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SJJ100

SJJ100
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Latest post on 19 July 2017 - 14:38
Try Evans which is a UK plus size shop. They are in Mall of Emirates and Mirdif (and may be in other malls too)
SJJ100
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Latest post on 19 July 2017 - 14:34
To my knowledge there are no actual schools in Mudon itself but there are several close by: 1. Arabian Ranches School is in Ranches 2 on the opposite side of the Al Qudra Road 2. Jebal Ali School is now located at the end of Hessa Street on the junction with the E611 so that would be about a 5 minute drive 3. JESS in original Arabian Ranches 4. In Motor City there is a GEMS school and in Studio City there is Victory Heights Primary School and another GEMS school. 5. There are several other schools all pretty close too - Kings on Umm Sequime and also Nord Anglia on Hessa Street. Hope this helps Edited to add not sure what your curriculum preference is and if you told us that we may be able to give more information
SJJ100
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Latest post on 17 July 2017 - 17:02
Axa or Zurich offer good home insurance packages and you simply list your engagement ring as one of the items.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 09 July 2017 - 06:09
Agree with the last post - nationalities all mix in here and most areas are a really good mix of people. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn lots about other cultures and nationalities and develop friendships with folk who come from all over the world. As you have children my suggestion is that you focus on the school and live in a travelling distance you are comfortable with. This will be a personal decision as some are very happy to travel longer than others. I do know that many Australians decide to go for an International, UK or US curriculum whilst they are in the UAE. So it may be worth considering that. Good luck!
SJJ100
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Latest post on 09 July 2017 - 06:04
Hello Dubai is a great place to live and you will be moving at a great time of year. Springs area is good to live but some of the villa's can be quite "tired" so you will need to shop around. Some people say you shouldn't live further out but I disagree. Arabian Ranches has a real community feel to it and is 20 minutes from everywhere. If you don't want to drive there is a regular bus service and good local shops. The new communities of Mudon and Mira (in Reem) have lovely villa's and also really good communities. there are lots of ways to meet folk and in my experience most people are friendly and helpful. Expat Woman coffee mornings are a good place to start, every community has Facebook pages which will help you with questions, Arabian ranches ladies is another good club to join (and you don't have to live in ranches to join). Depending on your hobby there are lots of other groups - quilting, crafts, golf, tennis to name a few. There is literally a group for practically everything here. There was a group of Irish Ladies who met up regularly too. In terms of furniture you don't have to buy new and spend a fortune. The website called Dubizzle is great and once you know where you are joining most places have Facebook groups which buy and sell furniture. The thing to remember in Dubai is that people are always coming and going. So you can often get nearly new or indeed new furniture and electrical goods for very good prices. In terms of post we have an Emirates Post PO Box. We pay to have it at our villa - 700 AED per annum and we get 3 deliveries. Most of the post arrives - but not all - it's not 100% reliable but does mean you and your children can get birthday cards. It is a little cheaper if you have a PO Box that you go and collect the post from and there are plenty of them. A lot of companies provide temporary accommodation for the first 4 weeks of your time in Dubai and I agree with others that a serviced apartment is a good bet. My advice is to check what the company provides before you rent something yourself but if you have to do it yourself Barsha Heights (formally known as TECOM) have some good serviced apartment deals and you are close to the metro and reasonably well placed to get out and about searching for your new home.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 10 June 2017 - 14:55
We use Paw Pals who are a fully licensed company in Dubai. They look after our cat and she loves them. Its much less stressful than putting them in the cattery. Paw Pals are on Facebook Email - [email protected] 050 180 4041
SJJ100
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Latest post on 02 June 2017 - 08:58
I suggest you narrow your decision down by making some decisions about: A) How far you want to fly - the Bahamas is a very long way from the UAE! B) How much you want to spend and what your budget is C) What time of year you are going - all of the destinations have high and low season and associated weather - so if you want to be sure of sunshine you will be paying high season rates. D) Do you just want a beach holiday or do you want some culture as well. As people have said before the Maldives are beautiful and are small island resorts so the holiday is very much about chilling out and doing water sports/sun bathing. Mauritius - is a much bigger island, you can hire a car and be out and about. The island is green and lush with a range of things to do beyond just the beach. There are fantastic hotels and beach resorts to fit all price ranges but there is a high and low season with associated weather! Goa is a short flight away, has beautiful beaches and hotels and resorts for all prices. Like Mauritius is has a high and low season and you can go and explore. The beaches are public and you can go and explore the beautiful area around the hotels. Seychelles are a series of islands and most folk stay on more than one island and Bali is a longer flight. Both have high and low seasons and a range of accommodation and budget. I would add Sri Lanka into the mix, shortish flight, beautiful country with amazing beaches and lots of culture and things to do. Different parts of Sri Lanka have high and low season so you will need to do your research. Everyone will have very personal experiences about their holiday and recommend one place over another so if you answer the 4 questions above you'll get an answer yourself! :) :)
SJJ100
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Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 09:01
Completely understand that Dubai can be a lonely place but there are lots of social groups to join and find/make friends. We have to gather all our strength and head out of the door and find them. I'd always worked until we moved here so also found it hard so when I first moved here I went to several of the Expat Women coffee mornings in different parts of Dubai - it was good for meeting people and just getting out. I'm sure there are Facebook pages for where you live and often people in your area will arrange meet ups/coffee mornings. Not sure where you live but Arabian ranches Ladies is a great way to meet women - there's a lot of members and they do a whole range of actives so usually something for everyone. It's well worth joining. I also think Motor City ladies have a coffee meet up too at one of the cafe's there. Someone else has suggested fitness groups - another thought is Mall Walking - I'm not sure if they still run but there used to be a club in Mall of the Emirates and Dubai. they'd meet up in the morning walk around the Mall before it opened and then finish with a coffee. Social and exercise all done in the cool air! Depending on what your interests are there is something for everyone here it's just a matter of finding what presses your buttons - golf lessons and then there is a whole world of ladies golf, card games like bridge, arts and crafts acidities - the list goes on. Good luck - I know lots of ladies say it's lonely here but I've always managed to have a really good and busy social life here and done lots of really interesting things. I also find that women are generally really up for making friends and doing things as we are all in the same boat. Someone gave me a good piece of advice - which is to have a wide range of friends and interests as the only certainty here is that people will leave, and often very quickly. Good luck in making friends - we are all out there and wanting the same thing.
SJJ100
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 08:46
Arabian Ranches is a great place to live. Lovely communities and great facilities - the swimming pools and tennis courts are fab, well maintained and free. Lots of walking paths too and people have pets and in winter the paths are busy with walkers. The community is well established with lots of shops and facilities all close by. There are villa's in all price brackets. There is also a group of woman called Arabian Ranches Ladies - they have a website and several hundred members so a great way to meet new friends and do a whole range of activities. It is also well placed to travel anywhere in Dubai. My husband works in Media City and finds the trip to and from work very easy. The other thing to consider is schooling and its proximity. From Arabian Ranches you could easily access the following - Jess (in Arabian Ranches), Arabian Ranches School (in Ranches 2), Jebal Ali school, Nord Anglia, Kings Al Barsha, Fourmarke and Victory Heights Primary School. Good luck with the move :) Edited to add the race track only has a few races each year. Depending on where you live in Arabian Ranches you may or may not hear them anyway. We live on the side of Ranches closest to Motor City and don't find it a problem, although there was one day when it was the 24 hr race that there was some noise as the wind was in our direction but it was soon over and didn't stop us doing anything and enjoying the garden, The upside of the race track is that on a Tuesday evening it's free to go and bike, walk, run, skate board around it for free.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 28 March 2017 - 11:38
Just a thought - have you spoken to the school about the cost of the bus journey from the Marina or The Greens? Sometimes the cost of the bus and the time spent on the journey for the children means that parents find it better to pay the extra on accommodation and live closer to the school. The other thing is you may find that you could "car pool" from some of the suburbs as it is highly likely other children will be coming from there.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 28 March 2017 - 11:30
May I offer an alternative to buying brand new which is to use Dubizzle and community Facebook pages. When we moved here we furnished our entire villa from Dubizzle. I managed to buy a brand new fridge at half the price, a barely used cooker and dishwasher. You need to look around but buying things and then getting them moved by a man with a van is a really viable option here because folk are moving and leaving all the time. Some of them at very short notice and they may have just bought a new "whatever" but then not be able to take it with them. Find out the Facebook pages for the community you live in and that reduces the distance to move things. Yes, I accept you need to be a bit discerning but you will save a small fortune and find your way around Dubai in the process! Good luck with the move :) Edited to add that there are amazing deals during Ramadan so if you can hold on until approx 25 May and do want brand new you will be well rewarded!
SJJ100
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Latest post on 29 January 2017 - 18:25
Another vote for Cara. Always find that they give the best and most competitive prices and excellent service.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 29 January 2017 - 18:22
6 hours gives you a really big range so here's a few to think about: Sri Lanka has lots to do and beautiful beaches Maldives Seychelles Zanzibar India - Goa or Kerala Oman - Muscat (or drive to Ziggy Bay) or the mountains Other Emirates within the UAE - there are some beautiful resorts - Sir Banyas Island springs to mind So you probably need to narrow it down by what you want to do - explore or laze on a beach, or ski (Georgia or Lebanon are much closer than Europe and cheaper) From here the worlds your oyster!
SJJ100
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Latest post on 17 January 2017 - 11:06
The Ajman Saray has a lovely beach and does water sports. They have very good day packages to use their facilities. I believe the Ajman Fairmont also has water sports.
SJJ100
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2017 - 18:21
Highly recommend Kate and Paw Pals. They have a Facebook Page. We've used several times and have been very pleased. Not sure whether she covers where you live but I'd suggest contacting her and if she doesn't she may be able to recommend someone else. Good luck :)
SJJ100
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2017 - 11:22
Join Arabian Ranches ladies (you don't have to live there to be a member). They have loads of sub-groups including 2 mahjong groups who play regularly and other groups who play games too. They are a pretty active and big Club who do a whole range of stuff and have a website so just Google them.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 25 August 2016 - 09:42
Does anyone know what the new restaurants are in place of Rivington Grill and Mango Tree (assuming there are new restaurants)? We also used to go to Urbano and Madellaines both new closed - who's taken their spots? We've got visitors arriving and I'm looking for recommendations for dinner with Fountain views! Thanks for your help :)
SJJ100
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Latest post on 23 August 2016 - 17:39
QueenBz For someone working in Real Estate and promoting yourself you really ought to know the area you are covering! Arabian Ranches is not in Emirates Living! Emirates Living comprises Emirates Hills, Meadows, Springs and Lakes. Arabian Ranches is further out of the city. However, both Emirates Hills and Arabian Ranches are built and owned/run by Emaar and some of the villas are built to the same layout and style (but not all). The original Arabian Ranches is built around a Golf Club and has a community centre, Medi Clinic etc. Arabian Ranches is in the process of growing and has Arabian Ranches 2 which includes Casa and Palma communities and is accessed off Al Quadra (opposite Mudon). AR2 has the Arabian Ranches Souq shopping Mall which is relatively new and there is quite a lot of building of other new communities taking place. Mira is in the new 3rd Arabian Ranches called Reem which is further out on the Al Quadra road and very close to the first Cycle Track roundabout. It is actually east of the E611 (Emirates Road). My understanding is that they are Town Houses but they do represent very good value for money as they are new and part of the Emaar family so you get pools and facilities etc. Some of the 3 bed villas are going for 140,000 AED and are 2,500 sq ft. I've not been in the villas but have heard of several people moving there because of the value for money. Hopefully someone who is looking to live there will be able to help the OP.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 18 April 2016 - 13:10
Casa is in the new Arabian Ranches (known as Ranches 2) and the villas are lovely (Alma is in Arabian Ranches 1). The swimming pool is stunning but I guess you've seen that. Emaar will soon be releasing other new villas in that area as some of them are looking finished (don't know timelines). We don't live there but from what I understand it's a lovely community. We looked at several villas but couldn't get out of our own tenancy otherwise would have definitely moved there. With regard to facilities there is the new Arabian Ranches Souk which is close and has lots of shops including a Carrefour. To drive to Spinneys in Motor City would only be 10 minutes (cut through Studio city and into Motor City by the Metropole School). In terms of getting to a gym I think the closest would be in Studio City (so 5 minutes) and there are plenty of others in Motor City. All the delivery people go there (I've seen the bikes coming in and out!) Hope this helps.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 17 April 2016 - 10:00
Not sure who you bank with but HSBC definitely offer life cover so quite possible other banks do to. All the main insurance companies here (AXA, Zurich, RSA etc.) offer it to. Might be worth getting a couple of quotes and shopping around a bit rather too - I think what different companies offer and the costs can vary quite a bit
SJJ100
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Latest post on 17 April 2016 - 08:36
Very few 2 bedroom apartments in the Marina have a maids room or very good storage facilities. I may be wrong but I think that the maids room tends to only come with the 3 bedroom apartments. The older apartments in the Greens tend to have more storage space and they are smaller towers and buildings so considerably less chance of the fire alarms going off! Sadly, the new buildings come with much less storage space although many of them to offer a facility to hire a crate and lock your stuff in there which they then store in the basement areas.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 09 April 2016 - 12:59
Here are some suggestions for free of very reasonably priced things: Go to the beaches and take a walk - they are plentiful and beautiful Go to the souks and wander through the streets and take an Abra ride across the Creek Visit the Sheik Mohammad Cultural Centre - they do some great things and are very reasonably priced (book on line) Go to a talk at Jumeirah Mosque (part of the SMCC) Visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (OK you have to drive there but free entry and tours). Walk around the Marina Take an RTA taxi from the Marina to the Creek Go camel racing (OK this is now out of season but completely free to go) Buy an Entertainer book - loads of BOGOF vouchers to do all sorts of stuff around Dubai and it doesn't take long to get your money back. The desert safari's save approx 300 AED per person to start with! Sign up to Group on or Cobone for deals (but watch the T&Cs of these deals - they are often not as good as they initially look!). As others have said if you book the Burj Khalifa on line for during the day its about 125 AED per person - at the end of the day you are going up the tallest building in the world so expect to pay something. Enjoy Dubai - lots to do and see and great weather at the moment
SJJ100
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 15:21
Agree with the Big Bus Tour suggestion - have at least 1 day touring the city - the package includes a really good tour through the souks and around the Creek area. It also goes to Sharjah and you'd be able to visit the Blue Souk. There are a number of places you can start this tour so it doesn't really matter where you stay and you can hop on and off as much as you want. Someone suggested the Sheik Mohammad Cultural Centre - this is a really good idea and they offer a number of different tours, talks and options including lunches and breakfasts. It will help you understand the culture and history of Dubai. With regards to Abu Dhabi it is easy to get a taxi there or you can stay - there are plenty of good hotels. If you are going I'd recommend visiting the Grand Mosque and I'm pretty sure that Abu Dhabi has a Big Bus Tour as well. The Palace Hotel does coffee with gold on the top! Bit of a gimmick but I like it! On the getting around Dubai front - it is possible to hire a car but this depends on how confident you are driving. As others have said Careem and Uber are great but don't rule out the RTA taxis - depending on where you stay you may find plenty of them around too. Enjoy your trip - there is lots to do and it's safe and easy to be a solo traveller here.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 07 April 2016 - 15:08
My Second Home in the Green Community is huge and has a massive indoor area for dogs - they may have space as they only opened last year.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 09:21
Spinneys in Motor City have got some - they are funny (ish!). I buy them there every year and they've got them in early this year!
SJJ100
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Latest post on 04 October 2015 - 13:45
Thanks very much for the replies and some good ideas. Not heard of Chef's House and about to Google/Trip Adviser in for reviews. :)
SJJ100
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Latest post on 19 September 2015 - 10:39
If you are referring specially to Outlet Malls, as in a Mall that has designer shops selling off their products, then there is only one mall and that is called the Dubai Outlet Mall and is out of the city on the Al Ain Road (E66) west of the 611 Emirates Road. There's loads of parking and coffee shops etc there to.
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Latest post on 10 September 2015 - 09:07
GEMS World Academy is very good and has amazing facilities. You could also have a look at GEMS International on Al Khail - a relatively new school - assuming you are looking for an IB curriculum. Have a look at the KHDA web site for the official reports and do a search on the threads on here - but remember that some people may have a particular experience one way or another or may be employed by competitor school or even this one! If your children go to either of these schools you could live in: Emirates Living - Springs, Meadows, Lakes - most of the communities have communal pools which are free to use and some villa's have a private pool. Springs and some of Lakes are town houses and Meadows and the rest of lakes are detached villas. Jumeirah Islands - detached villa's, all have private pools and there is a Club with pool which you can pay to join. Villa's start at 300K Victory Heights/Jumeirah Golf Estates (but the commute down Hessa Street can be a bit slow but you are close enough for it not to be too much of an issue). Victory Heights is a really popular community to live in and JGE is more expensive (but very nice!) Motor City has some villas which are very nice and the area has great facilities. Arabian Ranches/Mudon - they've improved the exists from AR now so getting on to Umm Sequeim is easier and a good commute to the schools. The communities in AR all have community pools and some villa's have private pools. Mudon is new so good value for money and the community facilities (pool/shops etc) is not yet open. Any of these areas would be fine with a dog and there are plenty of others out walking dogs so you would soon meet some fiends. You could also live in Umm Sequeim or Al Barsha areas - there are some small compounds there but it would probably by independent living in a villa. I think there is more information about these residential areas on this website. My suggestion is nail the school and then have a look at the different areas you could live.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 10 September 2015 - 08:50
Jumeirah Islands - built by Nakheel - slightly newer villas - prices start at 300K. Every villa has their own private pool. There are lots of paths to walk and some children's area but to use the community swimming pool you have to join Jumeirah Islands Club. Two access routes in and out. The security gates are a bit hit and miss (not that crime is really a problem here!) Meadows 5 - 8 - built by Emaar - slightly older villas and a more mix of sizes and prices. It is possible to get villa's for 250 plus. Most villa's don't have a private pool but the communities do have very good community pools which are free to use and have a life guard on duty all the time. Security at every community entrance and they are good at giving directions to your villa etc. Both communities are good and I suggest you go and see the style of villa's and decide what you like - I think it will come down to personal preference. If you an find an upgraded villa in Meadows you will get a newer kitchen and possibly bathroom - these are generally the areas that let Meadows down. I have friends in both communities who love where they live. For me, the community facilities in Meadows clinch it but we are all different and it will depend on what your priorities are. Edited to add - both of these areas are very good areas to live in!
SJJ100
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Latest post on 15 August 2015 - 13:23
Have you looked on Dubizzle - there are often a lot advertised there.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 15 August 2015 - 13:15
Emarar are doing Dine and Dream which is 20% off the WHOLE bill (i.e.including drink). You register your details with their web site (Google Dine and Dream) and then when you pay you give the waiter your mobile number and they SMS you a code which gets 20% off. You are also entered in a draw to win some flights - one entry for every 50 AED spent. Emaar own the Palace, Address and Vida hotels and Montgomery and Arabian Ranches golf course so plenty of choice of places to eat! They've done it the last couple of years - we saved a lot last year and had dinner out last night and saved 150 AED. Costs you nothing to register.
SJJ100
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Latest post on 11 August 2015 - 09:38
Welcome to Dubai and good luck with the last of your packing and sorting out of "stuff" in the US. The good news is that you have a Relocation Consultant working with you and they will do all the leg work for you in terms of finding somewhere to live. They will also know Dubai very well and understand exactly what you can get for your rent allowance of 100,000 AED. Many people move here without this help so do take advantage of it - it's a huge benefit. As others have said it will be a bit of a challenge to find somewhere with 3 bedrooms in that price range but it is possible and that is why your Relocation Consultant has suggested Queue Point - there is currently a number of 3 bedroom units available there for around the 100,000 AED price mark. Someone else has suggested Remraam which is also a good idea to look at. Both of these areas are considered a "little further out of Dubai" but in reality Queue Point is only a 15 minute drive to Downtown and will be able to access Mirdif and DSO very quickly for shops etc until the facilities are built. We all move here with a budget for housing - for some it is bigger than others but I think we would all like it to be higher than it is!
SJJ100
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Latest post on 26 July 2015 - 19:39
I second Ted Morgan - Polly is excellent :)
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Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 07:58
Can't recommend a specific agent but you can do a building search on Property Finder.ae and that will give you a flavour of the agents active in the area. I'm not sure where you have moved from you will need a bank account and cheque book plus a residency visa to be able to secure a property - depending on whether you or your employer to that and fast track it that can take a couple of weeks. Hope this helps and good luck finding your new home. :)
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Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 07:54
My few tips would be: be prepared to get lost! I'm afraid it's an inevitability and we all do! always have at least half a tank of fuel in case you find yourself going the long way! go out and drive around on a Friday morning - the roads are pretty empty then and it will enable you to practice a variety of routes Waze app on your phone is really good and will give directions (and is free!). Although personally I favour the have a look at the map and learn by landmarks approach as in the long run it will help you learn your way around quicker and in the meantime you find all sorts of places you never knew existed! Good luck - stay calm and just go out and get amongst it! It's actually not as bad as it first seems and you'll improve every day!
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Latest post on 17 July 2015 - 10:51
You will need a work visa before you can sign a tenancy contract. To get a work visa you need to have arrived here and started work. Your work will probably organise the visa for you - there is lots of paper work and you will need blood tests, an X-ray of your chest and to provide finger prints and photos. You will also need to open a bank account here and have a cheque book. This all takes 1 - 3 weeks usually. Whilst this is taking place you can look at properties but you can't actually agree on the tenancy until you have your visa and can write a cheque. You are likely to have to pay the years rent in advance although some land lords will accept 2 or may be 3 cheques but they will probably increase the rent for that benefit. A lot of employers will provide hotel accommodation for 1 month to enable this process to happen and you to find somewhere to live. If not, you will need to find some temporary accommodation such as a hotel room or serviced apartment. There are lots of apartments in Downtown and I would encourage you to have a good look at the area and the apartments available before committing. You could also consider Business Bay and get the Metro to work or perhaps further along the Metro line in the Greens which is very popular. One more top tip is to bring about a dozen passport photos of yourself - you'll soon use them up! Good luck with your move :)
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Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 18:33
They are a great gift but I"m sorry I can't remember how much I paid.
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Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 18:00
Is anyone else having this problem? The channel shows as being there but there is nothing there (if that makes sense!) Various other news and entertainment channels also not working. We have a Du package.
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Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 17:58
I got my husband some cufflinks made with his name in Arabic at Calash in the Gold and Diamond Park. Choice of gold or silver and very pleased with them :)
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Latest post on 30 May 2015 - 09:07
The Bus Tour is very good and includes a trip on the Creek, walking tours of the Souks and I think free entrance to the Museum. Well worth doing in old Dubai. Everyone I know who has done it has really enjoyed it, Trip to Abu Dhabi for the day - Mangroves, Grand Mosque, visit to the Emirates Palace Hotel and/or just to see the city. Beach day at one of the hotels in Ajman - Kempinski or the Fairmont - very close to Dubai but a change of scenery (or you can do this on the Palm in Dubai if you don't want to go that far) Afternoon tea in one of the hotels (loads of recommendations on this forum) Have dinner by the fountains and enjoy the fact that you don't have to go to work the next day If you are feeling energetic - the trampoline centre in Al Quoz, ice skating etc RAK or Fujeriah for 1 or 2 nights - drive over one morning, enjoy some time by the pool or chilling on the beach, dinner, morning by the pool and come back Pick a different cuisine for every day and use Trip Advisor or What's On to find places for breakfast/lunch/dinner for that cuisine - then you could dine your way around the world from Dubai! What ever you do, as someone else said, many people save all year to come to Dubai for a weeks holiday in June - pretend you are one of them and have a great time. There's lots to do if you put on a smile and believe you'll enjoy it! :)
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Latest post on 25 April 2015 - 17:24
Villa Beach at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel - dinner on the beach with the Burj Al Arab as the backdrop. Have a cocktail on the beach or at Uptown bar first. Bateaux Dubai - dinner cruise on the Creek. Enjoy :)
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Latest post on 24 April 2015 - 13:51
Really recommend going to Ellis Island it is a great experience - a really good museum giving an excellent insight into the immigration into the US via New York. You also get great views of the city and Statue of Liberty. Ground Zero area is also a very moving experience. I second the bus trip around the city - we found it a really good way of getting around. We really enjoy Broadway - so many great shows for a great evening out. Have fun - love New York - there is so much to see and do. :)
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Latest post on 03 April 2015 - 12:21
Hi GE I don't live in Mudon but have looked at a couple of villas there and in Casa - I agree they make really good value for money and we would move there had we not just renewed for another year! I do know that people are getting the villa's for much less money than they are advertised - so do negotiate and start off quite a lot lower. I also know that new tenants are either getting the landscaping included as part of taking the villa or getting a discount as a contribution to it. In terms of accessing cleaners and gardeners I think many of the companies that operate in Arabian Ranches will go that bit further although I can't confirm this yet. Arabian Ranches have several Facebook pages and I think they are accepting people from Mudan and Casa into those groups - so it may be worth trying there. HTH :) <em>edited by SJJ100 on 03/04/2015</em>
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Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 18:40
Sometimes you get a good discount - but be careful the Policy covers everything you need. We moved from Axa to another company for a discount and ended up having to cancel the policy and move back to Axa as we needed some specific cover which wasn't included!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 18:36
Depending on your budget: 1. Bateaux Dubai is a fabulous experience - fine dining on the Creek and there are Entertainer vouchers (also on the HSBC ap if you bank with them) 2. Beachcombers (the cheaper option) or Villa Beach at the Jumeirah Beach hotel - you sit underneath the Burj Al Arab - Entertainer vouchers for both/MasterCard discount 3. Pier 7 at the Marina - some great restaurants and fabulous views of the Marina 4. Cocktails in the Burj Al Arab Skybar - fabulous :) Whatever you decide enjoy :)
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2015 - 09:37
Deepas Tailor Made is a mens tailors in Satwa - they do a great job at making and altering suits. We've always been really pleased with the results.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2015 - 09:33
We always use Jim Will Fix It - they come when they say they will, a British team answer the phone and they do a great job and clear up after themselves.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 09:39
Hello I love the summer here - it's quiet and easy to get around the city. It is true a lot of people do leave in July/August but not everybody. Expat Woman still do coffee mornings (but in central places) and there are still lots of people around. I think those of us that stay make more effort to see people and do things. All the Malls are air conditioned so you just move from one set of A/C to another. The pools are chilled and you can get great rates to stay in hotels etc as a resident. The summer will be what you make of it - I've done a couple and loved them.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 23:23
We flew with them last year and they were excellent. We went Cathay Business rather than Emirates Economy for not much more money and it was the best decision ever. Great service (and yes champagne) and good beds. As someone else has said good lounges in Hong Kong We flew DXB to Hong Kong and then on to Sydney and had good connections both ways. If I was going to Australia or NZ I would absolutely use them every time. Our friends in the UK also used Cathay to get to Australia and had the same experience so I think the service standards are pretty consistent. The best thing for me was that I got a bed for not much more money than Emirates economy and no bed! We've also flown Business with Malaysian airlines to KL. The beds don't go completely flat but there was plenty of space on the plane as it was only half full (!) and the service OK. Not in the league of Cathay but much cheaper so as with everything in live "you get what you pay for". :)
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 23:04
Hi We've recently been and had a fantastic time. I echo the advice of using a specialist travel agent - Travel Counsellors are always excellent in our experience. Our tips would be: 1. Conrad Hilton in Tokyo - great views and use their Executive rooms service - you get free drinks etc 2. Use a private tour guide - they will speak your language (in our case English) and give you lots of information and make really good use of your time. This is probably my NO 1 piece of advice. 3. Sumo wrestling is a must - go to one of the stables (you need to book and be prepared to sit still on the floor for several hours - but its well worth it) 4. The trains and metro/underground are really good. The Shenkansen service is clean, fast and always on time. 5. Others have suggested things to do in Tokyo - but do try local food and go to the fish market. 6. Go to Koyoto - it's beautiful - amazing Temples and Shrines to see - again use a private guide - they help you use your time so much more effectively and also helped us try different foods etc. 7. Visa - British passport holders get visa on entry so no paperwork required before hand. 8. Ask hotel concierges for advice on where to eat - we had some great advice in Koyoto. 9. Narrita airport is about 90 minutes outside of Tokyo so bear that in mind if you are booking flights yourself 10. Blossom is end of March/April and gets very, very busy. You would need to book and be prepared to queue to see things but I'm sure it would be an amazing sight and opportunity. Have a great time - its a fabulous country and well worth a visit and very doable from Dubai.
 
 
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