rubyblue | ExpatWoman.com
 

rubyblue

rubyblue
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Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 08:53
Grand Hyatt is nice or the St regis is not too far either- both luxury hotels.. Re travel there is no way to get around other than taxis- you could use uber but not sure if you wold need to re-register to Qatar Uber from Dubais which might be a faff for the weekend - you will find plenty of Karwa taxis but just make sure they have the meter on so you dont have to haggle with them- or the hotels can always arrange you a driver- nowhere is too far but traffic can be very busy especially around the pearl,Katara and Westbay Enjoy !!
rubyblue
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Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 09:33
[b'>[/b'>Would much rather have the real Venice anyday over a plastic, polluted , fake Disney-esque overpriced version !! the blue water is chemically pumped and might not smell but wouldn't fancy your chances falling in it without you're skin peeling off ! [b'>we have a stunning view of the new Kemplinski Marsa Malaz and the Gulf......you dont have that in Venice...[/b'>Hmmmm no it just has amazing history and architecture,palaces and culture but if the kempinski does it for you ?! ;) We all have our own personal opinions about where to live but Eleonor like you I have had the real mediterranean lifestyle and the pearl will never be able to recreate that so never feel that you have to aspire to live there as there are so many other nice places to live in and around Doha- as many people say none of us own the properties here we are all only in a transient state so i never get these lahdy dah types who come here and become all up themselves overnight ! As in our own countries there is no right or wrong place to live..and so many people have no choices anyway !
rubyblue
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Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 15:49
Greenkween - was just thinking the same- please be really careful putting all your husbands details on here as marycatherine said - the company are monitoring social media and public forums regularly and won't be happy about contract details and offers being published - it is considered confidential information and there is no transparency and consistency in pay bands and benefits as we would be used to in europe- there is much more negotiation involved and you can generally improve on the first offer received ;)
rubyblue
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Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 15:36
Agree with MaryCatherine if it was me I would fight hard to get Al Rayyan Oasis which is much nicer all round....but it looks like until all the staff housing at Education City is ready which is not in the forseeable future then Saray is the main residence -as stated it is much cheaper for housing here but the traffic there is horrendous and all around the C ring is a nightmare in fact ! but they do give you a worker bus to get you to and from offices so at least you won't have to attempt a drive to work...
rubyblue
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Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 15:29
Definately not true ! once you have RP you can go to traffic department and get a Qatar Licence
rubyblue
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Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 15:27
Hard to say because what might be 20 mins one day could be 2 hours the next ! a daily driver would probably start at a minimum 40 QR each way but would depend on the journey- I used to go from Al Waab near Beverley Hills to west bay and it was 50 QR each way but over a week he charged 90 QR a day 0r 450 a week but the journey could be up to an hour each way on a bad day !!
rubyblue
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Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 15:22
Yes it sounds like it- if you google it and it is next to the Jaidah Flyover then that is the same one
rubyblue
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Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 11:42
West bay at the moment is the best option if you are working there. Traffic this week is horrendous-even worse than last year. Colleauges from the pearl and villagio side of town are all having much worse commutes in the morning and afternoon and taking some people 1 and half hours from industrial areas in to west bay !! the pearl is still very underoccupied and as said before only 1 way in and out which can still cause problems- if the whole place was at capacity it would be bedlum !
rubyblue
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Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 11:21
[b'>Moreover: coming from London you will find Doha very very boring. Are you aware of it?[/b'> Hahaha- how true this is !! Factor in the whole school search and crazy traffic and it really makes you wonder why we all came here !!:\:
rubyblue
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Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 11:19
Oasis or Strong always seem to get quite good reviews from people using them
rubyblue
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Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 11:17
Not a great baker myself but upstairs in Dar Al Salam Mall there is a shop that sells all of this stuff that you want- not too sure of prices but it always looks lovely in a Great British Bake off kind of way !
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 16:23
ok- i know some people who have been housed here and it is not popular with them !- the area is one giant construction site and although the apartments are nice inside they feel overlooked as people can see in from across and so they have curtains pulled all time ! re the area there is really nothing around and they have to use taxis to get everywhere-you are nearer to the Jaidah flyover area- basically Al Rayyan Oasis is full now so all the singles and some married couples too are being placed here but a lot of people are not happy with it !! sorry to be the bearer of not great news but you will at least be with a lot of other people so if you do need to go out you can share taxi's etc....;)
rubyblue
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Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 16:18
Thank you for your insight advices. How far is Al Rayyan Oasis from Sidra? How far is it from West Bay? Cornice? I agree with Rubyblue that living, working, and commuting with the same people could be bit much, however, I think it is the best to live in the prearranged housing for a month-two and then see what are better options. How much does two bedroom apartment cost in West Bay or Pearl? Or what neighborhood would you recommend for a couple without kids? It is quite a way out - you would have to get a taxi everywhere as there is nothing else there that you can walk to- there is a bus from the compound to work and back though
rubyblue
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 14:30
Dependant on area really but on the popular compounds near Al Waab you could be looking at anything between 14-18 for a 4 or 5 bed villa-possibly more to be honest- going out a bit further towards industrial areas it is possible for around the 12000 mark but you would have a lot further to travel.West bay lagoon or Al rayyan Village you're looking at 25000 -ouch !! There is a degree of collaboration going on between Hamad and Sidra but nothing that is set up as yet in any formal way. To be honest what the recruiters tell you ( they are given a very clear directive on what they tell the candidates as in all companies ! ) and what happens in reality can be in practice very different when you actually arrive here and as everyone has said the recruitment process can be long and dragged out for months- all very stressful when you have possibly have families and childrens schooling to consider. I would also agree that it can be very hard for partners to achieve well paid employment whilst they are here as they would then be under your sponsorship and considered local hire. None of this is intended to put anyone off as it can be a great place to live and work and well paid salaries can and will be achieved but you do need to come with your eyes wide open to the potential pitfalls... <em>edited by rubyblue on 11/08/2014</em>
rubyblue
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 12:22
Also following this with much interest. I think you should also be careful if you need to practice medically as it is very well known in Doha that the hospital will definately NOT open next march as planned and will be considerably delayed by up to a minimum year and possibly longer ! Many people have already come and left already as they need to keep the clinical practice active.. Al Rayyan Oasis is nice enough but quite a long way out of Doha and also do you really want to travel in on a bus ,work and live with your work colleagues- maybe a bit intense for some people ! Rent prices as stated are very high here and the allowance is likely not high enough to get you a place in a area you want so that can eat into your base salary if you need to supplement it.
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 09:23
I know lots of people that do similar- if you're good believe me you will do well here-there may be a lot of salons and spas but the quality of services can be sketchy !! If you do treatments that someone likes the Doha jungle drums will go wildfire and you will get business without even trying- as a guide Glow salon an American salon popular with expats charge 250 for HD Brows and 150 maintenance-the hotels even more- I know a lot of people who think that is way too expensive and pay far less in UK and europe so if you price realistically you could work from home and make some money. My friend worked as a hairdreser here in the spare bedroom for years before she went back to the Uk and always had far more work than she could handle !
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 09:16
HI. If this is the compound next to dar al salam mall ( quite a small mall ) it is nice and in a good location- especially if you are not driving as you can just walk to the mall next door which has a little carrefour in it !! I live very near there and love the area- convenient for Villagio, the new big mega mart is not too far either!, home to west bay takes me 30-45 mins in morning and home only about 25- not sure if you have kids but some good schools very close by so a popular area for families. Not been on the compound but think a friend of mine looked there and liked it but said the villa was too big for them...if you like it snap it up as the villas get taken up very quickly !
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 24 April 2014 - 09:08
Which 2 weeks of July ? The reason for asking would be as UK schools normally finish last 2 in July but french schools have all summer off- I would go to London or Paris if there was an opportunity but what about Spain as you can fly directly to Madrid from Qatar airways and then really easy to get a connection on from there to coast..
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 09:39
I was a regular at Toni and Guy and I am paying more here with none of the expertise they demonstrated !!- someone needs to open a salon with reasonable prices and well trained staff and they would make a bomb !- I have had more dodgy colours and bad fringe cuts here in 2 years than 20 plus at home !! I always feel like I am holding out till i fly back....
rubyblue
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 09:12
Hairdressing is very expensive here and a bit hit and miss- if you go on glow or desert princess website they have the prices online-but I know many blondes that go to both of this salons and it always looks nice but they complain about prices in comparism to what they have paid at home !
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 09:09
Our company can use that hospital as part of the medical care but noone goes there as there had been some bad experiences- just a couple of buildings down is Aster Medical and although you won't see any western patients or staff there-the medical staff are fabulous and very thorough ( they are also priced very reasonable as we have took visiting relatives there with a stomach complaint and an ear infection and the cost was minimal and the treatment and diagnosing excellent- they commented that in UK they would have just been disregarded as the classic it's only a virus ! ) We also use the dentists there and my OH is through a course of treatment which would have cost at least double if not more overseas and they have excellent state of the art facilities.
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 28 February 2014 - 17:17
Liro12 Just read back in the post and louise and Natalie have both left emails so you might be best to contact them directly as they may have all met up already and not reading the post anymore ! :)
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 12:25
Also there are drop in coffee mornings with the AWA at various locations that are open to all
rubyblue
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Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 11:32
I too have only good things to say about all the medical care we have received here. We had a really nasty bug just before christmas and they were so thorough with us and did a full range of bloods just for a stomach virus- my husband has a back problem and the intervention is fantastic and superior to any health service we have experienced on our travels !
rubyblue
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Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 11:51
My youngest had the same problem and when she was very small the doctor gave us something on prescription which was fantastic- sorry can't remember what but sure a dermatologist here might help as they need it so often here. Other than that we were told Boots had the best protection and also nivea for kids was mild.
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 17:44
oh great ! will try there again...Boots in villagio still didn't have any on Monday but will try in landmark again ( also Boots is nearly ready to open in the Dar Al Salam mall- the one with Magnolia bakery in ;) ) Sarahlou23- what do you buy in Dubai- I am going next week so wondered what I potentially might be missing out on !! <em>edited by rubyblue on 12/02/2014</em>
rubyblue
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Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 14:37
Westbay would be good for work but walking around there and up to Katara is still a challenge- constant roadworks and cones forcing pedestrians into road- it should be simple but in reality walking anywhere in Doha is a nightmare !
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 14:32
We have commercial and i have to say they are pretty good ! If you look on the website they were doing some kind of offer for new customers the other day www.cbq.qa think its called a new to qatar account- wish they would have had that when we came as they were offering a free mobile and sim plus limo pick up at airport etc !! we pay 15 riyal for international transfers and the money leaves here and arrives in the UK on the same day- for like 3 quid I think thats quite good as they charged 25 quid in uk for same.....we can also use any ATM machine for cash withdrawal with no charge
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 14:27
These are the things that I cannot get here- Millicano or cafe Azerro instant coffee- not essential but nice coffee and still instant !! Batiste dry shampoo- don't always want to wash hair everyday especially with the dodgy water here so this can be useful but can never buy it here.!! Tampax brand hard to find and expensive so would stock up on any lady products if they are on 3 for 2 or something !! To be honest you can get pretty much anything here but if you have time and space I would stock up and take advantage of company shipping- I would bring some bits and pieces from home like photos and personal stuff to make home a bit more homely and not too company clinical like mine !
rubyblue
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Latest post on 20 January 2014 - 13:15
Oh didn't even know there was a facebook page !! has anyone got a link as that would be great !!
rubyblue
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Latest post on 20 January 2014 - 12:30
Hi Dubai ladies ! I am escaping from Doha for the weekend in April and was wondering if anyone who has already bought this years entertainer could let me know if the Wild Wadi waterpark vouchers are in this year and what the deal is? Have already bought the Entertainer qatar and have to say it's a bit pants this year with a lot of the good vouchers from previous years gone so before I order another one,as I will only use it a couple of weekends ,just wanted to check if it was worth buying another !! Thanks....
rubyblue
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 21:11
OH No :( I did know someone else who believe it or not was going to the souk to buy a cat !! managed to talk them out of it as they were looking for a fluffy white kitten and think they are now going to woofstock on Friday to speak with QAWS so will email them a link as there are so many desparate cats and animals needing rehoming.... I so wish I could have helped but the timing is just not right but will mention your problem to anyone who will listen to me !!
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 19:41
Have you had any luck yet- can't stop thinking about these poor babies all day !! I am just about to leave Doha for 2 months so am not in a position to help right now but i have persuaded DH to let us have another kitty in middle January....I know that doesn't help you right now but keep hoping as someone somewhere will be able to assist with this- will keep my fingers crossed for you xx
rubyblue
55
Posts
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Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 13:54
Unless anything has changed I am sure you can use a debit card as long as it is a visa and not an electron- good luck ! Also I have seen people get to the gate and they send them to the bank/atm and they seem to come back and pay in cash- well thats what it looked like ! You wait in the line for ages so tend to do a lot of people watching ! <em>edited by rubyblue on 30/10/2013</em>
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 21:37
I'm sure lots of ladies will be able to give you some more ideas soon- weekends are a bit sketchy but there a lot of groups on facebook if you search i.e Doha meet up etc. weekdays are a bit easier to find meetings and you might want to start with AWA who hold newcomer meetings on Thursdays at 10 am in starbucks landmark mall and somewhere else that I'm not sure of but might be on the website- this is apparently a very friendly group and very welcoming- also Jones the grocers on Sundays at 10am is full of ladies and no you don't have to be a wife !! There is also the Tuesday ladies group who have a website with all the dates they meet but for all us working ladies it is a bit more difficult to find weekend meet ups to socialise a bit out of the company !
rubyblue
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Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 13:49
No problem Sarahlou- make the most of Dubai ;)
rubyblue
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Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 13:23
Oh ok- not the answer to my dreams then ! my next trip back is not going to be through the UK so the massive list is getting bigger by the month ! could just do with a weekend shopping trip right now but not likely to happen any time soon !!
rubyblue
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Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 12:00
Has anyone used the online shop and ship service with Aramex lately as not sure if it is still running ? Where can you pick up the parcels from and if anyone uses it what do they buy and do you find it economical ? ! Thanks
rubyblue
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 21:50
Hi Dan Lou that was exactly what I was bothered about having to stand in line for 30 mins for a class but maybe it has improved now GAW should be able to confirm that !? It does seem value for money as the going rate seems to be an eye watering 50 riyal on a pay as you go basis everywhere I looked and fitness first is 1799 for 3 months !! I can't believe exercising is so expensive here after being in the UK where you have city gyms all desparate for business and great deals to be had....on a good day I am only 10 minutes from aspire so it seems like the best option if overcrowding is not a major problem GAW which classes are fine without having to queue for ages and is the spinning any good ??
rubyblue
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Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 12:22
Sorry to hijack an old post....Does anyone know if they are taking new memberships at the moment ?? if so can you just register for the classes which is all I really want or do you have to add on a gym or swim package ? If anyone goes here what are the classes like and do they get really busy or over subscribed ??
rubyblue
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Latest post on 20 September 2013 - 11:44
It costs 100 riyals and yes you can only pay on a credit card ! my friend got one and they put a little sticker in with the date she had to leave by and it was exactly a month.
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 18:39
Brilliant- I feel suddenly liberated !! will try and make the coffee group on Sunday now....
rubyblue
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Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 18:20
Haha- see what you mean about flagging a cab- not my brightest idea !! just tried walking to little shops nearby and was like a wet rag in minutes! if anyone else a number to add would be grateful as the more numbers in my book the better !
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 13:11
DEBK- That would have been my dream scenario ( without the cleaning bit on day 2 !! ) I just need to work out how to flag a taxi down- can you even do that ??!! and get myself out and about as this apartment is driving me mad !! thanks for all the suggestions
rubyblue
55
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Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 19:53
Ok- Thanks for the replies... will hopefully have a new phone in next few days so will actually be able to call for a taxi then so won't feel so totally useless then ! (typically my uk phone has decided not to work here anymore and no landline either !! ) will definately try one of those events as soon as possible... Also without sounding too rude what kind of age groups attend each meeting-sorry if that sounds a bit personal !! <em>edited by rubyblue on 14/09/2013</em>
rubyblue
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Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 15:10
Ok- thanks for that. I am in Al Saad so need to get a taxi as no car yet :( Will it be simple to find and spot the right people so i don't look like an idiot !!
rubyblue
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Latest post on 13 September 2013 - 12:40
Hi...I literally flew in yesterday also from Manchester on Qatar Airways on a one way ticket with no return- to be fair the check in did ask why did I not have a return and I just told her my husband was already in Doha and was sorting me a RP out and she just said fine- to be honest she was way more picky about the weight of my hand luggage than anything else !! at this end just joined the regular queue and paid the visa on arrival and she never said anything about me going back ( had the little speech in my head all prepared !! )
rubyblue
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Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 13:50
Thanks-will do that. And thanks for the luck- think I am gonna need all I can get - lol !
rubyblue
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Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 23:17
Is it the babyliss rotating one you are meaning- if so- definately buy one ! I got one a few months back and really like it and it gives my hair loads of volume and bounce... but I did buy it in Booots in the Uk...
rubyblue
55
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 22:23
Great- so you can get them without prescription then ? He has medical cover and they are just dealing with my admin stuff so will look into that. Thanks
 
 
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