Guide

Dubai Nightlife: The Best Bars for Women in 2026

The Best Dining Offers in Dubai: Chic Restaurants, Lounges, Beach Clubs and Girls Nights

Sink Into Serenity: Inside Dubai’s Most Luxurious Sand Bath Experience at Cinq Mondes Spa

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series - An Experience They Keep Coming Back To

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

Outdoor Movie Nights Return to JLT Dubai: Cinema Under the Stars Is Back for the Winter Season

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

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

Don’t Miss It: DAZ Festival 2026 is the Ultimate Family Day Out This April

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series - An Experience They Keep Coming Back To

Wicked Makes Its Middle East Debut at Dubai Opera and It's Unmissable

Outdoor Movie Nights Return to JLT Dubai: Cinema Under the Stars Is Back for the Winter Season

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

Education

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

AL JABR EFI Opens Its French Nursery and Kindergarten in Dubai

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

Dubai Private School Hosts Rare Art Exhibition: "Royal Lineage Across a Thousand Years of History"

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Art, Culture, and Inspiration Come Alive: A One-of-a-Kind Celebration at BC Academy

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Money

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

How to Pay UAE Fines in Instalments Using Tabby

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

Home

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

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

Car

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

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

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

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

Wellness

Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times: Practical Strategies to Stay Mentally Strong

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Where to Get Free Breast Cancer Screening in the UAE 2025

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

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

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

Having trouble getting children into schools for September

216

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 14:06

Hi, My Husband moves over to Dubai next week. I was planning on coming over for September - have a daughter who will be going into tr4 in Sept & one due to start reception in September - having a real nightmare getting them into an English cirriculum school. All happy to take your cash & say they are taking applications & them tell you you have no chance due to the waiting lists once thay have your money!.Our nly option looks like the new Gems Wellington Silicon Oasis, but not been actually offered a place - daughter needs to take assessment test - does anyone know much about this? Its due to open from Sept 2011, was advised to stay away from Gems - but looks like it will be our only option - can't get over the waiting lists for places. Could end up being nxt September before we can come over! Any advise greatful appreciated .....

Log in to post new content in the forum.

216

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 17:46

Thanks - will have a look at these. On where planning to live - again all up in the air due to schools - as this will dictate on where we can base ourselves as don't want to be driving from one end of Dubai to the other - so limbo land till we can get schools sorted. Its not that we have only just been looking - had applied to some & paid New Year -came out to visit week after your feb half term to visit schools & then come back to find they confirmed waiting lists longer than they said & so no chance of getting in Sept - so busy now trying to get other options together & being more cautious than handing them more money for each school & still ended up in the same boat!! So we can sort out all the other stuff you have to do when coming over!!! But time running out..... will check out these schools below, thanks

1617

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:58

I can share everyone's frustrations with schools being enthusatic about your children joining, purporting to have short waiting lists so you pay the blasted fees only for you to never hear from them again!! They know who they are. I can second Star Internation (which is a British Curriculum school) although my daughter goes to the Um Sheif one. She's really happy there (joined Jan this year) and it's a newish school so they still have places. The headmaster is phenomenal.

28

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:50

I can sympathise as we went through the same - have you tried Horizon and Safa - two nice schools in Jumeirah who do not ask for payment to go on the waiting list, and whose registrars are pleasant and straight talking? I ended up spending a fortune on waiting lists for schools who I am sure never had any intention of offering me a place. Indeed some never even replied to my email asking if they had received the waiting list fee - what does that suggest about their attitude to customer service?....I got very stressed and flustered about it but it did work out ok - and we got a place within three months of starting the search. It's just no-one will say you're close to getting a place til they actually know they have a place if you see what i mean - so you don't know if you're way down, or, at the top of the list - well I didn't anyway. All the best of luck and let us know how you get on.

3220

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:13

Where will you be living?

17

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:12

My kids are in Gems Royal Dubai School in Mirdif. I am very happy with the school. They even accept monthly payment

78

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:11

lcoolie The school at Silicon Oasis is a ways off of being done, still a construction site. I don't think your husband will get to see too much. It may be ready by Sept if not they will probably still open but the children will go to another GEMS school until this one is ready. HTH

32

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:10

Have you tried Star International in Mirdif? Mine are new there and very happy. The school is quite new and building up numbers. Having the older child sometimes helps to get the younger one in!

216

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:07

thanks - hubby hoping to go & take a look at the new one once over next week. Didn't realise it would be so diff to get school places!

3220

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 15:01

GEMS schools are good but just very greedy thats why they have bad reputations. Assesment the kids just plays and the teacher will ask a few questions. Just to make sure the child has no special needs as very few schools cater for this.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

AL JABR EFI Early Childhood Centre | French nursery in Dubai

AL JABR EFI Opens Its French Nursery and Kindergarten in Dubai

Dubai women dining offers guide 2026

The Best Dining Offers in Dubai: Chic Restaurants, Lounges, Beach Clubs and Girls Nights

Best music schools for kids in Dubai | Aureus Academy UAE

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

Dubai Nightlife: The Best Bars for Women in 2026

Dubai Nightlife: The Best Bars for Women in 2026

UAE Family Law 2026 | Divorce, Custody & Personal Status Guide for Expat Residents

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

Managing Anxiety during Uncertain Times: Practical Strategies to Stay Mentally Strong

Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times: Practical Strategies to Stay Mentally Strong

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai | Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Top Online Schools in the UAE for Kids and Teenagers: CambriLearn

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

A Guide to DAZ Festival 2026 in Al Ain | Tickets, Activities, Food & Beverages, Shows, Events & More

Don’t Miss It: DAZ Festival 2026 is the Ultimate Family Day Out This April

How to get a divorce in Dubai as an expat resident

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

Royal Lineage Across a Thousand Years of History exhibition at BC Academy International School Dubai news

Dubai Private School Hosts Rare Art Exhibition: "Royal Lineage Across a Thousand Years of History"

10 Essential Steps to Secure Your Child’s Educational Future

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Psammotherapy at Raffles the Palm Dubai

Sink Into Serenity: Inside Dubai’s Most Luxurious Sand Bath Experience at Cinq Mondes Spa

How to Pay UAE Fines in Instalments Using Tabby

How to Pay UAE Fines in Instalments Using Tabby

Kisari Kids - Awareness Parenting Coach Eva Szorad Interview

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

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

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

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

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

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

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

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