#LIKEACHALLENGE 

Well, above all: I managed to stay afloat. I’m hoping for a solid year in 2026, now that I finally understand a few more of the unwritten rules of working in the UAE. Because trust me, there are many. This year felt a bit like being thrown into a desert sandstorm armed only with an optimistic grin. But somehow, I walked out the other side with new contacts, new skills and slightly better hydration habits. I made some great connections, attended some very cool events (the kin

One thing is setting up and running a company in Dubai. Another story is finding a long term flat to go with it (rent). I learnt so much about the property market in Dubai over the last few months that I could become a real estate agent myself. I've finally got my home-sweet-home now (not the first choice, but it’s a real solid base for starters). I'll count my blessings. So story in a nutshell: Found first apartment in the area of Creek Harbour, but landlord disappeared befo

Motivation is sometimes hard to find, even on the best of days. You can get distracted by so many things (Your Honor, guilty, I sometimes watch too many reels on TikTok) I've been a freelancer all my life, so I've learnt how to deal with the low-energy moments, but..it happens. And it's good to be aware when it's actual tiredness vs endless procrastination (a bit of lazy is also normal, brain needs a rest!:) First off all, better to do 5min of something, than nothing. That 5m

Finding the right niche and actually making proper use of ones skills isn’t easy. It’s one of those things that sounds simple until you’re in the middle of it. I’ve got two main things brewing: TV work (broadcast & corporate) and an idea for a media + merchandise project that will raise the profile of women in motorsports. Very early stages. What I’ve learned so far: Pick the right place: Dubai felt like the right base for me (if you haven’t already, check out my company setu

I'm now set up, and full-time working and living in Dubai. Much as beginnings are never easy (and endings are not easy either, bye bye London..). I'm in the middle of flat-hunting also. 2025 is definitely a year of big change and new opportunities. I'm excited what the future holds. It took a while to get everything organised, but fingers crossed it will all be worth it. I now run my very own (and my first ever) media production company: GOOD MEDIA PRODUCTIONS . I still do TV

Here's in a nutshell how I set up my company in the UAE. This is the freezone version (open to international businesses wanting a base in the Emirates, BUT effectively operating somewhat in an off-shore style - great starting point for the UAE and a popular set up among foreigners). There is also the mainland option, which is becoming more and more open towards single ownership by a foreign person (previously you needed a local Emirati partner), but I'll do a seperate post o

I reached a point in life where I need a new base, somewhere I can really focus on business and actually grow it. I’ve been in the UK for about 16 years (not counting my school years), and I still have a soft spot for it, but I need a fresh boost of energy. And, let’s be honest: more sunshine. A lot more. The UAE is getting a lot of attention lately for it's business friendly environment, Funny enough, I actually was brought up there (yup, I came to Dubai way before everyone