Guide

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

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

Flying Drones in the UAE: Updated Guidelines For Personal Use

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

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

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

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

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

MOTN Festival Returns For 2024: What's In Store & Where to Get Tickets

Top Tree Lighting Ceremonies to See for Christmas 2024 in Dubai

UAE National Day 2024 Fireworks in Dubai: Locations & Timings

Education

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

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?

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

Money

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

Minimum AED 5,000 Fine for Smoking Near Children 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

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

Looking to move to Silicon Oasis this summer

2

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 March 2016 - 16:55

We are looking to move to Silicon Oasis in the summer with two boys, 13 &16, who have been offered places at DESC and GEMS SO. Do you have any recommendation on the two schools and the area to live, possibly a 3 bed villa in SO? From what I have read the area seems very nice and family friendly. My husband works in Dubai already, but the boys and I are moving from the UK. Much appreciate any feedback you might have. Thank you.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

117

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 April 2016 - 08:25

La Sam - it truly is a wonderful community. we're very comfortable here, and very happy. there's nothing pretentious about the place, it's just a good old fashioned suburb, with all the good that entails. we're also away from the hustle and bustle and madness of downtown dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road (the road that cuts through the center of old to new dubai from Downtown all the way to the Dubai Marina) but only 15 minutes away. We don't have a hospital here yet (although they are building a massive one currently) but we have several clinics, and our pediatrician, who happens to be one of the best in Dubai miraculously ended up having an office here in DSO in addition to his practice in Healthcare City. School-wise, the GEMS schools in DSO gets mixed reviews, but it is a huge school, and really really nice facilities. I dont have any children there but friends and neighbors whose kids do attend have generally good things to say about it. there are a whole host of schools very closeby that would only take you about 10-15 minutes to get to, even during the morning rush - repton, Kings nad al sheba, GEMS Firstpoint the Villa, Dubai English Speaking College (secondary school) Just saw that you mentioned you were given places at DESC- i would DEFINITELY recommend DESC- they are a fabulous school and your children will thrive there. I personally am a bit apprehensive of the GEMS machine - and if you read the DESC reviews online you will see that the feedback has been quite exceptional. let me know if you have any specific questions!

2

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 21:11

Thank you, and I agree, coming from London it seems to me DSO is quite central to everything. I am hearing lots of positive feedback on the atmosphere of the place and I heard they are looking to extend the green line! If you have any feedback on the schools would be great! Thanks again.

117

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 22:46

hello and welcome! i currently live in DSO, having moved out here 2 years ago from downtown dubai and i absolutely love it. it is peaceful, it is clean, it is safe, and it is such a wonderful diverse community with all the amenities you need. you almost never need to leave Silicon Oasis. i think its absolutely hilarious when people say Silicon Oasis is "far from the city" being 10-15 minutes away!! i'm from new york and if you're 1 hour from the city, you're still considered close. boy, do we get a bit spoiled living in Dubai. Silicon Oasis is ideally situated -- you're only 10-15 minutes away from Downtown, about 30 minutes to the Dubai Marina and no more than 15-30 minutes from anywhere you need to go in and around Dubai (not barring traffic of course, which is a whole other story...) good luck!

548

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 15:30

Thank you for your responses, yes all the searches I have done would indicate that DSO is a lovely place to live and quite convenient too. We will know for sure which school the boys will attend only after the GCSE results in August, but we will be moving to DSO earlier in the summer. I heard it is a bit hotter at DSO than the centre, but we are looking forward to the move! Hi there, DSO is a great community for families but indeed you may fee a bit cut off from the "main" city (e.g. Jumeirah area. Depends where you work, shop, etc. there are all kinds of options near DSO. I don't have kids at either school but generally GEMS DSO gets mixed reviews and is for profit, whereas DESC generally gets great reviews and is not for profit. Semer villas are for Emirates pilots; Cedre are a mix but prices are around the 200K mark for 3 bedroom and 230K for 4 bedrooms so not exactly cheap. Some may be rented directly by the DSO Authority but most Cedre villas are in fact privately owned. Hope this helps a bit-good luck!

2

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 March 2016 - 19:41

Thank you for your responses, yes all the searches I have done would indicate that DSO is a lovely place to live and quite convenient too. We will know for sure which school the boys will attend only after the GCSE results in August, but we will be moving to DSO earlier in the summer. I heard it is a bit hotter at DSO than the centre, but we are looking forward to the move!

553

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 15:48

Only have experience of DESC which I thought was great. I chose it because I wanted a non profit school rather than a profit school. Afraid I can't help re accommodation but I know lots of DESC kids live in DSO, Mirdif or Arabian Ranches. Travel time from most places to DESC is not more than 30 mins

sourskittleashnut

984

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 14:57

Hi If you do a search here you'll see alot of positive threads about silicon oasis (also knows as DSO), it seems to be a nice community, tho far from the main city (a 10-15 minute drive) but easily accessible roads. My DD will start FS2 at Wellington DSO in Sep and we are looking to move there too. For the school, we really liked the teachers and the kids seemed happy, and it was organized despite the fact that it's such a big school. Great facilities too, but you will hear mixed reviews about the teaching. For the villas, we saw the villas and they are lovely with nice finishing. There's 2 types of villas: Cedre and Semmer. I love the design of the modern ones (Cedre) and we had an agent show us 3 different styles and they were all very well laid out and spacious. Rents are also reasonable compared to the rest of Dubai - what you'll pay for a spacious 4 br villa is what you would pay for a medium sized 2br apartment in the city. DSO has their own leasing agents who you can call and they'll let you view the houses, I spoke with Saeed who was very helpful: 050 626 4446 Good luck!

DubaiGirl2020118162

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 14:34

Can help with the rental options for Silicon Oasis. Let me know if interested.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

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

Dubai public parking fees to change from April 2025

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

RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge 2025 news

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

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

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

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

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

UAE food delivery scam news

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

How to get a car loan in Dubai and UAE

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai pilot launches 4-day work week for government employees

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

Health insurance will be included in UAE tourist visa

Visitors Will Soon Get Health Insurance With Their UAE Tourist Visas