apr04 | ExpatWoman.com
 

apr04

apr04
267
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 09:33
We've tried to be tolerant of the construction noise coming from the treatment plant enhancement in AR, but it's starting before 6.30am and loud enough to wake the dead! Can anyone advise who/where to contact about this please? I was under the impression they are not allowed to start before a certain time and I'm sure it's not 6.30am. Thanks. Hi SueR, have you tried contacting EMAR?
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 09:31
HI does anyone have any recommendations for shops/places/people to get cheap blackout blinds and curtains from. I am not bothered whether ready made or made to order. Many people have recommended jamal, whilst he is lovely he quoted nearly 3000dhs for 2 windows, which, maybe quite ok to some, but way above my budget. Looked at ikea but they didnt have blackouts.....any recommendations would be appreciated :-) Hi kellyjane, have you tried dragon mart? I've ordered some fully blackout curtains over the weekend, and paid 1000 dhs for 3 windows for my new villa.( and these windows are massive, 320 cm tall so lots of fabric). they have loads of fabrics to choose from, beautiful colours and designs and patterns and well as plain ones. one suggestion, if you go to dragon mart don't go into shops on the main allyway, if go behind, there is lots and lots of shops which offer much cheaper prices. and try to bargain with them. hope this helps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:13
Hi Stella, from my experience as a non driver: for 3 years I used taxis in Dubai, everyday for pick up and drop off my daughter to school. I have had problems few times, taxis not turning up on time, or not coming at all. I got really tired and decided to put DD on a school bus. But now, after 3 and a half tears of living here, I decided I need to learn to drive and get a car. So, I almost finished my driving course, and inshalla will have my driving licence in 2 weeks. I think I want to be independent, not relying on taxis or husband to take my everywhere. So I think with your move to the villa, it'd be better if you had car so you didn't feel isolated, and could in a matter of seconds just hop in your car and be on your way wherever. Hope that helps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:05
Just found out that our helper faked a death in her family to get us to send her home on her annual trip earlier than she's entitled (only been working for us for a couple of months and not entitled to it until after one year of service but of course given the situation we made an exception). She asked for her salary in advance to help pay for funeral costs which we also gave her. On the day she was supposed to fly back to Dubai, she rang us to say her passport had somehow got damaged and she wasn't allowed to leave the Country until she got a new passport. She said she didn't know how her passport got damaged?? She later said it would take 2 weeks for her to get a new passport. So her 2 week trip home has suddenly turned into one month. Meanwhile, she has left me with twin newborns on my own. We had to find agency staff to come help me during the day at great expense. It seemed unlikely that someone could have their passport damaged and not know how that happened. We dug around and found out everything - including the death in her family - was a lie. She is coming back to Dubai in a week or so and doesn't know that we know she lied about everything. Feeling very betrayed by someone we trusted and not sure about next course of action to take. This is the first time I've employed a helper and not sure what I can do. I doubt we can recover costs from her and there are no laws to protect against this sort of stuff happening. Has anyone got any ideas/ advice please? Mrs B, So sorry to hear you are going through this rough time so soon after giving birth. My advice would be either cancel visa now and don't let her come back, or as suggested below let her come back for 2 months to repay the costs and then send her back. It is very difficult to find helper that you can really trust, especially if one has babies and small children. Then there is massive cost the employer has to pay for sponsoring a maid and it is not fair to be treated the way you were. Maybe next maid you could get from agency like explorer or howdra, maids are sponsored by them, you just pay monthly fee. If it doesn't work out with the helper you get to change her for another one without any cost. I hope soon, situation will get better for you, so you can spend this time with your lovely babies. Take care.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:05
Just found out that our helper faked a death in her family to get us to send her home on her annual trip earlier than she's entitled (only been working for us for a couple of months and not entitled to it until after one year of service but of course given the situation we made an exception). She asked for her salary in advance to help pay for funeral costs which we also gave her. On the day she was supposed to fly back to Dubai, she rang us to say her passport had somehow got damaged and she wasn't allowed to leave the Country until she got a new passport. She said she didn't know how her passport got damaged?? She later said it would take 2 weeks for her to get a new passport. So her 2 week trip home has suddenly turned into one month. Meanwhile, she has left me with twin newborns on my own. We had to find agency staff to come help me during the day at great expense. It seemed unlikely that someone could have their passport damaged and not know how that happened. We dug around and found out everything - including the death in her family - was a lie. She is coming back to Dubai in a week or so and doesn't know that we know she lied about everything. Feeling very betrayed by someone we trusted and not sure about next course of action to take. This is the first time I've employed a helper and not sure what I can do. I doubt we can recover costs from her and there are no laws to protect against this sort of stuff happening. Has anyone got any ideas/ advice please? Mrs B, So sorry to hear you are going through this rough time so soon after giving birth. My advice would be either cancel visa now and don't let her come back, or as suggested below let her come back for 2 months to repay the costs and then send her back. It is very difficult to find helper that you can really trust, especially if one has babies and small children. Then there is massive cost the employer has to pay for sponsoring a maid and it is not fair to be treated the way you were. Maybe next maid you could get from agency like explorer or howdra, maids are sponsored by them, you just pay monthly fee. If it doesn't work out with the helper you get to change her for another one without any cost. I hope soon, situation will get better for you, so you can spend this time with your lovely babies. Take care.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 08:17
Hi how about you check dubizzle, classifieds on EW. If it doesn't work then there are loads of shops in Karama that make furniture to order. You just bring photo of and item, and negotiate the price. Good luck.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 10:54
Congratulations, well done.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 10:53
Pan Emirates, Home Center. Homes r Us,dragon Mart, Pottery Barn,you can print potos on large canvas, get your souvenirs, photos, decorative items framed in Karama, antiques Museum in Al Quoz.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 10:49
Where can I find party bags, to give large teddy bears as gifts? Pls help As mentioned below, Daiso sells them. I go to Dragon Mart, they have bog choice in colours, sizes and you can get paper ones, organza, fabric, etc party bags. Hope that helps
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2013 - 12:27
Loads of villas in Mirdif within your budget. Another area to consider is Al Warqa.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 22:36
Can anyone recommend a good school for a soon to be 3 year old? We live in Motor City so would be looking at somewhere fairly near to home. Hi Mrs Orchid, there is Bradenton Prep ( American curriculum ) and Victory Hights Primary School ( British curriculum)-its going to be opened in Sept.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 21:05
Thank you Marycatherine.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 20:40
Which satellite TV package do you subscribe to? You can get a Humax or similar box (plugs into your TV) and get some channels for free. If you're looking for the Foodnetwork, BBC Living, OSN channels you have to subscribe to the service - www.osn.com will give you an idea of the channels and package prices MaryCatherine, would you mind me asking where could I buy one of these Humax boxes in Dubai, please? Cheers.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 16:10
Hi Shiranf, I got some in Tavola ( Mirdif City Centre) but they sell them pretty quickly. The best thing is to give a ring and ask if candy melts are available, if not , leave your mobile number and they will ring you when the next delivery of candy melts will get to the shop. In the meantime, if you don't find candy melts, you can melt white chocolate, add a bit of oil and desired food colouring. This is what I do when don't have candy melts. Hop e that helps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 17:20
Thank you everyone, will wait till Dubai summer surprises starts on Fri, then will hit the shops you mentioned :) cheers
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 10:46
THE GOONIES !!!! And I still love it :)
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 10:44
Hi, don't be stressed. I have been few times in your situation. Company would send 2 girls. They are pretty good, and know how to work themselves. One would be doing ironing, and when she is finished she would help another girl finish up cleaning up, just as Splinters suggested. If you are not entirely happy about that ask the agency to send one girl. Hope that helps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 10:50
Hi, maybe you could find it at Creative Minds on umm suqeim road?
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 20:15
I have seen them in Ace.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 12:21
Hi there, you might want to give : Kidville, Building Blocks, Wonder Years ( all in and around Motor City), or Step by Step ( waha, Layan Community), a ring. They might be able to help you. Hope that helps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 08:39
Is this howdra the agency that sends you full time live in maids? If yes, even before seeing or asking for a copy of the contract, I would like an honest feedback on your experience with the agency. Would you recommend it for good service for the registration fees that you pay?? Please let me know! Thanks... I have used Explorer over past 3 years, they prices have incresed, but i would reccomend this company. I never used Howdra though so cant comment on this company. Never used Howdra though.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 08:20
Where can I find them for my baby's birthday? Morning, Party World in Motor City has loads of choice in hellium balloons, but i suppose any party shop in Dubai sells them.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 17:47
Hi, check out adverts on Dubizzle, there is section Classifieds here, on Expat Woman as well. Also Ikea for small chest, I bought small electric cooker in HyperPanda, Festival City.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 08:51
Hi here's another one for you. What is the procedure for hanging/decorating rental property in Dubai? We are moving to Springs in June and I just wanted to know if you are allowed to hang pictures on walls (and make good after) or are they not keen at all? What about painting walls? Or is it just dependant on your landlord? Thanks I used double sided tape for small to medium sized frames to avoid drilling. As well had 2 bedrooms painted. I believe as long as you will leave partament in the same condition as when you moved in there shouldnt be ant problems.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 08:47
Your welcome, we love it here have been in our apartment 3 years and we have to move which we are very sad about. BBQ's aren't allowed but we use ours often, you can get around it. You can't get gas cylinders delivered to the apartment but you can get around it! You BBQ in an appt? Obvieusley not indside the apartament but people do bbq on balconies and terraces!
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 16:43
I ask the question again did you have household staff before you arrived in Dubai? Yes. Now waiting for you Azaiba to reply.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 16:34
Try Daiso or Drgon Mart.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 14:59
Saw lovely ones in Matalan in Mirdif City Centre.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 15:38
Encore and Meagles, my DD goes to American school in Sports City. They just had a opened day for new partens, so there are american schools taking children on. Our school name is Bradenton Prep. Visit web site for more info. Hope you find a place soon.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 17:17
Our ex LL did the same, 3 or 4 different letting agents and tens of calls every day to vie the villa. I had a crawiling baby at that time plus toddler in nursery so what I did, I let the agents know that viewings of the villa were from 10 am to 12.30 pm and then from 3 pm to 5.30 pm. It worked out fine. Hope that helps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 21:31
Ok, So Union Properties said its ok to have a dog in the apartments but wont issue an official letter saying so. How did any other ladies succesfully adopt a dog without the letter? UP said i could call them when adopting and they will confirm its ok but wont give me a letter? Confused :-( Hi Egg, I live in Motor City and have a dog. Before we moved in we were asked to get a permission ( NOC). To get it we had to provide vaccination card. It was all done by email and few phone calls.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 20:18
We got our pink booster seat from center point
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 20:08
i'm european.....what does that mean? European nationality? It depends on your nationality not continent you are from. I'm european as well, but in my case I have to leave Dubai for 30 days and then re-enter. There are different rules for european nationalities, I think you should check with immigration.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 14:00
I want to buy a Nintendo DS for Christmas. Suggestions for cheapest place to buy please? Thanks! Carrefour. Last year I got one for my DD, first went to all other shops and Carrefour was the cheapest.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 13:26
Oh, and I forgot to add to the list of maid costs: medical card and emirates ID. You see, the list is endless :)
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 13:23
apr04, sorry to highjack, v interested in what you say - the difference is AED900 per month or per year? Per year. I was looking into sponsoring myself, but then found the agency that sponsors. Then I have done extensive research on all cots( but I mean all, even stamping fees-which are like 20 dhs, calculated as well holiday,flight home,salary of: 1600 dhs a month,x12,extras for toiletries,small bonus for xmas,visa,transfer,typing,vaccinations,medical tests,pregnancy test,more and more) of hiring maid myself added up and compered to 12x 2700 dhs per month plus 3000 dhs admin fee( you dont pay flights home,no holiday salary,and they provide replacement for the time your maid is away, so you have someone all the time). And then I calculated the risks involved in hiring maid myself, lets face it, sponsor is totally responisble for maid,so scares of her working part time, stealing, getting involved with men, then pregnant,etc. I decided to go with agency. Lot of people forget when they say : '' oh, 2700 dhs a month is too much for me''. But dont forget all the other costs you have to count in ( above) add them up and divide by 12. You will have something around 2500 to 2600 month. Sorry simpleasabc, if I wrtote it all in chaotic manner,Im trying to to the packing,ironining,cooking and cleaning and EW of course all the same time :)
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 13:04
I was on a hunt fo kids swimming costumes, and found some in matalan in Mirdif CC. They had some lighter clothing: t-shits, vest,etc but I was looking on the girls section. Hope that helps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:50
I am looking for a plain mirrored/glass jewelry box, no flower designs. If anyone has seen one it would be a big help, thank you! Pottery Barn perhaps.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:49
I hope your new maid wont take the ' wifely chores' straight to her heart ;)
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:47
Hi there is lady advertising here http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=196198
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:47
Hi there is lady advertising here http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=196198
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:46
There are few shops in Outlet Mall selling designer hanbags at good prices. I really dont know how much but you could have a look round, and probably find something in your budget.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 10:42
Hi Sush, yes, it is a bit pricey but dont forget there are many other costs apart from the visa costs( i never hired maid on my own sponsorship but read up loads here on EW), such as: medical, typing,vaccinations,visa transfer,etc. It can add up to much more then 6000dhs.Once I did comparsion list between agency live in maid and maid on my sponsorship.For 12 months, including all sponsorship costs,salary,etc and agency costs-monthly payments and admin fee, the agency maid was only 900 dirham more expensive. Anyway, it all really depends on each person, I didnt want to have a responsibilty of having maid on my sponsorship,in case of any trouble,stealing, problems with her working part-time,etc. We signed contract with the agency, and they are the sponsors. I got to change the maid in case it didnt work out, they provide replacement when she goes on holiday. So best of luck i hope you will find someone soon.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 18:33
Hi, Explorer is one I used. They are on SZR,Al They have increased they costs recently, and it is as follows: 2700 dhs monthly fee 3000 dhs admin costs 5000 dhs refundable deposit The other agency is Howdra, don't know about their costs, but assume similar. Hope that helps. Ps If you need any more info I'm happy to answer your questions.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 13:23
I really dont know any tailors is Satwa, it just I've read loads theads on here, ladies recommending cheap tailors in Satwa. Perhaps if you do the search,lots should come up. Hope that helps a little.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 12:44
Paris is always good idea:)
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 12:35
Hi I've only seen white blackout in DM. If they are charging you a lot why not buy coloured blackout from the shop you know and have it stiched in Satwa? That should minimize cost of stiching.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 08:10
also who installed it? can you give me n? Morning vivette, My husband did it, I'm luscky as he is quite handy in house maintenece departament :) But if you ask your building mainenece manager he will probably send couple of guys to do it. And you just pay them. If not possible then I think you could search on expat woman forum for some company that does this type of service. Have a great day.
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 08:10
That is great news!!!
apr04
267
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 17:51
You can put dishwasher in you kitchen but it involves removing the cupboard. Thats why management doesnt allow it. As long as you put the cupboard back when you move out, theres no problem with installing dishwasher in kitchen. I have mine in laundry room, next to washing machine. Hope that helps.Ps. I live in Motorcity too.
 
 
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