By Jaye C.O
Raising a Black girl in the United Arab Emirates feels different from raising my son, not harder, but layered in another way. Girls often grow up in a world where appearances can shape experiences, and as a mother, I am mindful of how early that awareness begins.
When I think about my daughter, I think about the kind of woman she will grow into: confident, kind, and grounded in who she is. Living in the United Arab Emirates, I am intentional about surrounding her with people, spaces, and stories that remind her she belongs everywhere she goes. 
Creating a Community That Reflects Her
When we first moved from London, one of the things I noticed was that while there were many wonderful mum groups, few reflected the diversity I had grown up around. That is what inspired me to start Mums and Gist Dubai, a community that celebrates difference, connection, and shared motherhood.
I wanted a space where my children, and others, could grow up seeing faces that mirrored theirs and stories that reflected their own. A space where we could build a community that celebrates every shade, accent, and background.
The Power of Playdates and Representation
One of the ways I try to nurture confidence in my daughter is by arranging playdates with children who look like her. She is blessed to have a diverse classroom with children of different backgrounds and colours, fostering great friendships and while that is important, I am very aware she is the only Black girl in her class.
So on weekends and evenings, I make a conscious effort to ensure she also has a group of friends she can share the bond of race and culture with. Being the only one at times can raise questions or make you doubt where you fit in, so I want her to know that she is never alone in her identity.
I am intentional about creating friendships that reflect the real world, her world, where she learns to see beauty in difference and understands that connection has no colour. Playdates become more than just fun; they become opportunities for her to see herself as part of something wider, kinder, and more diverse.
Hair, Identity, and Joy
One of the most beautiful parts of raising a daughter has been sharing in the rituals of hair. It is more than styling; it is storytelling. Through hair, I teach her patience, self-care, and pride in her roots.
Like many little girls, she loves watching films like Frozen, and one day she told me she wanted hair like Elsa. As we all know, Elsa’s long blonde hair looks nothing like my daughter’s curly afro.It was a gentle and powerful reminder of how the images children see can shape the way they view themselves.
So now, I make it a point to celebrate her hair loudly. I tell her it is strong, soft, healthy, and uniquely hers. We read books that celebrate curls and coils, and we talk about why all kinds of beauty deserve space.
I also find that arranging playdates with other girls who have similar hair helps her see the beauty in her own. After one of these playdates, she came home beaming, telling me how much she loved the colourful beads in another little girl’s afro. “Mummy, can I have my hair like that?” she asked, full of excitement.
It reminded me how powerful representation is, not in theory, but in these small, joyful moments. When our children see beauty reflected in others, they begin to see it in themselves.
When she sees other girls with afro hair, braids, or beads, she lights up, wanting to try new styles and celebrate her hair even more. It is a reminder that these small interactions shape how she sees herself.
Representation in the Classroom
Representation does not stop at home. It is just as important in the spaces where our children learn and grow.
I am intentional about the schools my children attend. They may not always have racially diverse student populations, but many of the teachers and teaching assistants are Black. This matters. It shows my daughter that people who look like her lead, teach, and inspire.
At her nursery, when the school invited us to share our culture with her class, my husband and I showed up in full African attire. We talked about the beauty, music, and traditions of Africa, and even brought clothing for the children to try on. Seeing my daughter beam with pride as we spoke reminded me why these moments matter.
They plant seeds, not just for her, but for her classmates too. They expand perspectives.
Showing Up and Speaking Up
Just like with my son, I believe in showing up at school, in the Parent Teacher Association, and in everyday interactions. Visibility matters. It sends a message that we are engaged, invested, and part of the story.
Being involved takes effort, but it is worth it. It helps foster relationships, ensures better communication, and reminds my daughter that her parents care deeply about her world.
Children feel safer when they know their parents are connected. And in a place as diverse and dynamic as Dubai, showing up also means showing others that representation is not a box to tick, it is a way to build understanding.
Confidence That Grows with LoveSo far, our experience of raising a Black girl in the United Arab Emirates has been a positive one.
We have not faced overt racism, but I know how important it is to keep reinforcing love, pride, and identity at home.
We are raising her to know her worth, to see herself as capable, loved, and whole. Family plays a big role in that. Our home is filled with stories, laughter, and reminders of our heritage. Every tradition, every celebration, every small moment of joy adds to her foundation of self-belief.
Because when she looks in the mirror, I do not want her to see difference.
I want her to see delight.
I want her to see beauty, strength, and a girl who belongs everywhere she goes.
