alia | ExpatWoman.com
 

alia

alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 15:50
We used a company called Snag & Inspect to do pre-handover inspections for an apartment we bought - very thorough & professional and gave a comprehensive report of all issues requiring repair. We also got them to do a repeat inspection to make sure all the issues identified had been properly fixed. Thank you Hannah33! Do you have their number by any chance? Many thanks! x <em>edited by alia on 25/02/2014</em>
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 15:03
Bump Has anybody used a chartered surveyor to independently check out their property prior to handover? (not a valuation survey for a mortgage)
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 02:29
It is not for a mortgage, I need a surveyor to do an independent survey on my behalf before the handover of a property. There have been some issues so want to make sure the property is up to standard the developer claim it to be. Many thanks Ladybirds x
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 23:11
Yes Jumeirah Beach Park is a nice public beach (not at the weekend though, too crowded). Al Mamzar Beach Park is even better, great facilities for families, very quiet during the week and you can hire a "chalet" for the day. It's a bit far but worth the trip.
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 17:06
Thank you! Hopefully if I cut down the Sim itwill still work, I'd like to keep my old Dubai mobile number rather than get a new visitors one. They cut them proffesionaly at minutes shops in the malls Thank you I will get it done professionally rather than risk it :-)
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 15:16
Thank you! Hopefully if I cut down the Sim itwill still work, I'd like to keep my old Dubai mobile number rather than get a new visitors one.
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 13:31
Hi ladies, My son has a lazy eye (squint) and he's been wearing glasses for 2 years now to 'correct it', however I feel its getting worse! The Eye dr we see seems very relaxed about the whole thing and Im just really starting to think we need a second opinion and perhaps to try another treatment method. I called Moorfields Eye hospital for an appointment and their next appointment is in Feb! Insane. Anyone have any other recommendations please? How old is your son? If the lazy eye seems to be getting worse you should definitely see an orthoptist soon. The younger the child the more important it is you act quickly. Book an appointment and ask them to call you if there are any cancellations!
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 13:24
Moorfields! If there is a long wait to see an ophtalmologist maybe you can get an earlier appointment with orthoptics. They assess the lazy eye. The orthoptist there is excellent!!!
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 13:16
Yep, Atlantis and Wild Wadi vouchers. We normally do Aquaventure but Wild Wadi is fab with the new rides. We also booked Arabian Nights using our Entertainer vouchers. Best desert safari I've done and I've done a few. However is expensive without vouchers. We found them on Trip Advisor with good ratings and they weren't wrong. The family Entertainer book will at for itself with just one visit for 4 people to Aquaventure, so well worth it. Also, head down to the Spice Souq and pick up your saffron and vanilla. Don't bother with any other spices....they are cheaper in C4! Lol! Have a wonderful trip. X Thank you!! What are the new rides at Wild Wadi? Was only planning to go to Aquaventure.... But if you cold go either to Aquaventure or Wild Wadi where would you go?
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 13:12
No. I was asked that if you cancel your residence visa are you banned from visiting and I hadn't thought about it hence why I asked on here. You just get issued a tourist visa on arrival
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 12:57
We went with Balloon Adventures Emirates. TBH it was nice and I'm glad I did it, but was a very hectic day, with 4am start followed by 2hrs driving to a place on Al Ain road. It was freezing. About 25 people get in the basket and you take off - which is beautiful. But the pics you see on the website is not the view you get. It is over a main road and yes, you can see unspoilt desert but you actually also see loads of farms, roads, houses etc. You float for around 30 mins then make the descent where you strap yourself to the basket. They don't tell you about this til you land because otherwise many people woudln't do it, but I sh** myself on the landing! The basket tips over onto it's side and I thought it would tip over completely, it scrapes across bumpy ground for about 100m at high speed and it's terrifying. I was actually 3 weeks pregnant at the time (and didn't know), I was so scared I cried. I can quite understand why there was a fatal accident - this is not safe. You're all finished by about 7am and yes it is beautiful but I wouldn't take small kids or anyone with limited mobility, or who gets scared easily (I don't want to say ppl over a certain age as I am sure someone will take offence but I wouldn't take my 70yr old father for example). OMG that sounds terrifying!!!!
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 12:56
II'm going tomorrow morning - I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you! I'm really scared now, I think I might give it a miss...but my oldest daughter is really keen to go!
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 12:55
OMG I wasn't aware of that :-( Thank you so much Claire!!! Are you in Dubai? I thought you had moved back to UK x yes in UK but go back quite a bit and my husband is there working very often! where are you in the UK? We;ve got beautiful blue skies and sunshine - loving the trees turning red and seeing all the autumnal colours. We now live in London. I like it here but I miss lots of things about Dubai. It's such a small world, the Reception teacher at my son's school used to teach at Repton :-)
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 12:36
OMG I wasn't aware of that :-( Thank you so much Claire!!! Are you in Dubai? I thought you had moved back to UK x
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 12:13
Have you tried hot air ballooning in Dubai? Was it worth it and where do they fly over? For kids, from what age is it suitable? Thank you x
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 12:10
Thank you for your suggestions x
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 02:54
Hello, nice to be back on the familiar Expatwoman forum! I've been away from Dubai for a while but we're coming over for half term holidays, can't wait!!! I've missed Dubai so much, there are so many things I want to do there, I'm so excited :-) I need your advice: my kids want to do a desert safari and/or a balloon safari, which company do you recommend? Do you know if there are any vouchers for desert/balloon safaris in Entertainer guide? Are there any vouchers for Atlantis? (Do you think the entertainer guide worth buying if we are just going to be there for 10 days?) We have done most of the Dubai to do list things over the years we lived there, but is there anything new or different we should see? What are your favourite things to do? I want to do so many things but I also just want to spend time doing the simple things we used to do when we lived there, see friends.... Any suggestion will be gratefully received! Thank you x
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 12:31
Avoid Globalpack!
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 20:25
Thank you! Has anyone got a number? x
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 20:24
Along the same lines, a (female) lawyer from the UK was recently asked to leave a meeting at the Dubai Courts as she was wearing a suit with a knee length skirt! How things are changing in Dubai.....
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 01:35
If you move back and live in your house again you won't have to pay CGT when you decide to sell (if it is your main residence). If you sell it without moving back in you will have to pay CGT but it will be pro-rated, e.g. if you lived in the house for 7 years and rented it out for 3 you will pay tax on 3/10 of the capital increase, minus a tax free allowance (check latest rules). This can offset against any other losses. This is the general answer but you need to check with an accountant!
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 15:39
If she leaves on 31st day she will be OK.
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 02:31
Earlybird https://www.earlybird.ae/Home.aspx?Area=Home
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 02:00
You should go! You will see the most beautiful Arabian horses you have ever seen. The horses are divided in different categories and they are judged by an international panel. There are other activities as well, stalls to look around, Arabic hospitality tent etc... and it's free. The horses are just gorgeous!!! http://www.diahc.ae/default_en_gb.aspx
alia
25
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 01:37
It can be done. You have to sponsor the western nanny as a "governess" or "tutor" or similar. Explain to immigration why you need a "governess" (not a "nanny"), show her contract and yours (and/or your husband's contract), and evidence of your salary, children's passport copy, nanny's qualifications and all the other documentation as usual. It's at their discretion (generally you would have to be on a very good salary and employ at least one maid as well) so it's important that you go and talk to them. For example you can say that the mother travels a lot for work or governess is teaching language/tutoring the children, or child has special needs or whatever is relevant. It's unlikely that they will let you sponsor a western "nanny" if you don't sponsor at least a maid as well though.
 
 
Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations