Nestie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Nestie

Nestie
26
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2016 - 10:53
It all depends exactly what you want for your child. They're are lots of nurseries close to Al Muneera in Khalifa City including Montessori nurseries. One nursery that I've heard a lot of good things about is 'Learning Spaces'. I have been into Yellow Submarine and the fabric of the building is very nice and it is convenient if you live in Al Muneera but I think you need to visit a few nurseries and make your own judgement.
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 July 2016 - 14:09
Hi there! I felt just like you when we moved here 6 months ago. We moved from the UK but there are lots of Australians here. You shouldn't have too much of a problem settling in - there are lots of mum and baby groups here and plenty of things to do with the kids indoors and out.. It's quite easy to make friends as everybody is in the same boat. I can't recommend a hospital or a gynaecologist and where you can go will depend on your insurance, but from what I gather maternity services are pretty good here. Do you know where you're going to live? Are you going to drive here? Will you have a nanny/maid? Will you send your younger children to nursery? These are all important things to think about which can really affect you're quality or rather style of life here. Oh, if you like eating out, if recommend buying the Entertainer when the new addition comes out... And the annual pass to the waterpark is also a great thing to have if you plan on being here all year round. In terms of what you can't buy here... To be honest you can get most things. Some things are a bit harder to find than others but there's very little that you can't get... The things that I always ask people to bring when they visit are shredded wheat (you can get it in some places some of the time but it's hard to come by), bovril (same situation), calpol (the local equivalent isn't so good IMO) and Aussie miracle hair products (I haven't seen these anywhere) - I've also asked for cadbury's mini eggs before but I think that you can get those here too... My daughter's 2 and I haven't even thought about school yet. People are coming and going all of the time so I'm sure a place will become available in your chosen school.. Hopefully other people will be more helpful than me! Good luck with your move!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2016 - 14:36
Apart from going to sit family in Europe for a few weeks, I'll be staying here with my husband and two year old. I've joined a few Facebook groups and will be making the most of invitations to coffee mornings and play dates to keep both myself and my little one happy! I'll also be spending lots of time window shopping and visiting play centres in some of our lovely air-conditioned malls as well as visiting the various water/splash parks around the city. As a general rule of thumb, I keep lots of drinks in the fridge in the car along with a pack of wet-wipes (which can be used by any of us when we get too hot). I also keep a fan and a water vaporiser in my hand bag to cool my little one if she's outside for more than a few minutes. Outdoor exercise isn't going to happen, so in order to keep fit I'll be swimming lots and using the gym in order to burn off all of those calories from the cake I'll be eating during all of those coffee mornings and mall visits!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2016 - 12:52
Firstly, August is a pretty rubbish time to visit as it really is too hot to do anything except drive in an air-conditioned car to an air-conditioned shopping centre or hotel! There are lots of hotels on/close to the corniche. I've been here six months and haven't been in any of them (as I don't spend that much time on the Corniche). For the first month that I was in Abu Dhabi I stayed at one of the Rotana hotels, which are usually quite nice and reasonably priced; Centro is a cheaper option. You might also be interested to know that there's a Premiere inn in Abu Dhabi (close to the exhibition centre). If you wanted something a bit more luxurious, I'd recommend the Shangri-La or the Ritz-Carlton in the Al-Maqta area, the Viceroy (built over the F1 track) or the Hyatt on Saadiyat Island (Saadiyat is lovely - it had a beautiful beach with open sea and there's an art centre too). Obviously 'The Emirates Palace Hotel' is on the corniche but a stay there is outside of most people's price range! I've always thought that Le Meridien looks nice from outside and there is a Hilton on the Corniche too but I've no idea how much it costs! Before we came to Abu Dhabi we thought we'd live on the Corniche but have opted to live closer to the airport. Downtown Abu Dhabi is really the CBD, there are a few shopping centres but they're not necessarily the nicest (though Al Wahda Mall is one of my favourites). There are some really nice parks along the corniche, but again, my favourite is set back a bit in the Mushrif area. To be honest, I spend most of my time off island at our housing development or on Yas Island (where there's a fantastic shopping centre, waterpark, Marina, cafes and hotels with restaurants. If I were you, I'd stay somewhere fairly central (perhaps Capital Gate/Al Maqta) so that you can really explore the city and all it has to offer easily. Hope you find somewhere nice and enjoy your stay!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2016 - 14:50
Sorry, autocorrect on my phone is an utter nightmare! Hopefully what I've written still makes sense! ?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2016 - 14:47
OK, so here's my contribution. Hydra villas - These are a long way out of Abu Dhabi. I'd recommend somewhere closer to the centre. Are you going to have a car? If not, you'll be reliant on taxis and if that's the case, I'd recommend living in a community like Al Zeina, Al Muneera or (if you have to have a villa) Al Raha gardens close to lots of amenities, especially if you have kids. There aren't really any bad areas to live but some developments just have more going on than others. There's a shop called 'Dubai Library Distribution' in Al Raha mall that has lots of craft stuff. I myself practice decoupage and scrap booking and get lots of stuff there. Daiso is also quite good for bits and bobs. Laundry dries very quickly both inside and out here. We use drying racks in our maid's room as we don't have a live in made. My husband sends his work shirts to a laundry to be washed, dried and ironed and that costs us about £7 a week (usually 5 shirts and a pair of trousers or two). I really can't tell you much about schools, My child hasn't started yet, but healthcare here is good. If anything the doctors try to persuade you to do more than you would in the UK as your insurance pays for it. I know a lady who has sent her son to speech therapy and he has made huge progress over the last few months. I can't hear the call to prayer from my place unless I happen to be awake early in the morning and then I have to strain my ears to hear it. I have a friend who lives right next door to a mosque and I have to admit it's pretty loud. She says you phase it out after a while and she never has any problems sleeping. One thing I would suggest is that you join Abu Dhabi Mums when you arrive. It's a great way to meet other mums and find out crucial information about the city and what it has to offer. I've been here 6 months and have made loads of friends through it. Most developments also have Facebook groups for mums where play dates and meet ups can be arranged. Hope this helps! ?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2016 - 14:47
OK, so here's my contribution. Hydra villas - These are a long way out of Abu Dhabi. I'd recommend somewhere closer to the centre. Are you going to have a car? If not, you'll be reliant on taxis and if that's the case, I'd recommend living in a community like Al Zeina, Al Muneera or (if you have to have a villa) Al Raha gardens close to lots of amenities, especially if you have kids. There aren't really any bad areas to live but some developments just have more going on than others. There's a shop called 'Dubai Library Distribution' in Al Raha mall that has lots of craft stuff. I myself practice decoupage and scrap booking and get lots of stuff there. Daiso is also quite good for bits and bobs. Laundry dries very quickly both inside and out here. We use drying racks in our maid's room as we don't have a live in made. My husband sends his work shirts to a laundry to be washed, dried and ironed and that costs us about £7 a week (usually 5 shirts and a pair of trousers or two). I really can't tell you much about schools, My child hasn't started yet, but healthcare here is good. If anything the doctors try to persuade you to do more than you would in the UK as your insurance pays for it. I know a lady who has sent her son to speech therapy and he has made huge progress over the last few months. I can't hear the call to prayer from my place unless I happen to be awake early in the morning and then I have to strain my ears to hear it. I have a friend who lives right next door to a mosque and I have to admit it's pretty loud. She says you phase it out after a while and she never has any problems sleeping. One thing I would suggest is that you join Abu Dhabi Mums when you arrive. It's a great way to meet other mums and find out crucial information about the city and what it has to offer. I've been here 6 months and have made loads of friends through it. Most developments also have Facebook groups for mums where play dates and meet ups can be arranged. Hope this helps! ?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2016 - 14:27
There are lots of people away at the moment. Seriously. It's Ramadan and the start of the 'hotter' weather so many people have headed back to their own countries for long holidays. I'll have a look at your post and see if I can help with anything (if I can find it)!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2016 - 15:25
I'm with Buddha. 13,000 a month isn't a bad salary. I think it's the standard for most new ADEC teachers. It equates to about £29,000 a year which is much more than new teachers (and even teachers who have been in the job a while) get in the UK and they have to pay tax. I'm not sure where you're from (though I'm guessing from your use of 'bucks' that you're from North America/Australia/NZ), but I think you'd be better off here than if you were in the same position in the UK. There are drawbacks but living here is certainly an experience. Even if you only come for a year or two, what have you got to lose?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2016 - 13:55
Oh and I should add that I do know an American family who are in the same situation as you, so it can be done! In fact the woman is expecting baby number two and is working right up until her due date!!!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2016 - 13:51
Hi Sussa, I think you could scrape by on 13,000 with your husband at home, it all depends on the sort of lifestyle that you want when you get here. Eating out, even having a coffee, is more expensive than in a lot of other places, fuel on the other hand is a heck of a lot cheaper... The thing is, that whatever you choose to do in your free time here costs money - there aren't that many 'free' activities especially in the hot summer months and 2000 dirhams for 'spending' won't go that far IMO. Clothes, books and toys are quite a lot more expensive here than in Europe/North America especially if you go to 'western' stores. One thing I would suggest is purchasing 'the entertainer' book/app when you get here; it has lots of buy one get one free offers for things like main meals in restaurants/desert safaris/the waterpark. Internet/TV/Landline come as a package. Have a look at the Etisalat website for more info. Don't forget that you'll need a mobile phone (unless one is provided by your employer). For mobiles, Du is a bit cheaper than Etisalat and you get the added bonus of 2 for 1 cinema tickets on a Tuesday. Does the school provide accommodation close to the site or can you choose where you live? If you can choose it might be good for your husband to be somewhere where there are good facilities/organised activities for babies/toddlers close by. Perhaps somewhere with a pool/playground/cafe/play room so that there are plenty of things to keep him and the little one entertained while you are at work, without the need for driving to a park (in cooler weather) or soft play centre (when it's hot). Are you going to have one car or two? How will your husband get around when you're at work? I don't have a car and rely on friends and taxis and it's not easy. Public transport... Well for me that's not an option with a small child... Too much hanging around in the sun... Have you thought about visits home (I.e., back to your country of origin) ? Will work pay for you to go home each year? Your utilities will depend a lot on the accommodation you choose but I don't think that they'll be more than your estimate. Just remember you have to pay for air-con too and some places have separate tariffs for hot and cold water. Most accommodation here is not furnished so you'll need to think about whether you're going to ship stuff -and whether work will pay- or whether you're going to buy new/second hand when you get here - thankfully there is an IKEA as well as lots of other lovely furniture shops. 3000 is probably the right amount for groceries. We're a family of 3 and that's about what we spend. You just have to be s bit savvy when it comes to shopping. Buying in bulk can save you a lot of money here. I hope that some other people will be able to help you out with this...I probably could spend less than I do. ? Good luck with making your decision!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2016 - 14:26
Do you still meet on Sundays in Yas Mall?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2016 - 07:18
Hello! There are lots of Asian mums here as well as European mums, African mums, American and Australasian mums. I've not been here long and have made friends from all over the world...Ironically, I haven't 'clicked' with anyone from my own country yet! When you arrive you'll find there are lots of ways to meet other mothers. Depending on where you live there might be a group for mums and babies on Facebook that you can join to meet other mums locally. There are also lots of playgroups, soft play areas and stay and plays at nurseries where you can meet people. Good luck with your move to Abu Dhabi, I'm sure you'll make lots of friends!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2016 - 15:05
I don't have a child in school at the moment but from what I understand most teachers in international schools come from outside the UAE. They are expected to hold proper teaching qualifications and some experience. In the UK (and I presume in many other countries) it is standard practice for a trainee teacher to undergo criminal record checks before being admitted onto a course. I imagine that record checks are also done here. I expect that there is CCTV in some schools as there seems to be a lot of CCTV here in general. To the best of my knowledge pupils are not allowed to wander out of the school gates or wander off with strangers or anything like that and school - parent communication seems quite good from what my friends say. There seem to be a lot of coffee mornings and parent-teacher conferences... The Government are quite strict about school trips and when I've seen school groups out and about there has been a high adult to child ratio... The kids look generally happy and are generally well behaved. Many children take the bus to school. From what I understand there is a driver and a chaperone (although I can't say for sure). There's been quite a bit in the paper about bullying recently but I really don't think that the situation here is any worse than in the UK or anywhere else... Sorry I can't be more helpful!
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2016 - 16:44
Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you. I hope that the procedure went 'well' and that you are ok. Xxx
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2016 - 16:42
Hello! I have some visitors coming over the next few months and want to take them to the camel races in Al Ain. The only trouble is I don't know where/when they are or where to find out this information. Can anyone help? The more info the better! I'd also be open to suggestions as to other places I could take my visitors or any excursions that people could recommend - they'd need to be suitable for toddlers as well as older visitors. As always any help would be much appreciated! ?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2016 - 15:32
Just in case anyone is interested, Hotel Chocolat do not (currently) have any stores in the UAE and do not ship from the UK to the UAE. Total bu**er! Oh well, I guess that should help my wallet and my waistline! Xx
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2016 - 19:40
So sorry to hear about your experience. Pregnancy loss is a very difficult thing to go through and the way the 'professional' treated you at the hospital is outrageous. I would be tempted to make a formal complaint. Stay strong. Xxx
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2016 - 15:33
I might have to stock up when I visit Dubai! ?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2015 - 17:18
Thanks for your reply sarahlou. I know, I was pretty surprised. Before the removal company came to visit, I'd already raised queries on this forum and thought that we'd be ok. Last night I told my husband about your response and we are in agreement that we will ship our little one's story books, cook books, a few big picture books as well as some technical books. Anything too wordy or subjective will be staying behind ? You know, part of my actually thinks that the removal company just don't want to handle the books... There's a lot of them and I guess they are pretty heavy! ?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2015 - 18:08
Thanks very much. That's tremendously helpful :-)
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2015 - 13:39
Thanks, that's all tremendously helpful. I'll remember to stock up on calpol before I leave and will have a good sort through the books...? I'm pretty sure that we don't have anything too dodgy. X
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 14:40
Hello, I'm moving to Abu Dhabi with my family in the new year and have a few 'logistical' or rather 'household' queries not to mention no idea about exactly where we are going to live (see other thread). I've never been to UAE so it's all new to me. Firstly, a few questions relating to my little one (18 months); when must I send her to school? I know that you can send them after their third birthday, but from when is it compulsory? Which schools would you recommend? Does anyone home school? Are there home schooling groups? Are there lots of clubs and toddler groups that I can attend with her in the meantime? Can anyone recommend a babysitter/baby sitting service? And perhaps most importantly, can I buy Calpol in the UAE? On the subject of medicines, are there any medicines that are commonplace in the UK that are illegal in UAE? Is there anything else that I should avoid bringing into the country? What about religious artefacts? Are there any rules against those? Am I likely to get my child's Noah's Ark confiscated at customs? I know this sounds silly, but I'd rather avoid any sort of confrontation. Any other advice about what to bring/what not to bring and getting set up would be much appreciated. Many thanks :-)
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 14:18
Hello, I'm going to be moving (from the UK) to Abu Dhabi in January with my husband and 18 month old daughter and I'd really appreciate some advice on where to live. My husband's office will be at Abu Dhabi gate and he will be using the airport fairly frequently. We would like to live somewhere 'family friendly' within easy access of malls and other amenities. My little one won't be going to school for some time, but we don't really want to move once we have found somewhere that we like, so easy access to good schools (any recommendations?) would be desirable. As my husband will be away a fair bit, I'd prefer to live in an apartment complex (I think the package will extend to a three bed apartment) with a pool and possibly a play area rather than a villa (I think that the package states 'apartment' in any case'. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!!! :-)
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 22:59
Thanks ladies, that's really helpful. It's a big decision but I do have a bit of time to think about it. From your replies and those that I received on another forum, I definitely feel better about potentially having a baby there. I've just got to get over how my parents will react... ?
Nestie
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 14:30
Hi there, I'm not strictly speaking an Expat, well not yet anyway. My other half is negotiating a job offer at the moment and I have really mixed feelings about moving. I'm excited by the prospect of living in such a diverse and multicultural place, but I'm scared for a number of reasons. Secondly, expanding our family. We already have one child under 2 and I'm hoping to get pregnant again within the next two years. I'm worried about giving birth so far from home. I have no idea what the system is like there and wouldn't have family and friends to help me when the baby came (mind you I currently live 3 hours away from my family anyway- it's just easier to get in a car than on a plane). I'm also worried about things like breastfeeding...I know that the UAE government have tried to encourage it, but its hard enough in public places (even without a cover that the baby will try and pull off). Thirdly, I'm scared about how my family will take it, My mum flips out whenever I go anywhere remotely exciting, despite the fact that I'm an adult and whilst I know I've got to make my own choices, I really don't want to make life harder for my parents. I think the hardest thing is that I really don't know what I want. This is a very exciting opportunity for my husband and ever since we got married, my career has gone by the wayside... I've made sacrifices so that he can progress for the good of the family. I've been happy doing this and I know I want an interesting life, but I also want to feel secure. I know this is a bit of a wingey rant and not really a question, but I'd be keen to hear from other people in the same boat, or people who have been living in the UAE for some time and could offer me advice on the concerns listed above. Many thanks :-)
 
 
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