AJA | ExpatWoman.com
 

AJA

AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2015 - 13:04
Not sure if this will be of any help but happy to share our experience. We moved from the UK nearly 2 years ago and used Crown Relocations. Great service from beginning to end, no complaints at all. Moving back to UK towards end of December and will be using them again. 20ft container for us too. Happy to provide feedback again once our move is complete ?
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2015 - 00:02
Hi Tandy I can tell you about Al Safa Royal Suites as we stayed there initially for about 6 weeks. I absolutely loved it, the size of the suite was great, very clean and comfortable. The washing machine and kitchen were a must for us as we have children. Great service and location was also convenient as its central. If you have any specific questions, please let me know.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 16:29
I use a lady called Anita who comes to the house. Her number is 5502 4310.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 16:27
Her name is Anita and her number is 5502 4310.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 23:34
Hi My daughter is currently in Year 4 at Loydence in Al Aziziyah. She has been with them for almost a year now. My son will be joining Reception in September. Overall, it's a good school and I like the fact that it's quite a small school. The staff is approachable and the head teacher is very good. Class sizes are small. My main concern is that I don't find the work challenging enough for Year 4. Having said that, my daughter was previously in a very good private school in the UK and I find myself comparing everything to their standards. I cannot comment on Reception until my son starts attending the classes. Hope this helps but do let me know if you have any more questions. Good luck
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 23:25
Next online deliver to Doha and it has never taken them more than 3 days to deliver my orders. It's worth a look on their website. You have to visit next.co.uk and then choose Qatar from the list of countries provided. Good luck
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2015 - 10:29
Hello Ladies Anita is back in Doha from this week and is available on a new contact number - 5502 4310.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 19:46
Hi We moved from England about a year ago. We used Crown Relocations and their service was excellent. They also have an office in Doha which was very helpful.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2014 - 13:25
Hi qatwoman Yes she will travel to Al Waab or anywhere else. She is flexible. Please let me have your email so I can pass on the contact details. She is away from Doha until mid January but you can send her a message in the meantime.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2014 - 16:55
Hi A3 Can you let me have your email address please.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2014 - 12:28
Hi eyes_onlyy I am sorry to hear that. Hope things move smoothly for you now. Eldertree will re-open on 4 Jan after the winter holidays. Will your son be joining then? Do you know which class he will be in?
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 17:26
Hi Myriam My name is Atkah and I have 2 kids (4 and 8). I have been in Doha for just under a year. I don't work either but I do drive. My email is Feel free to get in touch about anything. All the best with your move :) <em>edited by AJA on 11/12/2014</em>
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 17:22
Email sent.
AJA
47
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2014 - 11:09
Hi bexmacp Regarding schooling, my daughter was able to start in April instead of September 2014. We were fortunate in getting an exemption from the Supreme Education Council at the time. My understanding is that it depends on individual circumstances, so there is an element of flexibility. However, there certainly is a risk should they refuse to grant an exemption. I had decided to return to the UK with the children had things not worked out. All the best :)
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 22:59
Hi T5 Can you please send me an email at Thanks <em>edited by AJA on 26/11/2014</em>
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2014 - 19:54
Hi eyes_onlyy Hope the move goes well. See you in December :)
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2014 - 15:08
Hi eyes_only My 4 year old son attends the Eldretree Kindergarten in Ain Khaled Gate. He started in September and absolutely loves it there. Hope this helps :-). All the best.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2014 - 16:17
Hi I assume you are referring to the Ain Khaled Gate compound? Although I live in Ain Khaled, I don't live in AKG and therefore don't personally know much about it. I have only heard good things about it. The Ain Khaled branch of Doha British School is very close to AKG. There is Newton British School in Al Waab which is also pretty close by. Then there is the Al Aziziyah branch of Loydence Academy which is about 10 minutes away. Doha College (Al Waab) is within a reasonable distance too. These are all good British Curriculum schools, however, I do not know about availability of places. I can personally recommend Loydence Academy because my daughter attends the school and we are very happy with it. Finally, there is Eldertree Kindergarten within AKG which is a very good nursery. My son joined them in September and absolutely loves it there. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2014 - 11:38
Hi I had some contact with this school quite some time ago when I was desperate for a place for my daughter. My limited knowledge is that they say it is British curriculum and the management is Pakistani. Personally, I did not feel that it was the right school for my daughter so I preferred to home school for a term instead. I have not heard anything positive about the Cambridge School.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2014 - 11:30
Hi I had exactly the same problem some 9 months ago. There was no PO Box number used in the address so the item wasn't delivered to me. I made enquiries with the main post office and they were able to tell me that they had my parcel. We visited in person to collect it and although it took over an hour for them to locate it, it was worth it for me. Hopefully they can find yours too.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 12:41
I can recommend Desert Princess in Ain Khaled. They have their own website with a price list. <em>edited by AJA on 09/10/2014</em>
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2014 - 23:36
Hi Vane Please email me at Thanks
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 15:54
We used Crown Relocations and I was very impressed with their service from UK to Doha. They have an office in Doha too which really helps at this end. I highly recommend them.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 12:02
Hi AUS There is Loydence Academy in Al Aziziyah which is fairly close. Newton British School is in Al Waab. Then there is the Doha British School branch in Ain Khaled. I live in Ain Khaled and they are all within a 10-15 minute commute from me. Even Doha College ( Al Waab ) is not too far. Having said that, I cannot say whether any of them have any place available. Good luck.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 12:05
Hi Gowdy Can you please email me at Thanks <em>edited by AJA on 08/09/2014</em>
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 15:53
Hi Khokha Please email me and I will reply with her details. Thanks
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 12:39
Hi Can you please send me an email at Thanks <em>edited by AJA on 27/08/2014</em>
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2014 - 01:17
Welcome to Doha and all the best with everything.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 13:31
Hi Klaraleva I have just emailed you with the details.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 00:22
Hi I have emailed her contact details to you.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 11:55
Hi mbds I use a lady who comes out to my house for waxing and other beauty services. Please send me an email at and I will give you her contact details. Please let me know when you have noted my email address and I can remove it. <em>edited by AJA on 26/07/2014</em>
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 22:30
I have two; my daughter (nearly 8) and my son is 3. I have really dreaded the driving since arriving here but knew that I would have to do it. I only started doing it properly a few weeks ago. It's a different experience to the UK for sure. I used to love driving there and I feel so independent because of it. I really didn't like having to depend on my husband to go anywhere and therefore decided I would have to take the plunge :-). It hasn't been too bad so far. My husband works for a British company, Hyder Consulting. I am not looking to work here and really enjoy spending the time with the kids. It's so much more relaxing and there isn't any temptation for me to return to work. By coming out in August, at least you will have missed most of the summer.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 21:36
We have had our ups and downs but it has not all been negative. Our biggest issue from the outset was the schooling and the fact that she missed out on an entire term. Other than I have enjoyed it here most of the time but I do miss my family as I was living near to my mum in Birmingham. I don't think you should worry too much about the kids. Mine have just loved it from the minute they arrived here. I had similar concerns about settling into schools etc but my daughter who is going to be 8 this month has really enjoyed being at Loydence so far. It was a really good first term for her. I think the kids actually adjust better than us :-). The heat is my big issue and I knew I would struggle with it. I still am. Again, the kids can handle it better than me. We have previously stayed in the Bahamas and their summer is mild compared to Doha's but I couldn't handle that either! The good thing here in the summer is that you can try and avoid being outdoors for at least July and August, with the schools closed. I wouldn't worry too much about Cardiff being a new school. The main thing is that he has a place in a school and you can move him later if you are not happy with it. I can understand your concerns as it would be a real upheaval if you had to come back to the UK so soon. My husband has a permanent position here and even then there have been times when it has seemed that going back might be better. It's over 6 months now and we are hoping to stay. Try not to worry too much about it and take this as an experience. Inshallah things will work out in the end. If you want to get in touch about anything during the next few weeks or even when you are in Doha, here is my email address; Let me know when you have noted it so I can delete it. Atkah <em>edited by AJA on 12/07/2014</em>
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 17:32
Loydence are very strict and only accepted our application after the RP was granted. I agree, it would be a risk if you do not secure a school place in readiness for September. Our RP came through within a month and we applied without the full 6 months pay slips. Since you will be applying with the full 6 months pay slips and if all other documents are in place, inshallah your RP application should not cause any delays/issues. Good luck with the DESS applications. I didn't even bother to apply to DESS. I believe Cardiff also have a nursery/pre-school but not on the same premises as the school. Al Duhail sounds like the right location for Cardiff. Good luck with everything. It can't be easy preparing for the move with two little ones and the long fasts. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and your family.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 11:58
From my experience 4 weeks should be plenty of time. FCO's courier service is very efficient. I used special delivery for delivery/return of documents to Qatar Embassy. I don't think going there in person speeds things up. From what I can remember, I think it's £4 per document. All the fee information is on their website. We live in Ain Khaled and my daughter attends Loydence Academy in Al Aziziyah. The school is very conveniently located for us as it's only about 10 minutes drive. Cardiff School is quite far out and as you say, near the University. I have visited it once. I am not really familiar with the area but it looks nice enough. It does help to live close to the children 's schools as it makes life little easier in the peak time teaffic!
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2014 - 23:08
Hopefully the SEC will accept your son's reports as they do provide levels unlike my daughter's reports. I can relate to the fasting and the heat, it can be a real struggle. The only other thing I should mention is that it's the C Ring Road office of SEC that you will need to visit for the reports. You don't have long to go so all the best with your move and your search for accommodation. Let me know if I can help with anything else.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2014 - 20:13
Hi hkhan The additional letter from the head teacher did not need to be attested. I do hope that the levels stated on your child's report are sufficient for the SEC's purpose. My daughter's reports did not have any such levels, just detail of her progress in individual subjects. May be your husband can pay a visit to the SEC's office with a copy of the reports to check the position? Let me know if I can help with anything else.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2014 - 12:23
Hi hkhan I can try and help with some of your queries. I came from the UK with my children in January this year. With regards to the school reports, you need to send the certified photocopies of the reports to the FCO for legalisation. I would suggest that you get the previous 2 academic years' reports done. You will then have to send them to the Qatar embassy in London. I have not yet come across the requirement to have immunisation records attested. They are mainly required by schools as part of the application process. Yes, the SEC can be quite difficult to deal with but then again it was the director of the same SEC who granted an exemption for my child. For this, I will remain eternally grateful to them. The SEC wants the school reports to either contain mark sheets or grades relevant to the academic year. We had to obtain a supplementary letter from the head teacher of the UK school providing a breakdown of each academic year and confirming that my daughter was successful in each year. The SEC only accepted our school reports after this because the actual reports did not contain any grades/mark sheets. I am not aware of the requirement to have blood tests done within 72 hours of arrival. We came on tourist visa too. Hopefully, some one else can help with the rest of your queries. All the best.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2014 - 13:41
Hi Eleonor You are welcome. It is the child's RP but I think you should give it a try anyway as they may accept your application. There is no harm in trying. Good luck
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2014 - 11:44
Hi Rups It is the C Ring Road office, Attestation and Certification Unit. We tried to explain that reports from UK schools do not provide mark sheets and grades, however, they were not prepared to accept that. They agreed to accept a supplementary letter from the head teacher giving a breakdown of each academic year and confirming that she had successfully moved on to the following academic year. In my daughter's case, this was from Reception to Year 3. We were asked to provide the previous 2 academic years' reports.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 22:48
Hi Eleonor We had our reports attested in March/April time. I would recommend a personal visit rather than email/telephone contact. We were eventually successful in getting the reports done after some 3/4 personal visits to the office. We had quite a difficult experience with them as they wanted specific things in my daughter's reports from the school in UK. They ask for mark sheets and final grades for each academic year. They also want to see copies of passports and RPs. All the best with yours.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2014 - 22:39
Hi ilyas I arrived in Doha with my children in January 2014. By the time our RPs came through, it was end of February/early March. At that point I came to know about the new rule imposed by the Supreme Education Council. So basically the few schools that had places were unable to admit my daughter on this basis. Fortunately for us my husband's employer proved to be very helpful. A meeting was set up with the Director of SEC and he agreed to give an exemption in my daughter's case and my daughter was finally able to attend school from April. I hope that something along these lines works out for you too. I must add that we would not have been able to achieve this without the help of the country manager of the company who personally attended the meeting with the director. I homeschooled my daughter for an entire term (from Jan to March) whilst waiting for all this to be sorted. If you are still looking for a good nursery then I can recommend Eldertree. They have a few branches but it depends on which branch has a place available. All the best with your move. Please feel free to ask any more questions and I will do my best to help.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 12:56
All the best, I do hope you can secure a place for September. My daughter will also be turning 8 in July. I look forward to seeing you in August.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 16:06
You are very welcome Eleonor. I would love to meet with you too. I am glad to have been of help. Take care and all the best with your move. If I can be of any more help, then please free to ask.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 15:14
Hi Eleonor Cardiff International School opened in September 2013, I believe. I have personally visited the school and liked the friendly environment. I cannot say any more about the school as we decided not to opt for it due to commuting distance. This was the only reason. My daughter is currently attending Loydence Academy and although it is early days, we are happy with it. My daughter comes home smiling everyday and looks forward to the next day of school. That says a lot about the school for me. I had heard some good reviews about it and it is only about 10 minutes drive from our home. We live in Ain Khaled and the school is in Al Aziziyah. It might be worth contacting them to see what their requirement is with regards to English.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 20:00
Have you tried Loydence Academy in Al Aziziyah and Cardiff International School. They are both British curriculum, if that is what you are looking for. You can go on Loydence Academy's website and contact the head teacher using their contact page. She actually responds to emails unlike many others.
AJA
47
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 15:52
Hi Eleonor I am fairly new to Doha and we experienced similar issues regarding my daughter's schooling. We have moved from the UK. We were informed by the schools we were applying to that the SEC had implemented a new rule preventing the schools from admitting children from outside of Qatar prior to September 2014. This was in February and we required admission in the current academic year. The head teacher at one of the schools approached the SEC for exemption but this was refused. We were fortunate in that my husband's employer proved to be very supportive and approached the director of SEC. The director agreed to provide an exemption in our case and my daughter has been given admission in the current academic year. With regards to the school reports, we were asked to have them legalised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK and then stamped by the Qatar Embassy in London. After that, we were required to have them by attested by the SEC in Doha. We were required to submit 2 reports for 2 academic years - one was for June 2013 and the more recent one was for February 2014. My sister in the UK arranged for them to be legalised and stamped there and sent them via courier to me in Doha. Do you have any family or friends in Italy who can help out with this? I just wanted to share my experience in the hope that it may be of some help to you. If you want to ask anything else, please feel free to do so.
 
 
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