Sophie Gravia’s second novel, What Happens in Dubai, takes readers on a whirlwind adventure from Glasgow to Dubai, exploring themes of self-discovery, romance, and personal growth. Following the success of her debut novel, A Glasgow Kiss, Gravia’s humorous and heartfelt writing continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With its relatable characters, engaging storyline, and unforgettable moments, What Happens in Dubai has become a best-seller, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
In this article, we’ll explore ten things you probably didn’t know about What Happens in Dubai, from behind-the-scenes insights into the story to interesting details about the book’s creation. These facts will give you a deeper understanding of the novel and what makes it stand out in the world of romantic comedy.
The Birth of a Best-Seller: What Happens in Dubai’s Incredible Journey
What Happens in Dubai wasn’t just another book release; it was a phenomenon in the making. Sophie Gravia’s second book soared to the top of the Amazon charts—this time based purely on pre-orders alone. Following the success of her debut, A Glasgow Kiss, it was clear that readers were eagerly anticipating the continuation of Zara Smith’s story. Thanks to the growing popularity of the first book, Gravia was able to sell thousands of copies even before the book hit the shelves, proving that her writing truly resonated with fans.
The book’s success isn’t just about its plot or characters—it’s also a testament to the loyal readership Gravia cultivated with her first novel. The rapid climb to the top of the charts helped solidify her place as a go-to author in the romantic comedy genre.
The Dynamic Glasgow-to-Dubai Setting: Real-Life Inspiration
What Happens in Dubai is set in two distinctive locations: Glasgow, where the main character Zara’s journey begins, and the glamorous city of Dubai. Gravia’s choice to include both of these locations is no coincidence. As Dubai became a prominent hotspot for influencers during the lockdown, it became a source of inspiration for Gravia.
Not only did Gravia have the chance to visit Dubai through a close friend living there, but she was also captivated by the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The stunning cityscape and high-energy vibe of Dubai made it an ideal backdrop for Zara’s escapades, offering a striking contrast to Zara’s life back home in Glasgow. The interplay between these two cities is essential in reflecting the dual nature of Zara’s personal transformation.
Zara’s Personal Growth: A Journey from Insecure to Independent
In What Happens in Dubai, readers witness Zara’s character evolve from the insecure, needy woman they met in A Glasgow Kiss to a confident, self-assured individual. Zara embraces her newfound independence and embarks on a series of wild adventures in Dubai, having no intention of settling down.
This shift in Zara’s character is a central theme of the novel, showcasing her growth as both a person and a woman navigating the complexities of relationships and self-worth. As she becomes more daring and free-spirited, her humorous journey of self-discovery captures the essence of what it means to embrace your individuality.
The Notorious Infinity Pool Scene: A Real-Life Adventure
One of the most memorable moments in What Happens in Dubai is the infamous infinity pool scene. Gravia herself experienced this hilarious scenario while attending the Zero Gravity beach club in Dubai. After a few too many drinks, she found herself attempting to hide underwater—only to realize the pool was transparent.
This comical experience inspired one of the novel’s most talked-about scenes, where Zara’s hilarious attempt to avoid someone leads to a series of unforgettable moments. Gravia’s ability to weave real-life experiences into her fictional narrative adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
The Rivalry of Scottish Football: A Touch of Humor and Drama
Gravia’s love for humor and playful rivalry is on full display in What Happens in Dubai. In the novel, the rivalry between Scottish football teams plays a key role in one of the book’s more comical and dramatic moments. This subplot adds an element of cultural identity and national pride, making it a particularly relatable story for readers familiar with the passionate nature of Scottish football fans.
The way Gravia blends humor with sports rivalry brings an added dimension to the narrative, proving that What Happens in Dubai is not just about romance but also about the quirky aspects of life that make it entertaining.
A Cliffhanger Ending: The Perfect Setup for the Final Book
Gravia intentionally leaves What Happens in Dubai on a cliffhanger, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement for the next book in the series. As Zara cleans up her act and faces a pivotal life decision, readers are left wondering what will happen next.
The unresolved ending leaves fans eager to find out how Zara’s journey will unfold, especially with the forthcoming release of the third installment, Meet Me in Milan. Gravia’s decision to leave the story open-ended is a strategic move that ensures her audience remains engaged and eagerly awaiting the conclusion of Zara’s adventures.
The Power of Friendship: Zara’s Support System
While romance and dating are key themes in What Happens in Dubai, Gravia also explores the importance of friendship. Zara’s group of friends plays a central role in her life, offering both comedic relief and heartfelt moments throughout the story.
Zara’s friendships provide a sense of balance, grounding her amid the chaos of her love life. The witty banter and emotional support shared between Zara and her friends are what make this book not just a romantic comedy but a heartfelt exploration of the bonds that help shape our identities.
Behind the Name: From She is a Belter to What Happens in Dubai
What Happens in Dubai wasn’t always the title of this book. Initially, Gravia had planned to name the novel She is a Belter, but her publishers decided to change it to something that would appeal to a broader audience. This name change was a strategic move to ensure the book would resonate with readers from different walks of life.
While She is a Belter had a certain charm, the revised title, What Happens in Dubai, perfectly captures the essence of the book. It promises excitement, intrigue, and a touch of mystery, making it an ideal fit for the story Gravia wanted to tell.
A Strong Feminist Message: Empowering Women in Business
Beyond the romantic escapades, What Happens in Dubai also highlights Zara’s professional life. She is the owner of an aesthetics company and works tirelessly to promote self-confidence and individuality for women.
Gravia intentionally incorporates these themes into the novel to encourage readers, particularly women, to embrace their strengths and pursue their goals with determination. Zara’s work in promoting individuality reflects the novel’s broader themes of empowerment, showcasing how women can navigate their personal and professional lives with grace and confidence.
A Glimpse into the Future: Meet Me in Milan
With What Happens in Dubai concluding on a cliffhanger, fans are eager to know what happens next. Fortunately, Gravia’s forthcoming book, Meet Me in Milan, promises to tie up all the loose ends and bring Zara’s journey to a satisfying conclusion.
Set to release in August 2025, Meet Me in Milan will pick up where What Happens in Dubai left off, offering more humor, romance, and drama. Readers can pre-order the book now, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Zara’s story.
What Happens in Dubai is more than just a romantic comedy; it’s a tale of growth, friendship, and self-discovery. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and real-life inspiration, Sophie Gravia has created a captivating narrative that resonates with readers on a deep level. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a first-time reader, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.