Dubai Diaries: This 64-Year Old Took Off

If you’d told me a few years ago that at 64 I’d be flying business class to Dubai, filming content for tourism boards, chatting on breakfast radio and riding a buggy through the desert, I’d have asked you, what you were on!. Yet here I am!.

Sunday – From Manchester to Mocktails in the Sky

Sunday began in Manchester, where I headed straight to the business class lounge feeling very important indeed. I made sure I didn’t fill up on all the delicious snacks in lounge knowing I was about to have some of the best plane food known to Earth! There was so much I could have had in the lounge that I should have put some snacks in my bag for later!

The flight itself? - Incredible.

I had my own pod. My own space. My own little kingdom in the sky. Mocktails with dinner and breakfast (hydration is key at my age), and twinkly lights on the ceiling of the plane like I was flying through a disco galaxy.

When I arrived in Dubai and went straight to my hotel at Emirates Jumeirah Towers. Shower, nap, then pool (because I could!) and can we just pause for a moment to appreciate automatic curtains!One button and whoosh, the city revealed itself. From the 43rd floor, the view absolutely blew me away.

I spent the evening hanging out with my incredible manager Liv, getting excited for a week full of amazing events. Little did I know just how amazing. We had a lovely dinner at the hotel.

Monday – Cameras Rolling in Al Fahidi

Monday was an exciting one. We headed to the Al Fahidi Historical District for filming as part of World’s Coolest Winter Destination for the UAE Tourist Board.

We walked around filming different parts of the district, and I loved every minute of it. The history, the textures, the stories—it felt like stepping into another world. We laughed, we filmed, we had so much fun bringing it all to life.

You can watch the full video over on my Instagram here:

Tuesday – Radio Waves, Podcasts & That Building

Tuesday started early after breakfast with a trip to Dubai Eye Breakfast Radio Show. On the drive there, I properly saw Dubai for the first time and then there it was. The Burj Khalifa.

Let me tell you, photos do not prepare you for that building. It’s extraordinary. Jaw-dropping. Slightly rude in how tall it is!

The radio show itself was such a warm, welcoming experience. They talked me through everything, put me at ease, and before I knew it I was on air in Dubai. At 64. Honestly, life is wild.

You can watch the full interview here:

Next stop on Tuesday was The Balance Theory Podcast a brilliant conversation and one to watch out for when it’s released. More on that soon…

Wednesday – Desert Adventures & Fountain Magic

Wednesday was meant to be a “down day”… which apparently in Dubai means buggy riding in the desert.

Yes. This 64-year-old went desert buggy riding. And yes, I loved it. Sand everywhere, laughter nonstop, and proof that you are never too old to say “Why not?”

We finished the day at the Burj Khalifa fountains, watching the water dance beneath that towering skyline. A perfect, magical end to an unforgettable few days.

Thursday - Loving Dubai and rehearsals.

Today we were off very early for the Loving Dubai radio show, who were absoluetly fantastic hosts.

But no rest for the wicked, as this was soon followed by rehearsals for keynote speech on the stage, and to test the decks they had supplied. A couple of other interviews (Dubai One TV show) and a tour around the 1 Billion Summit set up. Then, a chilled evening, ate in the hotel and an early night ready for the Summit.

Friday - The buzz of the summit and key note speech.

The day of my first ever keynote speech. the Summit was incredible in every way.  The buzz of it all was amazing to see.  I was stopped a few times for photos and  interviews, including with Dubai One TV (It still feels surreal that anyone knows who I am) I loved it all.  My speech went well and I enjoyed the experience. 

Definitely something I could get used to moving forward.  There were also one or two really famous YouTubers there, surrounded by security of course. I think id rather be me. In the evening we were invited to desert dinner with all other speakers Mr beast was there but only for a short while.  A great day around and one I will not forget for a long time to come.   

Saturday - 1 Billion Summit, podcasts and interviews.   

Today I enjoyed the general summit stuff and did a podcast, and had a couple of meetings about future Collabs.  Then off to Barasti we went.

The gig was at 6. However we went and did sound check at 3pm then made an appearance at the Barasti brunch restaurant, which was so much fun. Everyone had been on bottomless brunch which they do at The Barasti Hotel. So as you can imagine they were all up swinging their napkins round and really enjoying themselves.  Then me and Liv (if you’ve forgotten, she’s my manager) had some lovely food with the manager of the hotel before gig at 6 which was amazing. 

One of the best days of my life I LOVED LOVED LOVED it.  What a vibe. (There is a video on YouTube and shorts on all other platforms.

Sunday - Summit and the career ladder.

General summit vibes on Sunday and met up with Max and His Career Ladder (if you don’t already follow him do because his amazing).

I really liked to atmosphere of the summit. The networking, meeting lots of other creators,  spending time with Liv and the whole event was exceptionally well organised and had incredible positive vibes. In the evening me and Liv went to see the Berg Khalifa and fountains again, one last time before home.  We had another lovely meal at Jun’s restaurant.  Then an early night for a good start on Monday.

Monday - meeting and interview first thing the flight home

Had a good meeting first thing about up and coming stuff about which of course you will all be the first to know about when it happens.  Then off to the airport to fly home.  I didn’t want to leave the Jumariah Emirates Hotel I have to say (if you ever stay go high up, the view is incredible.) The Emirates lounge at Dubai airport in something else.  Honestly once again my biggest problem was saving room for my steak on the flight. (LUCKY ME).

Home to Uncle Eric and my little family and grandchildren. Until next time Dubai (I hope)

Final Thoughts

Dubai surprised me, delighted me, and pushed me far outside my comfort zone in the very best way. If this trip has taught me anything, it’s that adventure doesn’t have an age limit.

And if you ever get offered mocktails at 35,000 feet under twinkly lights - say yes.

What’s next for Crazy Auntie Ann? Watch this space for more adventures in 2026……