Single Girl, Same Chaos

Zara, a thirty-something aesthetics nurse in Glasgow, is determined to embrace her single status after a painful breakup. Outwardly, she's thriving—new shoes, a successful job, and a close-knit group of friends at the clinic. But beneath the surface, she's still haunted by her ex, Tom, and finds herself cycling through meaningless hookups, unable to form real attachments. Her nights are filled with Netflix, Tinder, and self-doubt, as she wonders if she'll ever truly move on or find someone who excites her for more than a fleeting moment. Despite her bravado, Zara's journey of self-discovery is just beginning, and she's about to be swept into a whirlwind of opportunity, drama, and unexpected romance.

Clinic Gossip and Tinder Dates

At the clinic, Zara's days are filled with laughter, gossip, and camaraderie with her best friends, Ashley and Raj. The trio navigates the competitive world of Glasgow aesthetics, dealing with demanding clients and the threat of new rival clinics. Zara's love life is a running joke—her Tinder matches range from DILFs to baby-faced students, and her standards are both impossibly high and hilariously low. The banter with Ashley is sharp and supportive, but beneath the jokes, Zara's insecurities about her body and relationships simmer. When a charming product rep, Andy, offers the clinic a chance to work a high-profile event in Dubai, Zara's world is set to change, promising both professional growth and personal chaos.

Dubai Opportunity Unveiled

Andy's proposal to take the clinic's team to Dubai for a glamorous influencer event is met with excitement and anxiety. The opportunity is a potential lifeline for the struggling clinic, but it comes with logistical challenges and the threat of losing clients to competitors. Zara is desperate for the adventure, seeing it as a chance to escape her rut and prove herself. Raj is hesitant, worried about the business, while Ashley is all-in for the glitz. After some negotiation and a cruel joke at Ashley's expense, the trio secures their tickets. The promise of Dubai brings a new sense of purpose, but also stirs up old insecurities and sets the stage for a series of misadventures.

Catfish and Consequences

Zara's date with William, a much older Tinder match, is a comic disaster. Catfished by his outdated photos and eccentric style, she's initially put off but ends up bringing him home after a surprisingly passionate encounter. The experience is both hilarious and mortifying, as William's bizarre bedroom catchphrase leaves Zara questioning her choices. The next morning, hungover and full of regret, she confides in Ashley, who is both appalled and amused. The episode forces Zara to confront her patterns of self-sabotage and the emotional scars left by her ex, Tom, as she wonders if she's truly ready for something real.

The Age Gap Escapade

Zara's night with William is a farce of generational misunderstandings and sexual misadventures. From his outdated fashion to his relentless "hiya" catchphrase during sex, the encounter is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Zara's attempts to extricate herself lead to a web of white lies, including a fabricated long-term work trip to Dubai. The experience leaves her feeling empty and guilty, but also oddly empowered—she's no longer willing to settle or let men define her worth. The episode cements her bond with Ashley, who provides comic relief and a reality check, reminding Zara that her journey is about more than just men.

Toyboy Temptations

Zara's next romantic prospect is Luke, a much younger, rebellious student with a checkered past. Their chemistry is undeniable, and after a night of heavy flirting and free drinks at his local pub, Zara finds herself in his childhood bedroom, sneaking around his dad and reliving her own youth. The encounter is thrilling but fraught with red flags—Luke's temper, his living situation, and the awkwardness of being caught by his father. The night ends in chaos when Zara realizes she's slept with both father and son, a revelation that sends her fleeing into the night, desperate to make her flight to Dubai and escape the mess she's made.

Family Affairs and Fiascos

The fallout from Zara's night with Luke is explosive. When she's confronted by both Luke and his father—her previous Tinder date William—the truth comes out in a spectacularly awkward scene. Accusations fly, tempers flare, and Zara is forced to confront the consequences of her impulsive choices. The incident is both mortifying and liberating, as she realizes she can't keep running from her problems or hiding behind lies. With Ashley and Raj waiting, Zara barely makes it to the airport, leaving behind a trail of chaos and unresolved feelings as she heads to Dubai for a fresh start.

Escape to Dubai

Dubai is a sensory overload—luxury hotels, scorching heat, and a city teeming with influencers and opportunity. Zara, Ashley, and Raj are awestruck by their surroundings but quickly realize that their personal baggage has followed them. Ashley's insecurities about her relationship with Dave bubble to the surface, while Zara is haunted by her recent romantic disasters. The trio navigates cultural differences, dress codes, and the pressure to perform at the influencer event. Amidst the glamour, Zara's self-doubt intensifies, but the support of her friends keeps her afloat as they prepare for the biggest professional challenge of their careers.

Sun, Sand, and Selfies

The Dubai trip is a whirlwind of pool parties, beach clubs, and networking with influencers. Zara is both dazzled and intimidated by the beauty and confidence of the people around her, especially when she runs into her ex, Tom, with his stunning new girlfriend. The encounter sends Zara into a spiral of envy and self-loathing, but also reignites old feelings. Meanwhile, Ashley's flirtation with a footballer leads to a drunken beachside hookup, testing her loyalty to Dave and her own sense of self. The friends rally around each other, navigating the highs and lows of Dubai's social scene and learning that appearances can be deceiving.

Influencer Drama and Nightlife

Zara is thrust into the spotlight during a high-profile photoshoot, forced to confront her insecurities and embrace her unique beauty. The experience is both terrifying and empowering, as she bonds with a group of influencers who encourage her to own her individuality. Nights out at exclusive clubs lead to flirtations with a French actor and a series of comic misadventures, including a run-in with his jealous girlfriend. Through it all, Zara begins to see herself in a new light, realizing that confidence and self-worth come from within, not from the validation of men or social media.

Hangovers and Heartaches

The aftermath of Dubai's excesses hits hard. Ashley is wracked with guilt over her infidelity, while Zara grapples with the emotional fallout of her romantic entanglements. The friends nurse hangovers and broken hearts, supporting each other through tears, laughter, and late-night confessions. The trip forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their relationships, but also strengthens their bond. As they prepare to return to Glasgow, Zara is determined to make changes in her life, both personally and professionally, inspired by the lessons learned in the desert.

Poolside Panic and Ex Encounters

Back at the pool, Zara's chance encounter with Tom and his new girlfriend reopens old wounds. The meeting is awkward and painful, but also cathartic, as Zara realizes she's no longer defined by her past. The professional side of the trip takes center stage as Zara and Raj are unexpectedly thrust into a photoshoot, forcing them to step out of their comfort zones and represent the clinic. The experience is both humiliating and exhilarating, culminating in a sand-related mishap that becomes a running joke. Through it all, Zara begins to reclaim her sense of agency and self-worth.

Photoshoots and Self-Discovery

The influencer photoshoot becomes a turning point for Zara. With the support of her new friends, she embraces her body, her quirks, and her unique beauty. The experience is liberating, helping her shed the insecurities that have held her back. Zara's confidence grows as she realizes that she doesn't need to conform to anyone else's standards. The friendships forged in Dubai become a source of strength, and Zara returns to Glasgow with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to reinvent herself and the clinic.

Clubbing, Crushes, and Catastrophes

Back in Glasgow, Zara's romantic life takes another turn when she meets Cameron, a charming bodyguard she connects with on the flight home. Their whirlwind romance is full of promise, but red flags soon emerge—secrecy, mixed signals, and a suspicious trip to Turkey. As Zara juggles her feelings for Cameron, her friendship with Tom deepens, blurring the lines between past and present. The chapter is a rollercoaster of emotions, as Zara learns to trust her instincts and prioritize her own happiness over the approval of others.

Airport Romance and Red Flags

Cameron's return to Glasgow is both exciting and unsettling. Despite their chemistry, Zara senses something is off—his evasiveness, his sudden hair transplant, and his reluctance to fully commit. As they grow closer, Zara's insecurities resurface, and she finds herself repeating old patterns of seeking validation from men. The truth comes out in a devastating twist when Zara discovers Cameron is leading a double life, dating another woman. The betrayal is a crushing blow, but also a catalyst for growth, forcing Zara to confront her own worth and the importance of self-respect.

Homecoming and New Beginnings

Reeling from Cameron's betrayal, Zara leans on Ashley and Raj for support. The friends rally around each other, sharing their own struggles and triumphs. Ashley's relationship with Dave is tested, but ultimately strengthened, while Raj contemplates a major life change. Zara throws herself into her work, determined to reinvent the clinic and prove her worth. The experience is both humbling and empowering, as she learns that true happiness comes from within and that she is capable of building a life she loves, with or without a man.

Clinic Reinvention

With Raj's blessing, Zara takes the reins at the clinic, launching a bold new concept focused on facial balancing and body positivity. The team works tirelessly to rebrand, redecorate, and attract a new generation of clients. The campaign is a resounding success, drawing praise from influencers and clients alike. Zara's leadership is tested, but she rises to the challenge, proving herself as a savvy businesswoman and a champion of self-love. The clinic becomes a hub of empowerment, creativity, and friendship, reflecting the growth and transformation of its founder.

Love, Lies, and Letdowns

As the clinic thrives, Zara's personal life remains complicated. A night of passion with Tom reignites old feelings, but also brings closure to their tumultuous relationship. Zara realizes that while the chemistry is undeniable, their history is too fraught for a future together. Meanwhile, Andy, the charming product rep, confesses his feelings for Zara, offering her a chance at a healthy, supportive relationship. Torn between the familiar and the new, Zara must decide what she truly wants and deserves, learning that love is about more than just passion—it's about respect, trust, and partnership.

Facing the Fallout

With Raj's decision to stay in Dubai, Zara is left in charge of the clinic, a responsibility she embraces with both excitement and trepidation. Tom stays on as her right-hand man, but their relationship shifts to one of mutual respect and friendship. Ashley reconciles with Dave, finding happiness and stability. Zara finally lets go of her need for external validation, choosing to focus on her own growth and the success of the clinic. The journey has been messy, hilarious, and painful, but Zara emerges stronger, wiser, and ready for whatever comes next.

Friendship, Forgiveness, and Fresh Starts

In the final chapter, Zara chooses Andy, embracing the possibility of a healthy, loving relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. The clinic flourishes under her leadership, becoming a beacon of empowerment and individuality. Zara's friendships with Ashley and Tom deepen, grounded in forgiveness and shared experience. The story ends with Zara finally accepting herself—flaws, quirks, and all—and stepping confidently into her new life. She is no longer defined by her relationships or her past, but by her own strength, resilience, and capacity for joy.

Characters

Zara Smith

Zara is a thirty-something aesthetics nurse in Glasgow, navigating the messy aftermath of a toxic breakup. Outwardly confident and quick-witted, she masks deep insecurities about her body, her worth, and her ability to find lasting love. Zara's relationships are a carousel of comic disasters, from catfished Tinder dates to ill-advised hookups with much younger men. Her friendships with Ashley and Raj are her anchor, providing both comic relief and emotional support. Over the course of the story, Zara evolves from a woman defined by her romantic failures to a self-assured leader, embracing her individuality and learning to prioritize her own happiness. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, empowerment, and the realization that she is the star of her own story.

Ashley

Ashley is Zara's closest friend and colleague, known for her sharp tongue, infectious laughter, and unwavering support. She is the clinic's social media guru and a source of comic relief, often providing the voice of reason (or chaos) in Zara's life. Ashley's own relationship with Dave is tested by temptation and insecurity, mirroring Zara's struggles with self-worth and fidelity. Despite her bravado, Ashley is deeply sensitive and vulnerable, especially when her actions threaten her happiness. Her friendship with Zara is the emotional heart of the story, grounded in honesty, forgiveness, and mutual growth.

Raj

Raj is the owner of the aesthetics clinic and a stabilizing force in Zara's life. Wise, compassionate, and occasionally exasperated by the antics of his staff, Raj is both a mentor and a friend. He is deeply invested in the success of the clinic and the well-being of his team, often sacrificing his own happiness for theirs. Raj's decision to move to Dubai is both a personal and professional turning point, forcing Zara to step into a leadership role and trust her own abilities. His faith in Zara is unwavering, and his departure is both a loss and a gift, empowering her to take control of her destiny.

Tom

Tom is Zara's ex-boyfriend and former colleague, whose betrayal left her emotionally scarred. Handsome, charismatic, and infuriatingly seductive, Tom is both a source of pain and a mirror for Zara's insecurities. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of passion, resentment, and unresolved feelings, culminating in a final night of closure. Tom's presence in Zara's life forces her to confront her patterns of self-sabotage and her need for external validation. Ultimately, Tom becomes a friend and ally, supporting Zara's professional ambitions and respecting her boundaries.

Andy

Andy is the charming product rep who offers the clinic the Dubai opportunity and becomes a steady presence in Zara's life. Unlike her previous romantic interests, Andy is reliable, respectful, and genuinely invested in Zara's success. He encourages her professional growth, values her ideas, and provides a safe space for vulnerability. Andy's confession of love is a turning point for Zara, offering her a chance at a healthy, balanced relationship. His presence challenges Zara to believe in her own worth and to choose a partner who truly supports her.

Cameron

Cameron is the bodyguard Zara meets on the flight home from Dubai, whose charm and attentiveness sweep her off her feet. Initially, he seems like the perfect antidote to her romantic woes, but red flags soon emerge—secrecy, evasiveness, and ultimately, betrayal. Cameron's double life is a painful lesson for Zara, forcing her to confront her own patterns of ignoring warning signs and settling for less than she deserves. His character serves as a reminder that not all that glitters is gold, and that self-respect is non-negotiable.

William

William is the much older man Zara meets on Tinder, whose outdated photos and eccentric personality provide one of the book's most memorable comic set pieces. Their disastrous date and awkward sexual encounter are both hilarious and cringe-inducing, highlighting Zara's willingness to take risks and her refusal to settle. William's character is a reminder of the absurdity of modern dating and the importance of self-respect.

Luke

Luke is the rebellious student who becomes Zara's toyboy fling, embodying the thrill and risk of impulsive choices. Their chemistry is undeniable, but his temper and immaturity are red flags that Zara ultimately cannot ignore. The revelation that she's slept with both Luke and his father is a comic disaster, but Luke's later aggression serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of ignoring one's instincts.

Influencer Friends (Indie, Laureen, Skylar)

The trio of influencers Zara befriends in Dubai play a crucial role in her journey of self-discovery. Confident, body-positive, and unapologetically themselves, they encourage Zara to embrace her quirks and celebrate her individuality. Their friendship is a source of strength and inspiration, helping Zara shed her insecurities and step into her power.

Dave

Dave is Ashley's long-term boyfriend, whose relationship with her is tested by infidelity and insecurity. His eventual forgiveness and willingness to work through their issues provide a counterpoint to Zara's romantic chaos, highlighting the importance of communication, trust, and second chances.

Plot Devices

Comic Misadventure and Self-Deprecation

The narrative is driven by Zara's self-deprecating humor and a series of comic misadventures, from disastrous dates to professional mishaps. This device allows the story to tackle serious themes—self-worth, heartbreak, and empowerment—without becoming heavy-handed. The humor is both a coping mechanism for Zara and a way to invite readers into her world, making her struggles relatable and her triumphs satisfying.

Female Friendship as Emotional Core

The story's emotional heart is the friendship between Zara, Ashley, and Raj. Their banter, loyalty, and willingness to call each other out provide both comic relief and genuine support. The friendships are tested by jealousy, betrayal, and personal crises, but ultimately endure, reflecting the importance of chosen family and the power of forgiveness.

Romantic Subversion and Realism

The book subverts traditional romantic tropes by presenting love as messy, unpredictable, and often disappointing. Zara's relationships are not fairy tales—they are fraught with red flags, miscommunication, and self-sabotage. The narrative structure allows for multiple romantic arcs, each serving as a lesson in self-respect and the dangers of settling. The eventual choice of a healthy, supportive partner is earned, not given.

Professional Reinvention and Empowerment

Zara's professional journey mirrors her personal growth. The clinic's reinvention—from a struggling business to a hub of empowerment and individuality—parallels Zara's own evolution. The use of facial balancing, body-positive campaigns, and influencer partnerships serves as both a plot device and a metaphor for embracing one's uniqueness. The workplace is not just a backdrop, but a crucible for Zara's self-acceptance and leadership.

Foreshadowing and Circular Structure

The narrative frequently references Zara's past—her toxic relationship with Tom, her dating disasters, and her insecurities—using them to foreshadow future challenges and growth. The story's circular structure, with Zara returning to old patterns before breaking free, reinforces the theme that true change is incremental and hard-won.

Analysis

What Happens in Dubai is a sharp, hilarious, and deeply relatable exploration of modern womanhood, friendship, and self-acceptance. Sophie Gravia's novel uses humor and candid storytelling to dismantle the myth of the perfect life, showing that growth is messy, nonlinear, and often painful. The book's greatest strength lies in its refusal to romanticize either love or success—Zara's journey is full of setbacks, betrayals, and cringe-worthy moments, but also genuine triumphs and moments of joy. The narrative champions female empowerment, body positivity, and the importance of chosen family, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional romantic comedies. The lessons are clear: self-worth cannot be outsourced, friendship is the foundation of resilience, and happiness comes from embracing one's quirks and imperfections. In a world obsessed with filters and facades, What Happens in Dubai is a celebration of authenticity, reminding readers that the messiest stories are often the most meaningful.

Last updated: August 27, 2025