northernstar | ExpatWoman.com
 

northernstar

northernstar
170
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Latest post on 06 July 2015 - 16:08
Help I need to find a serviced apartment 1 bed for 10000 a month any suggestions? TIA
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 09:55
A friend of mine is moving to Oman with her boyfriend, he has a job but she doesn't, she is hoping to find work herself once she gets there, can he sponsor her if they aren't married? I have lived in The UAE and Qatar where I know it would be a huge NO! But don't know about Oman. TIA
northernstar
170
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Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 09:52
We are potentially moving to Abu Dhabi in the New Year, we have lived in the UAE before and are currently in Doha, where I work full time as a teaching assistant, I would like to be able to work in Abu Dhabi, can anyone advise me on how easy it would be to get a job as a TA in Abu Dhabi, what qualifications they want and how much the pay would be? TIA
northernstar
170
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Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 16:08
It's a great school with very hard working teachers and assistants, with all the building work they are doing it's going to be amazing when it's finished, the acting head has done an amazing job considering she was only asked to cover for one term and she has ended up doing the year. Next year reception will have new classrooms with outside areas so it is going to be amazing!!
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2013 - 16:29
I only just renewed my ID card a couple of weeks ago and it came back with no chip, so I wehtn ti immingration to get the card that includes E gate, it was really easy to get, so I guess if your ID cards turns up with a chip you need to go to immingration offie door 2 to get them to activate it.
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 20:03
Got my E gate card 2 days ago and by Doha standards it was dead easy.I set off a bit nervous about going on my own DH assured me i could do it with him!!! Not much here we can do alone! You go to immigration office on immigation roundabout, go to door 2 first, head to to back wall and a person in national dress will do you iris scan, finger prints, photo and signiture, you then head to door 3 and ask for an F ticket. You wait to be called, you hand in your old ID card pay your moneyI paid 200 for 3 years, then you wait about 5 mins for the card to be made, it looks like the old ID card but it has a chip, you then go back to door 2 by the scan machine and another chap activates its for you, so was so easy!! opening hours 630 to 12, they are also open 3 to 7 for renewals of cards, but they dont do new ones then. I hope this helps! ps security man tried to tell me I need a form from the garage filling out, so I called DH who assured me I didnt and guided me through!! edited by northernstar on 12/11/2013 <em>edited by northernstar on 12/11/2013</em>
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 21:28
At the moment all roads lead to Doha, as an ex Dubai chick I did find it hard to settle, we have been here 18 months, but we have a bigger apartment and nicer furnished than Dubai, for 10K a month, but we are in Bin Mahmoud, we cant afford the pearl or west bay, and husband wouldnt add money to what the company pay, but he walks to work, better than the Dubai Abu Dhabi drive each day. Doha is a small town Dubai is a grown up city. We have just heard of another 3 ex Dubai people heading this way. I have found Doha hard after Dubai, but I now work here as a TA, couldnt do that in Dubai because I didnt have A levels! Its been good getting back to work and meeting people there, we are slowly getting to know people, he head to Dubai at least 3 times a year, and every time we land we look longing at the place, but the truth is Doha is where the work is. Top tip for the airport, in refermce to the poor food, Diners Club card holders get free entry to the Oryx lounge, we missed that trick in Dubai and as rummour has it the the new airport is 2 years away well worth having it! As a foot note DH was here 30 years ago he said it was a dump then and is now, but I think thats a bit harsh! <em>edited by northernstar on 11/09/2013</em>
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 21:12
I havent heard of it, but my advise would be take a place at a school if its offered unless it looks bad, then get on the wait lists for the schools you want, i know the school situation is hard, other option is home schooling. Good luck x
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2013 - 10:35
I found on street 17 unit 17, in industrial area, Wacki the son of the owner was great speaks perfect English which is a plus and fixed our car up like new, nissan quoted 48500! he did it for 5000! his number is 66593977 we were very pleased to find an English speaker as the first couple i tried its was sign language !
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 20:00
Hi, glad is going well, what building are you in in Al Sadd, I cant do next friday as we are already booked, but I could meet Saturday morning husband is at work we could try to meet up one evening? Hes away in 3 weeks so maybe we could plan a friday brunch then !
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 19:57
Hi Calimonny, both schools you mentioned are good and well sort after I am sure you will be happy with either, good luck with the move.
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 10:25
Exciting times for you. Have you got your son registered at any schools here ? Finding school places is tough here are there just aren't enough places for the amount of children here, I know parents here really stress over finding any school place. The schools take money to go on the wait list and then charge for assessments if you get one! In the first instance you may have to take any place and then wait for the one you want. If your son is 3 going on 4 you can also consider nursery schools. But again finding places is tough. I would recommend you start contacting schools/nurseries now to find out what's available. Good luck with it all.
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 21:00
Thank you pinotG she had an interview and has had a job offer!!!
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 20:47
Its a big step, I know couples who live together here, and they both have their own sponsorship, but its a huge risk as it is illegal and if you get caught a prison sentence and then deportation. My hubby and I had to marry to come to the middle east, that way he could sponsor me and also his company gives me medical cover and a flight home each year. When we met he vowed he would never marry again! But to enable me to be able to come with him we had to tie the knot. Qatar is a strict Muslim country and if you get caught breaking the laws its very black and white. People have been done in the UAE for kissing in public! A friend of mine got locked in her bedroom when the door jammed, in the end civil defence were called to release her, before they did they asked to see the marriage certificate! Also if you got pregnant its illegal too if your unmarried. On a good note nurseries pay about 7000 a month for a leader, but all the schools have early years so you could try to approach the schools for a job, think they pay more and give housing allowance! Good luck with it all, being married isn't bad on a lighter note my husband was in Qatar 25 years and vowed he wouldn't ever come bacK !!!! and here we are.
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 08:15
Thank you all for your comments so far. She is using LinkedIn at the moment to contact people. As well as everyone she knows plus the usual job sites. She doesn't hold much hope via the job sites as she knows from her internship as a recruiter they get hundreds of hit per job. Thank you expat ladies for taking the time to respond. I really hope she does find her dream job, it won't be for lack of trying.
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 15:41
She graduated last year with her LLB the uk is dire for jobs so she is really keen to work in the region. Thanks for the advise so far I will pass it on to her
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 13:22
Come ladies can't someone help xxx
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 09:44
Hope someone can help !! We lived in Dubai and are now in Qatar. My daughter came over in December to job hunt she is a law graduate. She has just finished a 3 months unpaid internship in recruitment. She worked 12 hour days the job was offered at the end but she has bravely decided not to take it as she didn't feel its for her. So she needs an opportunity to find a job ideally on a graduate programme. She would live in Dubai if that's where the job was. She just needs a helping hand to find contacts to enable her to find work in the Middle East. Any suggestions ladies. She doesn't want to have to go back to the uk as the job market there is awful at the moment.can anyone please help. Thanks
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 09:23
Thank you so much will pass information on to her.
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 21:39
Hi Nasreen, I have just seen your post, not been on here for a while, hope the move went well and the new job is going well, I could meet one evening if you fancy some company, where are you staying? Julie
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 18:11
Ely is lovely!!! Doha is nothing like it!! But I am sure you will settle in quickly!!
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 18:09
Check out Starfish lane too xx
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 19:56
HI Nasreen, I loved in a little village outside Peterborough called Stibbington, then in Huntingdon, where our house is. Where are you based? on the post front to redirect you need a PO box, we get ours sent to a neighbour think you cant redirect indefinitely and local post here is not reliable! <em>edited by northernstar on 01/02/2013</em>
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 12:02
ps Debs K maybe we could start a new book club I loved my Dubai one!
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 12:01
Hi I am Julie looks like I am the oldie at 48!! but very young at heart and a bit mad! From Yorkshire, but lived in Cambridgeshire for over 20 years, before divorce changed my life, met husband no 2 who's job brought me to the Middle East in 2009, We lived in Dubai before his job ended last year and he got a new job here in Doha, we came here May last year . I work as a teaching assistant in a nursery here in Doha, so apart from the 2 ladies I knew in Dubai and people at work I have found meeting people here hard work compared to Dubai, would love to meet up I am free next weekend as my husband is away trekking up Killi! I have 2 grown up children, a son who is in the UK 20 and my daughter who is 21 who is here in Qatar doing an internship for Michael Page. Its going to be good having local girls to see my email is [email protected]. Yes I was a Slimming World consultant in the UK!
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 19:56
School places in Doha are very sort after, so in the first instance I would suggest you get your 2 on the schools waiting lists ASAP! what a lot of people have to do is send them to a less preferred school while they wait for a place at their choice! With Doha expanding so quickly there are more children than places, there is a strong home school network too. The good bit is the town is transient so things can change quickly so don't be disheartened. Good luck with your search!!
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 19:52
i am up for a meet up too!!! La Cigal sounds perfect!! We could start an local book club too if any fancies an evening one, would be good to have local stuff to do rather than always having to head up to West Bay or the Pearl! DH has said arent there girls local to us I can meet up with!
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 19:38
I am excited at the prospect of meeting girls in my area!! Everyone else I have met lives West Bay/ Pearl, it will be good to know some BinMahmoud/Al Sadd chicks, Sheba123 do you get given accommodation or do you have to find it? I live in a great building near to your office run by ALfardan, which are a great company to lease through. Julie
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 17:48
Plan to go back!!! there is so much to do in Dubai, The Madinnat is a great place to go to eat, loads of restaurants great views of the Burg Al Arab and the restaurants are licensed. Sky Dubai is amazing DH did it in September very slick set up! In 2 days you wont cover much so chose carefully there is so much you could do, if you get down to the creek the Abras are good they cost 1 dirham a head to cross the creek on. There is also a water taxi that goes from behind Marina mall that goes out behind the Palm. Aquaventure is a great day out too when it gets a bit hotter. If your hiring a car its worth a drive down the Palm just to see, or there is the big red bus tour available. where are you staying? Taxis are good in Dubai lots available and they put the meter on unlike here, its also worth riding the metro just to see a view of the city, if you use the metro get a silver nol card and you will have it next time you visit, the metro is cheap and good, but only down side is is doesn't start until 1pm on a Friday. Have fun!
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 17:39
Welcome Sheba123 to the world of expat woman and the forum. Where will you be working? We live in Al Sadd. People here are friendly so I am sure work colleagues will invite you out. There is a group that meets monthly I think in an evening in West Bay for professional ladies they meet at 6pm don't know much more than that! I also work but I finish at 2 and have found meeting new people hard as all the coffee groups etc are aimed at non working ladies. My 21 year daughter has just moved to Doha to do an internship and has made friends easily even though they seem to be male. I am sure once you are here you will settle quickly, there is a magazine called Qatar happening and Time Out Doha that has all the local stuff listed, they come out the first of the month and will give you a bit of info to work from. Good luck with it all the Middle East takes a bit off getting use to but once you do its a really good place to live. Keep in touch !!! Once your here I would be happy to meet up and can drag daughter along too, if we are still here!
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 17:39
Welcome Sheba123 to the world of expat woman and the forum. Where will you be working? We live in Al Sadd. People here are friendly so I am sure work colleagues will invite you out. There is a group that meets monthly I think in an evening in West Bay for professional ladies they meet at 6pm don't know much more than that! I also work but I finish at 2 and have found meeting new people hard as all the coffee groups etc are aimed at non working ladies. My 21 year daughter has just moved to Doha to do an internship and has made friends easily even though they seem to be male. I am sure once you are here you will settle quickly, there is a magazine called Qatar happening and Time Out Doha that has all the local stuff listed, they come out the first of the month and will give you a bit of info to work from. Good luck with it all the Middle East takes a bit off getting use to but once you do its a really good place to live. Keep in touch !!! Once your here I would be happy to meet up and can drag daughter along too, if we are still here!
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 21:28
thanks x
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 20:26
I am on the look out for a job as teaching assistant in a primary school and was wondering how much the monthly salaries are and how they compare to that of an assistant in a nursery. TIA.
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 20:23
Contact Al Fardan properties they have buildings in AlSadd, we are in one, high spec and spacious we are very happy. They have their own people and dont charge commission . good luck
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 11:39
RachelA your right parkclark is in a different building to me !!
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 20:31
Hi Parkclark, which building are you moving into to? We are in Al Jazeera, would be good to meet up, Hope you had a good Christmas x
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 23:02
Think Ritz has space too
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 13:36
We are in an Alfardan building in Bin Mahmood, the finish is good and furnishing of a high standard. They are very good with response time to issues very good. Not that we have had many. The traffic isnt a problem I work down Salwa rd and DH at Hamad. Being out of West Bay we have a huge 2 bed, with good kitcehn and laundry room for 10000. Good luck with your hunt,
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 17:39
At 3 you could consider a nursery, fees average about 7100 for 3 months, I hear school places are hard to find as Doha has too many children and not enough places so you may need to look around a few, Good luck with it all xxx
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 18:24
Thank you sea of love I will get her to email you , as for what she wants she is open minded and open to offers, but salary needs to enough to live independently on. Whatever that means !
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 18:19
She isnt afraid of hard work at long hours if the money is good, but we all think the law firm she is with are taking advantage of the fact new grads need jobs and the uk job market is tough. Could you suggest some international law firms based in Doha who she could contact she is planning to come over early Oct to Job hunt. Thank you so much
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 20:37
Thank you, she was at University of Lincoln, she would love further training but in the Uk its really tough I will pass your comments on, she would consider other industries too.
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 19:12
Oh dear little spoon, a friend of mine is having problems with DH RP, they have been doing visa runs since they arrived in February, they are now finding the airport a hassle as they are asking lots of questions as they come in. Plus their shipment from dubai cant be delivered without it ,, she now regrets coming to Doha. Hope your life here will be a bit easier. Good luck with it all .
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 17:34
I thought companies had to provide medical cover? DH keeps mentioning the Hamad medical card that I think is a bit like NHS here in qatar but not sure how you get it! Think you need your RP and a bill with your address on, can anyone else enlighten me?
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 17:31
The procedure varies from shop to shop, the first time i tried to claim the vat back as a new expat I did not get the paperwork from the retailer so was turned away at the airport. Doh! When you ask for the VAT claim form as you buy the goods all shops vary in how they deal with it, some press a magic button on the till, others produce a form and some like John Lewis send you to a special office to process the paperwork. Some shops look at you blankly as they don't know what you are on about! All shops have a minimum spend too, New look is only 30 pounds for example, once at the airport desk you are expected and can be asked to produce the goods, so if you have checked in already you wont be able to claim, so its worth keeping them bagged up to wave at the officails if they ask, you also need a current visa for the country you are an expat in, no visa no claim, I usually use Heathrow who has claim desks, think you can do a postal claim too as mentioned below, at the airport they can give you cash or debit your card. My DH does question the hassle I go through at the airport for small amounts but why shouldnt' I I tell him. Hope this helps.
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 12:49
VRdoha, I take on board your comments about Dubai v Doha, if Doha had been my first expat posting I think I would agree with what you say, but once you have lived in Dubai you see it in a different light. A lot of expats who come here from other GCC countries find Doha a struggle, but if you come with an open mind and happy memories Doha is okay, people are friendly, you need to fill me in on what to do during Ramadan, I did 2 in Dubai, no problem but am finding Ramadan here a challenge! I think ultimately anywhere is good if you are lucky enough to meet good people which I did in Dubai and have here. VRDoha i await your Ramadan inspirations and Babysoosoo you will enjoy Doha good luck with it all,
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 13:23
Well firstly Doha is not Dubai, we have been here nearly 3 months after a 3 years in Dubai. Doha is more like a small town. I don't know the lagoon area, but I think its a top place to be lucky you!! For what I hear the compounds are great for families so I am sure you will settle well. With Doha being small everywhere is easy to get to. As for schools I think places are tight so you may find that a hassle in the first instance, but am sure it will get sorted. If you come with an open mind and remember Dubai is only a short hop away you will be fine. Doha has everything Dubai has but on a much smaller and less grand scale. Good luck with it all.
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2012 - 21:19
if you check apple website for uk and qatar it will give you a price comparison we have found apple stuff cheaper in the middle east than uk, once you have your visa you can claim the vat back at the airport on goods bought in the uk while visiting. you ask in eat shop for a vat free shopping form, but you need a visa for another country to be able to do it. good luck with it. we bought 2 mac books in Dubai and 2 i phones there, it was cheaper than uk. I also bough an i pod nano at heathrow T5 and was gutted to find it cheaper in Dubai, qatar prices are quite similar to dubai, but Dubai is an easy hop from here for some serious shopping <em>edited by northernstar on 14/07/2012</em>
northernstar
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 20:52
Fitness first called us it will be open tomorrow, mall open today!
northernstar
170
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 13:22
I am at Starfish 4, but they are all great x
 
 
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