weekirst | ExpatWoman.com
 

weekirst

weekirst
171
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2014 - 20:48
Mangrove One has a very small pool area.....not big enough for a swim...in fact, not even sure it has a shallow end....more like a dipping pool. Maintenance is excellent....which is a plus here....houses are new, modern style. There are lot of families on it but think there are no empty houses. Has a shop, gym and fitness centre offering classes. Al Dhabi is cheaper with better pool....houses are older but are quite big. Lots of families in this area....close to park....out of town but near a mall and waitrose, Spinneys and Carrefour express nearby for quick shopping. From memory I do not think Bloom Gardens has a pool. I also looked at Etihad Towers....did not like enclosed central galley kitchen with no window....fab pool area.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 07:53
I came from Doha last year...and had a friend who lived here for three years, moved to Doha. We both agree, more or less, that Doha is more expensive for food and everyday buying. Petrol slightly more expensive in AD...but still cheap! Housing more expensive in Doha, although prices rising in AD as well. Driving is way easier in AD.....better roads, grid system and driver behaviour is better, possibly because of a more proactive police presence. There is a lot more to do in AD.....and can get away to other places at weekends.....from my experience, people who move to Doha from AD do not like it as much. Having said that, I lived in Doha on and off for 10 years and had no issues.....as always, life is what you make it!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 16:14
All operators speak English...of a sort! Arabic is the official language here but most people also speak English. TV channels...are mostly US....with some British channels...depends on the package you choose. Can bring your iphone...as long as it is unlocked....and choose a package here...either post or pre paid. Tv and internet took about a week for me but have heard others wait longer...but speed is very good in my villa...but have fibre optic cables.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2014 - 15:15
My graduate daughter has been working in Uk for 3 years for an advertising company...and is now wanting to spread her wings. Can anyone recommend any good recruitment agencies or websites for jobs in this region in the Marketing, Media and Advertising area. She has found some but thinks she could be missing some local ones. She completed schooling in ME, UK and USA but graduated from a UK university. She is at level of account executive. TIA
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2014 - 19:05
Like kimmc3.....also have premiership accounts in Qatar,USA and UK.....and have transferred money in with no issue...but have never transferred out as we are still paid in UK. The local customer service in Qatar is not good....and in the Uk I was told they are like a franchise of HSBC and a law unto themselves....so I wish I had shopped around. The ATM 's here have no charge so you can use anyone. <em>edited by weekirst on 15/02/2014</em>
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 08:49
Yes Hamra...that is what happened to me....on renewal at immigration....had new ID card issued with the Egate included in that...and it often does not work at the airport but am just waved through!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 15:27
Our compound uses them for the communal areas...after having got rid of the old company who were not doing the job correctly. Not heard any complaints...
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 15:25
It is not a major airport....but they do fly those huge army supply planes out of it....I would guess about 10 planes a day...some are just small ones. I have to say it is loud if you are in the garden...the flight path is to the other side of the compound not directly above it. I was told they do not fly on a friday when viewing....but of course they do although it tends to be one or two planes. Housing in AD involves compromising on something....this was mine!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 18:08
The advice below is what I would have given...but a couple of things. You are coming from USA....the electrical system here is different....US electrical products will not work....we have the same system as UK. You could use a transformer but have not heard people having much luck with them. Re international calls....I use Skype and Facetime......download Skype before you come...and you can do computer to computer calls free, landline calls also available if you pay....you can of course, get international minutes on cell. My US friends have vonage phones...may be worth you looking into that and bringing it with you. I would also recommend getting a VPN set up on your computer which gives access to TV from your home country.....set up and download before you come.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 10:24
No idea about London, but Edinburgh usually has a huge street party with bands, fireworks etc... Google. Tickets are hard to come by, could be sold out by now....80000 people welcome the New Year in Princess St! Hotels will be busy as New Year is massive deal in Scotland...so would suggest you book asap....
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 17:59
Julie ....no Apple store per se but resellers....iStyle in city centre mall and think virgin stores also sell apple tv.....istyle also has shop up at zig zag towers
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 05:49
I use National Pest Control...supposedly licensed...tel 02-5502361.....and London Landscaping for grass.....
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 07:54
Green door had that...not been in it for years...behind BMW showroom on C ring road. Darwish down in souq.....in one of the streets that leads to the new car park at emiri dirwan side also sold it...just up from the souq hotel. Also David the Aussie guy who has stalls in middle of Villagio and Landmark....he has warehouse somewhere.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2013 - 19:06
Ruby...I had to go out with company rep and he "decided" where I was going to...was not impressed by many of the ones I saw but once I came to M1...grabbed it, even with the downsides it was way better than the rest. Next to Mangrove 1 is Al Dhabi Complex which are apparently huge and no issues, also close by is MBK Al Qurm compounds....know nothing about them. Al Maqtaa Village is also next to us and looks okay too. Further into town is Al Bateen compound....up from Corniche ...there are bound to be more but these are all I know of....someone else should be able to help. Good luck on your search...it is not easy here!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 16:39
Oh well.....looks like it will have to be a courier....how nuts is this place!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 15:52
Is that in Dubai...am in Abu Dhabi
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 15:48
Mangrove one is brand new.....excellent build quality and onsite repairs so far have been fantastic. No idea of cost as ours is company rental but they are not cheap....but seems to be room to haggle. Downside is size of pool and surrounding....plus right next to small airport. Never been to Mangrove Village...but this one includes all white goods which is not the norm for here.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 15:38
Live out of town and need to post a letter...have heard horror stories of the main post office. Can you buy stamps anywhere else and can you post a letter anywhere else....letter going to UK....why does it have to be so difficult!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 15:09
I bought one a couple of years ago from HomesRUs...is ok, was not cheap tho!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 08:58
Love the winter weather, access to sporting events, lebanese food and the ability to go on holiday to many places I would otherwise not have visited. Hate the driving, doha runarounds days, smoking in public places and the huge cockroaches.....yes they are here and no matter how much you have pest control spray, they still appear in the house!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 18:09
As a former resident of Texas....I am familiar with problems of mold in houses...it can cause health issues, some minor, some more severe...it will be worse if have no ventilation...I would be looking for a quick answer from management. I also have two fans in bathrooms, neither of which work...but am able to open windows to let out the steam...good luck!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 18:04
Tablecloths at Lifestyle...not sure of quality or sizes...also try Home Centre, Carrefour, The One and QDecor.....or even some of those cheaper shops....downtown. Pottery Barn has a more upmarket version...more likely to be cotton or linen tho. Cannot help you with the Barbie!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2013 - 13:18
My daughter has used a UK debit card all the time she has came here...no problems.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 11:10
Sdc....there is cable and satellite tv here but we were in Al Jazi for a supposed temp placement which turned out to be a year...and so we did not want to take out a contract for it. Al Jazi provide you with a box but coverage is poor and channels are often frozen. However, Al Rayyan provides a much better free package included....get all movies, premier league sports, kids and lifestyle programmes included. I think Sherbourne is further up Al Rayyan road from here...traffic is bad throughout Doha....but it does help if you are in the same district. There are a couple of other compounds near here...with the Al Fardan one not quite finished yet. Of course, you need to visit and decide for yourself...each to their own..... My husband drives back to West Bay every day from here...takes him 10/15 mins depending on traffic...same on way home...in case you end up at school there. Hope that helps...once you get the school sorted then that will ultimately dictate where you will live.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 20:14
I cannot help you re school, but have lived in Al Jazi before moving up to Al Rayyan....both compounds have good and bad points. Al Jazi is old...the kitchens and toilets need upgrading...it was opened 1994 and it shows. The repairs tend be done on an ad hoc basis with parts butchered from old equipment. The inhouse tv channels are not good either...but lovely gardens and big wide streets. Al Rayyan is more tightly packed in, but the standard of the houses inside is very good and maintenance is top notch....and they are proactive with servicing A/C etc. There is a shop on the compound and the coffee shop is opening within the next week. Plenty of children on the compound...although I think the pool area is a bit small. The inhouse Tv provided is very good. Location wise...yes Al Jazi was close to West Bay.....but here we are close to both Landmark and Villagio and the airport....I was wary of the location but have found it to be fine.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 16:21
I live in Al Rayyan...and had to go to Ain Khaled yesterday...it took me 40 mins! Traffic in and round about Salwa Rd etc is terrible and well worth avoiding!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 19:06
Thanks Lulu....think I may know who you are although I have never met you....I know the sweeneys (EM ) Am planning to do the same thing, have so much booze to get rid of.....but looking forward to the move....should be there by end of April....hoping to make it to the expat coffee once I find a place to live.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 19:03
Thanks Lulu and London Lady...that was what I did not want to hear. Have nothing dodgy...just normal films from us and uk plus boxed sets...buts loads of them as knew staying in ME they would be censored...am not willing to get them taken off me! Am now thinking of shipping back to UK....even thru qatar customs had no boxes opened. Ah well....such is life.:)
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 16:19
Looking at one of the posts...see that duty free was talked about being allowed to be taken into AD....am I right? Having to get rid of all stock in Qatar before I leave but could stock up on the way in! Is there an allowance restriction?
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 15:09
Try the pharmacy on Burger King roundabout corner...Khalood?....am out of country right now and cannot remember name. Al Ahli told me before they have best stock in Qatar.....just up from TV roundabout.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 15:07
Was about to say the same as Gail....have bought extra case this way and have managed to fit carpet in it....shipping it may incur import duty?
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 13:24
Dr Razan is very good....and the appointment carry on up in al ahli drives me nuts....people stop her in corridor and she gets held up constantly. Protocol means she has to stop and talk and listen every time...do not let her leave the room...haha. Having said that, I have found her care excellent and she has extensive experience in Germany ......worth the wait. I have found it is easier to get an earlier appt if I go to her desk and beg the nurses.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 13:20
Not sure if Kim worked on cruise ships but Paula the girl who used to work there did. I use Leigh at this salon and have had no problems any time....expensive tho, to be expected in Doha. Friends have had good experience with Eric at 4 seasons. There is also a Canadian woman with salon in her home in Al Saad area who has cut a few friends of mine....they have all left so not sure if she is still here.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 13:16
I always bring books as they can be difficult to get and enough makeup for the year.....because often I cannot get the colours I want. Sheets and bedding are expensive, so worth bringing, otherwise wait for debenhams sale. I go home with empty case and bring back clothes every time!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 00:40
Would grab the places at Doha College....top notch school.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 17:19
Giant stores up next to Villagio has large cigar shop inside it....with cigars stored in humidor.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 17:17
persons who would have been ordinarily resident but for the fact that they, their spouse, parent or guardian was temporarily employed outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland - this is known as temporary absence. While the Regulations are laid down by Government, it is the duty of each university to make the final decision; thus it is possible for one university to consider that a person has been 'temporarily' employed outside the EEA while another university does not consider that the absence has been temporary, and classifies them as 'overseas'. Above is taken from university page.....up to each institution... but have to be on a secondment, not as direct hire....ie your company has temporarily seconded you to another company but your contract and pay remains with the UK office.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 22:20
Are you moving here as a direct hire or are you being seconded here? You can still qualify as a UK resident for education purposes if you are an expat who is temporarily been posted overseas. Lots of my friends with older kids in this circumstance managed to get kids in Uk universities this way...your company will have to provide paperwork to back this up and not all universities will accept it but I had no problem in Scotland.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 13:23
Have lived in one 4 bed apartment and two 4 bed villas here.....and all have had built in wardrobes in every bedroom.....your budget looks small though.....may have to compromise in the area you want to live in.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 12:58
Appollo furniture up on salwa road used to do them...worth a call first tho!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 21:37
Momoyum......you can get another card for the booze place and so do not need to have your husband with you when buying supplies! Just need Qatar ID etc...check website or give them a phone before you go up.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 16:35
http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=185724 You could try this new doctor here.....but I think HRT is difficult to get here.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2012 - 19:06
Al Jazi 2 in West Bay to Park House is not far in distance but traffic is so bad here it all depends on timing...think you are looking at 30 mins at least but someone will know for definite. Makeup supplies depend on the brands you are used to...lancome etc are all here and Boots has branches here....sometimes not all the shades and colours are here. If you can, bring with you, saves you a lot of bother. There are plenty shops...but supplies can mean things run out for a few weeks so if you need anything on a regular basis then bring with you.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 15:07
Megamart and Lulu usually have the UHT british cream in its fridge dept...blue carton, cannot remember the brand. It is not as good as fresh....I am sure there is a local equivalent in cartons from the milk producers. Elle & V ? ....french brand is usually in carrefour in fridge, up from milk near butter.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 17:49
Have ordered direct from Amazon to PO box here with no problems....international shipping rates add up of course but do not have to pay UK VAT so balances it out a bit. Have not had an issue with customs except they have opened a few parcels to check contents but not had anything refused yet...mostly books and dvds and some beauty items I have ordered. I use my husband's company mail address to deliver to. There has been an increase in charges from customs here, last I heard, dependant on overall order value but have not had to deal with that yet as not ordered anything this year.
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 16:17
Not all airports have VAT booth on site....to reclaim you have to find the post box...often hidden in corners just after passing through security.....you therefore do not have to have stuff carried with you as no-one there manning it. If the value is over 1000K ( Think that is amount) ...there is a dedicated telephone for you to call to speak to someone in VAT office. Otherwise, the forms from retailers include envelopes....post in box and refunds are done through a 3rd party company....sure they charge a fee for this but think there is no way round it. VAT booths are in Heathrow and Gatwick for sure. I only claim for totals over 200 pounds but think minimum is 100.
weekirst
171
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 11:37
Don't worry....been there myself.....I did think you meant that anyway.
weekirst
171
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:21
Trader Vics is in the new Hilton next to 4 seasons....heard one good review so far!
weekirst
171
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 08:47
I have had two repairs under warranty through iSpot over the years...with no problems. They are, as far as I am aware, the only authorised repair company in Qatar. If you are still under warranty with the iPad, calling Apple in the USA will be free and they can often fix small stuff over the phone. ISpot run the shop at Lagoona as well but not seen one at any other mall.
weekirst
171
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 17:27
Also one in city centre...iSpot.....at back upstairs.....def does repairs.....recognised apple dealers......think it is the same as one in Lagoona.
 
 
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