#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

Dubai turned up the heat once again with the 2025 Dubai International Baja, the grand finale of both the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. The event, based in vibrant Dubai Festival City, drew adventurous crews from across the globe to tackle challenging desert terrain, from the rocky heights of Hatta to the sweeping sands of Al Qudra - a true test of driver skill, machine resilience and pure grit in the middle of the UAE’s stunning landscapes. Competition

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

Dubai offers a plethora of attractions for those seeking an unforgettable experience - here are some of the main attractions that I think are perfect for a first time visit. 1. Burj Khalifa: start your journey with a visit to this iconic tower, the tallest building in the world. Take a high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 148th floor and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape, especially during sunset. 2. Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise: embark on a dinn

I was planning to stick to Europe this year, but ended up watching Misty Copeland in New York, followed by United Arab Emirates. Dubai: a very last minute trip and a perfect pre-xmas present. It's my childhood city, which until now, I only knew from photos my mum keeps in the family albums. I was too little to remember anything. Well, apart from random flashbacks of the swimming pool at Hilton Hotel... I had selective memory for good hotel pools as I baby, clearly. Just li