Casta

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Latest post on 02 January 2014 - 22:58

Thanks for the info Casta. Will pass along. Do you know if it is possible to get 3 or 6 month visit visas in the UAE? I live in Qatar and here it is possible to get 6 month visit visa for immediate family. It saves on doing visa runs. If I understand correctly you can get a 90 day one. Various bits of paper pushing from sponsor, sponsors employers, health insurance etc required as well as 1000Dhs refundable guarantee deposit.

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Latest post on 02 January 2014 - 17:46

A good friend is moving to AD with hubby in the next few months. Her DD will graduated from Uni this year and wants to spend some time (3-6 months depending on how things go) in AD. She holds a US passport. How many visa runs is one allowed to do? Or is it possible to get a 3 month visit visa in the UAE? Plenty of people doing visa runs in/out of Al Ain (through the Mezyad border post). As US passport is one of the nationalities with automatic visa on arrival this shouldn't be a problem for her to do. Number of runs is unlimited I believe. Certainly I know of people who've been here good 6 months and been doing runs as their company HR seems to be pretty disorganised to sort out the spousal residence visas.

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Latest post on 02 January 2014 - 17:45

A good friend is moving to AD with hubby in the next few months. Her DD will graduated from Uni this year and wants to spend some time (3-6 months depending on how things go) in AD. She holds a US passport. How many visa runs is one allowed to do? Or is it possible to get a 3 month visit visa? Plenty of people doing visa runs in/out of Al Ain (through the Mezyad border post). As US passport is one of the nationalities with automatic visa on arrival this shouldn't be a problem for her to do. Number of runs is unlimited I believe. Certainly I know of people who've been here good 6 months and been doing runs as their company HR seems to be pretty disorganised to sort out the spousal residence visas.

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Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 13:47

Hi everyone My family and I are coming to Al Ain where my husband will be teaching at a British School. We have had a horrendous time in Jeddah and Qatar and although we have seen Al Ain online and have red about it, we have had such bad luck, we are still anxious....it looks like a good family place to live - we have a 21 month old and a 13 yr-old - yes, I know! Is it possible to have a chilled out life on a fairly low budget? Our apartment and utilities are paid for so our outgoings should not be high. Also is there anything I should bring from the UK that is hard to get in Al Ain? Finding tampons in Jeddah and Qatar was like looking for 4 leaf clovers...any advice would be great - we are due to arrive in December. You can get tampons in most if every supermarket In the UAE If you like vino then bring in from airport, then you can get your alcohol licence once here I find perfume, favourite brands of makeup more expensive here. Baby calpol, baby gaviscon ( They aren't here) Unless you prefer the Tam**x Compak, they're not available here :( I'm not sure for the originals as I haven't looked lately but Carrefour do an own brand version of those.

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Latest post on 15 October 2013 - 20:54

We live in Dubai and are visiting Al Ain tomorrow (the Zoo, Hili Fun City). Please can anyone recommend somewhere good to eat while we're there? We always usually end up at Pizza Hut or KFC! A few other recommendations from a previous thread: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic179416-al-ain-restaurant-recommendation.aspx

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Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 13:44

Hi everyone My family and I are coming to Al Ain where my husband will be teaching at a British School. We have had a horrendous time in Jeddah and Qatar and although we have seen Al Ain online and have red about it, we have had such bad luck, we are still anxious....it looks like a good family place to live - [b'>we have a 21 month old and a 13 yr-old[/b'> - yes, I know! Is it possible to have a chilled out life on a fairly low budget? Our apartment and utilities are paid for so our outgoings should not be high. Also is there anything I should bring from the UK that is hard to get in Al Ain? Finding tampons in Jeddah and Qatar was like looking for 4 leaf clovers...any advice would be great - we are due to arrive in December. Al Ain is a lovely place for families. It's quieter than the cities but not so far away to just get in the car and go if you're suffering from cabin fever! The winter months have plenty of things to do in the great outdoors. If you're on Facebook then you can search for the Al Ain Expats Parents Group (it's a closed group so make sure you have your settings set to receive messages from the administrators and check your "Other" inbox).

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Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 15:07

Al Ain Zoo is a great experience and well worth going to with the kids BUT better to do during the winter when you can enjoy the outdoor part of the zoo for longer. As a seasoned Al Ain resident I can tell you the zoo is definitely to be avoided on the public holidays. The parking overflows to the zoo roundabout and it just gets silly over there.

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Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 12:34

I can confirm it rained in Al Ain this morning and we still have some grey clouds with more potential :)

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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 16:31

As Beany says. I posted instructions and directions (including map link) to get there a couple of years ago: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic136977-which-border-for-visa-run.aspx

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Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 15:28

Has anyone gone to the Dubai Miracle Garden? Any comments? I chanced upon an article about it on gulfnews and it seems to be a nice place to go, instead of going all the way to Al Ain. There's no point to go to Al Ain because what was "Al Ain Paradise Gardens" is now "Dubai Miracle Garden". They've been dismantling things since the new year, moved the whole shebang and now we don't have the pretty flowers to look at anymore :(

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Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 09:48

Hello ladies I'm really interested in the local birds but struggling to find a book about them. Without having to spend GBP28.00 from Amazon I thought I'd ask the forums to see if anybody can recommend one please? TIA This is the one you want (definitely available in McGrudy's) Birds of the Middle East Second Edition ISBN 9780713676020. It's the premier bird book for this area. http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/reviewitem.asp?c=11&review=2868 In the meantime you might find the following useful: http://uaebirding.smugmug.com/ http://www.uaebirding.com/uaechecklist.html Thanks thats brill and that's the book I actually found on Amazon but if I can get it here I won't have to pay GBP9 delivery and wait for 8-10 days! McGrudys - where is this? Is this it - http://www.magrudy.com/ Yes that's it. Give them a ring/email and see if it's in stock. Otherwise they can order it in. Alternatively you can get it from here which offers free delivery worldwide (it's site that's been recommended by a few EW ladies in the past) http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Birds-Middle-East-Richard-Porter/9780713676020

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Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 09:31

I bought a great book with fabulous detailed sketches of the birds of the Middle East from Mac Grudys - I think I paid around 125aed. It was expensive but excellent - great bird watchers - soft cover, smallish size, colour sketches, detailed written descriptions and maps. Thanks for that. Does the book have photos of just sketches? Not meaning to be odd but I like to see the real life photo so I can identify! Sketches but photos can sometimes be misleading! The UAE birding site I just gave you hosts about 95% of UAE birds photos.

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Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 09:28

Hello ladies I'm really interested in the local birds but struggling to find a book about them. Without having to spend GBP28.00 from Amazon I thought I'd ask the forums to see if anybody can recommend one please? TIA This is the one you want (definitely available in McGrudy's) Birds of the Middle East Second Edition ISBN 9780713676020. It's the premier bird book for this area. http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/reviewitem.asp?c=11&review=2868 In the meantime you might find the following useful: http://uaebirding.smugmug.com/ http://www.uaebirding.com/uaechecklist.html

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Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 11:50

Thinking of trying it out next month, has anybody been? Good, bad, indifferent...? Just wondering if it will be a bit cold..... I haven't been myself but quite a few of my Al Ain based adrenaline junkie friends have been and have all had great fun.

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Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 07:53

I'm new to Al Ain, are there any EW coffee mornings or events were I can meet other expats, no children here with me. Welcome DXB AGAIN :), No EW organised coffee mornings in Al Ain as far as I'm aware, however, there's Tuesday Coffee Morning at Al Ain Mall from 10am-11.30am. This is with other expat ladies most of which have kids grown up or at school during the day. A great source of info for an Al Ain Newbie and lots of nice people to meet. The location can vary (as there is also a mall organised coffee morning on the same day which they try to avoid as it gets in the way of the talking!). You'll need to contact them via the FB group to find out where the next one is: [url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/189139154475771/'>link[/url'> Another good place to meet expats is at the Rugby Club Quiz on a Wednesday night. Starts at 8pm located at Al Ain Equestrian, Golf and Shooting Club near Tawam Hospital.

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Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 09:08

Hi All, My husband and I are moving from Dubai to Al Ain in the coming weeks. Does anybody have any advice in regard to searching for a villa. We are looking in the Al Foah area, since my husband will be working near the Tawam Hospital but I will be commuting to Dubai. I have not seen anything on Dubizzle etc. If anybody can point me the direction of good agents or ideas of how to go about finding a place to live, I would be grateful. I am also on the hunt for any good nurseries in the area, my daughter is almost 1yr old. Thanks! Hi Jaygirl, You could have a look at the Real Estate Part of Alainexpat.com [url=http://www.alainexpat.com/'>link[/url'> which is Al Ain Relocations [url=http://www.alainrelocations.com'>link[/url'> It's run by a couple of expats who have a pretty good handle of what going on around Al Ain. If they haven't got anything they'll certainly try to help you out. As well as getting in touch with them if you are on FB then I'd say get yourself added to Al Ain Swap and Shop: [url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/alain.swapandshop/'>link[/url'> then you can post your needs and get some help with more housing contacts. As far as I'm aware there's not much in terms of nurseries over that side of town. As your husband will be working near Tawam you could investigate the following: House of Colours: [url=http://www.nurserycolours.com'>link[/url'> EduFun: [url=http://www.edufun-nursery.com/'>link[/url'> & [url=https://www.facebook.com/EduFunNursery.AlAin'>link[/url'> KidsLand: [url=https://www.facebook.com/kidsland.nursery'>link[/url'> Again if you're on FB you could also look at Al Ain Expats Parents Group as you might find some useful info through the network there (it's a closed group so make sure you have your settings open to receive messages and expect to receive and reply to one before being added): [url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/193302180775489/'>link[/url'> Good luck! :)

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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 11:00

Hi there. I will be moving from Dubai to Al Ain next week with my young son (4). I am interested to know about activities I can do with him in the afternoon after he finishes school....any advice? Femmebrulee....how did you find settling in Al Ain? Thanks :) Hi feebee2, Welcome to Al Ain! A couple of places that come to mind for afternoon activities are: House of Arts: [url=http://www.house-of-arts.net/'>link[/url'> Rugby Club: [url=http://www.alainrugby.com/'>link[/url'> You'll be able to see a bit more information about what goes on if you check out the Al Ain Expat website: [url=http://www.alainexpat.com/'>link[/url'> If you're on Facebook then you can search for the Al Ain Expats Parents Group (it's a closed group so make sure you have your settings set to receive messages from the administrators).

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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 22:17

Hello. I am new to both the UAE and the forum. I live in Al Ain and plan on homeschooling my second grader. I have a degree in elementary education with a bachelors in science. I plan on using the K12 program as my sons transcripts will transfer and remain official no matter where life takes us. I AM WRITING BECAUSE I AM INTERESTED IN A HOMESCHOOLING CO OP. I am not concerned with nationality, age or choice of curriculum. I really want my son to remain socialized and I am interested in sharing ideas and offering help where I can. Please reply if you are interested. You can find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alainhomeschoolers/

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Latest post on 25 October 2012 - 08:07

As well as Graphitec who are Apple Authorised Reseller and Apple Authorised Service Provider [url=http://www.graphitech.ae/home/'>link[/url'> There is also Protech who are Apple Authorised Reseller and Apple Authorised Service Provider [url=http://www.protech-me.com/apple/index.html'>link[/url'> I've used the latter for repairs to my MacBook and was extremely happy with the quality of service and knowledge of the staff. Likewise I'd expect the same from their sales staff.

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Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 10:24

For support you could contact: Twins, Triplets or More (TTOM) UAE - formerly known as Multiplied UAE [url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/418768598147121/'>link[/url'> https://www.facebook.com/groups/418768598147121/ <em>edited by Casta on 12/10/2012</em>

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Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 18:01

Hi debsupnorth, In Al Ain you'll easily be able to find those items at either Babyshop (Bawadi Mall, Al Ain Mall, Jimi Mall or town centre [url=http://www.babyshopstores.com/'>link[/url'>), Mothercare (Bawadi Mall, Al Ain Mall, Muwaiji locations [url=http://store.mothercare.com/international/middle-east/united-arab-emirates'>link[/url'>) or ToysRUs (Bawadi Mall). There's also a second hand market in those items depending on what time of year you arrive too.

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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 17:37

And better http://dubai.dubizzle.com/jobs-wanted/other/2012/5/19/cute-taiwanese-male-looking-for-a-part-tim-2/ Wonder what you get for the costs involved?!!!

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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 14:24

There's a few nice Lebanese around town: - Golden Sheep on Khalifa St [url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=24.225207,55.758877&hl=en&num=1&t=h&gl=uk&z=17'>Map[/url'> - Leisure Restaurant on Khalifa St [url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=24.224492,55.769155&hl=en&num=1&t=h&gl=uk&z=17'>Map[/url'> and [url=https://www.facebook.com/leisure.alain'>Link[/url'> - Al Mallah on Khalifa St [url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=24.223641,55.748738&hl=en&num=1&t=h&gl=uk&z=17'>Map[/url'> - Al Rikab down on Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club near Tawam Hospital [url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=24.184792,55.64911&hl=en&num=1&t=h&gl=uk&z=17'>Map[/url'> and [url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Al-Ain-Equestrian-Shooting-Golf-Club/228040267211117'>Link[/url'> I can also recommend Jodel's suggestion of Coriander at Bawadi Mall. The chap who set it up was the chef at Intercontinental (he left and set it up before it become the Danat). In the hotels our preferred choices are Trader Vics at Rotana, The Wok at Danat and Casa Romana at Hilton. Enjoy the weekend :)

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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 09:47

Morning ladies We are staying in Al Ain this weekend. Can anyone recommend a good restaurant for dinner? Preferably local, but happy to receive any recommendations. TIA! Good morning. Whereabouts are you staying? Can give you recommendations nearer to hotel if you prefer?

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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 15:11

N.B. They've corrected the article since this morning as it's a bacteria not a virus. I have confirmation having asked if I should avoid the livestock market (where there would be a greater chance of contact than a petting farm) that I should be fine as long as I don't touch the animals and then lick my hands!

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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 10:35

A study in 2000 found that the disease was "prevalent, but undiagnosed" in Oman and the wider Arabian Peninsula. They knew about it 12 years ago so why only now start investigations? because they need to have the puplic opinion that animals are dangerous for humans behind them to support the recent steps against animals (fines for stray feeders, closing of the horse stables) ... it's easier if you spread probaganda to get the general public behind you ... not sure I understand your comment? Me either.

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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 10:33

A study in 2000 found that the disease was "prevalent, but undiagnosed" in Oman and the wider Arabian Peninsula. They knew about it 12 years ago so why only now start investigations? I suspect because it is now becoming an issue for private collections which is what the authors of this report are primarily interested in. W.r.t. agricultural animals that would be a question for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 09:56

Because the research work is new for the UAE (see details of paper below). Only published this year. This has significant implications for the conservation, care and function of private animal collections (of which we all know many exist) and which the authors work in/have worked in. J Wildl Dis. 2012 Jan;48(1):220-2. A serologic survey for Coxiella burnetii in semi-wild ungulates in the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Chaber AL, Lloyd C, O'Donovan D, McKeown S, Wernery U, Bailey T. Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK. Abstract Q fever, a highly infectious zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, has not been officially reported in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This first serosurvey of a large group of semi-free-ranging animals in the UAE indicates that a wide range of ungulates have been exposed C. burnettii in the region. This basically affects certain animal care professions (pinched off wikipedia): "At risk" occupations include, but are not limited to: veterinary personnel stockyard workers farmers shearers animal transporters laboratory workers handling potentially infected veterinary samples or visiting abattoirs people who cull and process kangaroos hide (tannery) workers I think the average person not in regular contact with farm animals should be fairly safe :)

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Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 20:40

A couple of popular ones in our household (although we do modify with meat): African Sweet Potato Stew (we modify with spicy sausages): http://www.veganforum.com/forums/showthread.php?11971-african-sweet-potato-stew Summer Vegetable Pie with a Herby Cheese Crust (we modify with chicken): http://www.roesing.net/recipes/summerpie.html P.S. Forgot to say they are pillaged from my copy of the Good Housekeeping Vegetarian Cookbook but I couldn't be bothered fannying about with copying out the recipes ;) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Housekeeping-Step-Vegetarian-Cookbook/dp/0091851645 <em>edited by Casta on 20/03/2012</em>

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Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 23:01

We bought ours in UK and had it shopped and shipped via Aramex. However, there is a list of international retailers including Dubai (although it's RAK in fact): http://www.littlelife.co.uk/html/distributors2.html We've been happy with it the times we've used it camping with our LO. We found out it works well in the boot of the car :-)

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Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 14:03

No BBQ facilities (no cooking onsite) but you can still bring your own picnic. There are snack stalls but most of the food is junk food and whilst they did purport to have a KFC (not sure if it's still there) it was not actually cooked on site just brought in! Last time friends of mine went the snack stalls weren't open in the morning either (all they wanted was water). http://awpr.ae If you do want to eat out nearby without breaking the bank there is the Al Ain Equestrian and Shooting Club which has a few restaurant choices and is a 10-15min drive away from the zoo http://www.aesgc.ae/

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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 20:37

If you are doing visa run via Al Ain but want to [u'>[b'>walk[/b'>[/u'> then the border crossing you will need to use is Mezeyad. You will end up walking some 40-50Kms if you use the Hili border! I've copied and pasted the procedure below for those who wish to walk or drive it. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=136977 Hi, In fact what was the Buraimi border post in Al Ain is for GCC nationals only now (as of some years). You would need to either go via the Hili, Khatam Ash Shaklah (past the Danat/Intercon) or Mezeyad (past Bawadi Mall) border posts. The latter option is the fastest (done in 30mins) and involves the least driving. At the other posts you still have a bit of a hack down the road (some 50Km) once you're over the UAE border side before you get to the Oman side to complete your paperwork! Directions: Drive past Bawadi Mall on LHS and Jebel Hafeet on RHS and keep on going straight and you will hit the border http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=al+ain&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Al+Ain+-+Abu+Dhabi+-+United+Arab+Emirates&ll=24.020439,55.848312&spn=0.019913,0.038538&t=h&z=15 Go to UAE side border. You will be asked for your car registration card so make sure you've got it. Go to the car park, enter the office and cough up 35Dhs and you'll get stamped out. Get back in car and go to Oman side. Hand over your passports and say you want to go round (i.e. visa run). Park car as directed and go in and do your thing (first desk on the LHS). This will cost you 200Dhs. Apparently on Oman side they are asking for credit cards these days (sounds like not all the cash was making it to the till if you know what I mean). Note: if you are a UAE residence visa holder who is accompanying the visa runee and they try to charge you the 200Dhs then say you didn't get charged last time and you shouldn't have to pay (apparently this has worked so worth a shot!). Go out to car and return to UAE and get stamped back in. Note: there are a few extra twiddly bits like having bits of paper to present at the next step which are handed to you in the process and a car scan but it's all pretty self evident as you go along.

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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 17:45

Hi emur. I've just bumped the thread for you. Here's the link: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=169578

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Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 17:44

Bump for emur :)

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Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 17:12

Yup you can do via the Mezeyad in Al Ain by foot. Follow the link for some helpful direction hints! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=136977

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Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 14:30

I could be wrong but think Holly may be a little incorrect as there are other Apple service centres. I've used Protech/Evo on SZR before for our Mac and was pleased with the work they did. Their office is slap bang right next door to one of the metro stations and there's pay and display parking available too. Here's a link to list of authorised service providers in UAE http://www.abmme.com/en/apple-authorized/uae/?type=service-providers

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Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 13:53

SkyKitty: DH got asked for passport copy the other day to get something out of customs.

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Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 22:20

Furniture: in Al Ain you've got Home Centre (Al Jimi Mall) and Homes R Us (Bawadi Mall and near the Diwan roundabout) and outwith Al Ain you have Ikea in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Home appliances: Carrefour (Al Jimi Mall, Bawadi Mall), Lulu (Al Kuwaitat, Sanaiya, Al Foah), Megamart (Al Ain Mall), Juma Al Majid (Sanaiya). For private sellers try the following (N.B. For larger items you'd need to go hire a driver in Sanaiya who can help you shift the stuff!): http://groups.google.com/group/nialanews - subscribe via email to nialanews [at'> gmail [dot'> com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alainexpats you'll need to subscribe but again useful for info http://www.alainexpat.com has a classifieds section Abela supermarket noticeboard near the Tawam Hospital usually has plenty of ads. You can also try the Rugby Club and the Hilton.

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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 09:24

My tall friend used to shop at this place in the UK. The site says they deliver worldwide. http://www.longtallsally.com/

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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 08:11

I'm not a runner but I think a lot of the runners tend to wear t-shirts and shorts. If you're running with a group I think you can probably get away with shorter sleeved vests and shorts compared with if you were running by yourself. If you telephone Jude (Judith - her number is below) from the A2H3 she'd be your best bet to ask as she's been here for some good few years and can point you in the right direction for what is appropriate as she goes running by herself as well as with a group.

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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 21:14

Hi Stef, Difficult to suggest ideas without knowing exactly what you're after but: Good places are the coffee mornings on Tuesdays either in Al Ain Mall (location varies from week to week but it's usually in one of the coffee shops near the food mall on the first floor or down in Gloria Jeans) or the coffee morning at Al Jimi Mall (at the Tea Leaf and Coffee Bean shop located near the Home Centre on the first floor if not there then they might have decided to move it to The Hut Cafe which is at the back of the food court near the book shop). Both are usually on at 10am until 12pm. There's also the Rugby Club quiz night on a Wednesday starting at 8pm. Good mix of expats there too. Al Ain Natural History group do plenty of interesting things: http://www.enhg.org You'll find a wealth of information about what goes on in Al Ain in the following locations: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alainexpats/ http://groups.google.com/group/nialanews http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=457411 http://www.alainexpat.com/ http://www.myoasisliving.com/ http://www.alainenthusiast.com/ For running groups you've got a choice. I've posted on your other post: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=145626

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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 20:59

Hi Stef, For running groups in Al Ain you've got a choice! Al Ain Hash House Harriers (A2H3): Run and walk (roughly for forty five minutes/or an hour) every Monday in different places around Al Ain. They are a very social group and a great way to make new friends. A2H3 is a running/walking club that completed its 1400th run in January. Times during the winter months is 5pm, but in the summer it goes from 6pm. Every second weekend is a BBQ night where a BBQ is provided and you bring your own food and drinks. Please also bring your own chair for the BBQ night. Alternate nights sometimes follow going back to a pub for some food. Please do bring some refreshments for after the run. Everyone is welcome to come along whatever their level of fitness. Fees for a non-BBQ run: 10AED and for a BBQ night: 20AED. Tel: Georges on 050 6230411 or Jude on 050 6187244 for more information There's also a running group that runs from the Danat Hotel (the old Intercon) on Sundays and Thursdays at 5.30pm. You can choose to do a 5 or 7km loop or further if you wish! Anyone is welcome to come along and there's no charge. They meet out the front next to the carpark. Just look for the bunch of skinny people wearing inappropriately short shorts. Also an advert from January: Running club back on! Monday 1900hrs Wadi Park(end of schools road). 25dhs per session. Anymore information contact Dave on 0508178955.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 13:05

Hi Kasey, If you want to meet other expats and like sports then all the hotels have gyms and exercise classes going on (Rotana, Hilton, Danat) as well as the facilities down at Palm Sports Resort (Rugby Club, Golf Club, Equestrian Club, Shooting Club). You can see a summary of things as well as other stuff going on (e.g. Boot Camp) here: http://www.alainexpat.com/home.html There are coffee mornings on Tuesdays at both Al Ain Mall and Al Jimi Mall again which are listed on the site above. As you will have seen on the other thread there is also a playgroup which allows you to meet other expat mums and they do plenty of activities with the kids you can contact them via the email address which was posted in the other thread - http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=143368 <em>edited by Casta on 04/04/2011</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:40

Map: http://www.awpr.ae/Downloads/Location%20Map%20and%20Park%20Guide/AWPR%20Location%20Map.pdf I live near AWPR and it takes me about about 1.5-2hrs depending on traffic to drive to Festival City. They open at 9am and as it's getting warmer the animals will tend to go for a nap earlier! Bring a picnic though as the food choice is abysmal.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 13:36

Hi Tina, There is a family playgroup called Al Ain Mums and Tots which is currently held at Sunflower School every Thursday 9 -11am. In addition other things go on which is organised via a googlegroup forum (e.g. craft activities, kids baking sessions, mini-adventure trips within Al Ain, zoo trips, picnics, coffee mornings/afternoons, parents night out). The group is made of up of mums and dads from all continents with little ones ranging from newborn upwards. You join in as much or as little as you wish. To join the forum and be able to contact Al Ain based parents directly send an e-mail to alain [dot'> mumsandtots [at'> gmail [dot'> com Once you've signed up to the forum you can post away and organise playdates with other parents. They're an incredibly friendly bunch full of useful information! <em>edited by Casta on 03/04/2011</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 23:05

I have a friend that I would really like to help but not too sure where to start. She recently lost her baby half way through her pregnancy and has had to go through the trauma of giving birth and the funeral. As you can imagine she is very down to the point of being withdrawn. I’m really worried about her as I feel she needs some outside help. She still seeing her gynecologist but think she may need to see a councilor or someone who specializes in this area. Can anyone recommend where to go or who to speak to? TIA This may help too: http://www.dubai-sands.org Quote from the main page: "Welcome to Dubai SANDS. If you are visiting us as a bereaved parent, we are so very sorry for your loss. If you are a health care professional involved in caring for bereaved parents and would like advice and support in doing so, please do contact us. Dubai SANDS offers support to those who have lost a baby whether through stillbirth, neonatal loss or termination for medical reasons. Our group is run by bereaved parents, for bereaved parents. It is a branch of the UK-based Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society. In the UK, 17 babies die every day, and whilst comparable figures are not available for the UAE, we aim to support families here in Dubai who are experiencing the heartbreak of the death of a much-loved baby. For help further or information, please contact us."

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:20

I live in Al Ain and go there regularly with DD. We love it. As others have said for a zoo it's not bad although my all time favourite is Sharjah Wildlife Park. Food options are awful though as it's all fast food and snacks so take a picnic if you want something to eat. Since last summer it's become a bit "Disney-fied" so be careful of the souvenir stalls. The staff will hand your kids a soft toy as a sales tactic which is a bit annoying as you then have to hand it back from a sometimes unwilling child which can be a bit frustrating! Map: http://www.awpr.ae/Downloads/Location%20Map%20and%20Park%20Guide/AWPR%20Location%20Map.pdf

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 08:19

The best two I have heard about (and seen the work of) are mentioned here: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=136189

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 17:48

Has anyone suggested the camel markets in Al Ain-I love going there-and the zoo is a must question for you: is there a camel auction or something more "organised" at the camel market? I went once with my parents and basically drove around looking at the camels. My parents got out to take a few pictures and were accosted by men demanding money. Another time took sister in law and we didn't get out of the car, again just drove around. We saw tour busses of people who just seemed to wander around. So I wonder if there is a better way to visit? So many people recommend it that I think I must be doing something wrong. I'm not sure about auctions it never looks organised there! I went a couple of weeks ago with a girlfriend and DD. I would advise going towards the rear of the market (away from Bawadi mall) where it's quieter and also less likely for the people from the tour buses to go. We parked the car in a shady spot and wandered about for roundabout an hour. We had a chat with with the guys about the cost of goats, sheep and camels and where they came from. My friend had her super-duper SLR camera and took some shots of the animals and my little one got to have a cuddle with a 3 day old goat kid. We never were asked for money and had nothing but polite treatment. Maybe because it's become a bit touristy there the guys frontside have become a bit cheeky asking for money whereas the guys at the back don't see people so much? Who knows. <em>edited by Casta on 08/03/2011</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 18:47

They are further away than town centre but not far by vehicle. The #970 and #990 bus go down that road. I think it's 1Dhs for any trip within Al Ain. If you get a taxi ask the driver to take you to Zakher roundabout if he doesn't know where the Paradise Gardens are; it's just on the corner of the roundabout so he can't miss it then. The zoo is one roundabout down from there going back toward town, it's walkable but wear comfy shoes as it's 1km or 2 on foot. If you want a taxi to get back and can't find one to hail down then just ring +971 3 751 6565 which is the Al Ain Al Ghazal office or I guess 600 535353 will get you a silver taxi via a central call centre.

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