brie03 | ExpatWoman.com
 

brie03

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 09:49
And yet whenever I call a taxi they say its a 30+ minute wait... So strange. You also have to remember that Nasimi is a place people go to when its 30 degrees out. No one in their right mind will pay that much to suntan in the cold atm.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2016 - 17:29
Assistants from 1500-5000 depending on the nursery, experience, education, language skills. Teachers from 6000-10 000 depending on nursery, experience, education, and hours.
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Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 09:37
BUMP this is so sad :(
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Latest post on 04 January 2016 - 14:16
Galleries lafayette at dubai mall has a section of Kartell (famous italian acrylic brand that is known for their ghost chairs)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2016 - 09:33
Tessa21 may find the censorship here difficult when she arrives....
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Latest post on 27 December 2015 - 09:09
In Abu Dhabi you would have no problem finding a job. Especially if you came here on a husbands visa. in Dubai you could find a job, but most nurseries would require you to do a trial day to prove your experience and expertise. (pay for nursery teachers is higher in Abu Dhabi btw). Best of luck!
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Latest post on 23 December 2015 - 14:47
If your moving in with a stranger don't bring any valuables with you ;) If your salary allows, I would suggest moving into a studio on your own. A lot more peace of mind when your out, and no worrying about coming home to late night parties, or being woken up at 4am if they were working a night shift etc etc.
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Latest post on 21 December 2015 - 15:05
Hi Frazzled Yes all 3 instances in broad daylight! not only children but women would be upset by seeing this. Imagine I had walked to the drivers side of my truck and found a man going p at the base of my door! the security is one of many for the building so im not concerned about unauthorized people entering. I was just uncomfortable with going to tell the security when he is walking hand in hand with this man! Also I was thinking about all the germs the man was spreading around ahahah. Funny enough I now have a sore throat and the doctor said he is shocked by how little viral infections there are this year and how many bacterial because people are not washing their hands enough and are touching things like elevator buttons!! ( Please note I wash my hands every time I enter the house) UGHHHHHHH
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2015 - 09:34
Hmmm.. I did a visa run at the RAK/ Musandam border last year and all went very smooth. Also i took my brother in law to the E44, hatta border 2 weeks ago and all went very smooth as well. It can be a bit confusing your first time as there are many buildings and stops etc. Just make sure you get 4 stamps: 1) EXIT UAE (At last border stop leaving uae) 2) ENTER OMAN (at last border stop within oman, and in the same building you do stamp #3) 3)EXIT OMAN 4) ENTER UAE (at the last stop entering uae again). there may be an additional stamp for a "visa" to uae or to oman. these are less important as sometimes the border guy is lazy and doesn't give this stamp.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2015 - 09:49
Dubai incidents in 3 years: had 10 dhs stollen 1x a week from my bag at work for 1 month. Canada incidents in 10 years: room mate drugged, house broken into and lots stollen, bike stollen, mom's bike stolen in seperate incident, motorcycle tire slashed, followed many times, old man tried to lure me into his car when I was 8. Old man at the water park playing with himself so i was forced to leave with my friends daughter. Had 100 dollars stollen from my purse by a "friend". Had my jackrt stolen from a coat check. Had my camera and house keys stollen from my bag. And the list could go on and on.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2015 - 09:25
I guess no drugs is an understatement. There are considerably less drugs here than in my home country. I've lived here 3 years and have never even smelt the skunk odour of weed. Back home if you walk downtown for 1 hour you will smell countless joints and will even see people shooting up on the street. In highschool I remember some teachers drinking and smoking with the students while on lunch break. I can't imagine it being an easy thing to explain to a young child the bad things are going on in the world. At least here these explanations can be prolonged until a parent feels the child is more ready to heat about them. Same idea goes for the censorship on t.v.
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Latest post on 05 December 2015 - 13:57
I dont have babies yet, but I know that I would much rather raise them in UAE then in North America. a few reasons: - there are no drugs here - its MUCH more difficult for a teen to get their hands on liquor - there are no topless girls on magazine covers in the lineup at the grocery store (except the odd cosmo at waitrose...), and no half naked men on billboards while driving along the high way - there is much less pressure on teens to do adult activities I think Dubai has a lot more flexibility in parenting then a lot of other countries! No matter where you go, someone will always judge the way you do it, but here there are sooooo many nationalities and cultures mixed together that you wont be the only strict parent if you decide not to let your daughter our to the mall at 13, and you also wont be the only parent in the school that allows their child to run around the neighbourhood alone at 8 if thats what you decide to do.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 14:20
Oh gosh. Imagine living in a lowly two bedroom.!!! How disgraceful. Note the sarcasm as I sit in my Ma Sha Allah, studio apartment. Which I love as it not only gives me a roof over my head but modern things like air conditioning, a stove, a washing machine, a dish washer, and even windows!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 14:17
** goes to google Aga.... ** Sigh
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Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 16:20
you say you have come to Dubai before yet: - you know the name of "the ranches" but you don't know the name of Sheikh Zayed Road.... (named after the late king and most prominent figure here) - you know that the churches are mixed in race but you don't know that all women can wear abayas, and jalabiyas... Yet you say you have been here? Had you not seen what people were wearing?? - You say you are from the country, yet you are admit to live on the beach which are in the busiest areas of town... - you say you have been here, yet you clearly didn't notice that Dubai is a city like any other in the world. Thus if you have a house on the beach which has a yard, why on earth wouldn't you be able to put a pergola, or a tent, or a bbq, or even a statue of a rabbit there??? Its your yard!! I'm so confused by this thread. If you are indeed real you have very skewed perspectives on Dubai and perhaps even the whole world outside your small town bubble....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2015 - 10:30
I highly suggest you take a car. even rent a car. As others have said it is very spread out. From you home to ibn batutta, then bus, then taxi to grand mosque your looking at 2+ hours to get from dubai to the grand mosque, and that's if all goes well. Also image you will be paying for each person on the bus to and from dubai to abu dhabi, which adds up quickly. I also suggest going to the other side of the canal where there is fairmont, shangrila etc. There is also the option of going to anantara mongroves for lunch (Stunning view), and then going for a walk on the boardwalk along the mongroves. Another option ENTIRELY, but my most preferred option in abu dhabi, is to go to saadiyat island for lunch and go for a walk on the beach. The buffet at Hyatt is incredible.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2015 - 10:23
Go to a car rental place ( a reputable one, usually if they have a branch at the airport they are good), and ask them. I had a rental card when I had my entry stamp, but no visa. This happens to a lot of people. Simply gave them a copy of my Canadian licence and showed they asked for a copy of my first visit visa.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2015 - 13:44
There are in fact many down to earth and humble people living here. Also there are many art galleries, and art functions such as downtown design, and al serkal avenue. Problem being that usually 500 000 dhs a year villas ON the water, drivers, live out maids, etc and humble people don't usually go together... As other people suggested, why not a smaller villa 10-15 min walk from the beach? Jumierah 1-3 are all reasonably close to the metro, downtown, city walk, hotel beach clubs, great restaurants etc. Swimming: Of course you can go swimming in the sea here, infact you don't need a hotel membership for that. You can head down to Kite beach, al mamzar, JBR beach, burj al arab beach in jumeirah, or jumeirah 3 beach. You could even drive out to jebal ali and swim in the water where there is no one around. UAE is known for its beaches, and the ability to swim in the sea almost all year round. Look up saadiyat beach club in abu dhabi. 45min-1hr drive away and AMAZING. Liquor licence: Its super easy to get a alcohol licence, as long as you are not Muslim and as long as you have a residency visa. visa: You can work on a husband visa without switching to the companies visa. He just has to sign a no objection letter. This is also great because it gives you the ability to change jobs more easily if your not happy somewhere. Cohabitation: Many couples live together even though its not allowed, and many gay people live here as well. its just something they do and don't discuss with anyone. Simple as that. Gardening: You can grow many fruits and veggies here that you can not in colder climates. Indoors you can grow all herbs (lavender, basil, mint, thyne, oragano, chives etc). Outdoors you can grow dates, mango, papayas, bananas, coconuts, oranges, limes, lemons, etc. Jasmine also grows really well here. Metro/ driving: The metro is very useful in the winter for all sorts of people. I don't see it as a degrading thing, but its not used by many in the summer because of the heat. If your not comfy driving here for the first while, hire a taxi.. they are extremely inexpensive. There is also uber, which is a taxi service in a nice black lexus with a polite driver who knows your name when you get in. Maids: Many people have live in maids, many have live out maids, many have a maid 2hrs 2x a week, many also clean their own house!! socializing: your husband will meet people at work, who you will probably go to dinner with etc. You will make friends through coffee meetups etc and will probably book adventures such as hot air ballooning, safari, etc with them, just as you would in UK. Uae is a different country, not a different planet. Most thing work the same here. Some things you need to yell at people to get done (Eg, anything bank or phone related), but everything works pretty much the same...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2015 - 14:45
I went to a "recommended" clinic, and will never do whitening again. 3 days of shooting pain and absolutely no sleep because of it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2015 - 10:48
I think you have to take every family/ child as a case by case. Some parents have to work, others put their kids in nursery and go to the salon all day. A friend of mine who raises her daughter all on her own (no nanny, no maid at all), was at a halloween party and was playing with her daughter on the playground equipment. Meanwhile all the other moms were sitting at the coffee shop gossiping with high heels on, while the nannies fussed over the kids outfit to make sure they looked good when the mom decided to take a few shots for instagram.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2015 - 13:52
your situation is horrible. Hopefully you can find a viable solution. Be careful about going to authorities about his cheating, unless you have photographic evidence (photos, texts, emails etc). I know of a woman who went through similar, and when she went to divorce him they said her word and 1 photo were not sufficient evidence. They needed 3 ladies to have seen the actions, or 1 man. Contact your embassy. They should know what route is best.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2015 - 10:59
Try contacting the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Center, as they will know all the regulations on wild animals. I heard that it is only illegal to import while animals, but there is no law in regards to having them as pets. What area is this in?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2015 - 09:30
I saw a white modern one at 2XL on Wasl road last week. It was also on sale ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 13:11
Happy thanksgiving!! Already had my turkey at the fairmont last weekend :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 09:55
Hi. I had the same fatigue and acne when I first moved here. it takes a while for your skin to readjust, and you may have to try some different skincare brands to find what works best for you here. Back home my skin was sooooo dry, and here its combination. Make sure you drink a lot of water, and I actually advise you drink the lowest sodium water possible. Al Ain is a good brand. About 8 months after moving here I got kidney stones and was told by the doctor it was a combination of too much coffee, too much coffee at restaurants/cafe's as they use tap water that is "double filtered", but the sodium all gets through the filters! Fake beers are advisable to ensure you dont get kidney stones and to replace sodium and sugars in your body. For your AC problem, your AC machine may be dirty inside and blowing infected air at you. Try getting it cleaned, and also crack open a window a little to let in cleaner air. This way you have some circulation. Don't worry, things will look up soon!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2015 - 10:22
I had TMJ symptoms for almost 6 months and ended up with a bite guard as I was grinding my teeth a lot in my sleep. When I changed jobs and almost all the pain went away the dentist said that it most probably had to do with the amount of talking I was required to do all day long while teaching, thus creating a teeth grinding habit.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2015 - 10:06
26.051467, 56.087996 these are the coordinates to the border crossing UmmSalah is referring too. you can also put in the GPS al Jeer port, as its right next door. You can take E11 all the way there, going through sharjah and ajman, or you can take sheikh mohamed bin zayed too RAK, then loop back onto E11. My only advice is not to go on a weekend, as I once had to wait in the line for over an hour on a Thursday evening. best of luck
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2015 - 09:37
also they are filming a jackie chan movie in old town ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2015 - 13:42
I have a friend who adopted, but all the paperwork was done through her home country. I beleive only locals can adopt a child that is presently in the UAE. I also heard that Syrian children can not be adopted as the government was trying to ensure children were not being sold into slave trades. Try calling an adopted agency in your home country, perhaps they know a few loop holes. Best of luck on this, I truly hope you can do this and give a child the life they deserve <3
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2015 - 12:01
Hi Seattle Welcome to (almost) Dubai. For importing your furry friends i have no idea, so I won't try to give you advice. Best of luck bringing your babies though! Is it possible for your husband to import 2 when he arrives? For job offer, always try to counter offer, whats the worst that can happen! For Documents you should start attesting your papers in USA. Its much easier to start while you're there. There's a whole process of getting it notarized, stamped by USA Foreign affairs, stamped by UAE Embassy WITHIN the USA, then when you move here you get it translated, then stamped by foreign affairs, and sometimes stamped by internal affairs. Its a bit of a task but what can you do! Without getting this done you can't get a work permit, and without a work permit you cant start you job, and won't get paid. For Living: Look in downtown, business bay, Festival City, DIFC. Those are your most modern/ "western" areas near the city center and airport. There are other, and cheaper neighbourhoods close by but they don't have the same amenities and may have problems with pests etc. As for apartment with kitties, perhaps its best to have a don't ask don't tell mentality. A lot of people are not too pet friendly here and may decide on another tenant if they know before hand. Also chances are you will never meet your landlord as everything is done through an agency here. Best of luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 10:21
I can't vouch for any of these instant coffee machines because: - how much waste they produce. Yes Nespresso is "recyclable", but only if all the grounds are removed from the cup, and a recycling facility is available for no.7 plastic. Therefore, they don't get recycled. - Nespresso is owned by Nestle.... - The amount of scaling that accumulates inside the pipes inside the machines unknowingly is really unhealthy. Why not get a traditional coffee machine. Then at least you can choose the beans from a reliable source, and have a strength and flavours you prefer.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2015 - 15:44
Hi Innon I gather your newer here or are really missing home? 1. Try heading to mamzar park, zaabeel park, kite beach, the walk jbr, etc. There are a lot of nice places to go for a walk that dont involve the mall! My husband and i go for walks a few times a week down the street and get a tea and walk home. 2. Construction.. well were in a quickly developing country. can't do much about it sorry. 3. I find this super annoying as well, but every once and a while just have to laugh it off. Every country has different business styles. With some people you have to yell and then suddenly you get your way. Others you have to beg. Treat it like a game ahaha. 4. to avoid overpriced clothes try shopping at companies that have middle east designers such as ICONIC. 5. for rent, it sucks i agree. 6. I have lots of friends who got promotions and raises, but many people i know had to straight up tell their boss they wanted a raise or promotion. keep you head up.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 August 2015 - 12:52
Dragon mart :) or Dubai Garden Centre but its more costly.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 15:03
If the passport control asks when your leaving just say you expect to love Dubai so much that you'll be tourist for a while ;) Don't say anything about searching for a job etc.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 16:29
About a 60dhs increase per tank for me :( I think some people will be moving to Abu Dhabi who are currently commuting!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 13:53
If at first you don't succeed. try try again.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 17:19
Never rely on the "I'll look for a better job later" technique here. Once on a visa its very difficult to leave as you may have to pay heavy penalties etc. Also its nearly impossible for most people to attend interviews if you are working 6 days a week, 9+ hrs per day plus driving/training to and from work. All interviews I've had in this country were from walking in with my CV (which you also won't have time to do...) and were either on the spot, or were scheduled very last minute.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 17:12
In Abu Dhabi I locked it most of the time, but didn't really care if I was too lazy. At night I've always locked it while I'm asleep though. I can't sleep if I'm thinking about the chance of waking to find someone hovering over me!! In Dubai I've locked it ever since my land lord walked right in while I was cooking!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 17:04
Anyone looking to buy a truck? I'm suddenly thinking of swapping it for a yarris. ..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 July 2015 - 10:59
Check out creative minds on Um sequiem. Take the exit off sheikh zayed towards al khail, and just after the 1st intersection take the service road. They had EVERYTHING a mom could want from teaching material to games puzzles crafts.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2015 - 14:02
Clothes are cut very differently for different sizes. for a circle skirt, you could take it to a tailor to take in. But pants, jackets, tops will all have problems, especially with arm holes, and darts for the waistline. I suggest selling and starting new as well!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2015 - 12:14
Call Exceptional Interior Decoration. 04. 327. 3522. You need a professional company to do it as it requires approvals from the developer and perhaps the city. They did something very similar for a friend, where they had a patio area enclosed and other renovations done on their villa.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 14:35
I'm pretty sure babies are also not allowed in salons due to laws and regulations. If a baby is crawling or walking they can get injured on sharp objects around the salon, there are sanitary concerns if a baby is touching different things. As well there are harsh chemicals for cleaning the equipment, and for hair dyeing, perms, etc. A friend with a child walked into a salon to visit a friend of hers and was told to leave right away because of the chemicals.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2015 - 14:13
Nutella. greys anatomy. lol
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2015 - 11:50
I was required to have one when asked for a car loan. Maybe depends on the bank? teller? or day of the week? take one just in case.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2015 - 11:48
Creative minds on um Sequium has every type of educational toy imaginable.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 14:15
In Dubai mall there is a baby feeding room in the bathroom in fashion avenue. Try there? If not just tell people to ****** off! Babies have a right to eat!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 14:13
Was having problems with our website domain. I call our provider (only 2 in the country...) and am told everything is fine with my server. Clearly it is not as its not working! Call about 25 more times throughout the week. Am then told to go to the customer service center. i get to the center and am told to call the hotline! The man at the desk literally picks up his phone and calls the hoteline for me! The hotline immediately tells me to go to the customer service center. I told her I am calling you from their landline, check your caller ID! she said NO go to the centre. I said I AM IN THE CENTER! This went back and forth for a long while!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2015 - 10:06
I am also very curious to know what will/ is happening with others and their renewal!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2015 - 13:26
For unique furniture/ accessories try Pier imports in Mazaya Centre. (They have new and vintage!) For lighting try Huda Lighting (there's one near um sequim/ mall of emirates). Along that same stretch of um Sequim there's other furniture/ rug stores as well. for hanging pictures etc try a handy-man or maintenance company. ask the security/ reception of your building and they can probably recommend someone who comes by your building frequently and will give you a good price. For outdoor furniture there is Ikea (cheap), rattan house (expensive), Falaknaz The Warehouse has custom made outdoor furniture in teak and rattan. They are along sheikh zayed road near al quoz. hope this is helpful!