Dubaistar | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dubaistar

Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 10:22
Just come back to Dubai after 2 years away: put your CV on Gulf Talent and Bayut. com, also update LinkedIn profile: worked for me! Also look in Times Educational Supplement online as Social Workers can often pick up counselling type jobs in schools here. Good luck.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 10:20
Contact the Emirates Literature Festival people, based in Bastikiya, they have creative writing groups and encourage new authors
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 10:19
AND they do storytimes - need to book though! Fabulous volunteers, great resource, well done to all the volunteers!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 08:52
in the past I have hired cars using both UK and UAE license but was advised by car hire company last time to use UAE as a preference as they wouldn't come after you for speeding fines etc if you got any but I could use UK if I wanted . Oh believe me they do :(:(:( The car hire company has a copy of your credit card and when I visited at Christmas I found I had incurred 3 tickets - total of a hundred and fifty quid, but at least no black points on my (UAE) licence, which I guess is something!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 20 March 2014 - 11:47
Sorry, do you mean yachts? Best to spell it correctly if looking up online :) BTW, try the Marina boardwalk, lots of charter yachts, very competitive prices, rather than going online - one company next to Stefano's pizza, several others along the way to the Yacht Club (who also have several charter boats). Bargain hard, they are all competing for dollars at the moment. Have fun!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 15 February 2014 - 23:55
British Council?
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 30 November 2013 - 13:06
Pour Sprite/7UP on it while its still hot, then shovel off the muck with a spatula, works every time and no evil chemicals (unless there are some in lemonade, lol)
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 12:24
Just go to Karama and buy another one :) Cheap as chips - don't pay any more than 150 dhs for fabric Coach - leather no more than 400 dhs. Suggest you go to Greeneye then ask for 'specials'
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 10:29
My sister in the UK takes Mum out for lunch and a garden centre/shopping trip/drive around, while I always send flowers online, usually about seventy/eighty quid bouquet from Interflora - flying flowers are cheaper but don't last so long. Mum's on a pension, so will never buy flowers for herself, so a nice big bouquet goes down really well to complement my sister being there in person. If your from a big family you could all put in for a nice gift, but this works for me. My kids and grandkids also send cards (and one usually provides a bottle of single malt as her hubby is in the trade :))
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 10:34
Never seen it here, possibly because it contains alcohol so can't be imported :(
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 12:37
If they are leather, pack them with tissue paper to keep the shape, put in a silicone gel sachet (Carrefour) and clingfilm them to keep out mould spores. I oil my thick leather ones, but the evening bags I just wipe with Nubuck.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 08:20
I have those prints too, and I left them back in the UK on the advice of a friend who had lived in Dubai before. To be honest, it all depends who at Customs is looking at your freighted cargo, but if you get someone who objects, they are likely to go through ALL your boxes, thereby delaying your shipment for who knows how long. It's not worth it, IMHO. Also beware of food, religious stuff (non-Islamic) and with your DVDs, best thing is to have a list and leave behind anything questionable - the fact that you can rent/buy them again once you get here is one of the little absurdities of life here in the sand :) Good luck with your move, you will really like it here.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 08:43
It's a really lovely drive, and if you get lost you will find Omanis very willing to help with directions - they are SO friendly. The only thing I would say is that beware on roundabouts as there is a lot of cutting through several lanes to exit them, so keep your wits about you. Have fun!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 09:28
Mmm, not so sold on mine (Xmas present) - yes it has a USB port (unlike my iPad) but to me it seems clunky, takes forever to load internet in wifi places, HATE the soft keyboard, for now will stick with my iPad. I think maybe it's aimed at people who work for Microsoft to take travelling, but not for us anywhere/anytime folks.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 11:54
Which would be better for a 5 year old for Xmas present? I've seen the ipad but not the Microsoft Surface - can you get the same Apps on both? Will they work in UK? Sorry to be ignorant, am just thinking of granddaughter's present and want to get what is the best for them for school, games, etc.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 22:30
Thanks MrsBrown NZ - I really don't want to post them, so am bumping this for the Sunday crowd.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 22:44
Found it - Al Muttanabi Bookshop (behind the Regent Palace Hotel on TRade CEntre road. Ph no is 04 396 5778, but they shut between 1-4pm. Give them a call and see if they've got it.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 22:38
There's a bookshop that specialises in academic, computer and business books - It's called something like Al Muttanaba. If you go to Burjuman Mall, stand outside Paul's cafe and look across the main road there's a sandlot cordoned off (parking area). Cross over there to the small shops on the other side and by the barber there is a small sign saying bookshop, which is round the corner and down some steps (or just ask someone). They have a huge range - I wish I could remember the name of the shop though, but someone else on here will probably know.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 13:02
Have a look at Trident buildings - I have a friend in Marinascape, v. close to metro on marina side, and Bayside too, both nice, quite new, but v. expensive IMHO - reckon on 150,000 pa for 2 bed plus maid, but that does include aircon chiller. No cockroaches though :)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:07
Landlord is legally meant to redecorate every 2 years, so if you've been there for that long then he must do it, but you do need to fill in any holes in walls due to pictures, etc. Just get some spackling from Ace (Polyfilla) in a tube and cover up the worst bits, then a test pot of paint if you want to make it look like the original. We did this and landlord, or rather slippery agent, were quite happy about it and we got the deposit back. I think if you've been there less than 2 years you may have to pay. HTH
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 00:39
Don't worry about sorting a house before you come, but DO sort the schools asap. Use the 30 days in a hotel to go out and about with your relo person who will show you housing options, areas, etc. and choose one easily commutable to the school your kids will attend. Until you get here and get a feel for the place, you can't really know which area will 'fit' you best. Lakes and Springs are lovely, with local supermarkets, etc. and lots of young families, and easy to get in and out of. Bear in mind there is also a metro station about 5 mins walk from IBM in Internet City - it's called Nakheel, so if you choose an area near a metro, like JLT or Marina, your DH could use the metro so you'd only need to buy one car. You will love it here :)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 03:08
I swear by the Rexona for Men rollon antiperspirant - it seems much more powerful than the rest, so maybe give that a try before doing anything too drastic :)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 00:43
Hi Kitties You can request the form in either Arabic or English (use the online form on the Dubai Police website). The wording on the certificate is "This is to certify that the bearer of this certificate, whose photo and descriptions are shown above, has no previous [u'>convictions[/u'> as to the date of issuance of this certificate." It's valid for 3 months from date of issue. HTH
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 03:50
Love the Mir Amin food, never been disappointed. Chandelier comes into its own in August with its iftar tent. Otherwise for coffee (and free internet) there's always Dome - nothing special but the staff are really sweet!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 08:00
Why not give them to Feline Friends to sell at their bookfair at the Arte Souk (Times Square) or to the Volunteer in Dubai people who organise the Pink Book Sales at Burjuman?
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 04:53
It might even be as simple as their signature having changed since they first opened their bank account, especially if they gave you the second cheque postdated at the same time as the first. They would need to go to the bank and check, and re-do their new signature, if that was the case. Well worth them making a visit to their bank to find out why their cheques are being bounced before things get really out of hand for them.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 23:30
I saw them in Ibn Battuta in deep blue and black (bought one for a relative) just before Christmas, and I'm SURE it was from either Bauhaus, which seems odd now, or from the al Jaber gallery. Very tasteful and went down well with the recipient.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 10:21
There are 10 Emirates A 380 grounded at the moment plus every other one needs checking before they can fly. So maybe try for an airline that wont fly them! Oooh, didn't know that - seems I like to live dangerously!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 00:56
Well, it's not Premium Economy but I can thoroughly recommend the Emirates A380 airbus to Sydney. Both DH and I are tall and the difference in legroom between that and most economy seats is brilliant.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 03:41
Don't worry Adooli, it is no more dangerous than swiping your bank or credit card, it's just a light barcode reader, so absolutely no adverse effects for yours or your LO's health. What a silly woman she is, talking such rubbish to you!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 23:00
KiranB, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember you have just gone through an ENORMOUS amount of stress, some "happy stress" like your marriage and pregnancy (congratulations on both), plus leaving your family and moving to a totally different life here in Dubai, and all since November. It takes time to meet kindred souls here so you are probably feeling all at sea, hormones all over the place, so be kind to yourself, block out all the hurtful things these 'friends' have done or said, and start going out, meeting people, and immersing yourself in your new adventure here. Within a month or two I guarantee you will be enjoying yourself so much you won't care about what those old friends (who don't sound like very nice people to me) are up to. Force yourself to go out and talk to at least one new person a day - the coffee mornings are great places to start, but even in the lift, at the shops, just to keep your spirits up until Dubai really feels like home. Good luck.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 22:50
My sister had the same problem transferring to my (HSBC) account. I contacted HSBC and their advice was that she type the IBAN no. in on the online transfer form digit by digit rather than cutting and pasting, and this worked - I have no idea why it should make a difference but it did, so maybe your parents can try that. Hope it works for you too!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 20:49
I took a school group to Hong Kong years ago and the kids practised their chopstick technique before we went by using two biros and using them to pick up Smarties from a bowl - by the time we got there everyone was stick perfect! Or next time you're at the mall, buy a Chinese lunch in the food court and get an extra pair of chopsticks to practice with at home. The trick is to keep the bottom one steady and only move the top one with your finger. When eating from a bowl with chopsticks, it is perfectly OK to bring the bowl closer to your mouth and shovel the food in, especially the rice :)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 21:40
If you want a cheaper option, you could always take the bus from Ibn Battuta metro station - 20 dhs there, 15 dhs return, clean, air-conditioning and separate ladies/family section.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 21:27
There's also a Sir Speedy in Knowledge Village, next to the Emirates Driving Institute and other shops, by block 5. They do colour and b/w printing, binding, laminating, etc. etc. and are very reasonable.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 01:23
If she is a qualified teacher or early years specialist, she could also try in Knowledge Village, especially Block 13 - there are lots of homework tutoring places there and some music tuition places too. Best thing would be to go and distribute her CV in person rather than trying to phone them.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 08:17
The trick is to buy some EMLA cream from the pharmacy and put it on 30 mins before the waxing, really helps ease the pain.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 11:46
Al Qurm resort (small Sheraton next to Intercontinental). Right on beach, lovely shaded pool, loads of cafes, restaurants next door, cinema about 500m away, taxi rank outside hotel.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 01:18
lol @ edit! question (ducks for cover) is there an A & E in Marina Mall? Yes there is, underneath Waitrose (signposted).
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 10:19
Lashings of Nivea at night, then sleep in socks so it soaks in all night. My old granny's remedy and it works brilliantly (and is cheap).
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 01:16
If you're planning on taking them to Jumeirah Mosque, call in at the Pro Art gallery in the shopping centre right opposite the mosque. They are constantly changing their displays, had some Dali sculptures, Lichtenstein, Banksy, Warhol a while back - small but very friendly.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 07:25
If you're coming from AD, best to park at Nakheel Harbour and Tower metro station, then get metro and change at Union for Al Quiadah station, which is right beside the CID place. They do the fingerprinting there, and even if your fingerprints are already on file for your Emirates ID card, they still need to do them again. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=169483
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 13:14
Thanks all!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 20:35
ETA you need to fill in the application form on the police website too of course! http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/jsps/content/flat-content.do?contentCode=71578
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 18:57
I had it done about 6 months ago (it is only valid for 3 months). You need to take 2 passport photos and either your Emirates ID card or passport and photocopy of photo page and visa page. Go to CID at Al Mullah Plaza, metro is right next door as parking is dreadful. There is a desk for Good Conduct certificates, ladies have their own room to fingerprint, etc. You pay 110 dhs and then go back 3 days later to pick it up. They used to SMS you when it's ready but not now. I doubt you would need it to be attested as well as long as it's current for your time in Dubai, but you would need to check that. You have the choice of getting it in Arabic or English. Hope that helps. It's very quick and easy, but suggest you go early as they shut at 2pm.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 13:03
If you have no luck lift-sharing, you could always catch the 101 bus from Ibn Battuta - I think the first one is at 6, then one at 7.30, etc. Return trips start around 4. The guy in the RTA hut in the bus area at Ibn (outside the metro) will give you the times. 20 dhs there, 15 dhs return, ladies section at front of bus, proper coach, airconditioned, very comfortable. Lots of people use this every day. Hope that helps.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 16:49
That's what I thought too, TAllybalt - I think she's hoping that someone will have some spare space in a container though, so thought I'd post before telling her to do just that!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 13:09
bump
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 15:56
Really???? Wow, I never knew that - all mine look like Old Hag Of The Year, wish I'd known before, I could have been retouched to be Angelina's younger sister - will remember for next time, thanks Punchbiff!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 15:53
Another good way to meet people is to sign up for Volunteer in Dubai events - they run everything from helping with special needs children (at Ski Dubai, cinema, housework at a residential home, etc.) to book sales, beach clean ups, cooking for labour camps, etc. etc. etc. Checkout their Facebook http://www.facebook.com/volunteerindubai And "welcome to Dubai," do give the coffee mornings a go - there is one in Costa on the Promenade and if you're nervous, just contact the organiser so she can introduce you to people. There are lots of gyms in that area, and circuit training, etc. based at the Yacht Club. There are lots of post-40, even post-50 people here, just be patient and you will soon meet kindred souls :)
 
 
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