On The Sofa with British Mums

In this episode of On the Sofa with British Mums, Emma and Jen are joined by Latifa from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding. They explore the joy of learning more about Emirati culture and why, for residents, understanding the roots of the country they call home feels so special.Latifa shares her experiences of witnessing the UAE grow and flourish over the years, while still holding onto a strong sense of pride, peace, and family. Throughout the conversation, there is a clear theme of UAE pride and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.The episode also shines a light on the incredible work of the Centre and encourages more residents to visit, connect, and enjoy everything it has to offer. It is a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation that celebrates the spirit and culture of the UAE.https://cultures.aehttps://cultures.ae/program-category/public/https://britishmums.com/dubai/the-british-mums-teachers-gift-guide-2026/https://britishmums.com/dubai/the-british-mums-fathers-day-gift-guide-2026/#you're-a-part-of-this

In this episode of On the Sofa with British Mums, Emma is joined by Sophie from the British Mums dream team and her husband Gil from Espace Real Estate for a relaxed, honest chat about life, property, and planning for the future in Dubai. They discuss how the recent regional conflict has affected house prices and rent, asking whether some of those changes might actually benefit families, as well as where people are choosing to buy, where they’re investing, and what’s really happening in different communities across the city.True to British Mums form, there are plenty of tangents, giggles, and real-life stories along the way, making this episode as entertaining as it is informative. Listeners are also reminded not to miss the British Mums Guide to Staycations, packed with ideas for making the most of family time in the UAE while you think about your next move.https://www.espace.ae/https://britishmums.com/dubai/british-mums-guide-to-the-best-uae-staycations-for-families-couples-to-relax-recharge/https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

In Season 3, Episode 17 of On the Sofa with British Mums, Emma is joined by Jen from the British Mums team and special guest Pamela from Travel Counsellors for a feel‑good conversation all about holidays close to home. They chat through some of the incredible UAE staycation options on offer, how families can support local tourism, and the positive impact that has on the wider economy.With EID on the horizon, they explore holiday opportunities to look forward to, swap favourite travel memories, and share the little moments that make trips truly memorable. This episode was pre‑recorded just before online learning (briefly we hope) resumed, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the added pressure that has brought for many families in the community and let you know we are all thinking of you!This chat Is a warm, hopeful listen for anyone who loves to travel, wants to champion local businesses, or simply needs a bit of sunny escapism in the middle of a busy, challenging season.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/https://www.travelcounsellors.ae/#you're-a-part-of-this

Season 3’s latest episode of On the Sofa with British Mums is a warm, uplifting listen all about happiness and community in uncertain times. Emma is joined by Caitlyn and special guest Gillian from The Happy Tribe in Dubai to chat about how we can support small businesses right now, and why that matters so much for the people and families behind them.  They also dive into the simple things that genuinely make us happy—from everyday moments and tiny rituals to finding connection and purpose in our local communities. It’s an honest, feel-good conversation full of practical ideas, positive energy, and reminders that even in wobbly seasons, we can still choose to show up for each other and find joy in the little things.https://thehappytribe.ae/https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

Welcome back to Season 3 of On the Sofa with British Mums! I’m Emma, and today I’m joined by Cat from the British Mums team for a chat that honestly left me wishing I could go back to school myself. We’re talking to Headmaster Simon Barber and Head of Pastoral Care Sophie Barber from Ludgrove School, and their warmth and energy shine through from the very first moment.In this episode, we dive into what makes Ludgrove feel so special—from muddy-knees outdoor adventures and proper fresh-air freedom, to “Sunday Fundays,” tight-knit friendships, and a school culture that genuinely feels like a big, caring family. At the heart of it all is kindness: the idea that how the boys treat themselves and each other matters just as much as what they achieve, and that character, empathy, and compassion sit alongside ambition every single day.We also talk about how Ludgrove balances that deep focus on pastoral care with serious academic rigour—creating an environment where children are stretched, challenged, and supported to aim high, all while feeling truly seen and cared for as individuals. If you’ve ever wondered what a truly nurturing, yet academically ambitious, boarding experience can look like, you’re going to love this one.So grab a cuppa and settle in for a heartwarming conversation that might just have you wanting to sign up alongside your kids.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/https://www.ludgrove.net/#you're-a-part-of-this

Season 3, Episode 14 of On the Sofa with British Mums feels like a big-sister catch-up in the best possible way. In this episode, host Emma Isbell is joined by the “big sisters” of British Mums, Rohini Gill and Heather Harries, for a real and honest conversation about what life in the UAE looks like right now.They discuss the realities behind the headlines for both small and large businesses, the balancing act of homeschooling, Zoom calls, and family life, and the quiet ways so many are adapting behind the scenes. The episode is filled with candid moments, shared frustrations, and plenty of “me too” stories—but running through it all is a strong undercurrent of hope.This conversation isn’t just about what the community is going through; it’s about what it’s growing into. Together, they reflect on the resilience of mums and business owners, the creativity that continues to thrive, and the belief that rebuilding is not only possible but inevitable—wiser, stronger, and more connected than ever. It’s a thoughtful, uplifting listen with women who’ve been there, seen it, and continue to cheer everyone on every step of the way.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

Hello and welcome to on the sofa with British Mums, I’m Emma, and I’m joined by Jen and Lauren for a gentle team chat after what has been an unsettling week here in the region and the place we call home. We’re not here to give advice or tell anyone how they should feel, just to share our own experiences as mums, members of this community, and to let you know that if you’ve felt wobbly, you are absolutely not alone.We talk about the incredibly kind, thoughtful messages we’ve seen in the British Mums group. The way you’ve checked in on each other, offered calm reassurance, and created a safe space for mums to be honest about how they’re feeling has been genuinely moving, and a powerful reminder of what community really means.We reflect on how important it is to have somewhere you can come, exhale, and feel understood, especially when the outside world feels a bit uncertain. This episode is not about headlines (Thank Goodness)  it’s about hearts, connection, and that quiet “I get it” between mums.As a small gesture back to this incredible community, we’ve decided that, for the rest of March, every Friday will be #FreebieFriday a chance to spotlight and support small businesses, side hustles, and passion projects within our group. It’s our way of spreading a little extra love, visibility, and positivity at a time when it really matters.Think of this episode as a message of care and solidarity from our sofa to yours, something to pop on while you tidy up, walk the dog, or just sit and breathe for a moment, and hopefully know that we care. https://britishmums.com/dubai/For anonymous posts or support from the team, please email [email protected]#you're-a-part-of-this

In Season 3, Episode 12 of On the Sofa with British Mums, Emma is back on the sofa with Laura, Cat, and Catrina as they continue their deeply personal and often hilarious conversation about birth stories in this much-anticipated Part Two.Picking up where they left off, the team dives even further into their experiences of pregnancy and birth across different countries, opening up about the moments that surprised them, challenged them, and ultimately shaped their journeys into motherhood. With refreshing honesty, they reflect on the things they wish they’d known beforehand and how no two birth stories, or mums, are ever the same.From unexpected twists and emotional reflections to plenty of laughter along the way, this episode highlights realities that aren’t always discussed. It’s a comforting, relatable listen for anyone navigating pregnancy, reflecting on their own experience, or simply enjoying heartfelt, real-life conversations. A warm, funny, and reassuring continuation that celebrates mums, memories, and the beautifully different ways families begin.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

In Season 3, Episode 11 of On the Sofa with British Mums, host Emma is joined by Laura, Cat, and Catrina from the team for an honest, funny, and emotional conversation all about birth stories. They share their experiences of pregnancy and birth in different countries, comparing what surprised them, what they wish they’d known, and how every journey into motherhood feels completely unique.From laugh-out-loud moments to the tougher truths that often stay behind closed doors, this episode is a warm, reassuring listen for anyone who’s been through it, is preparing for it, or just loves a good birth story. It’s a heartfelt, giggle-filled chat that celebrates mums, memories, and the many ways families begin.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

Season 3, Episode 10 of On the Sofa with British Mums brings a lively, relatable chat as host Emma is joined by Jen to sit down with Lauren—a busy mum of one, pregnant with her second, long-time British Mums community member, and entrepreneur behind Ride Skipper, the British-owned UAE safety driver service that sends vetted, professional drivers to drive families in their own cars so they can get from A to B safely and stress-free.In this episode, they dive into the beautiful chaos of juggling work, pregnancy, motherhood, and growing a business, while also unpacking the real worries mums have around car safety—from school runs and after-school activities to airport trips and nights out. Lauren shares how real-life parenting challenges inspired Ride Skipper, how the service works in practice, and why having trusted drivers who understand family needs can make such a difference to everyday logistics.Between practical insight and plenty of giggly mum chat, the conversation covers busy schedules, car seats, seat belts, and what “safe enough” really means when it comes to protecting little passengers in the UAE. It’s the perfect listen for anyone who’s ever done the mental gymnastics of planning pickups, bedtimes, and work calls—often from the front seat of the carhttps://britishmums.com/dubai/events/https://britishmums.com/dubai/keeping-kids-safe-on-the-school-run-whoever-is-driving/#you're-a-part-of-this