belle979 | ExpatWoman.com
 

belle979

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2018 - 14:04
If you haven't signed a contract then you are not liable in the eyes of the law..you can't get a visa without a signed contract, just be careful of your visa status
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 00:33
Merry Christmas All x Alismum, sorry thumbs down was from me by mistake, on my phone and I hit down but definelty meant to thumbs up! Had to sign in to explain!!!! Merry Christmas x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2014 - 11:32
Completely unfair situation, rising from trusting the new sponsor with take over the responsibility. At the moment the only person missing out is you and you are owed 3000aed. The maid is not bothered nor her sponsor and the embassy doesn't have to bother because she is covered, the box is ticked so who cares. However I wouldn't let it lie, I'd get some advice from government service UAE, if you can or know someone with Arabic even better but not necessary. This is the UAE not Sri Lanka so the Sri Lankan embassy has to abide by the rules here. In effect this maid could do anything to lose you your 3000aed without you having any control over it at all, don't let it lie. I'd inform the embassy that you will take out a formal complaint against the whole three of them. Demand your deposit back! edited by belle979 on 18/12/2014 <em>edited by belle979 on 18/12/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2014 - 11:05
On a Friday it takes me over an hour sometimes two to tidy up the kitchen and freshen place up when my maid is off, and the place is been cleaned all week. It does take time but if you're not happy perhaps change companies, pay a bit more for more hours and insist one hour or two of ironing. Be clear of you expectations to the company, not by leaving notes for the maid. It not worth getting annoyed with it just change company, an extra 100aed a week may change the whole situation.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2014 - 10:55
Fined for having a shed! Usually people have sheds so they can keep their gardens and villa organised and tidy and looking nice. Would the authority prefer people to have everything all over their gardens and looking messy? Seems very unfair and opportunistic to collect money, very unfair:(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 21:50
I would have thought it normal for them to want to meet you in a formal environment ie their office or your work. You owe them money (I know you want to repay) and it's up to you to meet them. Ask for the time off (personal issue) for an hour or ask to come in an hour later and go to the bank. Ido It sooner rather than later head office may never call or never get the message! It's good they want to talk rather than start legal proceedings without you knowing so don't wait for them go to the bank, you'll feel better once things are dealt with properly.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 19:54
:) enjoy the yummy eggs:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 19:45
I would definitely contest every time especially after reading your post Tim Tam that is awful moving fines; I'd ask an Arabic friend or colleague to telephone station and contest. It's back enough to get a fine when you actually deserved it let alone getting one and you not even in the area, that's just awful..sorry moving fines bit really got me going:(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 13:26
Dragon Mart
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2014 - 13:23
A good time of year to get some but I'd think carefully about the coop as it get so hot in the summer they'll need somewhere that's cool. I'd don't know where you would buy grain but rice and greens sounds good:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 23:43
Ah Nomad that's lovely, I believe in pixies xxx
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 15:55
I do agree Geordie expat , I didn't mean to come across as if they don't just feel if all schools particularly the management took a serious interest in the skills and training of the school bus drivers and helpers maybe we won't see bad driving as discussed in this thread. <em>edited by belle979 on 20/11/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 15:25
I agree Dess and Desc have great drivers and I think it's because the management aren't afraid to get out there and know what's going on...on the buses and in the car park. In 7days today there is an article about the unfortunate death of the little girl who happened to fall asleep on her school bus (I feel like crying every time I hear about this case for the parents especially but for everyone involved, so easily avoided). It mentioned that the headmaster was also charged (not saying right or wrong) but should employing bad drivers or no seat belts etc come under a management responsibly? Maybe it does but if not it's the quickest way to improve standards because management are the ones with the resources and say so to change things and protect our little ones.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 14:54
Who would honestly pay that for a school place and although Gems is not a bad choice it still is an average school. In my opinion there are plenty of good places for children in many good schools but it's to the schools' average to send parents particularly new parents into a panic and get them to purchase debentures. I didn't realise schools sold private debentures. To the OP was this a joke or were you seriously trying to sell a school place in Gems (one child only) to fellow expat mums for 150000aed? <em>edited by belle979 on 20/11/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 22:49
In my experience the average response tells you nothing, people don't like to say they don't know so they tell you what they think is right rather than the facts..rules change all the time. I'd take heed of the last post and also ask immigration. You may end up paying more in fines than you would have in extending the visa..enjoy having your mum around:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 21:43
There a shop in Satwa (coming from Jumeria take a right at satwa roundabout, it's on the right between the Rabout and petrol station) can't remember exactly but it has all one would need for knitting, sewing etc. I've only been once hence the sketchy directions but I've bookmarked it in case I need anything in the future:cool:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2014 - 10:41
Susandiaz so sorry for your loss, I probably don't have any useful suggest but just wanted to acknowledge your post. I lost a parent to cancer after a couple of years battle and it takes everything out of the family especially that you had to travel and are away from the home support that is so important at this time. Mind yourself, don't try too hard to get back to normal that will take time. Don't try too hard to solve the sleep issues with your daughter she will be picking up on your pain and sometimes the more we try the hard it gets, take her out for walks lots of walks, sleep when she sleeps, let yourself cry and let the world carry on for a while, you've been through so much, mind yourself x <em>edited by belle979 on 17/11/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 22:44
Nomad, great way to spot your car now that made me smile:) x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 22:01
I'm actually very surprise some people have strong options on reverse parking or more apt 'reverse parking driver'. I don't think people choose to be one or the other, does it not depend on the parking space! I have a large 4x4 and sometimes I reverse park and sometimes I don't..and to add somedays well most days I'm an excellent efficient nifty parker (either way) and some day I'm completely useless and couldn't park straight in 20 moves..let give eachother a break here and next time we see (especially a fellow women) having trouble park, back off and give her the minute she needs.. We never know what people go through we all have those days, happy parking, either way:) x <em>edited by belle979 on 15/11/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 12:14
Maybe label the wrapped presents in a secret way as to know age group and/or get the parents to buy for their own children (they could also label) and you could add some chocolate/sweet parcels to go along with it????
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 12:06
Highly recommend the ones in Decathlon, expensive option for a one day school event but great overall if you think she'll use it again and again x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 11:46
Okay before I give my two pence worth, don't shout if I didn't exactly get everyone's point, I did try and follow the tread. It all depends on the parking space, sometimes I reverse park (probably more so as my husband always harped on about easy exit etc so I got into the habit of reverse parking. Some spots are impossible to reverse park and some are impossible to forward park.. As a qualified driver you need to master both. In the Uk nobody well almost nobody would beep you or drive around you when you are parking it is the unsaid code of driving...this unsaid code I miss so much because it doesn't cost anyone to wait a minute but by beeping etc it causes stress and may end up causing an accident..there and then or later that day. people need more patients on the road, for me I also need more patients on the roads when it comes to rude, narrow minded drivers who don't see or choose to ignore everyone else. Just to add.. It can't be easy to reverse park if your car is blacked out, TIP roll down your windows so you can see the mirrors. I have a friend who can't reverse park for this very reason but there is no telling her:) x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2014 - 11:27
Depends on age, for my older kids I got some fab ones in Decathlon Mirdif City centre for around 200aed plus 25 per arrow. I would highly recommend this but not for younger children. Give them a ring and ask for what age these are recommended. My youngest too small for the latter I bought some from a bits and bob shop in Satwa 20aed or less...among the plastic (no longevity) toys section:) x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 12:46
Your so welcome, unfortunately I don't know what else to say other than maybe ask you company for advice. There is always a solution, it's just finding it! I hope it all works out x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 12:27
When my husband's company was doing his visa, we had to wait until after his was done. It did take some time, with the medical for me and emirates ID... Can you get your passport visa changed after you come back from UK... Do a visa run to Oman.. Once the passport is with the company or immigration maybe it will be hard for you to control. Maybe hand over your passport when your husbands visa is complete after Christmas?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 12:07
Primark bits and bobs x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2014 - 12:01
Well as I recommended on this tread already my children's Paed is Dr Talal (Farha clinics) however I don't have his mobile number and wouldn't expect it but would go to him regardless....is it safe to chat with your doctor over the phone without him seeing your child? Or does the doctor take the appointments? I have heard from a good few people here that they have their doctor's mobile number but coming from the UK it's not something I'd expect or be use to.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 23:38
Our paed is Dr Talal Farha, my husbands company doesn't do direct billing with his clinic ( don't know why they do with other clinic that are completely hopeless) anyway we submit claims and get money back). I go to him because I trust him and his clinic it is not just business it's about health and caring that matters to me as a mum. Good luck. Number 043612404 I don't have a mobile sorry
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 23:03
Oops! I stand corrected!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 20:15
The room is big to fit my three kids as it's a bunk bed and then there is space left a separate bed for the maid and the baby sleeps with me in the room and there is a separate bathroom. Outside so two bed and three bathrooms I think it's not a big issue as she only need to sleep as she will be here to do work and I will pay her 4000 dhms per month I think this is ridiculous all people know that how these Indians and Pakistanis live in Dubai save a single penny I am spending alrEdy beyond my limits plz Wow! I did read the thread before posting, thank you very much and now I'm done. <em>edited by belle979 on 24/06/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 18:42
On 4000aed a month your maid should rent her own room for the sake of her sanity and your children's childhood. You really pay your maid over 75% of you husbands basic income? Everybody's circumstance is different and generally one can understand but common sense says this doesn't add up.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 19:26
Hi Bayan01, firstly hope your move goes well! My children don't attend the schools you've mentioned however people I know seem happy with both gems Wellington and Repton. I haven't heard of first point. Another point to consider is distance from home. My kids' school is miles from home but I'm use to it, depends if it matters or not to you. Have a look on google map. Also school fee tend to rise in year 7 so maybe sometime else to consider. The school issue always seems to be the hardest part of the move but most UK schools are very similar at the end of the day;) Good luck with the move x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 17:14
I'm a little confused with the title.....also a lot of advice here may apply to Dubai and not AD so best to check with immigration yourself. In Dubai one can apply for an in-country application (extra cost) for employment permit, you receive pink slip from immigration and she can exit airport to airport. Alternatively she leaves and you apply once she has exited (out of country- they will know from visa stamp, airport record if she has been in or out) if in and you apply out of country application you get charged further on down the visa process line! She may be allow stay in transit, (not nice even if possible if more than a day) check with airline but all depends how long the visa will take, personal visa applications may be shorter than company applications which probably take at least a week even for maid visa. Kisk she can enter without visa up to a number of days, Oman to enter out of transit she will need an Oman visa. I last did visa for maid 9 months ago so things may have changed since then! Ask the pro again she/he should at least give you some advice on AD visa process, if hey are been difficult maybe it's because they don't know so best ask immigration yourself:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 21:50
When I came to Dubai (with more than 12 years with a Uk licence) it took me at least a year to feel confident on Dubai roads. I'm a confident driver but I still get a scare quite possibly everyday or at least trice a week! Three months with no prior driving experience is probably possible (not for me) but remember one really only starts learning to drive once they have their licence so take it easy x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 21:31
It's hard for anyone moving to a new place and yes if she doesn't want to stay I'd help her go back home. Having said that..make sure she is heading home and not just using you as a free ticket here! I know it sound awful but I'm from the 'once bitten twice shy' camp!!!!! Perhaps she's truly honest and I do believe it's okay for people to change their mind and go home but don't free totally responsible to pay her salary etc (as you have probably paid a bit to bring her here in the first place), talk with her and compromise a good solution for you both. You will have more money to pay out employing another maid. Just make sure (what ever you decide to do) you feel comfortable with your decision and not guilt driven by her words.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 00:09
You're having a baby in November, you will be the one needing rest. I agree with not going back on word regards trip home but it is very unreasonable for her to expect 10 straight after resting in Dubai ( only a few months into job) and you the one that needs it. Put you foot down now or it will only get worse! You have to put your family first. Tell her you will need her after her trip home and she can take rest another time. This will show you her character after all you want someone who is able to care about your family and you, especially you the new mum to be, congrats and put that foot down, be it gently but make sure it's down.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:42
Become more involved in the school, nothing too much maybe help out with FDESS now and again. They always welcome new helpers and it's a great place to meet other mums and get to know the school better. The school rewards academic achievement too so don't focus too much on the sport. Your DD is only six (keep up the swimming lessons etc) and by the time she's in year six, she may be the lead swimmer! DESS is a great school and not so easy to get into, don't rush the discussion before you explore different approaches, you may face the same problem somewhere else. Good luck.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 23:25
Why do any of us need vaildiation from someone else? Sorry but what a pathetic comment that "beause someone may Red thumb me, i don't post" - seriously get some backbone, why does it matter if someone disagrees with you? Izzy on the seat was this directed at me for asking the original question? I think it's not the thumbs down that puts me off but replies like this, sorry but it is easy for you to be rude behind a computer screen but would you have the backbone to be that rude to a person face to face??? (I really don't want to know) Really girls, there is no need for bitchiness unless that is all you have! I used to like EW but I think I have been turned off. For some of you, you may enjoy the entertainment this bring trying to get as many LoL as poss but for other they connect to actually get an intelligence response to a question.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 14:34
puts me off commenting, anyone else? I like this feature as it allows people to disagree without getting into a huge spat about things, it adds to the weight of a (good) response, and sometimes posters can be very sure their opinion is always right, and when they see an overwhelming number of thumbs down, it helps to put things in perspective. Fair point Redrec Tangle:) Yes LadyBee, I don't understand why you would get a thumbs down for trying to help but there you go. Anyway, I think I just needed to rant, rant over, thumbs away x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 22:59
dubaiexplorer; I know it probably seems daunting to move to Dubai after reading the posts, I would be afraid to move if I wasn't already here lol! In reality what the girls have posted is true and it is very expensive here in Dubai, manageable and enjoyable (beautiful place and people) if you have the right contract with your employers. Don't be turned off coming to Dubai but do ensure what a potential employer is offering will cover your costs and savings. In the UK (sorry not sure where you are from) a salary of 2-5 thousand is good because you can avail of free schooling, free NHS and rent or even mortgage is relatively less than here, food and clothing and other entertainment is also cost less (obviously depends). One can only comment from their experience and lifestyle and in Dubai there are so many, a salary that wouldn't cover someone's rent for a month would potentially cover someone's rent for the year, that is the reality in Dubai. It is also very difficult to move between employment once contracted (especially within the first year) so always read the contract and understand it!) If possible (I would suggest always) visit first and see for yourself what is on offer and what is best for you and your family, best of luck x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 22:17
Your blessed DivineBeet, Lol, that would be something to read!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 22:14
bouncy1978, so sorry for your loss.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 21:53
Well girls, judging from the number of thumbs down here on this thread some of you obviously like them! What more can one say! Namaste to all especially those who thumbed down:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 17:34
I was thinking the same thing belle. Why did they need to add the thumbs down? Seems like quite a negative thing to have on what should be a supportive place for people to ask questions, no? Agree Kada...(I gave you a thumbs up:) I don't give thumbs downs, just thumbs up (when I really agree with a post) as everyone has a different perspective on a subject depending on their experiences in life or on the subject in question. Once or twice I've actually click on the down thumb by accident (on iphone) and felt bad because I had actually liked the comment! All in all I do feel it is a supportive place and maybe I'm taking things a little too serious this week:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 22:48
Sorry pretty perfect re read,realised I got your name wrong, sorry but really agreed with you:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 22:32
When reading the posts I agreed in principal with all and without a doubt the maid needs to take responsibility for her choice to leave the contract just as we all would have to do. I understand the emotions behind the ban because when one is or has been in that situation it is not nice and you feel very hard done by but as perfect Polly said (sorry not quoting directly) we are professional women and have to rise above the situation and find the balance. In my opinion a ban is the last straw and not easily done and for reasons beyond return. If labour puts an automatic ban then that may change the maids mind in going and gives more time to find a replacement. If you decide to continue until her contract ends, get her to sign an amendment in her contract (easily typed by yourself) stating that under no circumstance should she work for anyone else etc. We need to stick together on this issue, we want a good maid, want to treat her well but don't want to be taking for a fool. In reality it is okay she leaves but not okay for you to pay her for the privilege to leave early, you pay her a good salary and in what you said you are so good to her, you won't have any trouble finding someone else (I won't pay extra for babysitting, just me) we have all been there, blessed when we find someone good, even this maid is just trying her luck to make more money it's illegal here but that doesn't mean it is immoral (okay probably wrong choice of word but you know what I mean!) don't take it personally, think of it as business and decide a way it works best for both of you, sorry long post, on phone so can't easily see how much I've went on but you're all women and understand that I hope!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 22:09
Sorry you are going through this at the minute, I've been there and it is not fun! I know you probably want to help her by making things easy but do remember you have paid a lot of money and effort to get the visa for her and she will just have to realise that if she has to go home she will have understand what that means. I would cancel her visa as she doesn't seem committed and it's not nice to have her around knowing she wants to go. If she wanted to stay she could have asked for vacation time but not cancellation. Cancel and ask her to cover the cost, legally that is your right. She may get a ban from immigration (not 100% sure) because she hasn't completed the year. If we all decided to leave our job a few months into it where would we be? I bet you couldn't do it so why let the maid she is an adult and has a responsibility one way or the other. Maybe she is honest and wants to go home for the right reason but still she needs to take responsibility for that some how.. Don't paid April salary just yet until you realise how much it will cost you.. You could let it go this time but what about next time or the next after that, there has to be some rules and boundaries to protect you and your family. Don't feel guilty it is your right that she completes her contract or comes up with a very good solution. I'm hoping it all works out for you:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2014 - 18:18
Woaha....Yes. That's even more annoying. It also happened with me. And I gave up on looking for maid. Its plain sick to deal with anyone who generalizes people. BTW....now when someone asks me such question, I intentionally laugh and say : "well, I am from your country, is it bad????" Sorry Lilly111 I think you misinterpreted my reply, I don't let it annoy me it's just a question! I wanted you to relax about the situation not add fuel to the fire!!! Well good luck with your situation hope all works out.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2014 - 16:23
Lilly111, I put an ad on-line looking for a new house maid and the first question I was asked when they called me was "what is your nationality madam?". Don't get so annoyed about it, let it go, it is like a lot of things here if you let it in, it could eat you up! Let go and let God at the end of day we are all trying to do our best here away from family and all we've known as normal to experience a different view point. At this stage you are probably expecting people to ask and can see it coming, try to expect a different response or try to response differently you may be surprised. When I come across an experience I don't like I ask myself 'how did I attract that?' We are all responsible to how we treat people and at the end of the day our treatment of others good or bad come back to us.Take it on the chin girl, don't bring a word like racist into it as I think that word goes beyond and is rooted in deep hatred which regardless of all the ways here I don't believe racism comes into it. Be the change you want to see, not easy but I have to remind myself of this every day:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2014 - 19:47
Dear Hope80 Congrats on the job offer! Apologies I have no information on your question but hopefully if you ask the HR department or PRO of the company, they should be able to find out for you. However when you mentioned the salary It prompted me to reply....please read and understand the employment contract before committing. The cost of child care is high, try to plan childcare, hiring a maid is possible but only if you have a two bed apartment etc.. I live in Dubai so may be different in Abu Dhabi but worth checking these details before your come. In my opinion the UAE is a very child friendly place, great place to bring up children and full of great opportunities to meet wonderful people however the cost of living is high i.e. rent, schooling, food (not fuel)...so consider all. Also some companies expect a big commitment from their staff i.e. long hours, travel so make sure all this is clear before you commit. Congrats again, I hope it all works out x I don't want to take away from the great news of the job offer but more so I don't want you to struggle.