Dubaistars | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dubaistars

Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 17:49
Hello, just today i was diagnosed with a big sized stone in my kidney that will require lithotripsy( breaking by sound waves), has anyone done this before in doha and can recommend a good surgeon? Appreciate any help.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 09:10
Hello, We did the same move last year. You can enter your cars here as long as they are year 2010 and after and have them registered in qatar ...and of course after that you are free to sell your cars if you wish. The six months bank statements requirement for family sponsoring is common here but again depends on the employer and salary..( 2 months was enough for us). As for rents, you can check property finder or other websites and contact the listing agents . Good luck and be patient.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2014 - 08:57
I do have an American credit card...but it looks like they all need a house adress to process the shipment....too bad loads of cheap bargains online....almost quarter the prices here!!! I'm starting to get really so annoyed at the lack of variety and discounts in this country!!!
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 18:29
Dear lalala.....You are correct...but I also do have a Child in year one. we applied in January and got the place early June....we got lucky I guess !!!
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 09:13
You have too keep in mind that DESS keeps accepting children throughout the year. Just this tem three students left from my son's class and three waiting-listed pupils joined. We have just joined DESS Doha this year after being with DESS Dubai for 7 years...we are completely pleased with the school in terms of academics and discipline and I believe it is a bit unfair to list the school under the title of the "money-making schools" because as we all know it is a non-profit school. I agree that their waiting list can get too long, but neither them or us can predict how fast the list rolls as we are all expats here and have no control over our stay or leave. Note that we don't have British passport but still got our chance when it was our turn on the list.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 08:46
Congrats on your new son and thank you for sharing a positive experience.....it just makes us all feel a bit less worried about medical treatments here in doha.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2014 - 15:33
We live in one of alfardan gardens compounds ..and we love the services and facilities.... Everybody seems to say that their prices are a bit higher than other companies...but I believe it is all justified for all what they offer. The leasing company is called danat qatar...search them and give them a ring. Good luck
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2014 - 09:11
Do you know if skinceuticals products are available in doha? Looking for a.g.e eye complex
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2014 - 17:15
Entertainer family 2014 book.....where to buy in doha please? And are there any other discount books or websites here in qatar? Thnx :)
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 19:09
It's been 2 1/2 months since my husband moved to Doha. Every single person he met questioned his shift from Dubai, even he started having doubts... There's no news about my visa, wonder how long it's going to take! All that I hear about Doha is just demoralising. Super Expensive, less job opportunities, not much to do outdoors, bad housing... What do I do :( Timmons, we lived in dubai for seven years as well and had to move to doha earlier this summer. My husband came in June and we joined July 1st...in less than three weeks we all( us and three kids) had our visas stamped and we didn't have to wait the six months period. ....I can tell you it wasn't pleasant in the beginning and I had lots of frustration moments...it's just harder to deal with people, everybody is less friendly, shopping options are way less...and quality of life is just not the same...starting with the veggies at the supermarket...to dining at the finest hotel in doha!!..as to being more expensive...I honestly find the supermarket shopping almost the same...eating out is more expensive here...and no good deals as we get from groupon or so in dubai.....simply because there isn't much competition due to lack of options. I can tell you living here gets easier by the day..and now actually we are all settled but definitely will not miss the first chance to move back to Dubai. Good luck
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2013 - 17:57
I had the same Bangladeshi maid in dubai for 6 years. She was like my daughter( was only 17... But they lied on her application saying she was 25) and even made us cards for mother and Father's Day!,. It was very tiring the first year as she didn't even know how to use a knife....but was so smart and shortly started to speak some english and got used to the modern life. Good luck...I didn't even know that they are allowed in this country.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 13:17
I did a new egate card today at the immigration office on khalifa road.....parking is a big issue so you might want to grab the first parking spot you find and walk....I followed the same steps northernstar mentioned except I had to pay 300QR for three years ....the lady behind the counter told me it's 250 for two years and 300 for three years. I jus realized that my actual ID card( which has the egate chip) expires in one year and nine months.....would my Egate card expire then as well....meaning I shouldn't have done it for three years anyway!??
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2013 - 11:27
Thank you girls. Appreciate it!!
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2013 - 11:23
Correct. We're waiting on my husband's final offer and job letter, been told it takes 4-6 weeks. Final decision will depend on the offer. Apparently they share acceptance before the offer letter and details. I hope we get it soon, it's getting cold here... brrr! All the best to your family, maybe we'll meet in Qatar some day. Considering we're a few months ahead in the process, let me know if there is anything I can help with. For some reason not many people replied to my questions even though they have the answers but will make sure I help you in any way I can. Sanap, I can share with you our visa process times. My husband arrived here on March 1st ..got his visa after two weeks....we arrived in doha June 29... July 20 we all had our visas stamped. He works for a private company not government....and we hold American passports. Although we have heard too many talks before about a 6months waiting period...but this wasn't the case with us. So if the offer is good enough....don't hesitate and keep in mind that with your Canadian passports you can enter the country with a visa obtained at the airport arrivals for 30$. Good luck
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 20:58
There are random shots here and there that have a few items, but nothing of the quality that you can find in Karama, and generally more expensive even. My friendsin Doha and I do Dubai weekends just to hit Karama -- there really is nothing comparable here! Thank you RachelA.... As expected !!nothing will ever compare :(
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 12:25
Souq for copy branded purses, watches, Knicks knacks.....anywhere in doha? Thanks
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 14:02
Thank you puppylove2, I have just emailed you. Regards
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 09:13
If you are selling a sherborne school blazer please let me know( for girl year7). Do you have any idea if the blazer has to have the school logo or can be any navy blazer... Thank you
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 14:59
Hello, Any of the mums with kids at DESS Doha....is the school so strict about having the school logo on the school bags, caps, swimming shorts, P.E shirts , P.E bags.....or can we just buy a similar item somewhere else without the logo( at 1/4 the price). Thank you
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 11:58
Hello there....anyone in alfardan gardens 6 interested in carpooling to sherborne school? I have a daughter in year7 ....might also be interested in sharing a private driver....thnx
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 16:02
Thank you for your replies.... Actually we have two cars...a BMW x5 which is only one year old...this one entered the country and got registered at the borders no problem....the other one is a pathfinder 6 yrs old....this one we brought it to qatar to drive it temporarily rather than renting a small car... until we decide which new car to buy and then we will take it back to UAE. Anyway, someone said we can buy something called (orange card) which provides insurance within all arab countries ....we will look further into this...or else the car is loading the truck back to dubai!!
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 17:57
I entered my car into doha on tourism and was told I can drive it one year in doha before taking it back to dubai. Now I can't find any insurance company to sell me insurance for my car with dubai tags....what should I do now, I definitely will now drive my car without insurance!! Any advices please....?
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 21:16
It's not easy, it's not allowed technically. Who knows if you will be able to register the vehicle may very well depend on who is behind the counter. Otherwise, it's a drive back to UAE and trying to sell it there. Marycatherine, Do u know how long we are allowed to drive the car in doha with dubai tags before shipping it back to UAE? Thank you
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 20:19
Hello, We are facing the same issue.. Finally decided to enter the car with dubai tags on tourist book & we will try to switch it doha registration later on .....
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 11:16
Sorry off topic Dubaistars. But read your post and we are also moving from Dubai to Alfardan 6. Good to know we all be in the same boat ;). edited by betjo on 02/06/2013 Hello betjo.... Welcome to the neighborhood then :) When are you moving?, hopefully our kids can play together through the summer.....I have a 12 yr girl going to sherborne and two boys 11& 6 going to dess....and my kids are currently in Dess dubai!. See you around.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 20:19
Like Dubai, it is illegal to employ a maid under someone else's sponsorship other than an agency. The financial penalties are similar. Would you get caught? I can't predict (never heard of anyone) but who wants to be first? Ohh ok ..... But I'm not like hiring her....I'm just keeping her over the summer while her employer is away...is this still illegal? Thanks for telling me....
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2013 - 16:29
Has any of you tried GMI ( gill movers international)? Planning to use them on our move dubai/ doha. Please share any comments or experience, thanks
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 18:48
Any decisions Dubaistars ? We have been offered a place in Al Rayyan Village with DH company. I am thrilled . Now need to get all my tinys all into the same school. What ages are your children ? Hello dear... We have a contract waiting our signature on a villa in alfardan 6 at 19k.... We stretched our budget to the very max... !! How did u manage to rent in al rayyan village? The last time i asked they said minimum 3 yrs contract and only for companies... Is it a 3or4 bedroom& is the price more reasonable? I hv a yr7 daughter going to sherborne. A yr5& yr1 boys going to Dess. Are your kids in Dess too? I've bever been to either Dess or alfardan 6 byt google earth shows them too close .. I hope!!
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 21:04
We are looking to move to the same area and have been everywhere - All the Nelson Park listed properties and all the available Al Asmak compounds nearby. To be honest Al Fardan 6 has the best facilities and I know from living at AFG 5 its good maintence and will be landscaped .They have skimped on living room space and gone vertical. With 4 kids I'd be up and down those stairs constantly  . We may have an option to go to Al Raayan Village which is so lovely but its corporate leases only as far as I know. We are waiting to hear about that else I think it will be AFG 6. Have you seen Al Messilah ? Its not with agents so have to go direct and theres normally a wait list but you might get lucky for july Hello, Actually I haven't been to alfardan 6 as I'm still in dubai but my husband went last week and told me everything seems so compact....with almost no backyard...I visited doha back in April and saw all alfardan compounds. We really loved the fardan 2 and almost signed a contract on it...but that was when all my three kids were going to sherborne....but now my two boys got spots at dess....so I figured that it will be crazy to drive in two opposite direction from alfardan 2.... My life will be miserable. I called almessila and they said no vacancies at the moment....please keep me posted of any findings as you are there on the grounds...did you try victoria compound?...also i see on google earth a small compound right next to US embassy ...what is this one?and maybe we can get a better deal if we team up and book two villas in the same compound. I also called rayyan village and got same answer...only corporate ...good luck and maybe soon we'll be neighbors !!
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 20:05
Hello there, Any of you living in a compound close to DESS...can you please inform me of any availabilities..starting July 1st We are looking for a villa in a nice compound with a budget up to 18,000. 2 kids in DESS, 1 child in sherborne....husband and I will split the drop offs , but I will have to do both pick ups. My husband looked at alfardan 6 ( 2 minutes from dess)today and was not so impressed...he said there is no landscaping at all and you get the feeling that you are living In an apartment not a villa! We really like al fardan 2 but are a bit worried about the distances to school. M really so confused....not sure really whether to live next to school in a house that we don't like...or in a house that we love and do the school drives...what is more important? Any good real estate agent's contacts are so appreciated too.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2013 - 22:23
Hello there, Has anyone of you been to the new alfardan gardens 6? They say it's right across from the American embassy in an area called messila ! From google map, it looks like it will be a convenient place to live with kids in both Dess and Sherborne. Not any feedback online as this is a new compound due to open this June...but if any of you has done a tour or visit to the place , please share with me your experience. Many thanks.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 20:43
Hello, To which high schools did yr6 DESS students go for year 7? I heard only few went o DC...are there any reputable english high schools in doha besides DC& sherborne and compass($$$) ? As my boys will be going to DESS, I'm trying to find my yr7 child a spot in a high school other than sherborne, just to avoid the bad route and location . Any suggestions? Sherborne area is soooo depressing :( , although I've heard it's a great school.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 19:53
Thank you dear ladies, The only reason that might let me send the boys to DESS rather than Sherborne ( now that we have learnt that both schools are excellent academically)will be that the tuitions at Dess are way less( around 15 thousands less) Well just today we got a message from Dess that they are increasing their tuitions. We don't know the new numbers yet. Here in dubai a school can increase tuitions a maximum of 10% every two years. What is the rule in qatar and do Dess and Sherborne increase tuitions every year!! Do you know whether there is a bus service from al fardan 2 to Sherborne? And are the buses up to the safety standards.! Many thanks
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 16:03
Puppy love, Thank you for your kind reply.. My daughter will be in year 7 and my son in year 5.... We arrive in doha early July...by then I guess most of you would have left for the summer break. We signed the lease agreement for alfardan gardens 2 , although I'm so worried about the drive!! I will need to get a temporary maid until we are eligible to sponsor one.....any hints would be so appreciated.....I heard there are some offices that will provide you with a full time maid for 1800 to 2000 per month.....dunno how true this is.....!!! If you hear of anyone selling sherborne uniforms would you kindly inform me....I also have a son in year 1.... See you soon face to face....I hope to find some sherborne families in our compound,maybe we can carpool :) or hire a common driver. Thanks again.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 19:32
Hi there. Try sherborne school...I heard lately that they have few places to fill yet but not sure what years. Good luck.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 21:22
Dear puppy love, jennywren, We are moving to doha as well this summer and our kids will be going to sherborne. We will be living in alfardan gardens II. Dunno a good choice or not, but we just liked the compound villas and facilities, hope we don't regret it later. We will be paying 17,000 for a four bedroom. What classes are your children?.....we will have a yr 7, yr5& yr1. How do you manage to get to school using those horrible bumpy roads!! I think this is going to be the worst part of moving to doha! :(( God help us all.
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 21:39
Thank you dear ladies... Really appreciate your help. Cheers
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 20:15
Hello there, I have posted before asking about the driving time from alfardan gardens 5 or 2 or the y village to sherborne school. I got some answers saying it might take up to an hour, and others saying it's around 20 minutes.! We have to decide on the house this week and pay the deposit check. Would kindly any of you living in any of the above compounds and sending their kids to sherborne share his true opinion experience with me about the compound in general and the school drive in particular. If it's true that I will need an hour drive to school...then where else would be a good compound to live with a shorter driving time to sherborne Appreciate all your support and help ladies. Xoxox
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 09:45
hi weekirst! sorry but what do you mean by inhouse tv channels? is there no SKY tv or other cable company? i have never visited doha before so i have no idea about location as of yet. i would prefer to be near the school but that won't be finalised for a while. i hope when we visit in may the school will be selected then we can decide on the villa. hi dubaistars! yes, we have also applied to sherbourne. we have in fact to applied to 6 schools and hopefully 1 of them will confirm a place for both dds. have you selected your villa yet? how old are your kids? maybe we can catch up in august if you are in town. thanks again for the replies!! Hello again, I have daughter in yr 7, and two sons in yr5& yr1. As to the house, we didn't like alrayyan at all, which is supposed to be the closest compound to sherborne, i think we will have to live in alfardan gardens 2 or 5 or the Y village... All are very close to villagio mall but maybe will need around 30 mins to schl!!! Be prepared that the country is so depressing.... You just feel that an earthquake or tsunami has just hit the place& it's recovering now!!!!... And to add to the bad... no road signs anywhere... You have to hug your google map& drive... Or ur gps.. Which we didn't have in our rental car. Good luck again and let's stay positive :)
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 19:48
You are very lucky to get into Sherborne. It is an excellent school and my kids are very happy there. You will get used to the road and in a 4x4 you don't really notice the bumps. Hi dear, Thank you for your reply. Where about in doha do you live...do you think it'll be too far and hectic for us to live in alfardan gardens 2 ...pretty close to villagio mall?? Please advise...the other closer compound we found was Beverley hills al rayyan but I hated the neighborhood !! And people keep talking about a back road to avoid the bumps...how do we get to that.? Thank you
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 19:42
We have already applied, but even the school said there are numerous applicants! Mind you most of the schools that we applied to have said the same. The idea to arrive in August was to try to get the family settled. In some ways, might be good if less traffic so I get familiar with the area. Do many kids go to school by bus??? Appreciate all your advise BEDH! Hello, We are moving to doha too in July. We went last week for a short visit and we went to Beverley hills alrayyan villas and were not impressed at all. Our three Kids will be going to sherborne...from what we hear and read it is supposed to be a good school. Try applying there... Good luck
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 18:23
Thank you Alee, Omg I can't imagine the school not complaining about it to the government!! This is so unbelievable......maybe it's about time that we ( sherborne parents) sign a petition and refrain from paying the tuitions till the school moves to a new location somewhere.....just rent a place and fix it over the summer holiday.......
Dubaistars
43
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 17:16
BEDH, My kids are in DESS dubai also And we are moving to Doha by the summer. Would you please ask your friend how she was able to get direct transfer from DESS dubai to DESS Doha.? We are Americans and Dess Doha wouldn't even accept my kids' applications. I have a year 5 and year1. Thanks
 
 
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