Arch | ExpatWoman.com
 

Arch

Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 10:26
This was published today... http://www.emirates247.com/crime/local/a-family-tragedy-in-abu-dhabi-2012-06-04-1.461506 Husband, son killed in road crash while mother and three little children suffer serious injuries) Tragedy struck an Arab family when the father and his 13-year-old son were killed and the mother and three little children were seriously injured in a road crash while on their way for a picnic just outside the capital on Saturday. Police said the family appeared to have paid the price of not fastening their seat belts as they were all hurled outside the car near Albahya just outside the city. The 42-year-old father and his 13-year-old son were killed while the 38-year-old mother suffered from fractures in different parts of her body. Her two-year-old son lost his hearing and sight senses after suffering head injuries while her two daughters, aged three and 11 years, sustained serious injuries. “They were all found outside the vehicle after the crash apparently because they were not using the seat belt,” said Colonel Hamad Nassir al Baloushi, director of the external roads division at the Abu Dhabi police.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 10:12
Whereas when I was in Munich a few years ago I was impressed by how a pedestrian walker waited at the red signal for pedestrians even though he was waiting at an inner by-lane to cross and there was not a car in sight approaching the traffic lights. The man only went on his way when the green man walking sign lit up. Different approach mentally altogether towards a sense of self safety/discipline and obeying laws of ones country that I think plays a huge factor. From there you come to the fact that in some circles/attitudes: obeying law is seen as a sign of weakness, in other words "i am weak because i have to follow the law and am not important enough to be able to ignore a law".
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 08:51
Rubberdubber, could you not refuse to let your children travel in the same car as these idiots (sorry to sound harsh) who are foolishly putting their own and their children's lives in danger? Maybe they will understand how serious it is if you say if you don't wear seatbelts, I can't let any of my family travel with you, it is too unsafe? It is nothing against their own driving, the fact is, there are rubbish drivers on the road and we all need to protect ourselves from them by whatever means. The current most sophisticated protection, apart from airbags, is seat-belts. Oh, sorry, you already know that. I don't know what to say, I am aghast at this cultural difference which puts family courtesy above safety. Unfortunately thats the most she can do, sending messages or showing videos wont do anything to people who are convinced they are "good drivers". Otherwise the law angle can be brought it: something like "i want to follow laws of this country as much as i can, that is why i wear sseatbelts"
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 08:47
all i can advise is to go with someone (knowing arabic preferably), and have police reports for any scratches on your car, whenever they may have occured
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 11:35
what happened is extremely sad. I am worried about a place like MOE or City Centre, both of which have no prominent exits apart from the parking lots. As here, its not the fire, rather the smoke which spreads quicker Just read that MOE had fire drills, thats very good and i hope all malls do it as well edited by Arch on 29/05/2012
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 00:12
The grand mosque is ~14-15km from downtown, around a 20 min tax ride. Yas is ~30km from downtown, and is very close to the airport area. However to go to Yas, she wouldnt be taking the road to the airport as thats a completely different road.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 16:00
Lets be fair Most of the stuff mentioned in this thread seems in the line of "I wish Dubai had x/y/z brand of food/clothing". It doesnt seem to be people whining and critisizing Dubai for not having what they want.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 15:30
btw, there are tons of internet cafes?... Not really, most malls dont have them which is surprising. And the ones there are mostly in Bur Dubai or Deira
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 15:27
the understanding that all asians are from the philippines. That's such a wrong presumption - there's, what, 52 very different Asian countries? Leaving aside all the others, even if you take the far eastern ones, theres something like 10-12 countries at least. Yet many people believe they are all Philipinos, and if someone thinks himself or herself very smart, they will know China, Indonesia etc., but they dont care that a Vietnamese for e.g. is not a Filipino
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 15:24
Sometimes it feels like you want to fill UAE up with so much of your home country, that what is the point of living in a different country? You are living in the Middle East, it is [i'>meant [/i'>to be different. And if you want your UK TV, and your own imported food, are you also prepared to have TV & imported food from all the citizens from the other countries who live here too? I somehow feel that many of the American food chains and British clothing outlets are not here primarily for the expats from those countries, rather their main customers seem to be expats from other continents as well as Emiratis
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 09:44
Same thing in Home Centre: returning an unused item, and their policies state clearly "returns allowed within x days". The brain dead manager just smiled and said "we dont allow returns" When i pointed out what was printed as their policy, he looked confused and just said "I'm soory maaaam, our policy is no returns, only credit" !
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 15:41
i dont see whats unreliable in the news sp. when quotes are given
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 20:19
you are staying at a great location! Here are the sights i can think of Lincoln park zoo John Hancock observatory Millennium Park and the "Bean" Navy Pier If your DD are into that type of stuff then Natural History Museum or Shedd Aquarium Pizza: either Ginos east or Lou Malnatis: all 3 have downtown locations
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 12:12
not a bad area: less sterile and more real than newer parts of Dubai. There was a report though recently on how there used to be gangs of youth in parts of Satwa who are moving to Al Quoz: these are not serious gangs but still some do carry swords, knives etc http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/gang-violence-rises-in-some-dubai-neighbourhoods <em>edited by Arch on 16/05/2012</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 08:31
[i'>Men reciting prayers for the Muslim festival of Eid in Dubai: [/i'> Many errors in the article, these things grate on me a lot. I wish that they would show groups of Emirati men instead of Afghani laborers.....grrrrr Thats nothing to be angry about. There are a number of pics showing Emaratis from that era, and including 1 picture of Afghan/Pashtun laborers is hardly an error given that they were porters even 50-60 years back.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 15:43
Very very sorry to hear of your loss, hope you and your family can bear this together. If any slight consolation, you were near him in his last days, so many people get that call to be told their mom or dad is no more.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 20:21
The Gulf News article was surprising, because it attracted 200 comments in a day when normally articles dont get more than 10 or 20. Shows that the average GN reader cares much more about dresses than dangerous driving which kills. It was also surprising to see people with Desi names calling for Saudi style restrictions. There needs to be some sort of rule so that the worst cases are avoided but i can help feel sorry for so many people who are outraged by miniskirts but find dangerous maniac driving acceptable in comparison, when was the last time you heard of a campaign by people outraged at dangerous driving ?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 19:24
1,996,446 from Europe of which some 449,139 are from Russia/CIS/Baltics and specifically dominated by Muslim countries in those regions. Yes these may be visiting on Business but they are still staying in hotels, eating out and spending money. Hmm, ladies from CIS Muslim countries (Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan etc) tend to be among the most liberal dressers in Dubai, as for Russians, they are very liberal as well,
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 15:35
Aaaaahhh this is such a tough one. There would need to be crystal clear guidelines (I'm talking measurements of skirt length etc.) to follow otherwise it's based on the opinion of the cops/security which is where it unravels, and as things go some will be targeted based on varying factors and some will be let off. For example; the girl at my office the other day who was wearing sheer tights and a belly shirt under an open abaya - would that be allowed because she's wearing an abaya? Or is it even worse than wearing no abaya because it makes a joke of the abaya? If she was local would she still face the same consequences as an expat? Seriously the rules need to be rigid if they do this.. Thats what i mentioned . Would guards or others be fair or just stop someone because they dont like that particular person and let in others wearing worse. A subjective dress code will be very hard to implement and it wouldnt be nice to be another ground where racism and vindictiveness is practised
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 14:54
Reminds me of my days in Saudi having the mutawa yell at you for a piece of hair sticking out. I really am for this but I too wonder who will be enforcing this and will the power go their heads? There will have to be a clear dress code for the enforcers to refer to. And I'm a for giving a fine, the problem with that is not everyone carries their ID on them. Sometimes I go to the mall with just cash or a card. How do you fine and find someone with no ID? I am all for decent dressing, however what i worry is, even if it wont affect me, that such enforcers will pick on people they perceive as "lower" than them. Some people will be free to wear what they want because they are "special", and yet again some over friendly women will be let in. Is the average guard capable of neutrally enforcing rules? When you have club bouncers who think a person's spending, in this day and age, depends on "culture" and thinks such stereotyping is acceptable, i wouldnt bet on mall guards or enforcers to be neutral and fair
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 11:10
Houston and Dallas are classic residents city. In other words there is hardly much to see as tourists, but they are very good places to live in Reasonable weather, apart from tornadoes in DFW Very cheap housing Good shopping choices Friendly customer service (more so in Dallas) Houston in particular is quite international You can fly to almost any part of the US within 3.5 hrs Moving from Dubai, you wont notice the negatives that much: flat, hot in summer etc. Another downside, but a very minor thing, is that they are 2 large cities kind of in the middle of nowhere so there are few day trip options except maybe Austin and San Antonio.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 09:11
Try this for unfairness Pay ticket by mobile with a confirmation number for 1 hr 20 minutes later, i get a fine the officer "made a mistake" so i have to appeal the appeal is rejected and the guy at the counter says "i know you paid but the appeal is rejected, you have to pay" btw this happened in a nearby city and not in Dubai. AT least it was only a 100
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 12:02
i have wasted precious many hours of my life trying to compare cameras and read reviews. Basic digital cameras are something where the products are so alike, there really is not much difference. So best thing would be just gloss over the online reviews, then go to a shop and try each of them, like hold them, see how the buttons are, which one just feels better to click, and decide on one! I am sure you cant go wrong with any of them <em>edited by Arch on 09/05/2012</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 09:53
Many people do make a mistake of underestimating the US system. Yes, on the surface, the curriculum may seem less overwhelming compared to the British one, however it does even up sooner or later. I too skipped almost a year of college in the US thanks to my A levels, the Pure Math we did in A levels was far beyond most American high school math. However, in many American colleges, plenty of students drop out of science/engineering programs in the 2nd year as tougher weed out classes are introduced, whereas if i am not mistaken, weeding put is not that prevalent in British universities. So they are all roughly the same at the end of the day
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 08:48
While some congestion will always be there, some measures would reduce it. I dont know why its not implemented: whether its bureacracy or people just dont care. Either ensure cars from A-F cannot make a u turn and have to leave JLT via the new signal or the South exit in front of Icon towers, or go back to the old roundabout in front of Reef Tower, back then you had jams, but never on the current scale. Or of course: have temporary traffic lights at the roundabout. Right now, 80% of the traffic there is coming from the Carrefour side, but the roundabout is skewed towards those coming from A-F
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 14:49
some people are brought up to believe that they treat a person based on where he or she is from, nothing new. Hence , Person 1 : gets a smile, greeting, and a "how are you" Person 2 gets a snap of the finger and a rude question
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 13:11
while i have not seen any such case myself, i have read of staff acting robotic, fining sick people for drinking water, the case mentioned here, and in one case in 7days, checking tickets based on a person's nationality....
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 12:00
There are so many buildings in JLT! How do you choose the best one? Are all standards and facilities the same?? Which ones are the newest buildings? Most between 2-3 years old.... The newest block is X Cluster and O2 Residence However traffic problem shave become very bad during peak hours, and the "northern" towers i.e. clusters O - Z are affected worse than Clusters A-M
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 11:20
The inside two lanes are generally for people turning, or preparing to turn off so are best avoided..was he wanting to turn off and frustrated at your slow speed ?? Not condoning his behaviour but why could you not have moved across ?? You said yourself there were 4 clear lanes to choose from... Also, if you think you need to be "brave" to utilise the whole road then maybe you need to be working on your confidence - as JD says, you need to be able to keep up with the flow of traffic... The obvious thing for the other driver to do is to overtake a supposedy slower driver and then take the turn off, not for the slower driver to move to the left so the faster driver can undertake.....
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 10:09
Rents have gone up in good areas, but i wont believe that they increased 15 % in all areas, particulalry DG or International City. The Asteco report quoted down the page makes sense, but the headline is just to attract readers: claiming a blanket 5% increase in all areas
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 10:06
There is zero chance of the driver going to jail because of his driving, no matter how bad it was However if his flipping of the finger is reported, there is a chance, depending on who he is, as always, of him going to jail.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 11:08
You will get a very bad rate buying dollars at the airport if you do take some dollars Best to buy them in town at any of the malls And take more than 1 credit card Our UAE credit card got hacked when in the US, and it became obsolete because we couldnt get the replacement card while there (obviously)
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 17:09
can someone explain the logic behind locking up a driver who has hit a pedestrian crossing a freeway or someone who just jumps in front of the car? How does it help any party in any way whatsoever? I know jaywalkers are fined, but apparently if a jaywalker is hit, he is not fined and the driver goes through ****
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 08:55
Just keep looking for Almas Tower, that is the huge tower that is the tallest in JLT, the entrance to Gold Tower will be right before Almas.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 14:42
yep - i no longer have a mobile when someone asks for it. I am asked for mobile numbers sometimes even when making small purchases of electronics, and they claim they cant sell any item without getting the cell number, maybe they use those for sending ads !
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 19:29
We had rented a SUV from Hertz at the airport last year for guests, and we selected a child seat option when booking and called a day prior to confirm, and got it without issues.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 08:06
Someone who comes up and asks whether a person with freckles is dying isnt doing so out of curiosity. Why? Because he or she would never do the same to someone he knows or someone from his or her community. Similarly, when it comes to many Asians apart from the blue collar people, most people staring will not stare at the family members of a friend but they will do so to strangers because the person wont react.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 22:39
However, staring is not seen as rude in this part of the world and is therefore acceptable. I edited by Sandy on 11/03/2012 No its not. And staring is considered rude even here
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 10:50
Wish your mother a speedy recovery, and hope you can visit her soon, even if for a short time.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 10:04
those are Gulf Kids prob KSA ...and you knew that how exactly?? prejudice Prejudice is one thing, being politically correct to the point of blindness is another. We can close our eyes and say it "could have been" rowdy Japanese, Bolivian or Fijian kids, but people generally know that kids, teenagers who throw bottles, harass girls and some men, vandalize stuff are [i'>generally[/i'> not western or Far eastern expats , there are some kids who carry knives and even swords sometimes and take part in gangfights, and they are generally of some other backgrounds, not KSA maybe, but some other countries. edited by Arch on 11/03/2012 <em>edited by Arch on 11/03/2012</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 01:33
life pharmacy next to maya supermarket in Marina is open 24 hrs
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 10:38
I am sorry that this has happened to your husband but I would seriously reconsider any further action on the basis that it costly and emotionally draining and you are not in a country with a strong legal framework. Sometimes it is better to just swallow it and move forwards. Unfair, unjust but in the long run a lot less expensive to your pocket and sanity. yes but the OP needs to call the Ministry asap, if her DH doesnt go to work without having visa cancelled, the company, if malicious can file an absconding case. There was a GN story recently on a woman falsely charged with absconding and jailed simply because the company wanted to make her suffer The OP should have her DH ask for a termination letter asap otherwise go straight to the Labor Ministry
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 09:00
Its rarely cool in March so enjoy it while you can, In 3 months time, we will be facing 35C mornings and 42C afternoons with humidity
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 11:07
Very concerning.. never thought this would ever happen here in Dubai where the laws are so strict with zero tolerance. Guess I have to be vigilant about my son too. The laws are strict and the crime rate is low compared to big cities, but its extremely foolhardy to think "ABC will neve rhappen in Dubai". There are robberies, people picked up and thrown in desert after being raped, car breakins, and so on. Dubai police are quite efficient so the criminals are always caught, however this does not mean we can relax as any crime can happen any time. This is particularly true for those with children and also on a lesser scale, those who have cars and keep them running and unlocked as they step into the petrol store, though cars are stolen exactly this way
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 10:24
when he went in they ignored the appointment system in favour of "which nationality do we like best" system, which obviously meant anyone in a kandoura (yeah as if they're all Emirati!) was encouraged to push in. In govt depts they dont entertain pushing in and ask for a queue. But in many private shops and places like the UK Visa service area probably, the staff have jelly knees and are willing to roll on the floor for someone they perceive as "better". I never understand the mentality of pushing in, is the staff scared that they will be punished or harmed if they follow a queue system ?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 14:28
That is such a sad thing when I hear people are afraid of the authorities here. . Why do you think your experiences apply to everyone ? My experience has been mostly positive, but i have also seen Caucasians (without children) asked to go to the front of lines, i am sure someone who has faced this will love it, and find it great and say how this "would never happen back home", but those who are on the receiving end may not find it so amusing....
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 08:30
I dont think its about it being based in Europe, its more the fact that its in an English speaking country. I did call Delta once fearing the worst but the agent was very good and knew details about flights/airports in the US, and i was surprised they were based in Pune (?). But yes, its very frustrating to speak to a clueless agent, the only thing worse is an automated agent, and even after you keep asking for the agent , the voice says "i think you are asking for an agent, but i can help you if you say ....." !
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 08:27
Car + Driver from a good rental agency in Delhi.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 13:49
I thought Hatam was awful, but the Iranian club lunch was very good, particularly the stews like Fesenjan. The kababs were ok and the salad choices were very good.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 12:24
all stickers on cars are illegal have you not been told when registering your car each year. people put child on board stickers or the family stick men stickers.. just wondering how a small sticker can be so harmful...
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

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

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

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

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

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

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

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

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

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

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

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

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

(Images: Supplied)

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

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

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

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

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

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

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

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

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

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

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

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

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

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

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

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

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

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose