Since I took that one way ticket, life before Dubai seems like an eternity ago. When I look back on the year, I almost need to pinch myself when I think of some of the incredible things that I got the privilege to experience.
What’s more, I learnt a lot about myself and many lessons along the way. Perhaps the biggest being that you can completely change your life if you want to. Moreover, if you dare to. Perhaps this theme will be something that I write more in detail about later in 2022.
If there is one thing that has really hit home over the last few years for us all it’s the fact that permanency is mostly illusory, the best laid plans and all…The pandemic has catalysed change for many of us and pushed us to be dynamic in a range of different capacities.
I know this strange time we have lived through has had its impact on me. I have reached a level of acceptance that there is only so much control we have over things. I’ve learnt to let go of timelines and ideas of how things should be and go with the flow. In the process I feel like a massive self-induced weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I have no idea where I will be in 12-months time and for the first time in my life I am okay with that.
So to conclude, I thought I’d share some snaps from the year. Through the highs and the lows, we made it through.
One year in Duabi
On the outbound. Making a move to Dubai in the throes of a pandemic is a unique experience to say the least.
Discovering the Bvlgari Resort – one of my favourite places in Dubai.
SLS Dubai serving views.
Beach days at the Mandarin Oriental Dubai.
The incredible designs by acclaimed architect, Zaha Hadid at The Opus.
Christmas markets in Dubai. The first time I’ve ever been to a Christmas market wearing a dress rather than thermals and ten layers of clothing. It’s definitely something I could get used to though.
Incredible show by Billionaire Dubai.
Exploring New York
I recently headed to somewhere that has been on my travel list for far too long: New York. Admittedly, this was my first ever trip to the States. How I've made it this long having never ventured across the pond, I'm not quite sure. As I was long overdue a visit, I was...
First glance at Raffles London at the OWO
Raffles has finally launched in London with the much-anticipated Raffles London at the OWO finally opening its doors. This is an opening that I have been particularly looking forward to, especially as Raffles at the Palm was one of my favourite hangouts in Dubai. Of...
Bucharest – Romania
I have always been drawn to places that are slightly off the tourist trail and Romania was one such destination on my travel list. When my brother and I decided to go on a spontaneous festive trip, we thought it would be a good opportunity to visit Bucharest (the...
The best pools in Dubai
Sometimes, a bit of rest and relaxation by the pool is just the ticket. There are swimming pools aplenty in Dubai - most residential buildings are kitted out with luxury swimming pools and it goes without saying that this is also the case for pretty much all of the...
Top 10 sky bars across the world
If there’s one thing that I love to do when I am playing tourist (especially in a new city), it's to go to a sky bar and can take in the lay of the land from on-high. Over the years I have been lucky enough to visit a fair few so I thought I would compile a roundup of...
Exploring the UAE
The UAE is an incredible destination. Though Dubai tends to get the lion’s share of the spotlight when it comes to international tourism, there is plenty to see and do in the UAE’s other emirates. I have put together a roundup of some of my favourite highlights...
Northern dining and nightlife favourites – UK
Having lived up North (many moons ago), over the years I have been lucky enough to get a taste of what the region has to offer in the culinary department. Whether you are fortunate enough to call the North your home or are simply planning a trip there in the future, I...
Ultimate guide to Dubai
Dubai is a place that I have lived in and loved and so I thought it would only be fair to share some of my favourite places and things to do in the emirate. I feel like I really made the most of my time out there to experience as much of it as possible, so I want to...
ME Dubai hotel at The Opus by Zaha Hadid
Dubai is home to a collection of impossibly futuristic buildings but if there’s one that really stands out amongst the rest it's The Opus (sorry Burj Khalifa). Located in Business Bay, the unmissable structure was designed by late Iraqi-British architect legend, Dame...
The best cafes and coffee in Dubai
When it comes to Dubai’s wide selection of fabulous cafes, you are spoilt for choice if you are partial to some good coffee and perhaps something sweet whilst you’re at it. I just love cafes, they are probably my favourite place to hang out. Be if for solo laptop...
Bulgari Resort Dubai
When it comes to high-end hangouts where you can get your dose of sun, fun and indulgence then it’s no surprise that you are spoilt for choice in Dubai. If there's one place that really stands out amongst the pack, for me it’s an easy choice. Enter: Bulgari Resort...
Clifton, Bristol – UK
Bristol has got to be one of my favourite UK cities. Having spent a stint of time there in my early 20s, I have fond memories of it. Bristol is the largest city in the South West so it was always seen as a place of fascination and excitement for us small-village folk...
Why you should move to Dubai
Thinking of shaking life up a bit? In need of a change? If so then making a move to Dubai in 2o22 is a good option. When it comes to living and working in Dubai, making the move relatively easy to set up. That's not to mention that as a destination, Dubai has much to...
Aura Skypool Dubai – The world’s highest infinity pool
One of my all-time favourite things to do in Dubai has got to be Aura Skypool. This sky-high hangout opened relatively recently and happens to be the world’s highest infinity pool, located at the top of the Palm Tower. As you would expect, the views are nothing short...
Why Brits should consider moving to Dubai
Are you considering making a big life change in 2022? If moving to another country is an idea that you have been mulling then I say, why not? Why not make this the year that you simply go for it? Moving to Dubai was one of the best decisions I ever made, for a...
Edinburgh, Scotland – UK
When it comes to my favourite UK cities, I am sure I am not alone in considering Edinburgh right up there at the top of the list. As a city, Edinburgh has all of the makings of a top-notch destination. It's sizable, has a rich history with picture-perfect historic...
Life lately #2
At the blink of an eye it's 'life lately' time of the month once again. I am back in Blighty in time for the spring - though it admittedly it is taking some time to adjust to the mild British spring weather and I have been spending a lot of time bundled up in knitwear...
Dubai life – 10 things I missed about the UK
Dubai is a fantastic place to live - be it for a few years or something longer term. From the ambitious international crowd of expats, a lively restaurant and nightlife scene to its expansive stretch of coastline where beach days aplenty can be enjoyed. It's safe to...
Full tour of Dubai Mall
One of the main things that attracts people into Dubai from far and wide is its amazing shopping offerings, namely the Dubai Mall. As the largest mall in the world (it is literally like a whole town under one roof) you are spoiled for choice if a bit of retail therapy...
Road trip to Jebel Jais – the highest point in the UAE
There are few things in life that I enjoy more than a good road trip. The scenery, the stops en route, the building anticipation for the final destination...what's not to love? One of my good friends from Singapore happened to be visiting Dubai so we thought what...