Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

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

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

Yikes, need help from seasoned expats

Log in to post new content in the forum.

Buy me a Pony36483

687

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 13:16

Calm down BMAP!!!! The main concerns are tax, housing and schools. Dubai is not a backwater and there is alot you can get done when you arrive. Enjoy the experience and relax!!!! LOL, OK, 7pm here and the bar has openned so I am calm now ;-). Nah, I understand Dubai is no backwater, but I have so much to organise from this end, just to get out of here, it's not funny. I am actually really excited and looking forward to getting there! Plus I am just emotional from lack of sleep and all this flood business we are having here in QLD at present. SQ: Re the dog situation: That's what I'd been told, but in my naivety hadn't realised they were only talking about one end. Starsouthern: "Dogs are allowed in the area that Jumeirah IB school is in. Where dogs are not allowed is Jumeirah Beach Residence this is on the other end of Dubai to where the school is." Thanks for this, I was unaware of that. Will put JIB back on my list then I think. Any idea how long it might take to get to Internet City from there? I'm thinking the traffic might be heavier in that part of town. I've definitely got Green Community mixed up with The Greens. Thanks for pointing that out. It would have caused a lot of confusion when house hunting. Documents attested...will put that on the To Do list. Caduku: Will suss out Motor City. Thanks for that tip, hadn't heard of it. Starfish: Will suss out Victory Heights and Bradenton Academy too. That sounds lovely. Thanks all for being so helpful.

161

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:58

Thank you so much. All of that is very helpful. I'm still in shock and shaking, frankly. It has been lows and highs here this week with the flood crisis and now this news on top of it. My emotions are everywhere atm. We have 2 boys aged 5 (and about to start school here) and turning 9 (going into Grade 4). My DH will be working in Internet City. The assignment should be around 2 years. We will be looking to rent a villa as we are hoping to bring our dog with us. I have 2 schools on my wish list at the moment - GEMS World Academy and Greenfields Community School (I am hopign to get into an IB School). I have discounted Jumeira IB School because I believe they don't allow dogs in that area and our thinking at the moment is that we should live near the school as that will probably govern our social circle. I wonder if I should be putting in applications for more than 2 schools??? So in terms of localities to live (assuming one of those schools comes through) I am thinking: Greenfields Community School - The Greens GEMS World Academy - The Springs, Arabian Ranches Any other family oriented areas near there that you would suggest (as I said, needs to be a villa). Oh God, I don't know how I am going to work through all of this in time! Thank you all so much for your help. Hi there, For Greenfield Community School You must be thinking of 'Green Community' --- 'The Greens' is quite a distance. Also consider 'Victory Heights Sports City' as the villas are new, spacious, beautiful and very well priced in comparison to 'Green Community' A lot of the families from VH have their kids in 'Greenfield Community School'. Also there is Bradenton Prep Academy which is located in Sports City. This is an IB school and is open to admissions. Try Bradenton Preparatory Academy in Sports City - American Curriculum. Tel: 04 44 93 600 (ask to speak with Tanya Schroeder/registrar) 'Greenfield Community School' is open for admissions but i'm not sure for what level. Best to give them a call asap http://www.gcschool.ae/ I live in Victory Heights and absolutely love it. We also have a dog same as many other families here. My daughter is going to 'The Children's Garden' http://www.childrensgarden.ae/ and will join 'Greenfield Community School' for grade 1. Good Luck to you and maybe see you soon :)

32

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:44

Tampons- can't get the normal carefree etc ones here or they are hard to find, they all have applicators here. Good luck You can get OB or Lil-Letts at Spinneys. Neither brand have applicators. OB is American and Lil-Letts are British.

656

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:41

Gems World Academy is literally 7 minutes or less in from Motor City. My sister has her son in KG2 there. Expensive school but facilities are pretty amazing. So Arabian Ranches/Motor City all have villas and are nice expat communities.

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:39

Thank you so much. All of that is very helpful. I'm still in shock and shaking, frankly. It has been lows and highs here this week with the flood crisis and now this news on top of it. My emotions are everywhere atm. We have 2 boys aged 5 (and about to start school here) and turning 9 (going into Grade 4). My DH will be working in Internet City. The assignment should be around 2 years. We will be looking to rent a villa as we are hoping to bring our dog with us. I have 2 schools on my wish list at the moment - GEMS World Academy and Greenfields Community School (I am hopign to get into an IB School). I have discounted Jumeira IB School because I believe they don't allow dogs in that area and our thinking at the moment is that we should live near the school as that will probably govern our social circle. I wonder if I should be putting in applications for more than 2 schools??? So in terms of localities to live (assuming one of those schools comes through) I am thinking: Greenfields Community School - The Greens GEMS World Academy - The Springs, Arabian Ranches Any other family oriented areas near there that you would suggest (as I said, needs to be a villa). Oh God, I don't know how I am going to work through all of this in time! Thank you all so much for your help.no dogs in Jumeirah? what? since when? http://gulfnews.com/life-style/pets/walk-the-dog-hot-under-the-collar-1.741909 but the Jum IB school is in Jumeirah 1, so this article has nothing to do with it.

105

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:37

I have friends whose children go to Greenfields and they live in Al Waha/Layan community which is near Motorcity, villas there. Slightly out of the way and in the desert but lovely community feel with a small shop to open soon and there's a playground and swimming pool I thhink... HTH

1618

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:35

Get all your marriage, birth and qualification certificates attested before leaving OZ. It's much less of a hassle if it's all done before landing here. Dogs are allowed in the area that Jumeirah IB school is in. Where dogs are not allowed is Jumeirah Beach Residence this is on the other end of Dubai to where the school is. Greenfields is in the Green Community which is a different area to the Greens. <em>edited by starsouthern on 13/01/2011</em>

200

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:27

You can easily live on Arabian Ranches and do the Greenfields school run , it's about 20 min on the bypass, I do it and there are quite a few others. Also the ranches is good for pets. Good luck

3901

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:27

Thank you so much. All of that is very helpful. I'm still in shock and shaking, frankly. It has been lows and highs here this week with the flood crisis and now this news on top of it. My emotions are everywhere atm. We have 2 boys aged 5 (and about to start school here) and turning 9 (going into Grade 4). My DH will be working in Internet City. The assignment should be around 2 years. We will be looking to rent a villa as we are hoping to bring our dog with us. I have 2 schools on my wish list at the moment - GEMS World Academy and Greenfields Community School (I am hopign to get into an IB School). I have discounted Jumeira IB School because I believe they don't allow dogs in that area and our thinking at the moment is that we should live near the school as that will probably govern our social circle. I wonder if I should be putting in applications for more than 2 schools??? So in terms of localities to live (assuming one of those schools comes through) I am thinking: Greenfields Community School - The Greens GEMS World Academy - The Springs, Arabian Ranches Any other family oriented areas near there that you would suggest (as I said, needs to be a villa). Oh God, I don't know how I am going to work through all of this in time! Thank you all so much for your help.no dogs in Jumeirah? what? since when? http://gulfnews.com/life-style/pets/walk-the-dog-hot-under-the-collar-1.741909

Freckles 128127

787

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:19

Calm down BMAP!!!! The main concerns are tax, housing and schools. Dubai is not a backwater and there is alot you can get done when you arrive. Enjoy the experience and relax!!!!

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:15

Thank you so much. All of that is very helpful. I'm still in shock and shaking, frankly. It has been lows and highs here this week with the flood crisis and now this news on top of it. My emotions are everywhere atm. We have 2 boys aged 5 (and about to start school here) and turning 9 (going into Grade 4). My DH will be working in Internet City. The assignment should be around 2 years. We will be looking to rent a villa as we are hoping to bring our dog with us. I have 2 schools on my wish list at the moment - GEMS World Academy and Greenfields Community School (I am hopign to get into an IB School). I have discounted Jumeira IB School because I believe they don't allow dogs in that area and our thinking at the moment is that we should live near the school as that will probably govern our social circle. I wonder if I should be putting in applications for more than 2 schools??? So in terms of localities to live (assuming one of those schools comes through) I am thinking: Greenfields Community School - The Greens GEMS World Academy - The Springs, Arabian Ranches Any other family oriented areas near there that you would suggest (as I said, needs to be a villa). Oh God, I don't know how I am going to work through all of this in time! Thank you all so much for your help.no dogs in Jumeirah? what? since when?

Buy me a Pony36483

687

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:12

Thank you so much. All of that is very helpful. I'm still in shock and shaking, frankly. It has been lows and highs here this week with the flood crisis and now this news on top of it. My emotions are everywhere atm. We have 2 boys aged 5 (and about to start school here) and turning 9 (going into Grade 4). My DH will be working in Internet City. The assignment should be around 2 years. We will be looking to rent a villa as we are hoping to bring our dog with us. I have 2 schools on my wish list at the moment - GEMS World Academy and Greenfields Community School (I am hopign to get into an IB School). I have discounted Jumeira IB School because I believe they don't allow dogs in that area and our thinking at the moment is that we should live near the school as that will probably govern our social circle. I wonder if I should be putting in applications for more than 2 schools??? So in terms of localities to live (assuming one of those schools comes through) I am thinking: Greenfields Community School - The Greens GEMS World Academy - The Springs, Arabian Ranches Any other family oriented areas near there that you would suggest (as I said, needs to be a villa). Oh God, I don't know how I am going to work through all of this in time! Thank you all so much for your help.

107

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:11

Hi Buy me a Pony, Firstly I would be looking at the school situation as I remember from a previous post you have 2 boys. This will become your biggest hurdle......schools here have extensive waiting lists and given that you will have a preference of curriculum you should be contacting the ones you are interested in NOW! Packing up the house and relocating it via a shipping company is hard work but NOTHING compared to the stress you could face if you cannot get your children into a school with a smooth transition. If I were you I would have DH speak to whomever it is that is pushing for this move to happen now and get them to give you as much info as possible as to how you will be situated as soon as you land here in Dubai eg: temp accom etc and then permanent accom. You will then be able to gage better the proximity to the schools you are interested in. We can give you as much info in terms of locations etc but first you need to make some decisions. Living in Dubai is pretty easy. There is the usual settling in period and of course things roll a little differently here than in many other countries but once you settle and you find your feet life is pretty good. Trust me though, get your boys schooling sorted. This is paramount. Goodluck!!! SH

756

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:52

Most importantly you want to become a non resident of Australia otherwise the tax department can tax you on the money you earn here. Remove yourself from the electroral roll. We changed all bank account address, rates etc to here in Dubai. Yet for my licence and medicare I changed this to my parents address. Depending how long you are here, put your health insurance on hold or cancel it. Advise superannuation companies. If you are a non resident and living overseas I don't think you can contribute to your super fund, but check this with your accountant. I find good linen here expensive and tend to buy it when I'm home so stock up on linen.Food you can get just about anything here. You can get vegemite yet it's expensive so I bring it with me, also hubbies and kids favourite chocolates and things like twisities. Tampons- can't get the normal carefree etc ones here or they are hard to find, they all have applicators here. My husband and son are asthmatic and ventolin is so much cheaper in Australia as the discount chemists. I also bring the anti cancer council sunscreen. You can get sunscreen here but I like that one. Advise if you have kids as that will also help further recommendations. Good luck

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:23

Do you have kids, and whereabouts in Dubai will your DH be working (geographical area, not which company)?

Buy me a Pony36483

687

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:17

Well, we just got the call from DH's boss. It looks like our move from Australia to Dubai is on and they want us there "now". While we have started a list of things we think we need to do, I'm sure it is in no way complete. Does anyone have a comprehensive "to do" list of things that need to be completed from the home end prior to leaving on an expat assignment to Dubai? Would also appreciate any suggestions of items that we should plan to bring (ie things that are difficult to find or expensive to purchase over there). Thanks in advance.

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!

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

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?