annorman | ExpatWoman.com
 

annorman

245
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2018 - 21:04
"Now, i'm not the type to get all sensitive and offended; i'm at peace with my bod" That is the best way to be - and if this is the case, and you are not sensitive or offended (and at peace with your bod), why are you even contemplating taking further action? For me, what job this guy doing is pretty irrelevant if this is the case.. As you say, you would normally take it with a pinch of salt so I'm not sure why this is any different.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2017 - 07:50
Sigh........so sad to see another Dubai high-rise go up in flames........this time to the same tower which went up a couple of years back. Happening far too often. All the best to all residents there. Select Group have a lot to answer for! Would never dream of renting / buying any tower developed by them
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2017 - 23:37
I also used "My Dental Clinic" which a member suggested earlier - I found them very professional. For those interested, they recommend a 2-phased approach i) scale and polish which costs 450dhs and ii) whitening via shining intense laser against teeth which costs 2,000dhs. If treatments are done together, this could cause pain / discomfort and hence the clinic recommend that these are undertaken on different days. Staff /service is great but I did find this to be on the expensive side. Also they recommend that this process is done on a routine basis
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2017 - 19:53
Hi Brynholmes,, There are loads of agencies around in the UAE but my girls worked with MMG Talent for about 3 years when they were kids. For them it was just like playing and they love dressing up and meeting other kids - their staff would always be really nice and there were always lots of freebies. They eventually got bored of it when they reached their teens and wanted to do what their friends were doing. However, highly recommended and their savings accounts have far better balances than I do :-) Happy modelling!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2017 - 11:07
Agree - rarely do I see websites being re-vamped and the new product is actually less user-friendly and more cumbersome than the previous version. Expatwoman - I think you need to find a new web-designer as these latest updates are not the best. Please take heed as this is actually reducing traffic to the forums as opposed to making things easier / simpler. Apps like mysmallcommunity, FB sites e.g. britishmumsdubai etc are exploding and becoming far easier to navigate on the move......I can barely view the new EW site on a desktop given the size of the text!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2017 - 20:18
Hi Sandfly, We have used Crown twice now and couldn't speak highly enough of them (the last one was UK to Dubai) - everything went seamlessly and really allowed us to focus on settling into our new destination. We were assigned a relationship contact so we always had someone at hand with questions around timings, status and additional services we were looking for. No stone went unturned! In terms of ballpark figure - unfortunately, I didn't have visibility of this as this was covered by DH's company. Exciting times for you and your family! Happy Moving!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2017 - 18:50
Hi Pinky13 - it really depends on a number of things. The key question is around how much she is looking to borrow, and what the proceeds will be used for. Talking from experience, I would always and request bank funding in first instance - i) you keep full control of your business (and retain all the upside) and ii) it is usually the cheapest form of finance. If she really is looking for an investor to take an equity stake in her business, there are a growing number of Angel Investment communities ('womena' is well established in the UAE) who look at investing in a wide range of businesses, typically niche in nature where bank funding is not readily available. However, they will be expecting a reasonable chunk of the business (dragon's den style) and will most probably want influence in how the business operates. I know you mentioned that she can't get the required support through her friends network which is understandable..........but I would recommend she looks to her wider network (and her friends network). Much better getting a lukewarm investor than one who is a total unknown. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2017 - 11:31
For our maid, she buys what she wants / needs when we / she goes shopping. We see her as part of the family and she is also paid well so no need for anything like a 'food allowance'. With our driver, likewise, he is paid well and we don't have such a thing also.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2017 - 23:20
Hi Nabzsasadi, There are loads around in the UAE but my girls worked with MMG Talent for about 3 years when they were kids. For them it was just like playing and they love dressing up and meeting other kids - their staff would always be really nice and there were always lots of freebies. They eventually got bored of it when they reached their teens and wanted to do what their friends were doing. However, highly recommended and their savings accounts have far better balances than I do :-) Happy modelling!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2017 - 22:56
Hello mabel9, Unfortunately in this region, it is still very much 'who you know' and its very difficult to get something by relying on the internet / recruitment agents.The good thing is that i) you are in the market and ii) you have some experience in working here and hence you are better placed than a lot of speculators trying to get into Dubai. Within my circle of friends, almost everyone who has found a job in Dubai, has done so via knowing someone who has a high position (or someone who knows someone else who might be able to help). I think this is the best way - don't feel bad / proud by asking everyone you know (and ask them to do the same with their friends and colleagues) and I'm pretty sure something will work out for you....you also stand a far better chance of being successful at interview if you are a warm rather than cold candidate. Some big organisations also have incentive schemes to refer friends for vacancies as statistically this provides a bit of quality control around candidates. Good luck and keep trying - persistence is the key!! Happy Hunting!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2017 - 00:16
Hi Desertbeauty, In terms of set-up / start-up costs, this varies depending on size, nature-of-trade, incorporation jurisdiction, freezone requirements etc etc. It can be a bit of a minefield and I would be inclined to spend a little more and get a company to do all the ground work. I regret not doing this the first time and faced huge delays (and probably ended up costing me more as I lost business as a result). If you do branch out later on down the line, you will have a far better idea of what is required, where to go, what to ask for etc. I've used HLB Hamt on 2 Joint Ventures I've been involved in and they have been very good. As a ballpark estimate, I would set aside around 40,000 to start up. Re Web Design, I have used my trusted designer Leidan for all my businesses - reliable, very responsive and I've always been delighted with the results. Good luck - a business can change lives!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2017 - 20:04
Hi ladies, Its great to see so many of you interested in starting your own business. I was in exactly the same position just over 5 years ago (and had been thinking about it 10 years ago), mainly because I wanted to be more in control of my own working hours as well as income. I was making good money as a Marketing Executive but never felt I valued for the contribution I was making and was doing around 60 hour weeks. After the initial teething problems (set up, not knowing anything, not having much negotiating power), everything just clicked and I started getting leads through customers, friends, contacts - it then mushroomed to the extent that I employed my best friend (who had similar interest and passion) to run my business. This allowed me the opportunity to pursue another idea I had, this time with little risk as I had really good cashflow coming from my Retail business to support. This time I was far more confident and had all the contacts to support me when needed - much more relaxed and had plenty of time for the family. I transferred one of my trusted workers from my Retail operation (also a mum) to run the 2nd business.................and I have since repeated the same process on 3 other occasions. Believe me, it gets far easier after start-up phase where you learn so much. Fortunately, I have not taken on debt and now the businesses are now profitable. I would definitely encourage you to take the plunge - its been hugely rewarding mainly due to the people I have employed, the people I have dealt with and the customers we have..........I would consider many of these my friends now. Financially, it has been life-changing also and, rather than expand any further in the UAE (where we our family won't remain in the long term), we are now channeling all surplus cash into property investment back home where £ exchange rate is getting cheaper by the way. DH now has the luxury of retiring at the ripe old age of 39................but comes from a working class background and hence would not know what to do with himself:-) Good luck and hope you all find going down the entrepreneur route, equally rewarding.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2017 - 23:25
Hi Barsha3mum, Unfortunately it finished in February - I had sent this round to around 30 friends and unfortunately 5 came back saying the had missed the boat :-) Still worth paying for at least 1 of the products - my app shows savings of around 1,800 since buying a couple of weeks back so can still be good value.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2017 - 20:26
Hi ladies, After an earlier graduate position I posted on EW was successfully filled, I've been asked to list another opportunity which a close friend is seeking. He works for one World's leading IT companies in Internet City and they have presently been awarded several large government contracts in preparation for 2020. They are looking for a graduate to begin before the end of March to go join other global graduates in the US for induction before before getting their teeth into one of the major projects on their return. Starting salary will be 21,000 + normal benefits. Let me know if any of your kids might fit the bill!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2017 - 07:57
Hi Jemmy4me, welcome! I think realistically, you need to already have some warm leads if you are hoping to secure an offer. In today's environment, it would be fairly challenge to expect anything otherwise. Can you not go onto hubby's visa and give yourself proper time to find something? I think this might be the best option of securing a decent role. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2017 - 00:48
Does anyone know if there are still mens tennis tickets available for next week. I know there is nothing on line but don't want to make the trip to the tennis stadium kiosk if they are all sold out. Hi yankeedoodle, Im going to be at the tennis every day for the next couple of weeks as my daughter will be a ball girl. Presently there are tickets available for every day for men's and women's. Happy watching!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2017 - 20:24
Hi DubaiCheekyB, Its next to Blackberry store
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2017 - 23:39
Without doubt, you should be paying for air fare for her home country. Hopefully you won't begrudge her of this given that you appear to be pleased with her services
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2017 - 22:14
Hi Punz, I have used www.fishe.ae a number of times and they never fail to impress!! Quality of fish is always very impressive and so much easier / more convenient that at the supermarket. Happy Fishing!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2017 - 18:54
Hi Ladies, What are your views around the 2 main Entertainer Books this year (the Blue Family one and the Gold Fine Dining).....pretty much same as 2016 or better / worse? Have been pretty disorganised this year but, with guest season coming my way, I was just keen to get a heads-up. Thanks
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2017 - 11:49
No - he event is covered by the license of the organiser so anyone can pitch up and sell their wares. I heard that there were around 12,000 visitors so footfall was far higher than I have seen at market events at places such as wadi, Times Square, marina / jbr. Perhaps because it is such a large event and only on once a month.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2017 - 22:27
Hi, Agreed - I've found Dubizzle full of annoying bargain hunters with their calls, emails, sms's, whatsapp messages..........'best price' 'last price' 'please send me more photos' brigade........so many time wasters, it really is difficult to distinguish between the serious / decent buyers.....and I have had instances where whole families congregated in my house to look at furniture to start bargaining, even after a reduced price had been agreed on the phone in advance......told them to leg it but still waste of my time. I know that a lot of traders operate on Dubizzle and know exactly what they can sell for overseas / secondary market. I sold my car to a trader who made it clear it was going to Pakistan on request. Electronics, appliances are also in huge demand. Last year, I've started using 'Dubai Marina Buy Buy Sell Sell' which is a FB Group - geared towards western expats, it has been far easier to sell and buy. Had a new year clear out last week and sold 15 items within 2 days......the downside is that I tend to also buy a lot of stuff there also.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2017 - 19:31
Hi Ladies, My boyfriend and I are Australian (28years old), and we are currently living in the United States. He is looking to relocate to Dubai for work because though America is great the benefits suck i.e 5 days Annual leave a year! And ZERO sick leave. He works as a Project Manager in Construction, and has great experience on commercial projects and interior fit outs. I was wondering if anyone has any contacts that you could put him in touch with in the Construction industry? Or any advice on the best companies/places and ways to find work. Any kind of help would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance ! Sarah  I'm confused - At the end of 2015 you were moving to Qatar with your husband (http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic238783-what-is-it-like-working-as-a-woman-in-qatar-forum24.aspx). Then this time last year you said you were coming to Dubai with your husband, (http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic240139-moving-to-dubai--love-some-tips-on-moving-and-social-life-forum23.aspx), then last February you said your PARTNERS job had fallen through (http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic240671-partner-disheartened-by-job-search-suggestions--forum23.aspx). This year he's your boyfriend. Is he your husband or boyfriend? It will make a big difference as to what advice people give, as sarahlou123 says, living together in Dubai is illegal and companies won't sponsor you to come here or give travel benefits if you are not married. Lol! Looks like we have our own investigative journalist on EW :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2017 - 13:58
How about Jordan - a short flight away, lovely cheap resorts by the dead sea, fascinating petra in the South, tonnes of organised camping opportunities in Wadi Rum.......shopping and all the usual stuff in the capital Amman. You can pick up flights for AED 1k via Emirates right now
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2016 - 19:24
If you pay 1300dhs to get your hair done, and you are happy with the result and the performance of your stylist, I think 100dhs probably sounds about right. You are paying for the higher-end so the tip you paid does not sound incommensurate.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2016 - 19:24
If you pay 1300dhs to get your hair done, and you are happy with the result and the performance of your stylist, I think 100dhs probably sounds about right. You are paying for the higher-end so the tip you paid does not sound incommensurate.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2016 - 22:02
Thank you Diana, I've got a note of it - will hope to be in a position to get in touch with you soon! Meantime, enjoy your downtime during festive season!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2016 - 00:08
Hi Diana, If I could get a note of your contact details - there may be something at DH's Bank. Like myself, he is very much against this culture of recruitment by passport and works very closely with HR. Don't want to say too much but recently there has been a cull of colleagues in the recruitment team (including the Head) who were found to be acting inappropriately with a particular recruitment agency. So they are doing a full root and branch review of this function.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2016 - 20:06
Hi Diana, Yes, times are tough right now and the analysts / economists are indicating that this will persist whilst the oil price remains depressed. It is still very much 'who you know' and its very difficult to get something by relying on the internet / recruitment agents. Good luck and keep trying - the big benefit you have is that all companies, regardless of sector, requires experienced HR people!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2016 - 19:27
Hi, try Al Safar & partners - we had an issue with an offplan development back in 2010 and eventually Al Safar managed to get us our investment back, albeit they gave us 12 cheques which we needed to cash in monthly. We wasted almost a year ourselves and got nowhere - as soon as the lawyers got involved, they suddenly found their voice. Good luck - a stressful process, especially as this is through no fault of your own.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2016 - 16:25
They have put it down to weakening economic conditions and they can no longer produce the publication profitably as companies have really cut back on advertising spend. Surprising as most bit cities have at least 1 free daily news publication (e.g. Metro in the most large UK cities).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2016 - 11:52
Hi mayabkk, There are loads around in the UAE but my girls worked with MMG Talent for about 3 years when they were kids. For them it was just like playing and they love dressing up and meeting other kids - their staff would always be really nice and there were always lots of freebies. They eventually got bored of it when they reached their teens and wanted to do what their friends were doing. However, highly recommended and their savings accounts have far better balances than I do :-) Happy modelling!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2016 - 21:52
Hi Plumeria2, I asked your question but unfortunately they don't have a scheme for internships / work experience presently. They appear to pay quite well for graduates but they are worked pretty hard (he mentioned around 50 hour weeks). All the best for your daughter - this region is still seeing good growth so I'm sure she will do well post graduation.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2016 - 11:29
Unfortunately as she will effectively be a tourist, she can't be medically insured from this end but travel insurance from her home country will be safest way to ensure she is properly covered. Having been involved in numerous UAE medical insurance policies (for staff, maids, colleagues etc), these all require valid residency. I had an issue with a relative who visited UAE and badly sprained her ankle - you won't believe but she was charged 25,000 dhs for her medical care (which was eventually re-imbursed by her insurers). So you're right to look for proper cover as you really never know what might happen.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2016 - 11:24
Japy, go into any of the hotels near there on SZR (Dusit can't be far) and ask if you can access their business centre for something urgent.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2016 - 09:37
Hi Alysindubai, I've just heard back from our friend - unfortunately, with the exception of this new Graduate opening, they have completed their hiring for the year but may well be looking to hire early 2017. Will let you know if I hear anything - he did mention that Senior Architects are in high demand currently in the UAE with projects ramping up between now and 2020 (its now or never for many of these declared projects). Good luck and I'm sure something will come up!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2016 - 19:43
Hi ladies, I quite often see mum's here looking for opportunities post education. DH's best friend is a partner at one of the leading Architect firms in the UAE - they have been engaged on several landmark projects and also government buildings. They are presently looking for graduate with a relevant degree, preferably with a reputable Western university who is able to start working before the end of 2016. They have just been awarded a major showroom project and hence have an urgent need. Package - starting salary will be 17,500dhs (22 days paid leave, rising to 26 days after 2 years). Please let me know if any of your kids may be interested!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2016 - 00:52
Unfortunately in this region, it is still very much 'who you know' and its very difficult to get something by relying on the internet / recruitment agents. I think the fact that you've had 7 interviews this year shows that your profile is strong (I know loads of people who would be happy to get any interview to keep them motivated during an incredibly frustrating process). Within my circle of friends, almost everyone who has found a job in Dubai, has done so via knowing someone who has a high position (or someone who knows someone else who might be able to help). I think this is the best way - don't feel bad / proud by asking everyone you know (and ask them to do the same with their friends and colleagues) and I'm pretty sure something will work out for you....you also stand a far better chance of being successful at interview if you are a warm rather than cold candidate. Some big organisations also have incentive schemes to refer friends for vacancies as statistically this provides a bit of quality control around candidates. Good luck and keep trying - the big benefit you have is that all companies, regardless of sector, requires experienced HR people! Happy Hunting!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2016 - 21:51
you will find a load of outlets in Dragon Mart. Happy Hunting!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2016 - 21:47
Hi skyfall, If you are looking at opening a Retail outlet along the Walk, you will need to contact the Emaar sales office - the same applies if you want to set up a stall outside the Marina Mall. I have the contact details of the girl I deal with but I'm not sure I am allowed to post it on the forum. If you want to set something within the towers, you can either approach a Commercial Property agent who should be able to let you know what spaces are available. Likewise you can drive around during a weekday and have a look at towers / spaces of interest. You can then speak to the Management company direct if to enquire about available sq.ft. in the building.....or another option is to approach a developer such as Select Group who have a considerable amount of commercial space (and a huge pipeline of availability in the developing Marina Gate development at the start of the Walk). Happy Searching!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2016 - 10:33
Hi RiRi, Sorry to hear about your loneliness - how many flatmates are you looking for? Can I suggest you have a look at house sharing options in the likes of Marina / JBR? I know a few people who have really built up excellent social circles through these flat sharing arrangements. I think finding decent flatmates to share a 1-bed apartment in Ajman may be challenging. Happy Hunting!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2016 - 21:40
This is quite disgraceful conduct but unfortunately does not surprise me in this region. This has happened to me twice with, I had options to terminate as per labour law probationary period (and the fact that this was not disclosed at interview when it was actually known on both cases) but this didn't cross my mind. Fast forward and these women have proved to be among the most valuable assets which I have. Real ambassadors and have repaid me several fold. But, in both cases, they were both expecting to be relieved based on their previous cultural experiences in this region and hence neither of them disclosed their pregnancy at interview. This has to change - we are no longer living in the Stone Age!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2016 - 11:09
36 years!! Wow - well done and hopefully you will be handsomely rewarded with your property sale! Rather than dubizzle, which I've found full of timewasters ('last price' brigade) - try listing on EW Classifieds and also Facebook sites like Dubai Marina Buy Buy Sell Sell. FB sites are so much quicker and easier to list than a lot of classifieds - just take the pick on your phone and upload on to a network of like-minded expat buyers. Good luck and happy selling!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2016 - 09:05
Hi Marhabaa - you're in luck! The entertainer app now facilitates requirements such as yours! You can now ask any of your friends with the Entertainer app to ping you vouchers via email (they do it via the app) so reach out and ask if you can get the ones you are looking for and you don't need to physically buy the book / app (especially given that its almost year end). Happy saving!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2016 - 23:31
Agree - the Facebook sites tend to be quite interactive and I find that I have a lot less timewasters with 'final price' emails / messages as I've experienced on Dubizzle. The best one I've found is 'Dubai Marina BUY BUY SELL SELL' which I've managed to sell (and buy) quite a lot of household goods from..........in fact, I probably see and buy far too much which I don't need!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2016 - 20:47
Actually Samram, I am self employed and I do go to the same doctors / dentists as everyone I employ (including my maids). We are all on the same policy and hence we have the same options. Coming from a country where healthcare is available to all, I do not believe that choice should be down to class.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2016 - 20:06
I always go back to the picture frame place in Lamcy Plaza - been there around 5 times over the past couple of years and they always do an excellent job and prices are always really reasonable. I think the place is called Art & Picture Framing and I'm sure they make their frames from scratch so i'm sure your repair job should be pretty straightfoward. Happy Framing!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2016 - 16:23
hi yankee, we used them around 6 months ago and we didn't have the best experience. It was for a birthday party and they were really disorganised - it was supposed to be a surprise birthday party but the crew didn't show until the booking time (hence the guests couldn't access the ship or decorate). The catering wasn't as advised, departure was late and return was around 45 minutes earlier. Probably worst of all was the yacht we ordered was definitely not designed for the number of guests on board so we were crammed in like sardines and a few people were unfortunately involuntarily exposed in the sun for most of the trip. We tried to complain but the 'management' claimed that, as we had got the charter on a discount deal, we shouldn't expect anything better! I would recommend xclusiveyachts who have an office very close the yacht club. We have used them twice for parties and the experiences have always been pleasant.
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Latest post on 01 October 2016 - 22:16
actually a lot of decent rug outlets do a 'try before you buy' concept here. We did this with 'the Red Carpet' in Al Barsha and they were excellent. No issues at all, even when we say 'no thanks' at the end of a trial. There is another place called Carpet Center on the same stretch so perhaps worth a visit. Happy sampling!!!
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Latest post on 01 October 2016 - 22:12
I have used Foxtons for about 5 years now in letting my properties in 'the South' - post brexit, I have been using their property sourcing consultants who I've found are incredibly well connected. I've just managed to secure a house in Brighton (distressed sale) for 30% under valuation - I had actually been looking into this kind of property for around 2 years and, after currency devaluation, paying about half price so great deals on right now. Happy researching!!!