Ali.K | ExpatWoman.com
 

Ali.K

Ali.K
138
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Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 08:24
Very well said janesul. Just potter along at your own happy speed, enjoy your time, you won't believe the results you'll see in a very short time. Have fun!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 08:08
This an excellent day out. The animals are looked after properly and they have some very knowledgable staff who deal with breeding programmes and animal exchanges between other zoos. I took an A Level group there for their topic work and they had a really productive day - the staff really knew what they where talking about, very reasuring. Worth a visit especially in this lovely cool weather.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 January 2012 - 10:12
3k a day is fantastic!!! then when you are ready you can join us for the 3.4k round Safa Park on a Saturday evening - it's great fun, lots of ladies going round at their own pace. 6.30 at the park, all are welcome. For more info - www.dubai-road-runners.com
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 12:16
@Desrtedbeach - brilliant, very well put, agree with all. @Al Quatain, yes as Kathy t says - totally unhelpful! And as for moving out asap - I don't think so!! I have spent time, money and effort getting my apartment just how we like it. We like it here, we have nice neighbours, it is handy for where we work. I haven't been here long so certainly not about to start packing yet again, very inconvenient, stressful and expensive!! I will be letting my landlord know what conpensation I will be claiming, then letting HIM know how much this apartment is now worth - given that I don't see this being resolved anytime soon - then I will be paying by monthly cheque. If he has a problem with that then HE will have to go to RERA. As he lives in the UK, I doubt he will have much choice but to accept what I am prepared to pay, as, if I were to move out he would have an empty apartment probably for quite some time.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 10:40
Mum2girls - I think you have hit the nail squarely on the head! Legal action would cost them more particularly as so many owners are out of the country. And of course would indeed prove their own incompetance. I would be happy to pay for my own service charges, but, Nakheel need to do some maintenance. At the moment we are in a "no win" situation. My LL is trying to sort things out from another country. Nakheel is being totally unhelpful. Even basic maintenance has not been done for months. And the completely innocent tenant is caught in the cross-fire. This is a lesson to us all.........ask questions before you sign your contract, seek proof of charges having been paid to date, and as for us paying the next years rent a year in advance - NO chance!! I am even going to request financial compensation. I will not be moving out, I like it here, it's convenient for us, we have nice neighbours. And why should we be further inconvenienced. It's just all such a total mess :-(
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 21:23
Ok Izzy, you've made your point, now off you go, have an early night, thank you.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 December 2011 - 15:10
Two additional points........ 1. My LL in the UK has been trying on a daily basis to sort this out with Nakheel, emails are never replied to, calls unanswered or if they are answered, conflicting info given............I have no reason to disbelieve him. 2. He stopped paying the maintenance charges because of a serious lack of maintenance!! For example, we have 15 lights between the lift and my apartment door along the corridoor, as these bulbs have gone they have never been replaced, we now have 2 left, it's very gloomy. Also, the sail shading the play area between 2 of the buildings, 16-17 I think, has been ripped and so just hangs flapping in the wind, the maids try to tie it out of the way, it's been like that for as long as we have lived here................I can go on and on with examples of how there is, in-fact, no maintenance going on!!!! I have paid my rent, my DEWA, my DU, my Palm Cooling and my Gas bills...............yet it is the tenant who is baring the brunt of Nakheels action..............I can only assume Edna that you are a LL/owner/agent or work directly or indirectly for Nakheel??? Please try and see things from another perspective.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2011 - 06:05
It's not right or fair that so many landlords have avoided paying their service charges for so long, either. If Nakheel allowed tenants to keep using the facilities regardless, how would that encourage LLs to start paying up (those that actually have the money to able to do so, anyway)? But, Edna dear, is any part of this sorry situation any fault of any of the tenants??????...............I think not. Most of the arrears relate to the years long before a lot of the tenants even moved into their apartments. I am personally happy to pay for what I use, but, I cannot be held hostage over something that was going on when I didn't even live in this country!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 20:33
So, the long and the short of it is...........the tenants are being used by Nakheel to extract cash out of owners. No not illegal, and against no rules as far as I know, but nonetheless............it really isn't right, or fair.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 21:46
"ghetto" is a good word to use..............this area is becoming ghettoised. There is so little maintenance and with no facilities rents will plummet.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 21:42
Curiosity got the better of me.............every building has a public list of every apartment with owner named and amount owed............you can't believe some of the figures!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 21:05
You can put up with a lot if you have free access to beach/pool/gym but without, it's just another apartment, could be anywhere, so the rent will reflect the situation when it comes up for renewal.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 21:02
Is there a list of landlords who are in arrears in every building? Would love to know if my landlord is in debt.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 05:14
Well, we can't be the only ones????? Don't forget the maintenance issues, as in, they don't do any!! And the Palm Cooling fees..............huge!! And the sometimes rather smelly sea water, wouldn't swim in it. And I will be hoping for a reduction on renewal next time!! :-)
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 05:01
Yes you can get a 3 bed for 130k...........or even less with "one cheque". Bare in mind, with the works going on behind the buildings in the next 12 months, it's going to get noisy and dusty! I'd offer 115k and take it from there. As for 180k...........hahahahaha, no way!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 04:28
This is the BEST!! I can personally guarantee it, they will treat you like royalty and the food is beyond all belief, truly. http://www.schooneoordt.co.za/
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2011 - 05:48
Anyone used him/them?? Any good?? Expensive?? Reliable??
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 13:13
Nope! <em>edited by Ali.K on 07/10/2011</em>
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 17:47
http://concept2.co.uk/ These are the best ever!! I love mine. No idea if you can get one here though, sorry.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 05:57
This place will look after you like you are royalty, we had a wonderful few days there, fantastic food and wine!! Amazing service. http://www.schooneoordt.co.za/diary_template.php?eid=138
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 05:34
I can also tell you that John Barclay is very good, gets good long lasting results. 050 427 1739. Qualified Hypnotherapist.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 10:23
We came here for many reasons.............the only reason we now stay, is the money.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 23:19
This is an event that is ideal for you. 2 laps of a sectioned-off part of the Autodrome, floodlit, water stops, medical support, cycling marshalls for safety, what more could a beginner runner possibly want? It's a friendly starter event, first of the season, it'll still be hot so no-one will be doing their best. Just enter and give it a go............if you really hate you can stop after one lap.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 17:33
Join the best running club in Dubai http://www.dubai-road-runners.com/ Or if you can stand getting up very very early on a Friday morning, there is distance training with Dubai Creek Striders, very good marathon training!! Or like a lot of mad ladies in Dubai................do both!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 13:07
Framers at Park 'n' Shop??
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 12:18
"maximum age difference"????.........there is no such thing!! I am older than my DH, it is NOT an issue. Go for happiness, every time. When you find true happiness grab hold of it with both hands and enjoy!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 11:48
Minutes in MOE always used to.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 11:45
BK deliver, and they are better imho
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 14:35
My DS, Yr.7, and DD, Yr.9, have just gone back to boarding in the UK. They were sad to go but very keen to get back to school and see all their friends. Lots of excitement in the School shop last week buying new uniform and kit. Another 2 to add to the boarding school list :-)
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:43
Indeed I will Green-ish, many thanks :-)
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:14
Shelly: good post, and yes you are right, all airlines can have good/bad days. But, generally speaking, I think the general consensus is that whilst Emirates is generally the more reliable/better airline, BA can produce a perfectly acceptable service for a much reduced price. And yes at the end of the day, safety is paramount. I would in the past always have flown Emirates, but, I am paying for the flight myself, and I really don't think with all things considered that Emirates is 200GBP's better than BA or that BA is 200GBP's worse. I'm going BA...........will report back :-)
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 15:06
Just fyi, Hyperpanda at DFC has a vast array of very good value stationary and general school supplies.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 22:52
@Sue, my preference would also be Emirates but as I am paying for this flight out of my own pocket and Emirates is very much more expensive........... @mary, "unsupervised children"........could be any flight, any airline, anywhere........not related to this thread.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 15:29
You got it Sanddy.......for my dates, my only options are BA or Emirates. I need a direct flight as this is already a short trip and time is precious. Virgin's flight times don't work so it's a choice of 2. Do you know, I think I am going to give BA the benefit of the considerable doubt. I mean, how bad can it be??? And as pinks and twocats have said, the chances of a strike are pretty slim. Emirates just seem to be pricing themselves out of the market, yes they are good, but are they really that much better, I mean 200 pounds better??? Any final thoughts before I make the booking?? Many thanks to everyone for their in-put so far :-)
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 14:22
Royal Brunei = 3,170AED for my dates............thanks LMAO, was worth a look.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 11:02
LMAO........you are a love, thanks so much for taking the trouble!! Sadly one of my dates touches Eid in November...........therein lies the problem.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 10:49
Gatwick, Heathrow.........either will be fine.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 10:45
Checked Etihad, only save 20 pounds, so not worth it :-(
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 10:40
You are so right Ingrid. I would like to fly Emirates but I feel they are just taking the mic! I haven't flown with BA for years, it wasn't the best experience but it wasn't the worst either. And the price difference is huge. Is Emirates really THAT much better?? Is BA really that awful??
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 09:59
Sadly the Virgin flight times are not going to fit in with my plans. I haven't got time for a non direct flight. Would you still feel the same Shelly and Starfish if you knew that BA was about 400GBP and Emitares wants about 600GBP for the same trip???
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 09:38
Need to go back to UK this autumn, BA is very much cheaper than Emirates on the dates I want to travel. Given the recent issues with strikes etc. Would you risk BA and get value for money or would you pay the extra and feel more confident that all will go to plan??
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 16:01
Wow, she must be thrilled!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 16:00
Bump???
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 09:02
I am not sure, hoping someone here could clarify for me??
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 21:54
I so want to do Base Camp, green with envy!! I did Kilimanjaro last year...........it was utterly life changing. The trip to Base Camp will change you forever, in the best possible way! Best of Luck!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 18:03
White Company??
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 18:02
Lili, We were in CT last Easter, it was fab!! Everyone that we came into contact with was helpful and friendly, felt just as safe/unsafe as if I had been in London. Just be careful I'd say. Have a great time, we absolutely loved SA!!!
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 12:12
Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah. Nakeel are doing the bare minimum with regards to building maintanence, there is even talk of tenants being asked to pay for the use of the gym/pool, but that may be pure gossip. Things have certainly deteriorated since we moved in, sadly. It apparently stems from the apartment owners (landlords) not paying the service charges. It's because of the lack of services that LLs are withholding the annual service charges. Bear in mind that it doesn't pertain to one property, but to all owned/managed by Nakheel, including the villas on the fronds. I'm in Marina Residence and when I had an issue inside my apartment that was a result of the construction, I was told that they don't do any work inside apartments. The garbage chute doesn't work, trash is dropped in one bin and the overflow goes on the floor, the hall floors are washed maybe once a week, there used to be 2 people at the security desk, now it's one who is constantly missing from his station, side doors are locked but lower level doors are open 24/7 giving anyone access. If I was an owner I certainly would withhold the service charges seeing as how there isn't any service. I absolutely agree with you Crystil, I would do the same, but, where does that leave the tenants that are actually living in these buildings??? We are the ones who are actually facing the lack of services. Hence a further drop in rent will be requested by us next renewal.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 10:31
We have had a reduction in rent for the last 3 consecutive years, I am hoping for a further reduction when we next renew. The market is still flooded with apartments in particular. Don't let greedy landlords get away with it. RERA guidlines are all very well but don't take into account building maintenance, or lack of it!! Villas are a slightly different issue, fewer of them for a start. What area are you in if you don't mind me asking? Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah. Nakeel are doing the bare minimum with regards to building maintanence, there is even talk of tenants being asked to pay for the use of the gym/pool, but that may be pure gossip. Things have certainly deteriorated since we moved in, sadly. It apparently stems from the apartment owners (landlords) not paying the service charges.
Ali.K
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 09:56
We have had a reduction in rent for the last 3 consecutive years, I am hoping for a further reduction when we next renew. The market is still flooded with apartments in particular. Don't let greedy landlords get away with it. RERA guidlines are all very well but don't take into account building maintenance, or lack of it!! Villas are a slightly different issue, fewer of them for a start.
 
 
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