Raising children in Dubai? Would love to hear your thoughts

Sorry but whether or not your child acquires bad habits is down to you !! Neither of my two ever have, nor have they experienced wanting new toys any more than they would have at home. Only you can spoil your children... The climate in the UK is fine if you like being wet and frozen for half the year lol The OP asked to share experiences. You shared yours and I shared mine, so this comment of yours is not going to change MY experience anyhow. I've noticed from your previous posts on this forum you just enjoy a confrontation, the topic doesn't matter.

Sorry but whether or not your child acquires bad habits is down to you !! Neither of my two ever have, nor have they experienced wanting new toys any more than they would have at home. Only you can spoil your children... The climate in the UK is fine if you like being wet and frozen for half the year lol

I wish my LO was growing up in Europe. Dubai is maybe a good place for babies and toddlers in terms of entertainment, but definitely not in terms of climate. Climate and AC air are quite unhealthy here, my LO was suffering from asthma between ages 2 and 3, despite no cases in the family. I also notice elder children are spoiled and misbehaved. The abundance of toy shops, play areas and fun activities make them crave for more and more and if you choose not to buy a new toy every week, they question you why their friends get more then they do, get envious. Parents of some cultures here also don't care much how their kids behave in public and the society is generally much more tolerant to what children do than in Europe, so be prepared your kid is going to acquire some bad habits. And the last but not least, raising children in Dubai is very expensive. School fees, transportation, afterschool activities are all private and get more and more expensive each year. Check carefully your school allowance and school prices before you decide to relocate. I know everything I mentioned might seem far away for a mom of a 9 months old, but time flies.

Oh, and yes, second the thing about partner - better to be married here. Strictly speaking it's illegal for unmarried couples to live together.

Dubai is THE best place to bring kids up - I wish mine were tiny again !! lol Masses of things going on for mums and tots - soft play, parks, events..lots of communities have lakes, swimming pools, play parks etc so you will still be able to walk with the buggy maybe even to the shop although that's not so common, depending where you live. People are very friendly here and love children - all the malls have things to do for them.. Before you arrive get yourself set up with other mum friends through facebook groups, expat forums (not just this one) and other airline wives' groups - there are loads. EW run coffee mornings for mums with tots and other events... But yes, there are lots of green spaces and walking opportunities although you will find a car much easier than lugging a car seat around for taxis.. Life here is very much what you make it and if you come expecting to be lonely and miserable then you will be !! Good luck :)

You mention the word partner. May i ask if you are married? If not you wouldnt be able to live and sponsor your child together Apologies if partner is your Husband :)

Hi everyone , My partner is going for an assessment next week with an airline that will be based In Dubai, he is a pilot so ur would be a big boost to his career. We have a 9month old son, I am a teacher but not planning on returning to work until March. We live in Edinburgh and absolutely love it here, we are both Irish so it means we are v close to home when we want to be. If we did move to Dubai I would most likely be a stay at home mom, at least until we find our feet . I've always supported my partner when it comes to his career, and I do see a possible move to Dubai as a good opportunity for our little family but have so many concerns. I am worried what life will be like for a stay at home Mom over there. The airline provides families with Accomodation in a compound and I am worried about how isolated I would feel living in a gated community like that. I enjoy being able to walk with the buggy, to parks and local shops and cafes etc, going to mum and baby groups etc. I have never visited Dubai but I picture it to be a place where you have to drive everywhere? Is there much green space? And are there many things to do such as baby grouos etc. I would love to hear from women who have been in similar positions, and how they are finding life in Dubai with their children. Thanks for reading x Hi, Good luck for his assessment. DH and I went through this process last year and moved out in April. We do not have any children but I know lots who do. There are lots of things to do here. Just do not fall in to the trap that lots of people do and think "All there is to do is Brunch". Though the brunches are fun. There are lots of baby/toddler groups, I think this website might even run some. You just have to ask around as things are always going on its just difficult to find out what and where. It has just been National Day here. There were lots of celebrations down at JBR including flying displays, face painting and fire works. There are are lots of different areas/compounds that you could possible be put up in. Some are in a better location than others but the villas are nice. All the different areas of accommodation we have visited friends in seem to have a good community spirit. Ours is a less know area and honestly all our neighbors have been fan in helping us settle in. There are a couple of areas/compounds that are new and there is not as many facilities as others but more things are opening all the time in these areas. We are from the UK, and yes Dubai is very different but there are lots of positives about it too. I have to warn you though the paper work when you first join seems never ending! But you will get there. You are right though you do need a car to get around especially some areas where the airline put you up. Not ideal but while you are setting up life here taxis are much cheaper than the UK. There are lots of areas you can walk round though in the city, The Malls, JBR The Marina, and they have lots of parks, such as JLT park or Zabeel park which is a great place to have a walk around, especially when they have events on. If you are interested in working in a school there are always lots of schools hiring in various roles. Some times Part time roles come up as well which might suit you better. Good luck with your move