your family and friends, but you soon find new ones if you make an effort.  Everyone is friendly as we all remember what it is like to be new in town.  If you are having trouble with your new life speak to others.  FB forums will offer huge support.  We have all been in the same boat as you and survived; Just  look at the amount of people including ourselves, who said that they were coming out here for two years... and several years on they (and us) haven’t left.  As one friend said to me, when I asked her what is the one thing she wished she had known about Dubai prior to your arrival, “That Dubai is addictive”.  This really does sum up life here.  The lifestyle, friends and opportunity are difficult to be matched elsewhere.