Every summer, the Arabian Gulf makes way for the timeless allure of Europe, from the sparkling harbour lights of Monaco to the elegant streets of London. For globe-trotting residents of Dubai and the wider UAE, an extended summer abroad is as much a part of life as the Dubai calendar itself. Monaco, Marbella, Mallorca, and London are perennial favourites: cities and coastlines that offer the perfect combination of culture, comfort, and familiarity.
But relocating for an extended period, particularly with families, pets and the infrastructure of a full life in tow, is a logistical undertaking that rewards careful planning.
This year, while many begin that shift earlier than usual, the principles of a smooth relocation remain the same: get the big things right early, and the details will follow. This guide covers the key considerations – from flights and property to schools and pets – so the only thing left to do is enjoy the summer.
Getting there: flights, private jets, and real-time routing
The first decision is how to travel. For families with children, pets, and significant luggage, commercial routes are often the starting point, but they are rarely the whole picture.
Private aviation is an increasingly practical solution for those relocating as a group or carrying pets that cannot fly in the hold. Last-minute aircraft sourcing, alternative routing, and real-time rebooking support are services that remove the anxiety from uncertain schedules. Travelling with household staff or security personnel adds another layer of coordination that is best handled by specialists.
Whichever route you take, airport meet and assist services at both ends of the journey are worth arranging in advance. A dedicated greeter who can assist a family and their luggage through arrivals transforms the experience considerably.
Finding the right property: villas, serviced residences, and flexibility
Securing the right base is the single most important step in any extended relocation. The distinction between a holiday rental and a temporary home is significant: you are looking for a property that can absorb the rhythms of daily life for several months, not just a week. That means thinking about kitchens that can accommodate a private chef, outdoor space for children, reliable Wi-Fi for remote work, and proximity to the schools, clubs, or beaches that will define your summer.
In Monaco, inventory is limited, and demand is fierce: the Principality’s best addresses move quickly, and existing relationships prove invaluable in securing the best addresses. Marbella’s Golden Mile and the hills above Puerto Banus offer some of Europe’s most spectacular summer villas, with full-staff configurations readily available. In Mallorca, the southwest, Port Andratx, Bendinat, and Camp de Mar remain the addresses of choice for those seeking privacy and beauty in equal measure.
While those making the British capital their summer base require a different lens entirely. In London, serviced apartments and managed residences in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Belgravia offer the convenience and discretion that short-let houses sometimes cannot. While larger families may wish to consider looking to the fringes of the city to secure the space they’ll require.
Families and children: schools, tutors, and enrichment
For families with school-age children, the summer relocation calendar increasingly overlaps with the academic year — particularly if you are departing earlier than usual. This is one area where planning pays dividends. British curriculum international schools in London can accommodate short-term enrolments, though places are limited and paperwork is intensive.
For many families, the more practical solution is a combination of distance learning and private tutoring. A qualified tutor, ideally one familiar with your child’s specific curriculum, can maintain academic progress while allowing the flexibility that summer in Europe demands. Tutors who specialise in British, American, or IB curricula are available across all four destinations – or you could consider a travelling tutor – though sourcing the right fit takes time and local knowledge.
Beyond academics, enrichment activities such as tennis academies, sailing programmes, language immersion, and arts courses keep children engaged.
Travelling with pets: what you need to know
Pet relocation from the UAE to Europe is entirely achievable, but it is governed by regulations that require careful attention.
The logistics of the journey itself depend on the size of your pet. Small animals can often travel in-cabin on commercial flights, while larger dogs will need to travel as cargo or via a private aircraft. Dedicated pet relocation specialists – such as pay-by-seat pet travel service K9 Jets – can manage the full process: health certificates, airline-approved carriers, customs documentation, and ground transport at the destination, so your pet arrives as smoothly as the rest of the family.
For those who cannot take pets with them, sourcing temporary boarding arrangements with the right level of care is equally possible.
Getting around: chauffeurs, vehicles, and cross-border travel
Whatever the final destination for a European summer, each has a different approach to private transport. In Monaco, a car is largely unnecessary for daily life, but for excursions into the Côte d’Azur hinterland, a driver is invaluable. Marbella and Mallorca are best explored with your own vehicle or a dedicated chauffeur; the distances between coastal towns, restaurants, and golf courses are best covered in comfort. London’s congestion and parking realities make a chauffeur the most sensible arrangement for most visits.
For those travelling between destinations over the summer, cross-border driver coordination and long-distance chauffeur services remove the friction from European road travel. Shipping a personal vehicle from Dubai is also possible, though the lead times and import considerations vary by destination country.
Setting up life abroad: staff, chefs, security, and beyond
The difference between a temporary rental and a functioning home is the infrastructure around it. Sourcing a private chef who can cater to your family’s dietary preferences, dietary requirements, and entertainment needs, whether for daily meals or occasional dinner parties, is a priority for many. In high-season destinations like Marbella and Monaco, experienced private chefs are in demand, and the best are booked well in advance.
For those seeking additional reassurance, particularly in unfamiliar locations, security consultancy introductions can provide both a professional assessment and practical measures. Practical thinking is also required for medical appointment coordination, whether for ongoing treatments or simply having a trusted GP on hand in a new city.
Business continuity is a practical reality for those who will be working remotely over the summer. Short-term private office space and meeting venues are available in key European summer destinations, but the key is ensuring they meet the standards required not just to support business needs, but to enhance them.
Before you leave Dubai: the administrative checklist
A smooth departure begins at home. The administrative wind-down of a Dubai residence – cancelling or pausing utilities, gym memberships, standing orders, and local contracts – is a task list that is longer than most people anticipate. DEWA, Etisalat or du accounts, building services fees, club memberships, vehicle insurance, and subscription services all require attention, and many need to be handled in person or with specific documentation.
For those with domestic staff remaining in Dubai during the summer, ensuring continuity of contracts, visa status, and accommodation arrangements is an important responsibility. For those whose staff travel with them, the relevant visa and work permit requirements for each European destination apply.
Looking ahead to the European calendar
Those looking to attend the most coveted events on the European social calendar are already securing tickets for experiences such as the French Open at Roland Garros in late May and early June, and the Monaco Grand Prix (we’ll be updating our round-up of Monaco’s best restaurants beforehand, so keep your eyes peeled for that). These exclusive experiences are the kind of fixtures that reward advanced planning and early action.
Plan your summer relocation with Quintessentially
Whether you’re relocating solo or with a full household, our relocation concierge team can assist in every element of the process. Our Dubai team is on hand to support members from the moment the decision is made to move.
Ready to start planning your summer relocation? Get in touch via WhatsApp today.
