Buddha | ExpatWoman.com
 

Buddha

Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2016 - 17:56
Some ladies previously have suggested a method using normal contraceptive pills in larger quantities. Maybe try using search function.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2016 - 16:25
I love Layan. No public transport though altohugh now much easier to get taxis. Roads were flooded but buildings were ok. Management cleared up quickly. I have always found maintenance fantastic and get to you very quickly and fix things quickly.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2016 - 16:22
Filmon app or Filmon website
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2016 - 16:49
I assume you are talking about DESS. Many people travel long distances to go there. There are always different routes to avoid SZR. For eg mums used to travel in from jebel ali which is further from DESS than JLT. They could do it in less than 30 mins. I lived way further out but still wasn't too bad. As long as you prepare for spending an hour each way on school run you will be fine. Location of housing would depend on budget.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 18:27
Depending on when you asked for the visa to start you may have a problem if you are flying a day early. All I got was an email confirming that my visa application had been processed and then it's on their system in Oz.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 21:44
Only question I can help with is the car one. Until you get residency visa you can't obtain a UAE driving licence. Without a UAE driving licence you can only drive hire cars. There are only two internet/TV providers - either Du or Etisalat but some areas only offer one ie I was in an area where only Du was on offer. I used Filmon app on my iPad or www.filmon.com on computer ( bought a lead to connect to the TV) to watch UK TV programmes. Several of my friends use Netflix but unsure how they get it.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 12:53
Inside lane is 400m. You used to be able to pay for a one off session but last time I was there they were trying to insist on people signing up for a 3 month or 6 month pass. Not sure of opening times but is open early and also open in evenings but is sometimes booked in evenings for club use.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 02:25
Get married and then you can come out immediately
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 00:29
Under 4 hrs and you don't need to validate at the machines. Several times I have had a faulty ticket and there is a guy there within seconds to sort it and let me out..cf that to a car park in England where I had a faulty ticket and was over 15 mins before anyone came out and a queue of cars stacking up behind me to get out!
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 January 2016 - 18:24
Prob best to go to any family doctor and ask for your son to be checked over. On the other hand, my daughter is 1m 41cms and weighs only 27kgs but is fit as a fiddle...does loads of sport to a fairly high level and never runs out of energy. If your son has plenty energy and isn't listless then perhaps nothing is wrong with him.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 December 2015 - 20:40
4hrs ahead at the minute
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 December 2015 - 19:05
Look at desert roadrunners. They meet that area on a fri mornnig and Barsha park which is nearby on a Sun and Tues evening. Fab set up.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2015 - 16:21
Sienna chick...that's what I am saying...there are an awful lot of people out here who get similar to a pilots wage BUT then have to pay housing and schooling from it. I hear the bundled argument all the time but the reality is that many, many middle management jobs pay around 30k - included in this is meant to be an allowance for schooling and housing. So yes, I agree things have got tougher for pilots but others live on way way less out here. As SueB says I do have sympathy but I believe all the negativity accomplishes nothing. Ps it isn't law re flights home every year...our company doesn't pay...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2015 - 13:19
I think the reality is that for a lot of people life in Dubai has become a lot tougher and I agree things may be different for pilots now than a few years ago BUT I have many friends who look on the Emirates packages with envy. My husband earns what a pilot does but we get no assistance with school fees or housing and have to pay both from his salary...he works 4 day shifts...three days off then four night shifts...so yes, more of a routine than pilots but still pants..12 hr shifts aren't easy. I have many pilot friends and many non pilot friends...I know several of us non pilot ones look in envy at the pilots ( and yes our husbands can travel often as much as pilots) but I can also see how pilots and families are feeling the squeeze. When we are trying to pay school fees and rent from salary and then hear pilots complaining how tough times are we do find it rather galling. Rising school fees are a problem ..as until recently Emirates did cover cost of majority of school fees for up to three kids but with school fees rising I know many families are having to top up. As others have said, it is appreciating what we have and not looking at what we don't have. I do think it must be extremely galling to see conditions that you signed up for change and I have no idea how pilots deal with jet lag on top of the anti social hours. I think as SueB says..it is what you make of it and what attitude you take into it.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2015 - 00:01
Not pushed too hard but def not what noorstar says re kids not being pushed. Kids at DESS in key stage 2 were certainly pushed hard..a lot was expected of them. Unsure re streaming in key stage 1 but in key stage 2 they were def setted for maths. Expectations for kids is high...my kids were academic and thrived on it. It has a very strong sporting ethos ...they cover virtually all sports and have many after school fixtures amongst other schools..generally they fare very well against other Dubai schools and schools in the Middle East. I was more than happy whilst my kids were there...the odd gripe but my kids certainly came on leaps and bounds and had loads of sporting opportunities.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2015 - 22:31
Noor star..not sure why you heard that. My only argument against DESS was that kids are actually pushed slightly too hard. They are def streamed in maths.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2015 - 01:12
Yep..def agree not much different from back home but contrary to what lots of people think drugs and alcohol are widely available to those teens who choose to partake. Repercussions can be severe although possibly some consequences are more urban myths...I do know kids who got off very lightly ly
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2015 - 19:08
Brie03 Yep..there are drugs in Dubai..several of my daughters classmates take drugs. Kids get alcohol easily from someone called the milkman. Landlords often leave empty properties open..teenagers find them and arrange parties in these premises. Once kids become teenagers in Dubai they tend to fall into two categories ..either don't party etc and don't do much independently of parents or as someone else said they go down the party, alcohol route. Just because it isn't meant to happen here, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Consequences when things go pear shaped are much worse.. I personally think Dubai is a fab place to being up primary aged kids and then in secondary it really depends on the kids..if kids are very sporty then Dubai can be great. If they aren't sporty then the options can be limited. It's not impossible but it is more difficult to find parttime work. Air quality is a big concern for me and it seems to be way worse in last year or two.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2015 - 01:17
Lol..my daughter is 11 so not quite at the stage of working for the radio station.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2015 - 21:52
OP ....my daughter is going to that concert tomorrow..you may bump into her. She is lucky enough to have ticket for the VIP area which is obviously where you will be. Re Hairdressing...despite the fact that I have a degree and a Masters , my hair dresser is self employed and earns more in an hour than I earn in a half day's days gainful paid employment. There are many ways of categorising intelligence..not just academic ability...in many respects emotional intelligence is something I would encourage and instill in my kids above academic intelligence.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2015 - 03:18
Thinking of my old age....my daughter is keen to gain employment earning lots of money...any chance of a heads up as to what career pathway your DH took to allow him to earn such good money. I could then steer her in that direction. On a more serious note...you mentioned re maids and how you wouldn't have one. I have never had a maid but stay in a small apartment. What I can tell you is that cleaning the floors even in a small apartment is never ending and tough. I'm fit and do a lot of sport but not sure I would like to be cleaning a five bed villa and out door area. Even my small patio area takes about an hour once a week to clean and get rid of all the sand. Houses are perpetually dusty...sweeping and mopping is hot work. You also referred to liking the idea of sitting outside of an evening. It can be pleasant, but from around June till End of Sept it is more akin to sitting in a sauna and most people seek out indoors and air conditioning. Winter can be nice to sit outside if the Mosquitos aren't about...some areas are worse than others for mozzies. Good luck with your move and keep us posted with how it all goes.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 01:01
Facebook page Dubai and Northern Emirates home schooling
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 November 2015 - 21:07
I hired with a reputable company immediately I arrived in Dubai. I continued to drive even when my visa was in process ( and again a couple of years later when visa was being transferred). The hire company knew my visa was in process and said it was ok..I even got this in writing from them and called the RTA to check...they said all ok as long as no visa and driving on my uk licence. All they said was that I had to convert my UK licence to my UAE one within 48 hrs of gaining my ID as it was illegal to drive on a UK licence once visa had been processed. I guess this doesn't help the OP though as she isn't currently hiring a car. It may be worth calling one of the bigger hire companies to ask if she can hire on UK licence whilst visa is in process
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 November 2015 - 19:50
Also, if you do with bank it takes 3 to 7 days to arrive in uk and on occasion it never arrives but arrive back in Dubai account. Places like Ansari it hits UK account immediately
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 18:49
You can find cheaper schools but they tend to be difficult to obtain places. The newer schools with more available places tend to be more expensive. DBS is substantially cheaper than the 70k someone reported but places are difficult.#if you stay long term you need to be aware that secondary fees are way more than primary. Also, schools tend to raise their fees OFTEN....we had increases ranging between 7 and 9% three years in a row. Ditto our housing increased 10% per annum. Sports clubs for kids are way more expensive than UK//some can be around £15 a club although there are some cheaper options. If kids for eg start playing rugby this is approx. £300 a year but includes their kit and insurance. I think you are correct in saying that when both kids are at secondary school you wont save much but whilst kids are still young I think you could live comfortably as long as you are careful. We were on a substantially lower package but was a real struggle and used savings which is not a position you want to be in. I am unsure re phone, most companies seem to give. Phone packages tend to be more expensive than UK.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 10:34
I think I saw admin post recently saying it wasn't happening this year cos of all the building works going on I that locality.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2015 - 12:28
Not the beach but Barsha park allow. They have two separate trails - one for walking and running and one for cycling and roller blading etc
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 00:29
If neurologist etc says all ok then I would try an osteopath.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2015 - 23:20
The track at World Trade centre normally closes at end of August. It is only generally open two months over summer. A group of ladies meet at MOE at 8.30 am every weekday morning.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2015 - 13:05
Dr Mazin is fantastic
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2015 - 13:04
Look for solo mums Facebook group
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 22:14
I use apps on my phone..
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 18:49
Yep...as long as school knows visas in process then ok. We arrived end Aug, my kids started school Sept and didn't get visas till feb! Did have to get a letter from company PRO at one point.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 13:28
You can sort schools before you get residency visas. In fact, the quicker you start applying for schools the better.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 August 2015 - 00:37
It used to be law that landlords couldn't increase rent for two years but this law has now gone and they are free to increase every year. It is supposed to be within market increase but as most landlords increase rent annually then it can be difficult to fight it. Just to give you an example..our rent was 78k three years ago...it is now 106k. Also regarding school...I can't remember whether you have kids of school age or not but please be aware that if you are paying school fees then these are also increasing dramatically at rhe minute. We have had between 7 and 9% li creases every year... Don't want to sound negative but just want you to be aware of those things. Also, when you rent a place you pay 5% every year as a kind of community tax...this gets added to your monthly electricity and water bill. So, on a property renting for 100k, you pay 5k a year ie just over AED400 a month added onto your DEWA which is your electricity and water bill.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 August 2015 - 22:22
Please remember that rents can often increase every year...salaries don't tend to! At minute our rent is going up 10% every year....
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 August 2015 - 22:19
I don't want to sound negative but you will struggle to find a 3 bed apartment for 100k. We struggled three years ago and prices have gone up massively. Although we currently pay 110k...if a new tenant were to move in they would pay 130k. We are also miles out and no public transport. Remraam has three bed apartments for around 110k, maybe some at 100k but you DEF need a car. Google Dubai properties. Re school buses..you need to contact the schools directly to see which areas they service...they don't service all areas. Typically around AED800 per month upwards for school bus per child.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 19:39
Schools in Dubai are more than willing to,administer tne tests in Dubai but I found that the grammar schools would not allow tests to be sat abroad. Private schools will generally send tests to Dubai.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 14:09
Just a word of caution. If you are talking about 11+ for grammar school entry then I know the Midlands grammar schools will NOT let kids sit tests in Dubai. For entry in Sept 2016 they need to sit a test sept 2015 in UK. As an overseas student they can sit in UK in Jan but kids who sat in sept have priority. This is def the case for Midlands, think applications for sept 2016 had to be made last month. I guess other areas may be different. Private school entry tests can often be done in Dubai through the school. You can buy preparatory question books from WH smith in UK. As a teacher, I believe it isn't good to tutor kids for entry tests. Often the kids who are heavily tutored then find it difficult.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 23:38
Not sure but the way sunscreen works SPF 100 is NOT twice as effective as SPF50. Very little additional benefit is conferred by anything higher than SPF 50 or 60. Sorry I can't assist any more.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2015 - 22:23
I came out on a return because the return was marginally cheaper than a single!! It means I now always buy my tickets in UK which is way cheaper than buying in Dubai. It does mean you have to specify a return date in advance but most tickets will allow you to change dates for a small fee, I always check I can do this before purchasing.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2015 - 15:42
There is nothing to stop you coming before your husband probation period is completed. You can come in a tourist visa and do visa runs every 30 days ( +10) until you can get residency. School depends...if school hires you on international status you will get your own visa. A lot of schools hire staff on local hire which means they want you to be on your spouse's visa.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2015 - 11:21
I assume that it is the same for you as Brits. We just come in on a tourist visa and then spouse applies for residency visa. If this takes a lengthy period of time then we do visa runs. Regarding teaching...ensure you have your degrees and diplomas attested BEFORE you seek employment. Best to get this done in USA. You will require transcripts as well as the actual degrees attested. In uk, you can either do this yourself or pay an agency. They have to go to ,I think, three different embassies. Marriage certificate is easier to attest via UK so I imagine easier via USA. If you have kids, you need to attest their birth certificates. If you call whichever school you are interested in working for they should be able to give you contact details for agencies who can attest documents.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2015 - 00:47
If you look on the job page on this site,there are often jobs advertised. Also, the Dubai Center for Special Needs is often advertising for staff.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 16:30
Mine will be an extra AED30 a week...I only in a small car but spend 120 a week on fuel as drive miles on school runs and work.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 12:59
There are all different abilities etc that run with the milers
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 20:38
look at website for Mirdif milers for training times.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2015 - 20:37
I think it depends on small print in terms and conditions and what cover you have taken. My brother got diagnosed with cancer about six years ago, I don't know the grade but after treatment has been fine. He did have an insurance policy whereby his entire mortgage got paid off.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 15:32
Remember some of the hotels are dry...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2015 - 21:03
Cherpie -There is a group on Facebook called Leaves Dubai...you do NOT need to join the group but you will see meetings advertised. You can also directly message Ann Jackson who runs the group who will be able to advise and support you.
 
 
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