Thanks guys. This is helpful. Yes Tiki that was my question. I figuered as you need the hubbys permission for everything else here that would not be an exception!:-))
DubaiMaman, do you mind if i ask what Bank are you with?
I bank with HSBC. But maybe they simplified the process so much because my company holds an account with them and introduced me to them as an employee? Not sure.
mashrek bank has good rates for housewife bank accounts. But you have to have at least 5000 aed on them otherwise you get "fined" 50 aed per month. Otherwise than that it should be free of charge.