Guide

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

UAE Visa Amnesty Explained: What Is It and How to Apply For It

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

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Smash Rooms in the UAE: Best Places to Go and Vent Out

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

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

Dubai's Best Ladies Nights That Doesn't Involve Clubbing or Alcohol

Classifieds

Jobs

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

Reduced Ramadan Work Hours Confirmed for UAE Private Sector Workers

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

Events

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 2024: Will the UAE Get a Public Holiday?

Auditions Are Now Open for the Biggest Battle of the Bands in Dubai

These Are the UAE-Based Female Athletes Playing at the Paris Olympics

A Guide To the UAE's Union Pledge Day: What Is It and When Is It Celebrated?

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2024: Confirmed and Expected Dates

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

Will There Be a UAE Public Holiday for the Islamic New Year?

DAZ Festival Takes Over Al Ain Zoo for 10 Days of Family Fun

9-Day Eid Public Holiday Announced for UAE Public Sector

Education

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?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

How to Get Your University and College Degrees Attested in the UAE

UAE Students Cheating Can Risk a Fine of Up to AED 200,000

The Learning Garden at South View School: Cultivating Curiosity and Joy in Early Education

Why is the Early Years Stage Important for Children's Development?

Money

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

Minimum AED 5,000 Fine for Smoking Near Children in the UAE

Are Family Members Required to Pay Their Relative's UAE Debt?

How to Anonymously Report Illegal Activities in Dubai Through Al Ameen

Being a Dubai Housewife: The Rights of Stay-At-Home Wives in the UAE

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

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

Authorities to Waive All Dubai Traffic Fines Incurred on April 16

A Guide to Driving in Foggy Weather in the UAE

Higher Fuel Prices Announced in the UAE for March 2024

Wellness

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom's September Offers in Dubai You'll Love

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Cosmetic Semi-Permanent Make-up in Dubai: All About the Lips

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

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Hair Loss Due to Medication: What Causes Thinning Hair & How to Treat It

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

These Bodysculpting Treatments in Dubai Will Burn Fat and Build Muscle in No Time

Shop

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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

how long did it take you to settle in?

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317

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 09:08

Dh and I pretty much settled in straightaway, we both loved to travel and have lived abroad before (not with each other) so we treated Dubai like a new adventure. We like this place despite it's quirks, but having our cats here makes it more like home. That being said, we have very few friends here. We're both very young, 22 and 24 now and been here 2 years, I was barely out of my teens when we moved! Dh looks older than his age, and we're a mixed couple so at first glance we fit a certain stereotype. I've heard some snide comments from strangers who didn't even have the courtesy of keeping their thoughts to themselves, and have been mistaken for a maid on numerous occasions. While I joke about this now I must admit that it was hurtful and coming from Australia, it was very new to me. Our age and the fact that we have no kids makes it hard to relate to most of the people we meet here, all of our friends have kids and while I love socialising with the parents, I still feel out of place at family barbecues where kids run amok. I have a tight knit group of friends back home and there are times when I just miss them to bits!

654

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EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 08:11

Coco pops, have left my address on post yest. Let me know when you have it.

730

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EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 07:07

8 years! Hehehe... No seriously, It hasn't taken the whole 8 years but this is the happiest we've ever been in Dubai. I found I had ups and downs. But Dubai is what you make it (like anywhere and everything else) so it's up to you.

178

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 01:40

I've been here for 2 years and I still haven't settled down yet.

605

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 00:44

I'm thinking all you ladies sound absolutely lovely & I'd love to meet up with anyone who'd like to meet me when we arrive and I get my kids sorted into school. I have a son of 11 & a daughter who's 8 and we are moving from the uk, we're planning on getting a house in the springs, so if anyone was interested in meeting in a couple of weeks id love to. I've noticed that a lot of the ladies have young children, any of you have kids of similar ages to mine? I have 3 boys an 11 y/o inquisitive son a 9 y/o & a 3 and a half y/o I'd be happy to meet you too once you arrive. let meknow if you would like my email address.

605

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EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 00:37

Nothing on or near Palm as far as I can see in way of EW meets, so would anyone be interested in meeting up informally at some point for cuppa to set ball rolling? Coco pops - am also in shoreline apt and loving it in main. 3boys - know jar and walk too, so would be happy to meet in your neck of woods too. would love to meet up :) let meknow when you want my email and i'll put it up

605

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 00:35

CABear, I've just sent you mail about the Fairy Godmother Club, hope it helps. The other mothers who would like to meet ladies in a similar boat, just google the fairy godmother club (Dubai) and you should find a link to the FB page. Lakshmi, I'm afraid the FG group won't help you - just sorry to hear of your turmoil, hope everything gets sorted soon.. edited by simpleasabc on 22/09/2011 Thank you it looks good :) <em>edited by coco pops on 23/09/2011</em>

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 23:52

Thanks, you can delete it now xx

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 23:13

Hi loopy loo, I'd love to meet up, forward me your email and I'll send you a message Thanks xx

105

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:51

I'm thinking all you ladies sound absolutely lovely & I'd love to meet up with anyone who'd like to meet me when we arrive and I get my kids sorted into school. I have a son of 11 & a daughter who's 8 and we are moving from the uk, we're planning on getting a house in the springs, so if anyone was interested in meeting in a couple of weeks id love to. I've noticed that a lot of the ladies have young children, any of you have kids of similar ages to mine? Hello Zara2501 We moved here almost a month ago and we're currently living in Springs. I have a 10 year old boy and an 8 year old girl. If you want to make contact let me know and I'll pop my email up briefly for you to grab it :) I'd love to meet up :)

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:42

after every trip away................................................

Sugarbeach23383

1566

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:35

Can I be negative and ask how you find the time to "get out there" and meet real people, if you work and everyone else seems so busy too? <em>edited by Sugarbeach on 22/09/2011</em>

57

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:32

I've been here a year and still settling in! I felt lonely, overwhelmed and really apprehensive about attending anything (absolutely did not feel glam enough!) however once you dip your toe in the water and start getting out there it all works out - if you're willing and positive enough. Being positive is the key - you have to make the best of it - there are so many perks to life in Dubai! Best to focus on that rather then pine for your previous life (I confess I still do this ;-). It really is up to you to make it work. If you seek out events/activites that you are interested in then you are sure to meet likeminded people - Good luck!

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:19

It's easier, and then harder than people think.

605

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:08

Thank you Burnt Marshmallows ;) what you write is true. life is what we make it and I intend to enjoy my stay here, however long it may be for. I'm glad I have taken the first steps out of my comfort zone, as hard as it can sometimes be. :)

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 20:56

Kathyt, my kids are going to RIS, that is if they pass their assessments lol!! I would love to meet up once we arrive, we looking at the springs for villas, what bout you? I have your email so willgive you a mail when we arrive! Xxx

Hello.Again.Kitty

1861

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 20:20

I'm sorry to hear so many of you are struggling to feel right in Dubai. It took me no time at all as I loved Dubai straight away. I've honestly not met the sort of superficial people that I see mentioned on here a lot. Kind of missing my friends back home now though as I'm going through real turmoil in my personal life :( It's not the superficial people (I'm sure there are still some around, but your friends are invariably like-minded), but the superficiality of the [i'>place[/i'>. I could write loads about why and how I feel it's like that, but I haven't got time right now!

1238

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 19:59

Three, nearly four years. Still settling.

Lady Bubbles29805

712

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 19:43

It took a year or so until I THOUGHT I was settled. Every year since then (6 in total) I have felt more settled. So many lovely people, so many lovley experiences. Difficult at times, but really worthwhile.

349

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 19:38

I realise this post has shifted a bit from the original theme - which I think is fab as people are coming up with some really good ideas. But just to get back to the original question, it took me about one year before I could honestly say I loved living here. Unfortunately DH really struggled and for the past few years has almost battled some form of depression, almost as though he just couldn't make peace with Dubai. For a while there I honestly believed we weren't going to make it. I have to agree with Cyclone T - it is all about attitude and perception. I got up one morning and decided that I will find things to love about Dubai; and to be honest with you I am still discovering things that I love about living here. I am really happy that DH is also (finally) doing the same.

654

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 19:26

Thank you. Yes looks good.

138

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 19:15

Thanks simpleasabc - I checked it out and it looks great:)

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 18:53

CABear, I've just sent you mail about the Fairy Godmother Club, hope it helps. The other mothers who would like to meet ladies in a similar boat, just google the fairy godmother club (Dubai) and you should find a link to the FB page. Lakshmi, I'm afraid the FG group won't help you - just sorry to hear of your turmoil, hope everything gets sorted soon.. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 22/09/2011</em>

654

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 18:47

Hi Zara. Been here a month and have two boys aged 3 and 8. Wld love to meet once you ready. What schools are you kids going to? Good luck with move. <em>edited by Kathyt on 23/09/2011</em>

Annabelle0921001

236

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 18:26

Well, I have been here a few yrs, and I still do not feel that am settled in social wise! I have very few friends, plus i am shy so i basically spend most of my days alone with my DD!! yeah not nice i know but i got used to it...

232

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 18:22

I'm sorry to hear so many of you are struggling to feel right in Dubai. It took me no time at all as I loved Dubai straight away. I've honestly not met the sort of superficial people that I see mentioned on here a lot. Kind of missing my friends back home now though as I'm going through real turmoil in my personal life :(

414

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 17:37

gosh, so many true words... it took me probably a year(going on 4 y now)...but many things got "ironed" out much later...the site(EW) has helepd in practical way....but man, socially i felt i was making blunder after blunder for a while...till u find your ground and yourself. <em>edited by Goose on 22/09/2011</em>

138

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 17:36

I must say it is comforting to read all these posts and know there are so many women in a similar situation. I am willing to meet with anyone who is interested, especially those with kids of a similar age. 3boys, my boys are 11 months and 4 in November. We would love to meet up sometime, my oldest is especially in need of a playmate! We live in Discovery Gardens but are pretty good at getting around on the metro/taxis. My email address is cherylabear at gmail dot com.

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 17:26

I'm thinking all you ladies sound absolutely lovely & I'd love to meet up with anyone who'd like to meet me when we arrive and I get my kids sorted into school. I have a son of 11 & a daughter who's 8 and we are moving from the uk, we're planning on getting a house in the springs, so if anyone was interested in meeting in a couple of weeks id love to. I've noticed that a lot of the ladies have young children, any of you have kids of similar ages to mine?

31

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 17:12

I just replied...but it is from a different email address :)

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