Guide

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Dubai Named As the Cleanest City in the World Once More

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

festival city - which school?

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 15:54

Hi ladies, im relocating from al ain to dubai in february and was just looking for some advice regarding schools.

We will be living in al badia hillside and my eldest is in year 2. The nearest bc school seems to be dis, but it doesn't really appeal to me. Seems very big and very pushy academically ie with homework and assessments. I maybe totally wrong but it was just my impression. Anyone have children there? What are your thoughts?

I've been to visit star intl mirdif today and that was lovely. Feels very welcoming and more personable. I can see my daughter fitting in really well. The drive back to fcity only took 10 mins but that was about 11am. My concern really was with regards to traffic. Does anyone know what its like during school run times? Is it doable?

Log in to post new content in the forum.

339

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 11 January 2011 - 09:51

Re: it being darker...yes, that's absolutely true (we saw one place at Al Badia Residences before moved here). It's because here, we have floor-to-ceiling windows in every room (except bathroom of course). So lots of natural light...and that's great...but in the summer, it's quite overwhelming and we close our curtains almost all day! Kind of defeats the purpose of natural light if it's overwhelming! Sorry to send this thread on such a tangent...there are so few people that are FC residents (at least outwardly), so I get all excited and bond with anyone willing to discuss life here! sounds very nice, with the floor to ceiling light. We have in the lounge 2 x quite large patio/french doors, to the loggia. Also 3 windows of normal size. Fairly decent amount of natural light but I think we don't face into the sun as much as some of the other corner flats. Kitchen is very very small :-( and has one window. We overlook the playing field of UAS which is better than the building site over the other way, but all in all we are very happy here. Just the right amount of space for 3 of us, though this will be put to the test when we have my sister in law, her husband and their 3 children visiting in April!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 18:52

Re: it being darker...yes, that's absolutely true (we saw one place at Al Badia Residences before moved here). It's because here, we have floor-to-ceiling windows in every room (except bathroom of course). So lots of natural light...and that's great...but in the summer, it's quite overwhelming and we close our curtains almost all day! Kind of defeats the purpose of natural light if it's overwhelming! Sorry to send this thread on such a tangent...there are so few people that are FC residents (at least outwardly), so I get all excited and bond with anyone willing to discuss life here!

339

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 18:46

Good for you guys! :) I like Marsa, but would like to be closer to the school and Al Areesh (and to those quiet back roads so DS can ride a bike!). I envy the Al Badia side of Festival City. We are thinking of moving in April...we just can't sit still for too long! :) Maybe a good deal will come up when you're ready to move, you never know! We do get airport noise here, just to warn you, as you're protected just a little bit up in Marsa. I've heard Marsa is very nice, it certainly looks smart and I met someone in the shuttle taxi recently wo lives there and she said the al badia apartments were darker inside than Marsa, but I can't say I find that a problem here. We get a nice view of DFC fireworks over the creek from our balcony which is nice :-)

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 18:33

Good for you guys! :) I like Marsa, but would like to be closer to the school and Al Areesh (and to those quiet back roads so DS can ride a bike!). I envy the Al Badia side of Festival City. We are thinking of moving in April...we just can't sit still for too long! :)

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 18:31

We're moving into a 3 bed plus maids. Same as clare we were able to negotiate a fair bit down. Nice get out by the way ha... im using the same line, don't want to be getting in trouble with anyone before we even get there!

339

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 17:48

we moved into a 2 bed corner apartment in the Hillside Village at Al Badia, which has a third (maid's room) which is tiny but useful for visiting family and our computer! The rent they asked initially was 136,000 I think, but we negotiated it down quite considerably (I don't like to say how much, incase I offend other residents). The apartments are very nicely done, I must say, and we're happy, but the premium rent is mostly for the fab facilities at Al Areesh, which residents become free members of. We use it almost daily. I don't drive, so it means I don't have to travel anywhere to get to civilisation. Also my husband works in Sharjah so it's handy for the commute.

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 17:39

I don't mean to be nosy....but to satisfy my curiosity, did you ladies move in to 2 or 3 bedroom apartments? I saw the cost of a 3BR was 148k...which I thought was overpriced! Sorry if you'd rather not say...just wondering.comon Gleeky, what do you think this forum is for? nosing, of course.

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 17:37

I don't mean to be nosy....but to satisfy my curiosity, did you ladies move in to 2 or 3 bedroom apartments? I saw the cost of a 3BR was 148k...which I thought was overpriced! Sorry if you'd rather not say...just wondering.

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 17:31

Clare, just sent you an email to check I've got it down right?? You can take yours off if I have

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 09:39

@SQ REALLY?? You didn't pipe up when I was the one needing advice on schools! :( DIS was on our list...but we didn't get to visit it before DS was accepted to UAS (we were really looking for AC or IB anyhow). Wouldn't you have felt bad if then months later I was on here whining about DIS?

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 09:38

Coffe sounds good, have another 2 little ones though that would be tagging along! School place confirmed, just need to get the forms in and we're good to go. Should be moving the first week in feb just waiting for company to confirm start day. Maybe we could sort out something with the school runs when I get there. Seems daft for you to be messing with taxis etc when we're going to and from the same place. Its great talking (typing!) to someone who is in the same place, school etc. SQ- So glad we didn't go for dis then. It was the obvious choice being so close. Can't put my finger on why exactly but I just didn't like it.

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 08:51

Hi Clare, thanks so much for your reply. We have decided to go for SIS for pretty much same reasons as you stated. I think my daughter would have found it really overwhelming in a large school and like i said previous it really does have a lovely feel about the place. How long does it take to drive there with the school traffic? Any tips on what time to set off in the morning?? Sorry aberdeenshire girl I didn't realise you had replied. Good luck in the job hunt, not sure I'd want to give up the coffee morning though ;) I am so pleased that you did not go with DIS. I know a few families with kids there, and they are all behind in their studies and get no homework and the children cannot pass the entrance exams to change schools. The behaviour of some of the kids leaves a lot to be desired.

339

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 08:37

The kindergarten day begins at 8am but the doors open for supervised play at 7.40am, though I'm not sure how the older year groups are organised in the morning. We have only been doing this a few days so it has been trial and error. Today's traffic was awful due to fog, and yesterday we left too late, but we are aiming to leave home at 7.25 and get there for 7.40am. I then take my son in and make sure he is ok playing, then my husband drives me home (I don't drive) and he carries on over to Sharjah where he works. So we have to do the run a bit earlier to give him time to get to work at a reasonable time! I then get a taxi to pick him up, and th etaxi waits and brings us home. A palaver but it works, and I sometimes combine the taxi trip with doing some shopping in Mirdif City Centre or Spinneys in Uptown Mirdif, both of which are a short drive from the school. My husband visited the school this morning for the first time and he was very impressed with the calm atmosphere and professional, smiley staff. Let me know if you're taking the plunge, maybe we can meet for a coffee after drop off one morning once you're all settled!

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 21:20

Hi Clare, thanks so much for your reply. We have decided to go for SIS for pretty much same reasons as you stated. I think my daughter would have found it really overwhelming in a large school and like i said previous it really does have a lovely feel about the place. How long does it take to drive there with the school traffic? Any tips on what time to set off in the morning?? Sorry aberdeenshire girl I didn't realise you had replied. Good luck in the job hunt, not sure I'd want to give up the coffee morning though ;)

339

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 19:50

Hi there Don't know if I'm too late to be able to help but I also live in Al Badia Hillside, near Festival City, and my son has just started at Star International school in Mirdiff. It's a logistical challenge (!) but so far we are managing it, and we feel it's well worth it because our son, who has had lots of adjustmanets to make having just moved here from UK, has settled in beautifully and very quickly, with the help of lovely staff. So far I have only nice things to say about the school, in all their dealings with us as well as with the kids. It has a less overwhelming feel to it than DIS and UAS which are great and neighbouring families seem to like them, but they are larger schools. All depends on what you think will be best for you and your family. Fees at SIS are lower too :-)

Aberdeenshiregi...

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 17:42

Yes happy to move but sad to leave my al ain friends behind though only been in UAE for nearly two years. I am going to look for some supply teaching work in a couple of weeks to keep me busy and will go to the festival coffee morning on a wednesday. I did a year of supply at aaess before doing the job share and mainly in infants which was great so hopefully will find some work here too

238

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 17:39

We're at Royal Dubai and very happy there. It'ss BC and just a couple of doors down from Arabian Centre - not far at all from Festival city really.

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 17:33

Im sure i'll have seen you around ;) So are u happy to have moved to dubai or is it to early to tell yet? Im looking forward to going but after 5 years here i've made some great friends so will be sad not being able to see them all the time.

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 17:16

Ah gutted was thinking there would be loads of options. Will have to remember that with regards to the traffic, im sure i'll get caught out a few times! Just looking forward to getting us all there and settled in.

Aberdeenshiregi...

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 17:11

No but I taught with Mrs Hunt till xmas

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 17:07

re: food delivery You'd be surprised, I thought the close proximity meant a lot of delivery options too. But to be honest, I can't find many mall restaurants that delivered to us. And there aren't many (any??) stand alone restaurants up here (there are several in Deira)...so we are kinda left out. FYI, there is major congestion in Festival City during the peak mall hours at night. Avoid driving through at all cost!

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 17:06

Aw that sounds really good im hoping that some of mine will be coming up. They have threatened to anyway! She's in ms allens and was with miss carmichael for year 1. Do you have similar aged children?

Aberdeenshiregi...

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:57

Had four of the Al AIn girls here for coffee and lunch today. Love it. Which class was you DD in in year 2?

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:45

Yeah, how are you finding it after the fast paced life of al ain? ;) I love the idea of actually being able to walk somewhere/anywhere after living here as everything is so spread out

Aberdeenshiregi...

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:36

Hi I have just moved here from Al Ain and stay right beside MCC. Loving the daily walk there but it does hurt the purse too! Found too many good coffee places and restaurants!

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:34

We had a look at the marsa plaza and loved it. Would of meant having to add onto our housing though so we didn't go for it in the end. We're losing a garden moving but my dd is very happy to be keeping her bike so def a bonus to badia. Im suprised by the home delivery I thought we'd would have loads of choice being next to the mall. Probably for the best as it would be far too tempting to order out all the time. Think we have maybe a choice of 2 here and thats providing they don't get lost! I've still not been to mcc yet but im sure I'll soon know my way around it. Thanks so much for all the info its much appreciated.

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:21

We live in Marsa Plaza, but would honestly prefer to be on your side of FC as it would allow DS to have a bike! I LOVE living here (Dubai and FC). We are so central to everything: - DH works in Deira so he's 10 minutes away at any point in the day - Multiple malls and supermarkets within 10 minutes - Not a lot of construction, so it's quiet - Easy access to the bypass/Emirates roads. The downside (aka reasons I wish I lived in new Dubai): - Good food delivery is hard to come by - Social activities for SAHMs is not as active as in the new Dubai area I personally prefer MCC to FC because the bathrooms are always clean and there are baby rooms in the men's bathrooms :). But FC doesn't seem as busy and is quite enjoyable with it's outdoor/marina areas.

144

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:10

I really was suprised how close it was but it was mainly the worry of being stuck in traffic for a ridiculous amount of time. Whereabouts are you in FC? How do you find it? Im looking forward to having everything relatively on the doorstep even though could be a lil dangerous on the purse!

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:03

I think you will generally be going against traffic during the school run times. Most of the traffic goes towards Sharjah in the evenings and towards "new Dubai" in the mornings. I hope that makes sense. The drive to Mirdif is very easy and lots of parents on here are very happy w/ Star International. We considered it when we moved to FC too (the class sizes are small compared to most schools here). If you find there are times that traffic is a little backed up, you can easily stay at Mirdif City Centre (or another one of the smaller malls) to do some shopping, meet ups, gym, etc until it clears up.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE