clare1976 | ExpatWoman.com
 

clare1976

clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 16:43
doesn't make much sense, surely assessments are the way to find out a child's ability in the first place, so everyone has the same standardised test and therefore a similar chance of gaining a place? Sounds like they are just too full and are using this as an excuse, perhaps? Hope not, but it did occur to me.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 16:39
try Feline Friends - their fosterline is 050 3828580 and leave a message if no one answers immediately - they will return the call asap. They may be able to find a temp home while a forever home is found, or advise a way of helping... sorry wish I could do more. I'd take her but my own cat is a rescue cat and is fearful of other cats, so would upset the whole apple cart, having just got her to trust me. Good luck :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 07:52
It shouldn't be such hard work, and ladies should get some form of training before they are plunged, presumably scared witless, into households where there are expectations of their work. It's the agency at fault, as they do need some time to familiarise themselves with the baffling (to them) array of cleaning products, appliances, etc. We have a weekly visit for 4 hours from a wonderful agency maid (Security House) and this week the agency asked if I minded if she had another lady come with her, free of charge, as she is being trained. Of course I agreed, and left a little extra cash (not as much as I'd like as they earn more per hour than me) but it was nice to watch my fab cleaner showing the new lady the best way of doing things, shared the ironing, etc. I've never really had any issues or had to ask her to do anything differently, apart from she does use my fabric freshening spray on everything, but at least it smells nice and she has already cleaned it... And a few things get moved around and hidden so I can't find it, but she has usually put things somewhere logical. It drives my husband nuts but it's better than how nuts he'd be if our house didn't have her visits every week :-) I guess every agency has good and not so good cleaners, but much depends on how they are trained. It's a bad sign if the maid seems fearful of the agency or hasn't been properly prepared to go out into the houses to work. Must be a crazy culture shock. My maid seems to have a good relationship with the agency, and whenever I need to ring them I always tell them how pleased I am with her work, and she's a lovely girl. Though sometimes she comes into my house and says, in horror, 'oh Madam, what happened???' when she sees the state :-/
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 17:57
shame there's no Dewdneys pasties in Dubai...?? Happy St Pirans Day :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 11:45
Thank you for the tip, I will give them a try.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 09:41
They do sell them in Ace, can't remember how much, but definitely cheaper than to buy at the vets. You can also try the Municipality Vets at Mushrif near Mirdif as there's a shop selling pet accessories there, too, or Safa Vets at Barjeel Oasis complex on 47 street in Mirdif. I'd go with Ace. Sometimes they come up for sale on Dubizzle.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 18:21
investigating for a friend arriving in DBX early summer, looking for a year 1 place for September, but JAPS apparently has an 'extensive' waiting list but invited to part with money all the same, usual story. Anyone know of a school likely to have a place?
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:28
location can be an advantage as it's close to Emirates Road, easy to get out of Dubai, handy for the airport (in fact, you can wave in your visitors and see their inflight movie, ha ha) and brilliant mall at MCC and Arabian Centre. Great for families as it has a nice suburban feel to it, everything very local. I don't drive so it's handy to live in a self-contained area, then just go further afield if we want to on weekends. The disadvantages are that some parts of Dubai seem quite far away, traffic in and out of Mirdif at peak times can be troublesome at THOSE traffic lights, plane noise can be bad depending on wind direction and time of day, the mosques can also mean morning sleep is disturbed if you live by one or two of them. If we go out, we go to festival centre hotels or airport hotels, and Wafi isn't too far either. There are also nice creekside hotels in Deira. If you're villa hunting, you probably get more for your money but the properties may be a little bit more run down in some places, and hence DEWA bills may be a wee bit higher. You occasionally get a little whiff from the sewage works nearby too, but usually passes after the morning rush hour and the air clears. I can walk to Mirdif Park from my house which is a bonus - and a short distance from Uptown mall, Mushrif Park, MCC. Hope that helps
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 18:22
Helma, did you say one of your friends could do private swimming lessons? Will be looking for some for my son (age 5 nearly 6) in Mirdif (shared compound pool) in the summer - we stay all summer. clare (no gap) lawrence AT live which is a company in the UK... Thanks!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 17:45
never been on a Friday morning but if you want to check give the mall a quick call? might save you a wasted journey!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 16:55
In Mirdif City Centre mall, More cafe opens at 8am and they do breakfasts, and also Paul (in the entertainer book) opens at 8am, as does La Brioche. La Brioche does cooked breakfasts - it has a whole breakfast menu. I go with my girl friends every Thursday morning, it's nice and you can buy bread and baked goods too.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 18:18
I have to say...although I b!tch and moan..Dh has just got in from work and has taken the kids for their bath, story and bed :D DH is cooking fajitas tonight, so I can't moan either, but once in a while it's nice to know it's not just me who spends all daylight hours being plugged into some household appliance or another, and cleaning up. My DH says he likes the smell of clean washing and very appreciative of everything I do, it just doesn't feel it sometimes when the mess builds up faster than I can take it away. And DH helps with DS in the morning breakfast chaos, while I have 10 mins to shower in relative tranquility (just the cat to contend with) so all in all it's a good arrangement, really :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:41
...and I am a short order chef. As soon as we are both back from school, it's a neverending stream of food/refreshment requests, and sometimes not just DS, it's all the neighbouring kids playing in the compound's garden, which at most is 13 kids. I've taken to buying Mr Crisps in bulk. The cat invariably starts a meowing tirade as whatever I feed her is simply not good enough unless it's Whiskas seafood selection. I get my DS to bed just before DH comes home. He comes in and makes as much noise as it's possible to make and wonders why dinner isn't on the go (!). He's a very kind man and usually offers to get stuck in, but he uses every dish in the building and makes such a noise it's easier if I do it myself as then DS goes to sleep on time, and we don't end up with tobasco sauce on the floor (again). I have developed a bit of laundry OCD as well, and can't seem to handle stuff that's been worn once being worn again, so my laundry pile is threatening to apply for planning permission. Hmph.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:29
oh crumbs, NIP, if you could find the solution and sell it, you'd be a millionnaire. My house is always like a nuclear fallout zone. Stuff on the floor, dishes abandoned on tables, I'm the only one who replaces loo rolls when they are finished, my DH leaves cupboard doors open and if he uses a bottle of sauce or drink he puts the lid on but doesn't screw it tight. So when I pick it up and go to put it away, it goes everywhere. We have a permanent tobasco sauce stain on the floor for this reason. My DS is 5 and is actually nowhere near as messy as DH is, and he is 42! If DH can't find anything, he asks the air around him "who has moved my..." or announces "it has been moved" (note passive use of verb 'to move', indicating stuff happens beyond his control to his belongings). That's my personal favourite. My DS has a huge collection of small balls collected from vending machines at play centres, he clearly has some kind of OCD, and they are everywhere, cat chases them into crevices all round the house. I do have a once-a-week cleaner who is superb and my saving grace, as otherwise the house is generally in a terrible state. I work 4 days a week, and sometimes find myself mopping at 7am and have already put the wash on and loaded the dishwasher. DH must think we have fairies.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 10:46
my 5-yr old son needs a volume control button and one to prevent movement (just for five minutes? please?). I'd settle for a selective mute button which edits out complains and demands.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 12:20
I just booked the Le Meridian in Fujariah based on trip advisor and this forum....Looks like they have a nice set up....just FYI havent been there yet, but trust trip advisor and this forum..... Le Meridien is just next to the Rotana and it really does look like a fab spot on the coast, and I know of people who have stayed there and returned time after time. Haven't been there myself but would jump at the chance. The two hotels I recommended are also great, I guess it might come to budget, but Fujairah is so lovely you'll have a nice time wherever you stay :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 12:12
we had a very nice stay recently at the Radisson Blu in Fujairah, which was fabulous, and we had our five year old son with us. Glorious beach, pools (a bit chilly, one was a bit warmer) and the rooms were very pleasant indeed. Without exception the staff were very good, and the kids club is excellent, 9am - 6pm with a lovely couple of ladies taking care of the kids. You can get vouchers in the Travel Entertainer book for stays here. Down the road is the Rotana which was also very nice. We didn't stay here, so can't comment on the rooms, but their kids pool has a water shoot slide, and there are watersports on the beach, and several eateries. There is a kids club but I didn't use it so can't comment, looks much the same as most hotel kids clubs. We had a lovely family meal in Mosaique there (vouchers in Family Entertainer book). Hope that helps
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 09:52
there are lots of summer camps at locations (usually schools) across Dubai. You might be able to find one that fits in with your hours, or at least break up the day a little. Some you can pay per day, week or longer, with discounts for siblings. From what I can gather, if you're working all year round, is take the bulk of your leave over the summer, and remember there will be some public holidays for Eid, too. Do you have family members who can come and visit for a while? Sometimes cheaper to buy a flight for Mum (or someone good with your kids) to come over for a while, than to fork out for childminding and summer camps. Best of luck in your new job!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 10:22
Star International in Mirdif opens for registration in March so is likely to have places available - can recommend as my son's there in FS2 and am v happy with his progress and he's enjoying it. Good luck!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 10:20
Star International in Mirdif opens for registration in March so places will be available still...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 10:14
that sounds like a great book - I'm going to order it right now! I recognise my son in this description - highly sensitive, bright, observant, but acts up when in uncomfortable environment, can't bear things too noisy. Have had him anaylsed (for want of a better word, for that is how it felt to me) for ASD/autism but drew a blank (question mark rather than told no he isn't) so I am always intrigued by books offering me an insight. I love my son to pieces and he's a fantastic kid, but often do get the feeling other parents don't have to think around things as much as I do, make changes to lifestyle to accommodate sensitivities and behaviour. Mostly we get on just fine but some days I am literally exhausted from having to think about it all so much. Also had struggles at nursery early on - not aggressive behaviour, the opposite really - quiet and not socialising or talking, but it all turned around at a different school. Kids are so in tune with their environment - your boy sounds like he's perceptive and bright. They make negative associations with places where they get the feeling they aren't with people who respect who they are, and act up accordingly (he's only small after all, and some adults wouldn't be able to articulate that feeling all that well). Boys often need some time and a gentle approach to transitional situations like saying goodbye at nursery. I find a good routine/ritual always helps - keep consistent, use rewards, get nursery on board. If they are happy to criticise but seem unwilling to actually help in some positive way, then it's not a good match. Plenty of others out there which will be better suited. Kids are individuals and not all pegs will fit into square holes. Good luck and God bless
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 10:02
the vet at the municipality (just past Mushrif Park) will do vacs and microchip for not very much money - the premises are not very smart and the vet is a bit vague so I wouldn't recommend animals being treated there for ailments/illnesses, but for vaccinations and microchip, it's perfectly fine.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 08:54
I found the book "Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm (published by Future Horizons) to be really useful as it is full of insights into the way children/teens with ASD think and feel, in an accessible and very personal way (It's written by a Mum with a high functioning autistic son, so the book takes you on her journey and therefore not a text book, more a personal guide). It's moving, but also practical, well researched and beautifully written.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 08:28
thanks ladies. I did take her back to a different vet (I can file for bankruptcy later, I guess!) who thought something more serious than an ear infection was up. Temperature was still sky high so she gave another antibiotic shot, and an anti inflammatory and suspected some kind of tummy bug as she was yowling when her tummy was being examined. They wanted me to rush over to Umm Sequeim and have her admitted and on a drip but as a precaution, she wasn't in too bad a shape, but worried it might get worse. We opted to take her home as the cost of vet care was going to be 3600 aed for overnight care, and we still wouldn't know what was wrong, so we brought her home and she had a good night and is now eating and drinking again. We syringe fed her some water in the evening, which perked her right up, and she immediately got up and went to her food bowl. She's still quiet but I'm not nearly so worried about her. We're going back to the vet's this afternoon to check how her temperature is doing and see where to go from there. No more vomiting and no other new symptoms of illness, so if the temp has gone down then it will be great news :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 January 2012 - 16:04
Hi, my Dad and his partner are elderly and health insurance cover for holidays is stratospheric if buying an insurance product from England. Can I get them a short term health cover product here in UAE? They are likely to be visiting 10 days. It's the only thing stopping them coming over! Tried my own insurance but they are just a third party administrator and couldn't help, tried Metlife alico but left n hold for 25 mins. I know other people have done this - can anybody help with costs/contacts? Thanks!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 16:01
Security House is the agency I use for my weekly cleaner, 30dhs per hour, and I live in Mirdif, my cleaner also has one other client in Mirdif.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 11:03
look up raajmahal in beruwela :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 11:01
Hi, we're heading to the sw coast in April with our 5yr old son. Just got entry visas online via the ETA website, was 20 us dollars for each adult and kids uner 12 are free, but you still have to include them on the online application. You get confirmation back within 24 hours and you pay online using cc card. We're staying in a serviced villa near a beach, hoping to spend a lot of time on the hammock on the porch!! Lots to do for kids on the beach - fishing trips, turtle hatchery nearby, swimming pool, and very much looking forward to the trip. Flying direct with FlyDubai, 3000aed for 3 of us, return, inc taxes and 20kg bag allowance. Villa owner arranging transfers. enjoy! the only thing that's not so good is the road network, which aren't roads in the same way we know them here or elsewhere, apparently, so with very small kids just plan to break up longer journeys and make sure you have an experienced local driver - Red Dot Tours can organise for you, or the place you're staying can connect you with someone who can help.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 11:08
Little Explorers in Mirdif City Centre mall do birthday packages for 100 per child or 130 per child, also the Birds of Prey show down near Mushrif Park do birthday group shows as well (depending on time of year as it's outdoors).
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 20:44
I might be interested - we fostered a Turkish Angora for a month or so, but the kitten has just been adopted, and left a large cat-shaped gap in my son's life! Is she vaccinated and microchipped? Would she be ok in a house with a 5-yr old boy (noise and frequently chaotic?!)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 20:36
Hi there, are the two kittens still in need of a home? Have they been spayed, microchipped and vaccinated? If so, I'd definitely be interested in rehoming them!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 19:25
thanks everyone, will keep looking out for the good deals. If I find any I will post the info! My Mum flew Aer Lingus/KLM via Amsterdam last time she visited and it was all very smooth, and even managed to produce a gluten free meal during the flight, which she usually orders but never materialises on other airline flights. But even this route seems to be much more expensive. BA via LHR seems to be the best bet, end of June - saw this on ebookers, I think. And thanks for the tip SemiSaudi - I will remember to compare the two sites. It also seems to make a difference, sometimes but not always, to click on 'round trip price' rather than two seperate flights, as it shaves a little off the total for the same flight... Maybe I'll wait and see if any discounts come our way ;-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 11:51
I didn't know that, but thanks, last time I was buying flights that route hadn't opened yet. The problem is my Mum lives in SW Cork, and getting to Dublin by road takes almost a day (in her old banger), then usually an overnight stay in Dublin in a hostel or something, so by the time she has done that it's cost her an arm and a leg, and a day taken off her holiday either side. But I will check incase the saving on the flight might make all that worthwhile...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 11:22
staggered at the stratospheric cost of flights from Cork to Dubai this year. Attempting to find a cheap time and cheap flight for my mum to come and visit. My usual flight comparison flights aren't offering much below the £525 mark. Last February KLM via Amsterdam was £415. Is this the best route or do others fly via somewhere else that might be cheaper? Or any airline sales at the mo? I have searched and searched and seems to be a bad time to be looking. Eeeeeeeeeeek...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 17:56
In Carrefour I think you get a 50dhs Carrefour voucher when you buy the family or fine dining book there. I haven't seen this offer in store, I just read it in their promo leaflet today.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 December 2011 - 08:44
clare1976, can I ask how long it takes to drive to say MOE from Mirdif? I've seen loads of cheaper accommodation there so maybe it's an option for us. Mirdif is a little bit out of it geographically, but in reality it's very close to Emirates Road (DH works in Sharjah so this is perfect for us) and it's minutes to Business Bay crossing. I don't drive so I am no expert on what traffic is like - maybe others can advise. It takes about 25 mins on weekends to get to MoE, we are obviously going at a leisurely pace! Also quick to places like Wafi over the Garhoud bridge. Mirdif can be self-contained, too, having MCC and Uptown for shopping, Arabian Centre is fabulous as well, and several parks ncluding Mushrif and Mumzar beach park is a 20 min drive, just a little closer than Jumeirah but not much in it. We pay 90k for 3 beds plus maids, with reasonable patio outside, in a compound of 6 villas, and we share a reasonable/well maintained pool and communal garden, in which all neighbours kids play every afternoon :-). We looked at properties for a lot less which would have done the job (the best value was 75k in 5 cheques), but were under the flight path, so you just have to see several places (usually one agent will show you the same properties as another one would). I love living here, and can do it easily without a car. My husband finds the commute ok, if he times it right - trial and error! There are lots of good deals in the Uptown Mirdif complex at the mo, which would give you on site shopping, pool, playground and primary school all in one go. If I can help with anything else, please just shout.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 December 2011 - 08:37
clare1976, how did you manage to get work at your sons school? did you have qualifications? I'd love to get this type of work but am not qualified. I am not qualified either, but I handed the administrator my CV last year, and then they needed someone in the last few weeks of last summer term to cover a teaching assistant (classroom assistant, ie non teaching, just helping out, very common sense, keeping the little ones safe, helping teacher, wiping noses, etc) for maternity cover. I did that, and then it led on to mre stuff. They asked me to come back as floating support - I go wherever there's a shortage of a pair of hands, eg canteen duty, reception, classroom assistant, admin tasks, after school club, errands. As such, the pay is more like glorified pocket money but for me it's all profit and nice to have cash in hand to take DS to cinema or out for pizza, which I wouldn't always be able to do otherwise. If I save up I can buy something bigger, or go towards a weekend away. Of course with it being school work, I am also off during school holidays with the odd exception. Hope that helps - give it a try!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 December 2011 - 07:26
Just wanted to add to the OP that really hope things start to feel easier and better soon, it sounds like you have had a rough time. I can safely say that the majority of expats in Dubai, the first year is really tough - lots of lump sums to pay out, a new city to adjust to, a new job with all its demands... It DOES get better! Paying monthly would have helped us. My husband found an apartment he liked (no time for looking, too busy working to impossible demands round the clock) and so we moved in a month later when I arrived with DS. It was too expensive so we moved out when our lease ended to something that's 30k a year cheaper, and with 4 cheques instead of 3, allowed us to budget a lot more. Also, I work part time at DS's school, which means I only work while he is there, so it's all profit (badly paid but works for me quite well). Maybe this is something you could look at once babies/LOs are a bit older - you'd get the nursery place subsidised at the very least. I would definitely recommend Mirdif as a community place to live. Lots of playgroups and facilities for kids, near to plenty of parks, nurseries, etc. Once you start to have a network of people around you and feel less alone, it seems easier to cope with what comes your way. Also t is very easy to compare yourself to those for whom life seems easy here. In reality the people with the Prado, jobs ecurity, savings and the perfect villa in Arabian Ranches have probably been here some time and have the advantage of being settled. But in this economic climate not everyone has that lifestyle - many are just making ends meet and it's not so out of the ordinary to live paycheck to paycheck like we do (sorry if this comes as a shock to those who have cash in the bank - lucky you!). We came here for a job that puts my DH under enormous strain and pressure, 12 hour days, round the clock phone calls etc, but this is preferable to no job, which was the situation before we came to Dubai. Dubai is a nice place to live, safe for the kids, good weather a lot of the time, a great experience, and your husband's CV will have this Middle East experience as a steep learning curve on it, which can only be good. But if you have alternatives, unlike us when we moved here, then those are worth considering as expenses go UP but paychecks kind of stay the same... We have worked out lots of ways of saving money - moving to Mirdif saves us heaps. We rent our car (I don't drive, being 5 mins from school allows me to live without a car myself) and so don't have loans to repay. We shop at Hyperpanda for groceries, only go to Spinneys for the odd item you can't find anywhere else. We only eat out if we have an entertainer voucher or other discount. We have a cleaner once a week rather than live-in help etc. Our holidays are local and we don't fly back to the UK. We're careful with air con usage and keep our bills down. These things are making a difference to our outgoings, and while we live paycheck to paycheck at the moment we can see things improving, and at least we won't have any debts here if we do need to go home suddenly for any reason. I'm hoping this might hlp - smetimes it helps to ehar from people who aren't living the expat dream - just doing their best to get by, enjoy living here and bring up the kids until the economy improves and more options open up. Chin up and keep us posted xx
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 12:34
thanks, I will check tomorrow for sure :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 11:00
not much on classifieds at the mo, checked dubizzle and the used ones are more expensive than the brand new one we were considering from Carrefour! On a very tight budget, and live in Mirdif... Ours hasn't been working well for months, and then today the spinner inside snapped away in my hand and it's not worth repairing it, even if we could find someone who does repairs... Thanks, ladies
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 10:54
usb memory sticks are always useful and practical... my husband seems to get a lot of the car windscreen sun sheilds which fold down into a small pack - useful unless you get lots of them!! good luck
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 12:50
Tribes at MoE is a good one - very atmospheric and breakfast only around 25dhs. Also St Moritz cafe MoE does one for 36dhs and you can use up an entertainer voucher there before they expire! Whittards of Chelsea also do egg-based breakfasts, omelettes etc, for a good price - the one at DFC is a nice spot next to M&S.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2011 - 10:30
thank you, I will check both out. Much appreciated!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 16:45
check out Star International School in Mirdif www.starschoolmirdif.com. It's British Curriculum up to y7 and would have places available. Call the school for tours - they do one every Tues 9am. Can recommend as my son is in FS2 and enjoying it, doing well and the class sizes are good. Hope that helps!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 16:42
I've got them going spare if you aren't already sorted out?
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 16:41
Thanks Claire, what a great idea - I had never thought of that. Thanks for the pdf for the labels too (printer warming up as I write).
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2011 - 22:06
oh ladies, you stars! my email is clarelawrence AT live co dot uk I'm in Mirdif nr pink mall but happy to collect... does Dubai do post these days?? What's a good way of me picking up without putting you out? Thanks again
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2011 - 19:43
they have them in Toys R Us in Festival City...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 19:14
Thanks for the advice, helpful as always :-) Luckily these friends are the 'we don't want to put you out' kind, and are normal family folk just out to do family touristy things, and to see us, so I'm confident they would fly under the radar and are the least likely people to draw unwarranted attention to themselves, at least not of their own doing. I'd consider reading the riot act if they were likely to be coming out of bars after a few too many and stumbling back here in a taxi...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 16:17
A slight tangent but on similar 'risk-related' subject, if I have friends come and visit me for a few days in my family's villa, and they are not married, and have two young kiddies, what's the actual risk of them being stopped/detained and also for us? They would be staying as tourists on tourist visa for less than a week, some of it in our place and some of it elsewhere (if they do come). They have come and stayed in RAK before with no issues so they'd pribably think I was making it up if I told them!
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

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

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

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

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

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

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

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

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

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

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

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

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

(Images: Supplied)

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

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

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

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

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

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

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

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

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

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

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

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

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

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

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

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

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

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

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

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