Possibly useful information for newbies…or not. | ExpatWoman.com
 

Possibly useful information for newbies…or not.

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 19:19

Recently I have been asked by a couple of newbies advice on where to go and what to do to make settling in easier. I thought I would compile a list of some of the positive contacts I made over the last eight years and omit those that were total disasters. I had not posted on expatwoman forum for the last couple of years so not surprisingly my passwords didn’t work when I went to log on under username ‘margo’ (could have something to do with messing up the log on for lack of practice too) so understand that this is not a promotion of any one company just my Filofax of what worked for me.
Re schooling and housing – live near the school for your own sanity…..traffic is getting busier. We have had good experiences with Jumeirah College in Jumeirah and Dubai British School in the Meadows on a secondary level, - using this forum is ideal for getting opinions on other schools. Obviously keeping the children all in the same school negates the hassle of different school holidays and conflicting parent teacher meetings.
Communities – I have only lived in Umm Suqeim, Victory Heights and Jumeirah. Victory Heights wins hands down for a community based life particularly with kids…great residence association, lots of green areas, good sports facilities in surrounding area and new schools opening close by. Saying that, I love being close to the beach, restaurants and downtown life in Jumeirah so there are areas suiting your current wants….just prioritise what you want out of your area.
Tutors – when I came here first I genuinely thought that because it was private school we would not need to pay tutors to help the kids – not so. Nobody volunteers the information that their child has a tutor but if you are brave enough to ask you will be given lots of recommendations.
Furnishing the house – Loved Marina but in hindsight should have bought the same furniture through Dubizzle later on.
Etisalat/Du/DEWA – These have to be connected so take a deep breath, a book and a ticket and it will get done.
Tailoring –I’ve used Montexa in Satwa for clothes and always been happy.
Rugs & carpets – Price them on olneyrugs.co.uk or similar so that you know you are not buying a carpet that you would get the same back in Europe at a cheaper price. I’ve gone to the Blue Souq in Sharjah and they then came to my place with a van load and left them overnight on the floors so we see the shades at night and in the day. Also Al Madaen in Satwa do lovely carpets and they will wash and repair there too.
Water – have used Oasis and H2o bottled water. Both were fine but eventually got an undersink water filter through Liquid of Life (run by a lovely British couple) and wonder why I didn’t do it sooner…saves hassle and money, tastes much better and I can feel good about my green initiative.
Dentist – have used Nichols and Asp, and also Dr Michaels….cannot fault them. However have ended up staying with Dr Madhu on Mankhool Rd on recommendations from here and am very pleased. Price much more reasonable and standards as good as what I was getting in Jumeirah.
Bank –Recommend that you hold an individual account rather than just a joint account and see if your credit card links in with an airmiles card for bonus points. And no I cannot recommend a bank.
Will – Make one. Seven years ago we used ‘Just Wills’ and found Mohammed Marria there very helpful. Since then there are lots and lots of companies doing them so prices will be more competitive.
Cars – if buying two cars…have each registered under each name.
Doctors – I have changed doctors along the way, not because any were awful, but because we moved around the city and I tended to take closest clinic and whoever was available. In hindsight it might have been better to stick with one as when those forms for life and health insurances crop up from home they ask how long you have been with your current practitioner. Equally I never attended a doctor/specialist without asking for recommendations. My husband attends Dr Bernhard Fisher who is a lovely man and often mentioned on this site.
Pools service – used Island King Pools..and they do what they promise.
Hair/Beauty – Pastels in Al Wasl…consistently good…also I like that there is not a large staff turnover which suggests that the girls are happy to work there.
Brunch –Al Qasr..book early
Take away – 24h.ae have always found them reliable.
Gardener – Look around for the best looking garden and ask the owner/tenant.
Golf Lessons – not sure if he is still available (I have not been there for the last year) but Stephen Deane of Emirates Golf Club was excellent.
Catering – I admit I have simple tastes and have always found Eat & Drink excellent for their shwarmas. They come to the house with hummus, taboulah etc. and set it all up.
Jeweler – the Gold and Diamond Park…flit between different shops and you get a good feel for price etc. I found Cara had a good choice and were always helpful.
Art Supplies – Beach Centre on Beach Rd and DUCTAC.
Parking – use your sms to pay and you can extend if shopping keeps you busy.
Picture Framing – Desert Frames in Satwa, Antique Museum in Al Quoz and the little place beside Park n Shop in Al Safa Centre on Al Wasl Rd.
Maid service – I’m not going there.
Kennels for dogs – Started with Dubai Kennels and Cattery who are very good and then due to late booking one year I have ended up going to Posh Paws which has been working really well for the mutt.
Vet- My favourite is Nad Al Shiba Veterinary Hospital but I always worried that the dog would take off chasing the high pedigree falcons at some stage…nightmare time. It is a bit of a hike from Jumeirah though so I am with a local vet who costs a lot of money every time the mutt steps over the threshold. ..rent differential it’s called.

Downmarket shopping - Global Village (open now) for atmosphere and yes there is a lot of tat there and you will find many similar products in the Antique Museum Al Quoz, in Karama and the Blue Souq in Sharjah,but each year I pop out with visitors for the Indian Pavillion for pashminas, cushion covers, embroidered jackets. Monday is family day and I tend to time being there at 4pm on opening and am out of there by 7pm when it starts to fill up. The Oman tent has jewellery, Morocco hair oil and Tunisia great bowls, Yemen has the honey and the food stalls are fun to try out different tastes. In Oasis Centre -
Daiso and Tchibo are my go to store for Japanese style bowls and kitchen ware that you really do not need.
Union Co-Op opposite Safa Park is great when not the week-end (crowded and trolley packed) for spices, meats - lamb from Oz good, and overall their prices are cheaper than the other supermarkets but not as shiny and bright to wander around.
Dragonmarket for the jewellery maker and lots of wrapping paper and gift boxes at w/sale prices around the FA section and anything you can think of. I love the Chinese bottle covers in the shape of dresses, faux silk dressing gowns and scarfs - usually around the HB section.

I have not included telephone numbers as just a quick google search will get you tel number and maps usually. Forgive the categorization mix up but I’m typing as I think which is not always a good thing. I understand that not everyone will agree with my recommendations and that is what I love about the forum. In which case please post your ‘to go list’ and I will look forward to increasing my own.

Hope something in the above is useful for newbies.
Enjoy the day.
<em>edited by Dobby123 on 11/11/2014</em>

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 December 2017 - 08:00
Does anyone have some free time to update this helpful post from 2014? I find it's full of excellent information although a lot can change in a few years. Thank you.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2015 - 13:24
Great list except the tutors bit. Not necessary IMHO. Unless there are specific issues then parents can help with homework. Everything else is taught at school In the British curriculum anyway
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2015 - 21:15
You're an angel.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 14:52
I have recently arrived in Dubai and found your post when trawling through the Forum. It is SO helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to download all this information.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 November 2014 - 12:06
Also forgot to add, we had the benefit of a superlative relocation agent to assist us when we arrived. Absolutely brilliant - fantastic work ethic - personalized service - an honest, friendly start, that made our move incalculably easier... Reshma Paul - Intouch Relocations 044472535
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 November 2014 - 11:14
Thank you Dobby123 - invaluable advice... A "newbie" myself - and can add the following good pointers. Careem (mobile app) - for bookable taxi service, reasonably priced, brilliant for collecting guests/family from the airport & helping with school drop offs in emergencies (accompanied by my home helper). Uber has been a useful app - especially when taxi lines are busy (which they are over holidays and peak times) Chiropractor - Dr Gary Fitzgerald. (he is often recommended, and for good reason) Dentist (cosmetic in particular) - Dr Joy Matheson (nee Afif) at British Dental Clinic She is absolutely brilliant - her work & attention to detail is superlative. A true Dubai "find" Maid Service - have been BEYOND IMPRESSED with Al Montazah, run by Sam 0528675733. They are two male cleaners - don't be put off - our house sparkles like never before everytime they visit. (We use them sporadically as we have a full-time cleaner - but we are always left awestruck after they have been - truly the most thorough (& pleasant) experience in terms of cleaners yet (have tried 3 other companies prior to them). Cannot recommend them highly enough DuPark app - great for paying for your parking - and you don't have to get out of your car to find the "code" - it finds it for you automatically. Man with a Van (have used the service - it was quick, affordable and very useful) Sohail 0503952919 Jumeirah Mosque Visit (Open hearts, open minds initiative) - highly recommended tour for visitors - informative and welcoming - very receptive to questions etc. Pool Fencing - Babysecure Ken’s Mobile: +971 (0)50 5598097 Good product, quick, reasonably priced Happy with end result. Entertainer app (easier than carrying around the book)- and excellent discounts at places you will frequent regularly Hope this helps
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2014 - 08:21
You're right Glorious morning, there used to be a sticky on useful info but I couldn't find it. Came across this self administered advice by my favourite actress Meryl Streep and am hoping to adopt it myself but not sure I have the decipline for it. http://ioadicaeu.wordpress.com/2014/07/31/i-no-longer-have-patience/
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 November 2014 - 13:16
Amazingly helpful - even if one is not new!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2014 - 09:42
Thanks Dobby for that!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 21:20
Yes, thanks Dobby for taking the time to post this. The 'maid service' bit made me smile ;)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 21:18
Bless you for posting this.
 
 

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