Plot
Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda reunite to attend the wedding of their friends Stanford and Anthony. Three of the four women are now married, with Samantha remaining single at 52 and managing the effects of menopause while trying to maintain her libido.
In New York City, Miranda becomes increasingly frustrated at her law firm and ultimately resigns after repeated disrespect from the new managing partner. Charlotte, now a stay-at-home mother to daughters Lily and Rose, feels overwhelmed by parenting and grows concerned that her husband, Harry, may be attracted to their young Irish nanny, Erin. Carrie and Mr. Big have settled into married life but differ on how to spend their leisure time. Carrie enjoys socializing and going out, while Big prefers staying in and watching television.
For their anniversary, Carrie gives Big a vintage engraved Rolex. In return, he installs a television in their bedroom, suggesting they watch old movies together, which Carrie interprets as impersonal. Feeling unappreciated, Carrie temporarily moves back to her old apartment to write. Upon her return, Big acts more attentive and suggests she spend two days a week at her old apartment so he can unwind, which he believes will allow them to better enjoy their time together. Carrie agrees, though she fears the arrangement may create distance.
Samantha is hired to develop a PR campaign for a wealthy Arab sheikh. As part of the deal, he invites her and her friends on an all-expenses-paid luxury vacation to Abu Dhabi. Miranda, no longer tied to a job, is particularly enthusiastic about the trip.
Upon arrival, Samantha's hormone supplements are confiscated due to local laws, which affects her libido. Charlotte, anxious about her marriage, struggles with being away from her children and frequently calls home. Miranda embraces the new cultural environment, and Carrie befriends Gaurau, her hotel's butler, who is an underpaid temporary worker from India. He warns her to be cautious of men trying to take advantage of tourists.
While exploring a local souq, Carrie unexpectedly runs into her former fiancé, Aidan. They agree to meet for dinner, during which they reconnect and reminisce. Their evening ends with a kiss, after which Carrie quickly leaves, conflicted. Back at the hotel, she discusses the incident with Miranda and Charlotte. She decides to tell Big, despite Samantha's advice to wait. Big reacts coolly and ends the call abruptly.
The women's Western habits increasingly clash with local customs. Samantha, in particular, causes controversy when she publicly displays affection toward a Danish architect she meets, leading to her arrest. The situation is resolved through the sheikh's intervention, but the group is asked to leave the country early to avoid further scandal.
Carrie returns to New York to find the bedroom television gone and Big absent. He later returns and presents her with a black diamond engagement ring, symbolizing her uniqueness. The two reconcile and agree to continue balancing their personal needs within their marriage.
Charlotte discovers that Erin is a lesbian, easing her earlier concerns. Miranda accepts a new position at a more inclusive and respectful law firm. Samantha remains true to herself, meeting the Danish architect again for a rendezvous in The Hamptons.
