lal1 | ExpatWoman.com
 

lal1

lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2017 - 09:18
Many thanks ladies.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2017 - 13:43
Hi ladies, seeking restaurant/bar recommendations within walking distance of Dubai Opera. TIA
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 January 2017 - 17:06
A group meets at Counter Culture at Marriott Harbour Hotel, Dubai Marina on Mondays at 9.30 and Tuesday at 2.00.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2016 - 17:32
You can drive on your USA driving licence until your residency visa is arranged. At that stage you will need to switch it for a UAE driving licence. You can only drive a hire car on a non UAE licence, private cars can only be insured as a resident.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2016 - 09:36
If your DH signs a contract for a serviced apartment which states utilities (DEWA) is included in rent then that can be accepted for visa sponsorship. Easier if his company has a good PR. We lived for years in serviced apartments and never had a problem renewing my visa.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 April 2016 - 11:54
Giving verbal commands and treats worked for us. You may feel a bit silly at first talking to your dog in public like this, but dogs really do "get it" with only a little bit of training. Every time you take your dog out have a pocket full of small treats, and every time your dog actually performs repeat the same words or phrase every time and then give him a treat and praise enthusiastically. Any phrase will do as long as you use the same ones all the time - ours were "busy busy" for a wee and "do it do it" for a poo. Every time he performs give the treat and before long he will associate the phrase with what he's required to do and will soon learn to do his duty almost to command. Our Irish Wolfhound was so well trained by this method she would try to perform on command even if she didn't need to go and would squat and try even if there was no end result, she'd still get praised. Eventually you can cut out the treats as your dog should then be able to recognise what's needed and follow these commands as easily as sit, lie down etc. Everyone in the family who takes the dog out should follow the same routine with the same words to avoid confusion and with a small amount of effort you should get success. Also it's a good idea to try to ignore the accidents, some dogs will crave attention, any attention even if it's being told off.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2015 - 14:02
Welcome to Dubai, that package is very similar to my DH's package made up differently but overall gross amount very similar. My thoughts are when we came here 7 years ago it was deemed a comfortable package and we lived very well and managed to save, however none of the promised annual bonuses have materialised and only one miniscule pay rise has meant our standard of living has dropped significantly. Accomodation costs rose year on year and this year we moved further out of chosen area just to balance the books, which I was very resentful of as I felt effectively we'd been evicted due to financial constraints that we hadn't expected, normally your standard of living improves year on year, here for us it's been the other way round. We don't have school age children but I'd think without a schooling package you'd find things challenging and your ability to save drastically reduced. I wouldn't take for granted that your husband's company would pay for your visas, my DH's did his as part of his contract, but even tough they processed mine the costs were taken out of his salary. Does the company offer at least one flight home per year for DH and you and children (this is standard) or have they lumped this into the overall package? Also make sure health insurance for you all are included. One other thing to consider is will you still have a house in home country to pay bills/mortgage on, these costs also need to be factored into the equation. After a few years we decided to rent our home property out to make some extra income and not have month on month bills at home, but this means relying on family and friends for accomodation when home, but this factors out well as they then visit us in Dubai and have free accomodation, obviously with children in tow this might be more difficult. Don't get me wrong, we've loved living in Dubai, made some savings and lived reasonably well here but the numbers aren't stacking up for us now and I fear our time here will end quite soon. I'm glad you're doing your research if you evaluate the reasons for coming and think the numbers can work for you it's a great opportunity to sample a different way of life, have opportunity to travel further a field and widen your horizons.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 July 2015 - 20:48
Staffordshire bull terriers in general are a banned breed, as per the municipality rules. Although there are these dogs in the country, it's not allowed to keep them in an apartment and they have to be leashed and muzzled at all times in public. Great thanks. Yes we aware that we would need a villa and no problem with the lead and muzzle But you'd still need to find an airline who'd fly that breed - a big ask. Anyways good luck with your research I know how precious our pets can be.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 20:55
Can't add anymore on the jobs front from what others have said. But whilst you said you'd be happy to come and initially be supported by your BF you need to consider the practicalities, first of all he can't sponsor you, therefore you'd be here on a thirty day visit visa, yes you could do visa runs but without a visa you won't be able to rent a property. So if you weren't going to be living together where do you think you could live? Long term hotel accommodation would be very expensive. It's good that you are checking things out and not jumping in with two feet but I think you still need to do lots of research. After saying all this, as a 22 year old I'd say go for it if you got a job offer, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 23:24
Thank you all, ladies, I will Be straightforward, the proposal is for about 70k so, correct me if I am wrong, you all agree that this amount is quite good, not to live as rich but enough to cover the monthly expenses. Not a luxury life but a fair, adequate life. A second job would certainly improve things. Is this the correct perspective I got from your replies? I personally think 70k is a very good salary, but I am sure some others might say different, it really depends on what you are used to and expectations. I would say "go for it" life is too short for "what ifs". Give it a go, if you don't settle or it's not what you'd expected you can always evaluate and move on. Life isn't a rehearsal - take the opportunities that come your way and embrace them. The UK does have it's share of problems, the same as a lot of western countries, but is also has lots going for it.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 14:15
You only get free health care if you've been paying tax and National Insurance. You will get free health care from the day you move to the UK if you are moving there permanently (well permanently as long as you plan to stay there long term) and fulfil certain criteria http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1087.aspx?categoryid=68&subcategoryid=162 <em>edited by lal1 on 06/08/2014</em>
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 13:13
Thanks Lal1 and the other girls. When you talk about 60000/70000 gbp, do you then have to consider about a 40% tax off? You don't pay 40% tax full amount! you first of all have a tax free allowance then you pay tax on a sliding scale of your earnings check out inland revenue website for current rates. It's something like tax free personal allowance of 10,000 than 20% tax on earnings from 10,000 - 32,000 then 40% on earnings over 32,000 if that makes any sense. <em>edited by lal1 on 06/08/2014</em>
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 12:58
Facebook! Ask all your Dubai friends to share - it's amazing how many people could possible see your ad.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 12:52
Hampshire is a beautiful county, I have lots of family that live in the region. Accessibility to countryside, coast and London as well as Europe make it a great place to live. Free education, free health care, quality after school care should also be factored into the equation. I would say most quality food grocery shopping is cheaper in the UK (I just paid the equivalent of over £3.50 for celery in Dubai - would be £1 in UK) If my DH was offered 60-70K GBP I'd be back in a shot. Dubai will always only be a temporary measure for most expats, the lifestyle and monetary savings make it worthwhile at the moment, but with rents rising at an alarming rate (expo 2020 being the excuse), I am not certain that the monetary benefits will continue much longer (my DH has not had a pay rise/bonus during our 5+ years here - even though he was "promised" annual bonuses) so I think the time will come very soon to reevaluate our position here and the UK looks a much more attractive prospect.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 August 2014 - 19:00
Dear Red, how much does your husband earn? I have an offer on 40 000 AED per year and I'm not sure if that would be enough, it seems like a lot of money but when you put it like this... I'd have to pay for schooling and rent by myself as well. Do you mean 40,000 per year or per month? Would you be the main/sole wage earner? Advice would be different depending on your answers.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 July 2014 - 17:51
I looked at watches in March for my niece I can't comment on Taghuer but Omega Constellations were slightly cheaper in Uk especially if you factor in claiming the vat back. We looked at loads of watches in Dubai Mall and most places you can negotiate a discount but uk was cheaper for Omega but some others had better prices in Dubai. Last year at Eid Dubai duty free had some great discounts at their airport shops on Omegas.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 15:08
A bottle of wine is horrendously expensive here in a restaurant ranging from 300-1000+ very rarely drink wine when out for a meal as the price leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth ?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 15:05
and it will probably be mid week so cant even book a trip anywhere as my company refuses to give me leave :( refuses? well they say too many people are off at that time already. It was only going to be 2 days I wanted off plus the 2 days for Eid. Oh well, what can you do! Yeah that is unfortunate! Just have to remember to plan ahead now for Eid in October :) Beat the others October Eid is expected to be Friday, Saturday, Sunday so effectively only one day off on top of the norm.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 July 2014 - 14:57
My DH and many of his associates don't have degrees, they are employed as managers and have contracts reflecting that but their visas state "clerk" or some other such like description. Hasn't caused any problems to date.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 08:08
Oaks Liwa Heights in JLT very large light and bright 2 bed apartments.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 08:39
What long weekend? Sunday, being 1st of Ramadan, we'll get a day off, thus making it a long weekend :D I am confused, I can't find it anywhere stating first day of ramadan is a day off work. Please post link. It's not a public holiday. That's what I thought Izzy, but AHS seems to think it is so was hoping she'd clarify.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 08:35
What long weekend? Sunday, being 1st of Ramadan, we'll get a day off, thus making it a long weekend :D I am confused, I can't find it anywhere stating first day of ramadan is a day off work. Please post link.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2014 - 22:29
http://www.dcsneeds.com/get-involved.php#tabs4 Dubai Center for Special Needs has a charity shop see link or you can drop off at the Center.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2014 - 22:27
Dubai Center for Special Needs has a charity shop- see link, you can drop off there or at the Center itself. http://www.dcsneeds.com/get-involved.php#tabs4
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 09:43
Just done Rhodes in Residence in Tower 2 of the Grosvenor. It was lovely, we had very high expectations and I must say we were all very impressed. Not in the entertainer but def thinking about.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 21:47
I am probably showing my age, but I trained our Dogs the "Barbara Woodhouse" way! You may feel a bit silly at first talking to your dog in public like this, but dogs really do "get it" with only a a little bit of training. Every time you take your dog out have a pocket full of small treats, and every time your dog actually performs repeat the same words or phrase every time and then give him a treat and praise enthusiastically. Any phrase will do as long as you use the same ones all the time - ours were "busy busy" for a wee and "do it do it" for a poo. Every time he performs give the treat and before long he will associate the phrase with what he's required to do and will soon learn to do his duty almost to command. Our Irish Wolfhound was so well trained by this method she would try to perform on command even if she didn't need to go and would squat and try even if there was no end result, she'd still get praised. Eventually you can cut out the treats as your dog should then be able to recognise what's needed and follow these commands as easily as sit, lie down etc. Everyone in the family who takes the dog out should follow the same routine with the same words to avoid confusion and with a small amount of effort you should get success. That's not BW that is basic puppy training which has been used for decades. Well it may be basic puppy training used for decades but since I learnt this quite a few decades ago by watching BW on TV I am attributing this very successful method for me to BW!
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 10:48
I am probably showing my age, but I trained our Dogs the "Barbara Woodhouse" way! You may feel a bit silly at first talking to your dog in public like this, but dogs really do "get it" with only a a little bit of training. Every time you take your dog out have a pocket full of small treats, and every time your dog actually performs repeat the same words or phrase every time and then give him a treat and praise enthusiastically. Any phrase will do as long as you use the same ones all the time - ours were "busy busy" for a wee and "do it do it" for a poo. Every time he performs give the treat and before long he will associate the phrase with what he's required to do and will soon learn to do his duty almost to command. Our Irish Wolfhound was so well trained by this method she would try to perform on command even if she didn't need to go and would squat and try even if there was no end result, she'd still get praised. Eventually you can cut out the treats as your dog should then be able to recognise what's needed and follow these commands as easily as sit, lie down etc. Everyone in the family who takes the dog out should follow the same routine with the same words to avoid confusion and with a small amount of effort you should get success.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2014 - 23:14
Welcome to Dubai. Hit the tab "out & about" at top of this page, then hit "what's on" then open the coffee morning tab. These coffee mornings are a great place to start.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 14:46
Thanks for the heads up on this mini series, just started watching it and hooked already. Will have to "google" the real story but will wait till I've finished watching if all.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2014 - 11:17
The jokes going on facebook and twitter were hysterical! Funniest thing ever, that was. 'Bet the driver felt a bit of a boob' 'Hope the authorities were abreast of the situation' 'It's all gone t*ts up' 'Shall I go and offer some support?' 'Anyone for a cup of D?' and so on :) Corset's an embarrassing situation for the authorities ? I wonder of anyone got suspendered over it?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 09:56
Please check out BHappy1's posts very busy recommending a certain plastic surgeon. But she seems to be confused- she asks for feedback on some posts and then proceeds to give him glowing testimonials on others BTW she seems to have lots of friends who are either ugly or have huge self esteem issues as they seem to gave have almost every type of plastic surgery going ?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 19:31
Standard bank practice I'm afraid, it's only interest free if whole balance is paid off. If you elect to only pay a partial payment, interest is always charged on full amount. The only benefit of paying off as much as you can, if not full payment then at least you have reduced your interest charge for the following month.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 15:13
I have a good friend who lives in JLT. She is in one of the last clusters (U?) and has a grocery store at the bottom of her building. There are loads of restaurants around the lake for eat-in or home delivery. There are plenty of salons too. There is a Carrefour Express as you enter JLT from the Emirates Golf Club end. The traffic used to be awful at peak times but has improved hugely as the new roading becomes finished. The park in the middle looks great and is almost finished. I think some towers are better than others but the finish in her building is of a high standard. HTH Lots of great info plum2 but the OP is asking about JVT not JLT ?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 15:10
Let's hope there's not a fire.... You shouldn't be using the lifts anyway if there was a fire.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2014 - 09:20
Lal, it's Elite Sport Residence. Thanks ?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 18:38
Thanks Yvette, was starting to think no one lived in sports city ? can I ask what building you are in?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 08:32
Great idea, I think you'll love Jumeirah, just give me a call if you'd like me to take you around the around and show you what's what. P.S. how was your holiday?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 17:48
Toshi at the Millenium Grand, Tecom is pretty good. Lovely food and drink and can cope with large parties but no entertainment though.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 08:51
No worries, thanks for getting back.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 10:12
hi there... i'm not quite sure where Almas Tower end is... but I also have a 2 bedroom property to lease out in Green Lakes Tower S3 if you're interested in leasing direct from landlord... Hi Abby Do you still have apt to rent I have a friend who is looking to move?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 23:11
I have used Clarins day cream SPF 20 for about 10 years and can recommend it.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 18:34
Can't comment on Coventry but DD went to Northumbria and got a first. Very handy in centre of the city good road and rail links and in the centre of gods own country ?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 16:33
Not dry today, just back from a lovely lunch at The Observatory, Marriott Harbour where no problem getting a drink.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 00:58
You can try Bristol Yacht Charters in Dubai Marina. I got one off them. They were good. I agree ?
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 00:55
Fingers crossed you make your flight, just had a friend tell me her 3 a.m flight to Manchester is overbooked and waiting hopefully to get on the 7 a.m flight.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2013 - 22:36
Debenhams men's department near wallets and ties.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 19:20
Oooops last message disappeared will try again.... DH got a call from them today they are affiliated to a company which doesn't get good press on here. <em>edited by lal1 on 24/07/2013</em>
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 15:48
My most favourite hotel is Jesmond Dene House Hotel, just 1 mile out of the city centre http://www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk/ my other choice would be the Hilton Gateshead/Newcastle on the southside of the Tyne Bridge so pretty near to the city centre.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 09:21
Dubai Marriott Hotel and Suites, Dubai Marina - AZ.U.R open for breakfast 6 am till 11 and drinks till 12 noon, the observatory open for lunch 12.30 till 3 great deals available 2 or 3 courses set price including soft drinks and tea/coffee as well as normal lunchtime meals and snacks. Mistral at IBN battuta Gate open all day for meals and coffees etc.
lal1
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 14:30
Not noticed anywhere open in IBN mall at all. Ibn battuta gate hotel is open, just been there this morning for coffee and it was lovely.
 
 
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