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Young family moving to Dubai, where to live?

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1370

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 23:51

mags - thanks for the directions etc. Can you advise as to whether there are pools in Al Shafar? thanks

1370

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 11:08

thanks a lot. will get him to check it out!

203

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 11:07

Hi, Al Shafar is in 59th St Mirdiff, on the same side as Uptown Mirdiff. no other real landmarks if you arent familiar with the area. Easily accessible from 71st Street which is one of the main roads signposted from Algeria st (the single main road that runs through the centre of Mirdiff). if he can find his way to 71st St we have a lot of street sign boards on the street corners that can help. It is a large compund of 84 villas and does have Al Shafar Village written on the outside. You can contact the main office on 04 3384455 or e mail realestate@shafar.ae for better directions.

1370

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 18:49

Yep Umm Ramool LOL My thoughts exactly - Springs nice and easy for me and closer to beach etc. Let him drive LOL - he reckons it will take 45 mins. He was getting a lift from M of E when we were visiting and it was taking 35 to 40 mins along Sheik al Zayed. More chance of me getting work in one of the schools in that area than if I were on the DESS/DESC school run.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 18:45

That would be Umm Ramool :) IMHO I would choose Springs or Greens with kids going into one school instead of separate schools and DH would travel against the traffic every day anyway

1370

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 18:31

thanks for all replies. Husband works in Um Walool (least I think that's what it is called - near the airport). Mags - can I ask you where Al Shafar village is located as i have been unable to find it anywhere.(I'm still in UK but in husband in Dubai so I could send him for a recce) One child been awarded place at DESS and one at DESC. Both also been awarded places at DBS. I'm trying to decide whether to opt for the 'easier' option for me and put them to DBS and live in 2 bed in Springs or to go for it and do the DESS/DESC option (will be 3 years of separate schools and rarely will husband be able to assist with drop off or pick ups). thanks again for all replies

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 16:43

Alternatively you can also look at the apartments near Deira City Center, it's close to school, hubby's work and most importantly close to metro-your getaway to most of Dubai Didnt the OP say her Husbands office is near JAFZA?. That is nowhere near DCC, i hope i read the thread correctly no :) her husband works near airport :)

3863

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EW MASTER

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 16:39

Alternatively you can also look at the apartments near Deira City Center, it's close to school, hubby's work and most importantly close to metro-your getaway to most of Dubai Didnt the OP say her Husbands office is near JAFZA?. That is nowhere near DCC, i hope i read the thread correctly

203

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 16:35

I live in Al Shafar Village and have a child at DESS. The current rent is 100K for a 3 bedroom. You can usually rent direct from the landlord and if you ask at the security gate they will tell you if any are vacant and let you see them.

1234

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 11:53

Alternatively you can also look at the apartments near Deira City Center, it's close to school, hubby's work and most importantly close to metro-your getaway to most of Dubai

fairycakeyumm21878

2239

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EW EXPERT

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 06:55

I know this is an old,old thread but I saw sth re Al Sharfar village. I cant' seem to find this on estate agent websites. We've got a budget of 95k max (2 adults , 2 kids) and wondered if this would fit our budget.One child got a place at DESS and one at DESC. Husband works near airport. Can anyone advise how I can find out re vacancies. I'm in UK at minute - husband in Dubai . We're moving out to start sCchool in Sept. Al sharfar have properties everywhere in Dubai such JLT dubailand mirdiff etc, I believe it's not exactly a villiage. That's why you can't find it. Mirdiff will be on your budget. Arabian ranches dso villas etc are over your budget. Apartments dso and maybe a few in motorcity are in your budget as well.

1370

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 01:15

I know this is an old,old thread but I saw sth re Al Sharfar village. I cant' seem to find this on estate agent websites. We've got a budget of 95k max (2 adults , 2 kids) and wondered if this would fit our budget.One child got a place at DESS and one at DESC. Husband works near airport. Can anyone advise how I can find out re vacancies. I'm in UK at minute - husband in Dubai . We're moving out to start school in Sept.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 14:42

small world isnt it?? also check out the betterhomes website at www.bhomes.com - the website map feature might help you get your heads around the areas you might like to live in - although we found their agents a bit hit and miss regarding pics on websites - dont rely on them too much as they may well just be stock photos anyway and not actually be of the particular apartment/villa thats for rent whatever you decide on it will be somewhat different to Netherton - although you wont find such a good butcher!!! Very small world. How long have you been out there? Do you enjoy it? I'll have a look on that website thanks, the map sounds like agood idea. :)

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 14:24

small world isnt it?? also check out the betterhomes website at www.bhomes.com - the website map feature might help you get your heads around the areas you might like to live in - although we found their agents a bit hit and miss regarding pics on websites - dont rely on them too much as they may well just be stock photos anyway and not actually be of the particular apartment/villa thats for rent whatever you decide on it will be somewhat different to Netherton - although you wont find such a good butcher!!!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 14:10

Hi Sheryl - where abouts in WY?? - I am from Meltham near Holmfirth - be prepared for big culture shock - not many stone walls and sheep out here Echo the comments about Old Town - just walking out to so many shops, restaurants, cinemas etc is wonderful - bit different from Huddersfield - we had view of burj and even fountains when they were high you'll love it - did anyone mention to look on Dubizzle? - that will give you pretty good idea of prices - and when you get here and start looking be aware that many agents may try and show you same property so try and keep track of what you have seen so you're not taken back to same one again and again Oh my gosh I'm from Netherton, litterally 2 mins down the road from Meltham! how Bizarre!!!!!!!!! :D big smiles that just shocked me ha. Thanks for the advice. My OH has been keeping an eye on Dubizzle but they just dont show many quality pics so you never know what you are looking at. <em>edited by SherylR on 16/02/2011</em>

79

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:59

Hi Sheryl - where abouts in WY?? - I am from Meltham near Holmfirth - be prepared for big culture shock - not many stone walls and sheep out here Echo the comments about Old Town - just walking out to so many shops, restaurants, cinemas etc is wonderful - bit different from Huddersfield - we had view of burj and even fountains when they were high you'll love it - did anyone mention to look on Dubizzle? - that will give you pretty good idea of prices - and when you get here and start looking be aware that many agents may try and show you same property so try and keep track of what you have seen so you're not taken back to same one again and again

60

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:49

Make sure that wherever you live, you factor in diwa costs (water and electric). i was shocked at how expensive it is here! not meaning to put you off but have a look at some of the threads on here re unexpected costs etc. good luck with the move and get ready for some glorious weather! Thanks for the advice. I will definitely look into this. I had heard the costs were expensive but I will look into it in more detail so I know exactly what to expect....

60

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:48

Hi Sheryl ... thanks for this post. We're pretty much in the same position as you (DD almost also 15 months old like yours, plus I have a son who is 3) and I'm keeping an eye on this thread to see what the answers are. It really can be quite daunting, as you said. Where are you from? We're in London at the moment. Hello :) It's nice to know someone is in the same situation. We live in West Yorkshire at the moment. Looking forward to making the big move but just cant wait until it is sorted and I can relax and enjoy it!

60

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:47

I have a little more info now on where we will be. The office is in Jebel Ali, we don't have to live in that area but not too muchof a drive away so I'm guessing the Old Town and Mirdiff are going to be a little far away? Am I right in thinking The Greens is an area close to Jebel Ali? Excuse me if my Dubai geography is way off!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:02

Mirdif is very much an expat suburb and really nice. except for the air traffic noise depending where you are. I havent had a DEWA bill in my new 2 bed flat but Aircon is included so in the summer the electric associated with its useage wont be charged to me. I agree that DEWA bills can be a shock. and you have to remember that they now are chasing for the housing fee (like a tax) and its 5% of the rent of the unit spread over a year regardless of water,sewer,electric useage. you can get a 3 bed apartment for 79000 in Mirdif so easily will get a nice villa for 160K. You are close to the a Big New Mall and the airport is only 10 mins away. <em>edited by Blueskies on 16/02/2011</em>

2958

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EW EXPERT

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 07:34

Have a read through of this thread as it's current and full of pretty accurate coatings. Dew a bills can be shocking! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=135373

353

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 07:31

Make sure that wherever you live, you factor in diwa costs (water and electric). i was shocked at how expensive it is here! not meaning to put you off but have a look at some of the threads on here re unexpected costs etc. good luck with the move and get ready for some glorious weather!

Slummy Mummy37121

36

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 00:45

Hi Sheryl ... thanks for this post. We're pretty much in the same position as you (DD almost also 15 months old like yours, plus I have a son who is 3) and I'm keeping an eye on this thread to see what the answers are. It really can be quite daunting, as you said. Where are you from? We're in London at the moment.

44

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:13

Hi, you can move to our compound. It is a big compound of 84 villas in Mirdif. 99% of families have children. We have children play area. 3 swimming pools, gym and a grocery shop. It is very friendly compound and we have been living here 3 years. It is called Al Sharfar village. The 3-bed-room villas is around 105k.

60

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:52

For that budget I would be looking at any of the following places: The Greens (apartments) The Lakes (villas) Arabian Ranches (villas) if you wanted something bigger and don't mind some construction you could try Victory Heights or The Villa if you do a search on here most of these places have been discussed quite a few times but if there is anything specific you want to know just ask :) Thanks for your help. Its so daunting when Ive only ever been on a 2 week holiday and now I'm expected to choose where I want us to live for the next 5+ years. I have heard about all of those places so I will definitely look into them now they have been recommended..

1440

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:48

For that budget I would be looking at any of the following places: The Greens (apartments) The Lakes (villas) Arabian Ranches (villas) if you wanted something bigger and don't mind some construction you could try Victory Heights or The Villa if you do a search on here most of these places have been discussed quite a few times but if there is anything specific you want to know just ask :)

Sticky Wicket36659

1511

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:46

You should be able to find a small but nice villa for that amount in Jumeriah, Arabian Ranches, Dubai SIlicon Oasis, The Villa complex or Mirdiff , the latter being only a 25 min run from Jumeriah, very doable. Look for all the extra costs involved in renting and try to stay below budget.

60

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:42

totally depends on budget. We have 160k max budget

Sticky Wicket36659

1511

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:41

totally depends on budget.

60

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:39

Where will your husband work? Are you looking for an apartment or villa? He will work primarily from home. He will have an office that he will need to check in at from time to time which I;m not sure exactly where it is. Jumeirah area - I know that much. I'm open to apartment or villa, I havent really got a grasp on the way things are set out in Dubai and what both offer.

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