annorman | ExpatWoman.com
 

annorman

245
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2015 - 23:13
There are a few things which can be done to get rid of bed bugs - the safest ways revolve around heat.....if you have an outdoor area which catches the sun, it is recommended that you air your mattress and sheets directly in sunlight during the day and this will cause bed bugs to die and also disinfect your wares. Also a service which most pest control places provide for treatment of bed bugs is a steam-cleaning service where they will run a steamer over your mattress which will have a similar effect. These steamers aren't too expensive so you could easily pick one of these up and do this yourself - they are also really useful for cleaning the likes of curtains, rugs and sofas so it can work out to be a decent investment. If you haven't noticed any small spots of blood on your sheets, it may not be bed bugs......this is usually the sure fire sign if you have them
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Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 21:28
Hi - I know that NBAD are aggressively looking for Brits right now - CEO has come from an international banking background and has made it clear that they need to diversify the existing staff more towards developed markets experience. I know of 3 people who have recently been recruited from the UK. Based on the fact that your DH is a qualified CA, who is already based in the UAE, with the right passport, I think he has a reasonable chance of at least getting an interview. In all likelihood, this would be based in Abu Dhabi where the Finance function sits and also all the main HQ functions. I'd search their vacancies online and also they are have a tie-in with Robert Half so worth giving their Banking & Finance consultants a shout to see if they can get you an in. Good luck!
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Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 21:18
I find pouring vinegar down the drains a natural, safe remedy to keep drains clean / odour free
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Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 21:17
Yes I've bought a few Groupons which, for various reasons, I've asked to be refunded and everything they've done so immediately with no questions asked. So thumbs up from me
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Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 00:17
Hi - I'm pretty sure that the issue here is bed bugs which are really common in the UAE, especially in high rise apartment blocks. I had an issue with these a couple of years back so did a huge amount of research into these - they were a nightmare to get rid of and eventually had to get pest control in twice to resolve the issue completely. They can be passed via clothing, communal AC vents, suitcases, neighbouring apartments and their preferred habitat is sofas, matresses and soft furnishings. They can be difficult to detect as they embed themselves deep within these furnishings where they lay eggs - they tend to be noctural so typically come out in the dark and when it gets cooler in the evenings. They live exclusively off human blood and usually during the night but you can rarely feel them biting. No serious health issues to worry about for your young one - mainly mild rashes and some itching. But I'd try and deal with the issue early as they are very resilient creatures and can live up to 18 months without feeding off any blood. Also they are rampant at breeding - one pregnant bed bug and spawn up to 5000 bed bugs in the space of a 6 month period and you may have to discard furnishings if they become too heavily infested with these bugs / eggs. If it is bed bugs, try taking your matress off the bed frame and try to give the bedframe a good shake, you should see some bugs hit the floor - they are about 2 or 3mm long - and a red / brown colour.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2015 - 09:24
Unfortunately, this appears to be fairly standard in this country and I suspect that the landlord / their agent have already built up a case for why they shouldn't be returning any of your deposit (by claiming costs totalling 22k) - hence the usual 'settlement' which most tenants eventually end up agreeing to is to call it quits re. the security deposit. What doesn't help in your situation is that you took the lease from your SIL who had previously been in a house-sharing set-up which is far from ideal.....you paid the full security deposit and took possession somewhere which wasn't in great condition. All you can really do is complain to RERA and clearly document all the issues you had with the apartment and repairs which you undertook yourself (e.g. AC work)- treat it as a bonus if you are successful in getting any of your deposit back but best of luck.
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Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 19:19
Its near the Karama Fish Market - if you're driving, just try and get parked near there and walk around the counterfeit stores on the same side of the Fish Market.....its very close. Its at the other end of Karama so best getting a taxi if you're not driving. If you have visitors / guests, I'd recommend going in the evenings as the opening times tends to vary from shop to shop - a lot of the places don't actually open until late afternoon / early evening so there is much more to see / better atmosphere after 5pm.
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Latest post on 21 February 2015 - 15:24
It turned out to be Bobby! Apparently Kathy's return is meant to provide the most gripping storyline ever written....
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Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 19:11
Thanks ladies - your information has been very useful in helping me make an informed decision. I had no idea how much a water heater / copper wires etc actually cost until you guys helped out. I managed to get a contact from a friend and water-heater (with access) has been successful replaced for AED 850 all-in.....a saving of almost AED 1k!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 19:11
Thanks ladies - your information has been very useful in helping me make an informed decision. I had no idea how much a water heater / copper wires etc actually cost until you guys helped out. I managed to get a contact from a friend and water-heater (with access) has been successful replaced for AED 850 all-in.....a saving of almost AED 1k!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 21:48
hi - I never saw a response ramsaybairn so apologies. Can you please give me your contact details and I will get your hubby's CV from you. Thanks
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Latest post on 07 February 2015 - 22:13
VictoriaM, Sorry to hear about your experience! I'm not sure whether it makes me feel any better that you got shafted as well :-) The rescue guy I had actually helped me out a lot. I had an emergency spare in my boot so all he was really obliged to do was to help me change the wheel which would allow me to get to the nearest garage to get a replacement. He did this but, as it was a Friday, i) he wasn't sure what was open and ii) I also ran the risk of them not having stock. In hindsight, I think somewhere on beach road may have cost even more. Anyway, he mentioned this umm suqueim place he was aware of would definitely have what I needed - there is a big yellow sticker on my emergency wheel which said "maximum 80kmph" and the thought of me having to drive c. 30km at that speed wasn't the most appealing. So he actually put my car on the tow-truck and gave me a lift there before helping to negotiate. I actually joked with him that he should be getting commission from the the garage - he laughed and said 'if they pay me, you will pay more' and then went onto say that he had been offered kick-backs from other garages in the past. I smelled a rat when the manager (the guy who was doing the least work and mainly in the office) wouldn't allow me to pay before the whole job was complete. At the time, I thought that he wanted to make sure I was entirely happy with the job but it became obvious when they identified 'a alignment issue' which required more money, that this was always their plan. Under the circumstances whilst I knew I was getting screwed, I really just wanted to job done properly so coughed up the extra. But I think they all knew that I knew what they were doing. I paid - the invoice mentioned nothing about his 'extra issue' and I just left. They had me over a barrel........at least back home, you have transparency on all the costs (on computer). Ladies be warned - avoid Lord Land if at all possible!!
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Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 22:23
I also ordered before and opted for Cash on Delivery - i didn't hear anything for a week so I called the number on the website. Gave them my order number and told there was a system issue and that I would get a call back......nothing materialised and I never heard from them since. So not the best online experience from my side....I wonder if I would have had more success if I paid upfront?
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Latest post on 26 January 2015 - 23:20
Agree with dentro above - AED 500 is a maximum which means that all expensive issues will be paid by the landlord. The AED 500 acts like the excess on an insurance policy an shouldn't be seen as a deterrent in isolation...........otherwise nobody would sign a tenancy.
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Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 20:03
I'm pretty sure I've seen them in Hamleys
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Latest post on 24 January 2015 - 15:45
Carrefour were doing AED 100 cash back voucher with all entertainer books the last time i looked.......
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Latest post on 24 January 2015 - 10:41
I know this has been done to death but just looking for some current opinions please. We have paid over 700,000/dh in rent over our time here. We hope and plan to stay here long term. We reckon if we bought here now our mortgage repayments would be similar to our current (not high) rent. That logic is probably too simple I know! What do you think ? TIA Obviously there are numerous considerations to buying probably the most expensive item you will ever invest in i.e. property. I think the key factor in answering your question was that you "plan to stay here long term" - you've already been here for a few years and your intention is to stay here in the long term (which is usually defined as 5 years plus). If this is the case, I think that it would be a good idea to invest. This issue is something which is very close to my own heart and I had the same issue I had faced before I bought my own place. Yes there are well publicised issues with regards to the issues mentioned earlier in these threads but a lot of these can be mitigated by: - buying in an established area from a reputable developer which will always hold value (i.e. golf course / beach / marina views or in the close proximity to these landmarks) and continue to be well maintained - its now turned into a buyers market again and purchase values are down an average 15 - 20% across the board whereas rents are still relatively high (hence the yield on properties are presently very attractive to investors) - wealthy russians who have substantial wealth in their home country have lost close to 60% of their wealth in the last few months - a lot of these guys were buying up Dubai properties with petty cash. This is expected to create further value here. - if you will be staying another 5 years, do you really want to go through the uncertainty of 5 rent reviews (and possibly having to move at least twice in that period - I know people who have moved every year). - also the dollar is said to be on a 'bull run' right now against all currencies because of continuing global economic concerns, low oil price and a raft of geopolitical issues - this is projected to continue. Hence if you are paid in dirhams (pegged in dollars), generating a dollar income will create benefits against your home currency. I eventually took the plunge when I compared my own position with that of a colleague - he bought 5 years ago and paid around 750k in mortgage payments (not dissimilar to what I was paying in rent) but around 400k of that has reduced his mortgage loan (effectively savings) with the other 350 being paid to the bank in interest. On top of that he conservatively considers that his place has now increased by around 400k in 5 years so hence he has effectively built up a pot of 800k in savings from buying. Meantime I have forked out 750k in rent and have nothing. Also in another 10 years, if he continues to pay down, the mortgage will be fully repaid and he will own the villa outright. I know that most of us have no intention to staying for 15 years but I think if you plan on staying 5 years +, buying could still prove to be a worthwhile investment.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2015 - 15:51
You can sign - if you leave within the probation period (all new contracts have a minimum 3 months, maximum 6 months probation period), there are no repercussions. Even if you leave after the probation period, so long as you make a minimum AED 12,500, no labour ban will be imposed.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2015 - 15:14
I think last year, the offer only came out for a limited period around March - The Entertainer sells most copies between December and end of January so they try to maximise revenues via sales before they begin allowing them as 'freebies' in the likes of the National Subscription which they only get a small fraction of face value. I ended up getting the mobile edition Family Version this year which comes with a free copy of the Travel Entertainer......plus I've gone halfs on the Fine Dining and Kids with friend (mobile edition can be shared).
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Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 22:40
I know the Land Dept states that the transfer fee is 2% for the buyer and 2% for the seller but in practice at the moment with the market being a bit slower, is it still true that the buyer is expected to pay the full 4% (eg for villa in established area)? Also is it normal practice for agents to still charge (bearing in mind current slow market)2% fee to the buyer? So to buy at the moment a buyer is looking at 6% in fees in total? Hi, Yes in practice (in Dubai), the buyer will pay the full 4% (this is still only 2% in Abu Dhabi) - this was previously 2% but it was increased on the back of the regulator trying to cool the market. I think this, combined with a few other factors (e.g. Russian currency depreciation and oil price decline), has had the desired effect. And yes, Agent Fee is typically 2% and the bank will typically charge a 1% arrangement fee for the mortgage........there are a few other minor costs involved so I would actually budget around 8% on the purchase price to ensure you have enough. Also please bear in mind that, unlike some countries, Central Bank rules do not allow banks to finance these additional costs.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2015 - 19:46
Hey there Irish girl - there are loads of rooms / house-share opportunities advertised on dubizzle (www.dubizzle.com). For most of us on this site, it would be second nature but not so obvious for newbies :-) good luck and hope to see you at some point x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 22:55
I was actually tasked with getting tickets for some guests we have visiting in late Feb and was meant to wait in the queue this morning. Fortunately, the weather was as good an excuse as any to avoid this and luckily I was still able to pick up 6 tickets for the men's Thursday night sessions. Agreed that the prices have gone up a fair bit in recent years.........but they still represent one of the cheapest ATP tickets on the tour (and actually the ATP events with the most representation from the top seeds)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 22:47
I still think Dubizzle is still your best bet if you have time - sometimes listings can easily get lost if you list during a busy period.....as you rightly mentioned, DSF could be a time when a lot of people are clearing out stuff but keep persisting as expat are also arriving in Dubai, mostly on limited budgets. Re. the auction house - i had a friend listing some things with them and they aren't the most flexible. For a start they wouldn't do a pick up for 3 pieces of furniture - nor would they take Ikea or unbranded items. She eventually took round a Marina piece and agreed a reserve price of around 60% of the original purchase price - mint condition. What she found was that the auction house was charging 20% commission to the buyers (as well as the sellers) which restricted how much bidders were willing to pay (also there are several similar items auctioned) so it didn't hit reserve. This went on for a few weeks, meantime the auction house would charge her AED 100 for storage - eventually it was sod but for half of what she had originally agreed with the auction house. She was not happy but she had little choice by this stage!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 19:50
"Genuine question - what is the attraction of a couples massage as I have seen several threads requesting this?" At the very least, you can ensure that DH doesn't get up to any hanky panky if you're in the same room;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2015 - 13:25
I've used a guy called Hassan which my security guard gave me the contact details. Very diligent and friendly guy and I will definitely use him again 055 8962 046
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 20:49
www.macpackdubai.com A great kiwi run moving company. macpack are a local removals company as opposed to a shipping company - whilst the owner is very personable and the overall team are diligent, I did find them very expensive. Also they are not insured in case there are any breakages so something to be aware of if you have valuables.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 21:39
Yes one of my best friends runs one in Stirling - it has 5 rooms, he has a self-contained room which adjoins the house which gives him the privacy. He's done it for 8 years now and is loving every minute - it is small enough that he only has to actually do 1-2 hours work work each morning and the rest of the day is his. Previously he worked as a banker and hated it - he was pretty senior and actually became depressed by the daily grind. After he learned the ropes, he got in a cleaner and started properly marketing the place - he has 100% on tripadvisor which he is very careful with. Because he has so much time to himself, hes now a semi-pro ironman competitor. Good luck - its worked out really well for him and he tells me he clears (profit) more than he did as a banker (over £50k)
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Latest post on 23 May 2014 - 13:12
Hey Shunuppi - agree with Cornish, far better driving because of the taxi shortage. After the Grand Prix in November, we waited almost 4 hours after the concerts to get a taxi back to Dubai. Assume you are going to JT? Me and the other half are mulling staying over tonight but if you take the car, we'd be happy to car-share with you and reimburse you for costs?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2014 - 18:10
Hey Mrsbrown, The do an excellent Roast Dinner at the Yacht Club on Saturdays - think its AED 190 for all-you-can eat deal from 6pm onwards. Now you've mentioned it, I'm feeling a little peckish :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 22:14
Well done leemon - great result :-)
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Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 00:34
Hey Valerieann, Can you provide us with some more details on what area your son is looking to get into? I know quite a few people with children in the same boat who have found work in areas such as finance, media as well as hospitality. If we can narrow down the sector, we should be able to provide some relevant pointers. All the best in your search.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 23:19
Not sure whether this is in Fine Dining or the Family Entertainer (this year) but I just keep going back to Rivlington Grill at Souk Al Bahar - table by the terrace whilst catching all the shows.
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Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 23:16
Yes agree with Emurella83, Certo is a very good choice - great service, nice food and right next to the amphitheatre. ICON bar is also a decent option for something less formal / substantial and a few drinks. Enjoy!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 23:09
Hi Mincepie - I'm won't be in the office this week as travelling to New York. If you please drop me a line at [email protected], I'll pick up with you there.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 23:00
Hi Ebright80, Unfortunately in todays market, it is pretty much standard practice that Property Agents are giving notice to tenants so they are able to re-let the property at a higher price. Whilst the termination clause is legitimate, if you can successfully prove that the landlord did not sell the apartment (the reason he gave you notice), RERA may reimburse you with costs. However, I don't find this route particularly effective as, by this stage, you've probably already vacated. As ChilliChai mentioned, non-renewable contracts are recognised on the basis that the tenant knew what they were getting themselves into when they signed up to such a clause. Again the 'non-renewable' clause effectively allows Agents to ensure that the tenant vacates after 1 year and re-let in a rising market. In response to your other query around selling - it won't make any difference whether the landlord sells with a tenant in situ or not. If there is a tenant, the seller will pay over the pro-rata rent to the buyer to cover the period which the tenant is in the property once they take ownership (e.g. 6 months remaining lease post handover, 6 months would be transferred as part of the consideration). Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 22:44
Anemona - you're welcome :-) I had mine done in T1 but pretty sure they'd have the same service also at T3.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 22:41
Hi MincePie, No issues at all - I'm not sure how to get in touch with you to go through options. Only just joined EW recently so not sure how to get you my details (I'm scared I'll get banned if I post my email or number on here). Rental market right now is extremely fluid - seems to be loads of newbies coming into DXB but there is loads of supply in the areas which you mentioned so will be no issue.
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Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 22:35
Hi Annorman Thank you ? We would prefer marina but if JBR either Sadaf or Murjan. We have to move by the end of April as our current one finishes on 8th May.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 19:54
What on earth is the purpose of decaffeinated tea???? haha - i guess the same concept of defaf coffee
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Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 19:52
Hi Anemona, What I would recommend is to get it done when you're returning from your next trip abroad. At arrivals, just before you get to Passport Control (by the elevator), there is a desk which is clearly marked for E-gate applications. There you present your passport / VISA and get the e-gate within a few minutes before using it immediately to proceed via passport control. Much quicker than going to the office in Business Bay office! Good luck :-0
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 19:41
Hi Mince Pie, I'd be happy to help you find somewhere on JBR - when are you looking at moving in? Thanks
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Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 19:38
If his VISA has still to be cancelled, he does still have the option of opening a current account with any of the banks which will continue to be active when he leaves. As he's not looking for borrowing, the requirements will also be relatively limited on an ongoing business so hopefully this should help him get round this issue. Most of my friends who left the UAE still maintain accounts over here.
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Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 19:32
We used a travel agency to process visas for my inlaws. After 2 weeks of promising to get the visa the next day, it never happened. DH and I went to the immigration office and got the visa ourselves after asking them to cancel the application. This was in Jan. Its not a huge amount but this travel agency has kept making promises to send the refund and never did. The owner now refuses to pick up my calls. On principle, I want to teach this guy a lesson. Is there a small claims court in Dubai? Or should I go to the police station and make a formal complaint? I am fuming...... Have had similar frustrations with an unscrupulous Property Agency who appeared reluctant to refund our deposit (among other issues). Ended up managing to trace the local sponsor who was alarmed by my issues and I was promptly given my money back along with a humble apology from the company
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Latest post on 29 March 2014 - 19:26
Greetings ladies! Good morning to all of you! I am aware that most of the ladies on this page are either a professional working mom or either a full time housewife with their home business experience for sure! ;) As we are currently living in a very challenging and competitive environment I am sure that depending on a monthly salary is not enough especially here in Dubai! I am currently working as a cabin crew and my hobby is making soy wax candles! Planning to sell it online soon to others but as for now just focusing on my fellow colleagues! Before I start selling it widely via the internet... Example Facebook, eBay or Alibaba... Do I need to obtain a license from Dubai government. I was online (Google) about this matter and there are too many mixed comments regarding this topic. As I checked under the e service data department it stated that either I need to have a local Emirati sponsor for a business branch or either I need to pay Dhs2000 for a registration of a label/company's name. And it depends whether I want to transport it within Dubai or out of UAE as well. I'm confused with all the options they provided online. My main focus now is to only sell my candles via online and also attending some local fairs such as the art markets or flea markets within the UAE. Will I get caught for selling something handmade by me but not registered to the public? Please advice thank you! Hey Elisha, I think you're onto a real winner with soy candles - personally I burn loads of candles and I would definitely switch to a more sustainable option. From my own experience, as a starter, you don't to go down the Trade Licence route until you actually take your idea to the next stage. Facebook, Souq, ebay are the obvious choices over here and you can begin building your business / getting the word out via these avenues and see how things go. Once you start dealing with other businesses or you want to have a proper outlet, you will then need to set yourself up properly in order to do so. I know a few guys who make very good money 'on the side' via Dubizzle. Good luck and keep me posted on this exciting new venture!