Real Mums of UAE: Introducing Asma Sohani
We interviewed our very own EWmums meetup host, Asma, to ask her what life is like as an expat mum in Dubai...
2 July 2018

EW: Tell us a little bit about your family?
AS: I am blessed to be a part of a unique family system. I live here in Dubai with my husband, toddler, and in-laws. My sister-in-law also used to live with us until she got married and moved to the United States a few years ago. My own immediate family lives in Houston, Texas and twice a year I fly there so that my son can spend time with his grandparents and the rest of my family. I grew up having close relations to my aunts, uncles, and cousins, and wish the same for my son. I also have an older sister who lives in Karachi, Pakistan and twice a year we get together as well, so that our children can be a part of each others’ lives. I feel very fortunate to have my family around me, and also grateful that I'm able to visit the ones who are far away.
EW: What’s a typical day like for you?
AS: My typical day starts off with taking care of my family’s morning needs, and driving my son to school. Once I drop him off, I have some time for myself. During this time, I either run errands, work on self-development, or attend events. I value this time as it helps me further develop myself as an individual. Once I pick my son up from school, he becomes my focus, and I spend the rest of the day with him working on opportunities for his enrichment. Our day ends with a family dinner, followed by my son's bed time routine including a bath and story time.
EW: What do you love the most about living in Dubai?
AS: I love how Dubai is a place where you meet people of all backgrounds and cultures, and learn to appreciate these differences. I love the lifestyle, the culture and the values this city had to offer.
EW: What are some challenges you find as a mum here?
AS: I didn’t grow up here, so I believe my challenges are a little different from those of moms who are originally from Dubai. Initially, I found it difficult to meet people but once my son started nursery, and I found out about EWmums, I started to put myself out there, met other moms and made friends.
EW: What do you think are some great things about raising a family in Dubai?
AS: Dubai has a multicultural environment and I love that. You'll see families from all around the world with different beliefs and values come together, work together and build life long friendships. It's a great place for a family to live and perfect place to teach and make children aware about diversity.
EW: What do you enjoy the most about being an EWmums meetup host?
AS: The best part is that I get to meet some amazing women. I get to hear heartwarming stories of some moms and what they go through on a daily basis. Through these meetups, I have acquired some great advice, some insights about raising boys and I also gained a few friends.
EW: What are somethings you like to do with the children during summer months?
AS: I love taking my son to the pool, water parks and indoor play areas when it's just too hot to be outside.
EW: Any holiday plans this summer?
AS: I will be traveling home to Houston with my son to see my parents. After all, there's no place like home.
EW: What’s one take-away word of advice you’d share with any new expat mum moving to or living in Dubai?
AS: If you're moving to Dubai, I would suggest you come with an open mind. I know it's a different place with different norms - I was also new here once. I didn't know anybody but my husband and his family and I didn't know anything about this city either. What really helped me was meeting people and I would strongly encourage any new expat mum to join a mums meetup group. It really helps to have that group of people to talk to, to share information and advice on all things - from getting to know the city to different aspects of motherhood. There have been many times where I have felt that feedback from other mothers would guide me on which way to go regarding matters for my son. I truly value the guidance and support I received when I joined the meetups and I believe this is something every mom can benefit from!
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