Asti | ExpatWoman.com
 

Asti

Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2014 - 14:19
Driving in Dubai is a nightmare anywhere so just accept that. Also schools here tend to finish late in the afternoon so not much time for playing left after homework+sport etc. On weekends she can perhaps have a playdate. You wont really see kids playing outside here in Dubai as its too hot most of the year and people keep to themselves. During milder months parks are a popular place for playdates organised by parents of children. Lots of indoor play areas in malls too. With regards to schooling its best get a villa/apartment first and then see which schools are near to it or has a bus going to that area and then make a shortlist.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2014 - 14:12
I just renewed my maid's visa yesterday and I paid the usual amount which is much more than stated in the cited article... The article states all new fees are in effect from 1 August so you should of paid the lesser fee as mentioned...
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2014 - 14:09
Yes your right. They do mention domestic workers.... [u'>[b'> Quick list: Types of visas and fees[/b'>[/u'> Employment Visa (Government): Dh200 Employment Visa (Private Sector, Free Zones, Investors): Dh250 Residence Visa (Government) Dh200 Residence Visa (Private Sector, Free Zones, Investors): Dh250 [b'>Employment Visa (Domestic workers sponsored by Emiratis, GCC citizens): Dh150 Employment Visa (Domestic workers sponsored by residents): Dh200 Employment Visa (Domestic workers sponsored by investors): Dh250[/b'> Residence Visa for real estate owners: Dh1,100 Multiple Entry Visa for work: Dh2,100 Visa for medical treatment: Dh550 Multiple Entry Visa for treatment: Dh1,400 Residence Visa for study or training: Dh550 Multiple Entry Visa for work or tourism: Dh1,500 Entry Visa for GCC State Resident’s Companions: 150 Renewal of GCC State Residents Companions Visa: 250 Entry Visa for GCC State Residents: Dh200 Renewal of GCC State Residents Visa: Dh700 Transit Entry Visa: 100 <em>edited by Asti on 04/08/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 August 2014 - 13:50
Its applies to residence visas. I dont think it applies to maids visas.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 22:25
FS1 is not for teaching. Its for playing games. Its in FS2 that they start learning. FS1 is basically a glorified nursery class. They are only 3 yrs old! Let children be children.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 18:38
Try Saffron and Pistachios or Saffron and Rosewater. Both delicious!
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 16:03
The 30 day grace period your maid is talking about is for regular residence visas not for maid visas.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 15:58
[u'>From Government Website:[/u'> [b'> Cancellation of maid's visa in Dubai[/b'> This can either be done at the airport or in advance through DNRD. If you wish to do it in advance, you need to get the 'residence cancel' form typed (AED 70+typing fees) and submit to DNRD Residency Section along with maid's passport and labour card. You will receive two cancellation receipts. Give one to your maid to submit to Immigration at airport. Take maid to airport and do normal boarding and departure, during which the cancellation of visa will automatically happen during immigration clearance. Use other cancellation receipt to collect your deposit from DNRD. [b'>Or you can take your maid to the airport, obtain boarding pass and go to the DNRD office near Customs and Immigration counter. Pay about AED 100 and get the residence cancelled. Try and go at least one hour earlier than the recommended 3 hours international flight time in case there is a line for cancellation. Remember to give one copy of the cancelled form to your maid to submit to Customs/Immigration and use the other to submit to DNRD to obtain your deposit.[/b'> edited by Asti on 29/06/2014 <em>edited by Asti on 29/06/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 15:56
You are right. Cancel at the airport. Its the safest and best way to do it.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 15:49
Hi all, I've looked up the SZ road diversions planned for later this year and am wondering what your thoughts are on access to Horizon School once they kick in? Also there will be disruption at some stage on Al Wasl Road too as the canal is built across that, so I'm thinking it could all be a bit tricky. We're trying to decide between a place at Horizon or DESS and Horizon is easier location wise at the moment, but I'm wondering if that may change once all the canal work is truly underway. Thanks so much x Im sure Horizon is in communication with the authorities about access to the school and all that it involves. Its a school after all and the authorities will find a solution some way for it. You should be more focused on the school itself than where you are going to park your car one day. Choose a school that you like and that is good for you location wise. Too many tired parents out there driving their kids ridiculous distances just to be in certain schools.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 15:38
When you leave house for work or for holiday do leave A/C on? I was travelling few days and came back and it was very warm in apartment. Not sure but it feels it could be to humit in the apt. Maybe its better to leave A/C on? I would definitely leave it on unless you want to scrub mould of your wall and ceilings for hours when you return...In the winter or cooler months it would not be a problem but June,July and August you just have to leave the chiller on all the time.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 15:26
My son is starting FS2 in September and during the introduction morning they informed us that the school starts at 7.20am. Is this a normal time in Dubai? Back in Europe school started at 8.30am. I usually leave the house at 7.30am, I don't know how I will be able to wake and cloth a 4 year old and a 1 year old and all before 6.45am.. No its not normal. Most schools start at 8am or 7:45am.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 15:23
Yes you get it on the same day however you must take an eye test before going to the RTA for renewal of drivers license and also take a copy of your Emirates ID+Passport Copy+Residence Visa copy. <em>edited by Asti on 29/06/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 05:09
Nord Anglia is not open yet so no one can review the Dubai version of it. Repton is an example of a school that was supposed to resemble its counterpart and look how that turned out....
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 05:06
Its from the Government. Everybody in the UAE got it or will receive it. MOI= Ministry of Interior.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 09:31
Definitely no alcohol. Especially not with ramadan starting in 4 days.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 16:30
Being blonde, how is he here without money? He is Jordanian - don't they have to apply for a visa to come here, not visa on arrival like UK etc? And would he not need to show he can afford to come here? Or show he has a place to stay? I would probably just give him the 1K. It is only 1K, and he is family, and young. But your husband needs to tell him man to man that the UAE is no place to be without any money. I am not talking about people who are on salaries of 4K, I am talking about being here with zero income. It is not safe. Exactly. Its also ramadan soon and start of summer holidays. Definitely not recruiting season for companies.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 16:26
we know he's lying, we just don't know why he didn't come in person to take the money. i called my DH he finally picked him, he's still on the way to meet him at the bus station. i know this is the Dubai forum, but this is actually happening in Abu Dhabi. my radar just started ticking when DH told me that he's sending his friend.. my DD is with DH. maybe i am over reacting, i just won't feel at ease till i get a call after he gives him the money Always listen to your gut feeling. It is always right. Dont know why people come to Dubai with zero cash and just a handful of certificates.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 16:19
Attestation of documents is not done at just one place....and most of those places are closed by now as most government offices close at 3pm and some even at 2pm. http://www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/HowToGuide/DispForm.aspx?ID=31 <em>edited by Asti on 24/06/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 03:29
Saw they are advertising for various teaching positions at the school for a start at the new school year in September? I thought the school was closing down end of this month?
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 21:08
I only sent my child to FS1 to ensure we got into our school of choice as FS2 spots in Dubai at good schools are hard to come by. However I would rather give my money to a school than pay the extortionate fees some nurseries charge. My child has 2 friends one born in June and one in July at school and they are two of the brightest children in class. Dont underestimate the young ones. ;)
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 20:59
I know someone who had this done in the USA. He had to travel far because this procedure was not done anyone near him. Anyway, I heard that it was a huge sacrifice and also very expensive. He had to be on bed rest for 6 months afterwards. I'm not sure why but I think it had something to do with the sperm production. He ended up having another child afterwards so the procedure ultimately was successful... I think you must of heard wrong or the man you are talking about had other issues going on as vasectomy reversal is a very common outpatient procedure. Takes 2-3 hours and afterwards the man can go home and be sexually active after 3 weeks (when stitches are healed). There is no huge sacrifice involved. Just some effort.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 18:59
I'm not sure if they definitely do ribs, but Claw at Souk Al Bahar is a resto/bar with such an awesome light atmosphere (except that they allow smoking)... The menu is Southern USA-ish themed. Never go to a seafood restaurant for ribs or red meat. Never go to a steak restaurant for fish.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 15:02
I would get the person's details from the Insurer (they should get it from the pharmacist) and then go to the police station and file an Identity theft case. If someone was pretending to be you and using your medical insurance its fraud and identity theft. Police handle those types of things quite often and would know how to go about it. <em>edited by Asti on 19/06/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 16:54
We have fish tanks from Dragon Mart and they are great quality and they were a lot cheaper than the pet shops too. Ours is already three years old and still works great. <em>edited by Asti on 16/06/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 17:50
I am counting down the days as this heat is killing me! I want out! Lol! 11 days to go....26 June.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 16:34
You would have to post in the Qatar forum to get answers about Doha.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 16:32
Have you considered perhaps sending your child to boarding school to finish A-levels instead of doing IB? IB curriculum in the senior years is very demanding and a totally different style of learning to what your child is used to...
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 20:42
Well we had friends who went through a 'snag list' with an agent for a JBR apartment and majority of it was lies. Agent just wanted to get them off his back and once everything was signed he never answered their phone calls again. Phone calls from other numbers were quickly cancelled.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 20:38
I would do it in Malaysia. SIL has hers done there on business trips and looks great. Way cheaper than Dubai too.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 20:35
Atkins diet or South Beach diet. Works like a bomb and works fast however I would never recommend it for long term.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 20:33
I find all these comments so terrifying. It seems more of a master - bonded slave relationship than a parent - child relationship. We shouldn't forget that the first step towards correcting a behaviour starts with warning; whereas thrashing comes later if it's a repetitive action. Rest, God help you all! You clearly do not have kids as you have no idea how smart they are. I think all the parents give warnings before taking further steps. Being a teenager is being rebellious and that is when you have to be the parent and make the decisions for your child whether they like it or not as its for their own well being.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 June 2014 - 12:27
I highly doubt any school will send a bus to Abu Dhabi as you must live in Abu Dhabi to go to school there.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 June 2014 - 12:23
The longest I went cold turkey was 2 weeks. I just missed all the updates and stuff I am subscribed to. Not really my FB friends. Lol!
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 June 2014 - 08:56
I also did this as a teenager and my parents then played and beat me at my own game! They caught me in the act! Lol! I got such a shock I never tried again and also my dad had increased the security measures around my windows (alarm goes off if its opened wider than 15cms). http://www.crimepreventionproducts.co.uk/home-security/door-window-alarms/
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 14:03
The world needs more sensitive people. ;)
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 14:00
A lot of people send their kids to school sick as their employer has no empathy or tolerance for employees who ask for sick leave to take care of their children. Not everyone in Dubai has a maid. Its not an excuse for them but I am just giving you a reason why it tends to happen so much here.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 13:58
So what are you supposed to do then if everything on this planet seems to give you cancer?
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 13:41
Municipality has become very active these days. We live in an apartment and our neighbour was fined dhs5000 (!) for installing satellite dish out on the balcony as its not allowed (actually it was the satellite guy who should of known better).
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:47
They always reply to emails within 24hrs if you dont get through by phone call.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:40
To be honest he has started telling people he is not giving loans anymore as Dubai is expensive and we have kids now. Education is getting more and more expensive and for some reason his own children was a wake up call to him although MIL seem to be deaf to his pleas still...
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:34
I think it is both. When he says no they bring up the culture card which they love to play t0o often and circumstantial as he needs to understand people are taking advantage of him. <em>edited by Asti on 12/06/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:20
I could have written this thread myself except its just family members asking for loans on a regular basis and its not small amounts at all! I am typecasted as the 'stingy scrooge' and the 'selfish wife' because I have asked them to repay their loans (otherwise they just conveniently 'forget' and DH is too embarrassed to ask). The worst is they even ask for 'top ups' on their current loans! Mostly MIL so DH feels he has to give in to her demands. I also dont know what to do anymore.... I feel your pain too as I am in the same boat. <em>edited by Asti on 12/06/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 23:08
Al Barsha is very affordable. With the summer coming there will be the usual lot of expats leaving and return for good to their home countries. Villas will become available. Try to find a decent estate agent who can help you.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 23:04
1. Jamaica Blue 2. Cafe Nero 3. Caribou Worst coffee ever is Starbucks. Just gross. My BIL says Starbucks in Dubai tastes a lot different than what they have in US apparently. Even he thinks it is gross here.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 14:37
Could just be a cyst. Antibiotics would fix that fast and the bump will disolve. Let your local GP check for you. They would know the difference.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 14:35
I blame it on the heat! Everyone seems to be annoyed with each other or fighting. Men are big moaners in general. The older they get the worse it gets too. Buy earplugs and ignore.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 14:31
I've never liked the smaller Carrefours either. The produce never looks as good or fresh as in the main hypermarkets and the bakery goods are almost always stale. And the prices are slightly higher. One gets the impression that what doesn't sell in the main hypermarkets gets dumped in the smaller markets to wither away till they're snapped up by unsuspecting buyers in a hurry as they're on the way home from work. I think its the rossterie chickens.... They make me wanna puke. Ours smelled like rancid fish. Not sure if that's how chickens make stores smell! The smaller Supermarkets have a more 'intense' smell because they have lower ceilings. At large Hypermarkets you will see the ceiling is very high and therefore the ventilation is also better. Large hypermarkets also put the air conditioning on a lot cooler than smaller ones which also helps to mask any type of odours. Then you just get small supermarkets that are just plain filthy with expired goods and staff who only sweep the floor when they know management is coming over for a visit. edited by Asti on 26/05/2014 <em>edited by Asti on 26/05/2014</em>
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 03:13
That was a wise decision. I really don't like the MOE. It is just too big.... I feel the same. I go to smaller malls as I consider MOE and Dubai Mall for the tourists. In only go there if I am desperate to find something that is out of stock at any other mall.
Asti
1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 20:27
No nursery opens on a saturday or a friday.
 
 
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

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing