The Mum Club Dubai, a burgeoning local extension of a successful UK community, has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in November 2022. What began as a modest monthly coffee gathering has rapidly expanded into a dynamic program offering eight diverse events each month, now serving over 3,000 active subscribers. This inclusive club warmly welcomes mothers of all nationalities aged 20-40, diligently cultivating a supportive and engaging space for Dubai’s vibrant expat life community.
The club’s genesis is deeply rooted in the often-overlooked challenges many expat mothers confront when relocating to a new country. Founder Jo, having experienced the isolation of moving to Dubai without an established network, recognized the profound need for connection among like-minded individuals. Inspired by the positive impact of The Mum Club in her native UK, she proactively pursued a franchise opportunity upon her family’s relocation, driven by a clear mission to foster a nurturing environment where mothers could find solace and support.
Dubai, while offering numerous opportunities, presents unique and intensified obstacles for new parenting figures, particularly those who have left their traditional support systems behind. The common adage, “it takes a village to raise a child,” becomes acutely relevant when individuals have moved abroad, disconnecting from their familial and lifelong social circles. The city’s swift pace and differing maternity leave policies often mean husbands return to work quickly, leaving many mothers feeling isolated at home, devoid of familiar connections to lean on and without essential community support.
Addressing these critical concerns, The Mum Club adopts a profoundly inclusive philosophy: “We are here for mums full stop. That’s any mums, any age and any nationality.” This commitment extends to practical provisions, with qualified babysitting services available at most events and dedicated staff ensuring every mother feels genuinely welcomed. This strategic approach guarantees that no one is left to feel by themselves, fostering genuine community support and a sense of belonging for all members.
The club’s diverse programming is meticulously curated to cater to the nuanced needs of mothers, prioritizing their women’s wellness and social engagement. Popular offerings include refreshing breakfast clubs that provide a relaxed, stylish setting for meaningful adult conversations over quality food and hot coffee – a rare luxury for new mums. Additionally, unique cinema clubs feature private screenings with adjusted lighting and sound for baby comfort, allowing mothers to enjoy current releases while still tending to their infants, proving that parenting can also be an enjoyable social experience.
A standout offering for women’s wellness is the Reformer Pilates classes, innovatively designed to allow mothers to exercise with their babies nearby, supported by on-hand babysitters. Venue selection further underscores the club’s dedication, with locations carefully chosen to accommodate 30 mothers with babies and prams, offering easy accessibility, ample parking, comfortable changing facilities, aesthetic appeal, and excellent food and coffee. The mission is not just baby-friendly but truly “mum” friendly, a crucial distinction in the Dubai landscape.
Nazli de Gee’s compelling experience vividly illustrates the transformative impact of The Mum Club on expat life. A 32-year-old South African mother of four, Nazli relocated to the UAE in 2022, facing the overwhelming challenges of settling in, an unexpected pregnancy, and transitioning from a career woman to a stay-at-home mother without local family or friends. Her initial struggles with isolation and the intense demands of parenting in a new country were profound, leading her to seek genuine connection during a late-night Instagram scroll.
Nazli’s discovery of The Mum Club proved to be a pivotal moment. Her first event exceeded expectations, offering a space to connect with diverse women navigating similar journeys. The club provided a “reset button,” alleviating isolation and fostering a deep sense of belonging. Beyond emotional support and the simple luxury of a hot coffee, The Mum Club also became an invaluable networking platform for Nazli as a “mompreneur,” enabling her to connect with her target audience and showcase her business, Peek-a-Boo AE. It truly embodies holistic community support and women’s wellness for mothers in Dubai.
