Dubaistar | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dubaistar

Dubaistar
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 06:57
Virgin megastores - they can order them in different colors for you.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 22:15
Me too, ever since I've been in Dubai - odd bouts of lightheadedness, stomach upset and diarrhoea (TMI). Am meticulous about getting aircon cleaned, but even so we still get a number of flies that come in - and are totally indestructible, no matter what fly spray I use. Don't understand how they can get into the apartment which is shut all day, but even though my aircon is cleaned I wonder what other nasties are getting in via the cooling system..................
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:55
Rumour has it that the Festival City stop on Green Line opens on Friday September 9th. Best not to try taking an IKEA flat pack bookcase back home on it though :)
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 09:27
AussiePup, I feel your pain. It drives me mad with frustration when things go wrong and I get the run around, whereas as soon as DH gets onto it (usually by the time I have screamed, yelled and been checking airline tickets out of here) things magically get sorted simply because he is male. Is this what we feminists fought for way back in the day???? Leaking toilets here turned out to be a cheap 50 dhs fix - it was a broken seal; water pouring through the ceiling due to a hole in the water tank less cheap, with the agent palming me off by saying "hole will close madam after two days" - I don't think so.......The worrying thing where we live here is that the 'plumber, electrician and aircon man' are all one and the same guy, he just wears a different coloured overall depending what he is doing. Hope your day goes better today, hopefully they will listen to your DH and get their act together - big cyberhugs.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 07:14
There's also an art supplies place next to the old library at Ductac, Mall of the Emirates. Ductac runs lots of art programmes so I guess the shop supplies the materials for them too.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:37
Officechick, I didn't drive for the first six months as was on probationary period at work and didn't know if I'd stay so didn't want to drive a car. Getting taxis and metros was fine until it got too hot to walk to and from metro. I always quite enjoyed the adrenaline rush of being in a taxi as you never knew quite what would happen, but on the whole they were safer than many of the cars on the road and I survived! But in terms of shopping, getting out and about, once I knew I was staying, I bought a car as it just makes life so much easier and petrol is so cheap. After a few trips with DH sitting beside me I felt confident, but always drive defensively. Several friends have decided not to drive here and seem to manage just fine, though like me they don't have kids here - I think that's the crucial factor for many people. It really isn't as bad as it seems out there, you just need your wits about you and nerves of steel. Good luck.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 11:45
Yes they are in several locations. I have just checked with my friend and she sees a Dr Charles at the one in Marina Walk, apparently he has good English and is very approachable. She says there are about 5 doctors at that one, so presumably about the same amount at JBR one too.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 07:01
Try Nicolas and Asp on Marina Walk (by the fountain, in the STarbucks building) - I think they have several doctors there and have heard good reports.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 20:53
If you're buying loads, the 5 dirham ones are available in C4, MoE :):):) Great for friends' kids if you have heaps to buy for....
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 07:28
I would use an agency every time just for sanity's sake. Not all solicitors are authorised to notarise documents, they have to be approved Notary Publics, and charge a fee. There is so much running around (and whoever decided to relocate to Milton Keynes was clearly playing a dreadful joke on us expats) that in terms of petrol, time, and mental agony, an agency is worth every single fils.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 07:13
Al Jaber gallery has lots of ideas, some a bit cheapo, some quite tasteful. Also don't discount C4 - I got a pile of nice pashminas there this week for about 15 dhs each (without the Made in China/India label too, lol), and also Day to Day next to Deira City Centre for mosque alarm clocks and other bits. For teens/kids I've bought the keyrings with their name on one side in English and in ARabic on the other, I think there about 7 dhs (C4) and as I have lots of teens/kids to buy for it soon mounts up. Obviously family and special friends I spend quite a bit more, but it's quite nice to give a little something to everyone while you're back home!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 07:06
Muslim women do not shake hands with men here, so a man would not normally offer his hand to a woman to be shaken, whatever her nationality. However, because you offered your hand first, he would shake it, but might feel a bit self-conscious about it! Don't fret over it, it is good to be assertive when dealing with banks here, as you will discover!!!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 13:08
If you haven't yet explored the old part of Dubai, BMAP, why not take the metro to Khalid bin al Waleed station, hop in a taxi down to the Dubai Museum, then walk round the corner to the old souk and textile souk, have a cold juice at Bait al Wakheel restaurant, which is right by the Bur Dubai abra station and sticks out over the water, then hop on an abra (1 dh per person) over to the other side of the creek, have a look at the gold and spice souks, then take a taxi up to Deira City Centre mall where you can get a nice cuppa, take them into the Iconic store for funky clothes and novelty bits, Day to Day for some cheapie souvenir shopping, and even do a movie if you have time. Hope your trip has been fruitful and good luck for the Big Move!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 07:40
This may sound weird but I would actually GO to the lost property dept at Mall of the Emirates, especially as it happened a couple of days ago, and if possible take a photo along of your stroller (you might have one on your phone?) They might call it a 'pushchair' rather than a buggy or stroller and at least you can explain what it is through mime and pics, as so much gets lost in translation here over the phone. It's definitely worth a try - most of their lost property there is fairly small, wallets, phones, etc. so they may have stored it in a different place. I've found the most helpful info people there are the ones at the entrance to the metro, opposite Cold Stone Creamery - good luck, hope it turns up.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 14:00
Definitely worth fixing, try ringing the no. on this link http://www.bsh-group.de/laender/ae/index.php?page=108792
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 06:44
Go to RTA office at Al Wasl (upstairs from Union Co-op) with 2 photos and your passport and visa, and/or ID card and they will give you a new one.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 14:02
It might be worth asking your security guard as they might have spares, or at least show you the box and advise you where to get them. Worth a try anyhow.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 20:39
Stardust: not trying to put a dampener on your travel plans, but when I was in the UK I was told I had to que up at the Chinese Embassy at the crack of dawn to get the visa or else get my travel agency to do it - needless to say I did the latter, and all was well. It's certainly not a straightforward process, so if possible I would get a PRO or someone to do it with all the required photos, etc. etc. Mind you this was two years ago, so maybe things have changed. It is a fabulous city tho, so much to see and do, and a real contrast between old and new, so enjoy (and do use the metro, by far the best way to get around)
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 07:54
It's 3 hours drive from Muscat along the coast road- tarmac all the way, but I don't know how long from Dubai, sorry. But just wanted to say that we stayed in the eco-hotel at the Scientific Center itself and it was really lovely (and very reasonable), then you are right on the spot for the night and early morning tour, rather than being in Sur or in a barasti hut, which would be REALLY hot this time of year. Enjoy!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 07:35
Try Antiques Museum in Al Quoz
Dubaistar
222
Posts
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 08:41
The cab company gets the difference but usually the drivers don't mind because it is another 10dhs towards their daily minimum earnings they have to make, which I think is 300 dhs a day. That's why they love airport runs from Jebel Ali to the airport or vice versa - they can make a third of their daily requirement in half an hour!
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 12:07
They're dead easy to make, just follow these instructions cardboard, tape and a spraycan of black paint and away you go http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Cardboard-Top-Hat/
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 08:05
Some of the apartment blocks have separate storage rooms in the basement, ask to see those as well when you are looking around.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 09:27
I love Cafe Madeleine (up the escalatour next to Social House/Hediard) and for dinner Urbano, Mango Tree or Rivington Grill, but to be honest it is too hot at the moment to sit outside for dinner, so if you can stand the heat, you might be better to just watch the fountains from the boardwalk/Souk al Bahar bridge while they play, then go and eat somewhere inside afterwards.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 10:57
I put pantyliners on the shopping list on one (very rare) occasion when DH did the shopping and he brought back Tena Lady Maxi incontinent pads. Oh and when taking me home from hospital after having DD No. 1, he didn't bring a suitcase or travel bag for my clothes, etc. he brought a black bin bag :)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 10:52
Fantastic news Clairehdp, I've always thought your posts a breath of sanity in the often-weird world we live in over here. Good luck with the move and congratulations on your DH's promotion. You will be sadly missed.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 21:11
Try Sir Speedy in Knowledge Village or Flying Colors in Media City - I'm pretty sure they do both printing and binding.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 10:30
Definitely Crown - offices in your home country and here in Dubai and online tracking of your shipment. Might not be the cheapest but they are by far the best.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 15:26
Sadly Al Jaber don't sell them - tried Ibn and MoE, so will go to the Antique Museum tomorrow - thanks Smells and Miss Piggy.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 13:58
I think that changes things - I THINK (though you'd need to check with Education Ministry) that in order to privately tutor you have to have either a NoC from an educational institution, eg. school here, or else you have to buy a freezone tutoring licence, which is quite expensive. Otherwise you are not 'legal' - at least that is how it used to be, but people still did take the risk. Maybe another poster knows what the rights and wrongs are. It would be awful for your daughter to get into trouble over this, so it's worth you finding out - maybe even call the Dept of Labour to find out what the rules are? It all might have changed since they brought in part-time work earlier this year. Good luck.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 12:41
Tell her to ask the school for a No Objection letter - that way she will be legal. If she does private tutoring without this, she could be in a bit of trouble if found out.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 12:07
Went by there a week or so ago and all the tables and chairs were still there, but it looks like they are moving into the building next door as there's a new sign up - under the Bristol charter boat hire office. I've never quite forgiven Stefano's for refusing to accept two Entertainer vouchers when five of us had dinner there - they would only take one, even though we had all had pizzas/pastas, desserts and coffees - definitely not in the spirit of the Entertainer Book concept.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 22:44
Thanks all, the MMI is about five minutes walk from me so I won't be driving, and I've got a photocopy of DH's card - just wanted to check it was OK for me to go in without him. Otherwise I shall simply drink lots of water for three weeks and feel virtuous!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 22:27
Thanks moomoo - busybee I am named on DH's licence, so I assume my photo and details are on the computer at MMI, so am definitely legal to carry it home and consume it, I just don't have the card as it is currently in Saudi - fat lot of use it will be there :)
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 22:24
A friend from UK just spent 3 years teaching English near Wuhan - definitely get some Berlitz language CDs as you will need basic spoken Chinese to deal with bureaucracy, etc. People are very keen to help and practise their English but if you can get the basics life will be much easier. Sounds like a great adventure. She visited Beijing and Shanghai and the stone warriors, among other things, travelling by train, and had all kinds of stories to tell, loved every second of it, though missed being able to buy size 16 underwear, lol!!!
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 17:11
Muurtje Please be aware that you will also need to get a Good Conduct certificate from the police here if you are running any kind of homework club/childminding - check the Dubai Police website for details.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 16:35
Private schools could just build exam fees into their overall fees if they wished to - the reason they don't is because there is a huge variation in board fees depending on which subject your child takes, and also some variation between the different exam boards, so it would mean a different amount of fees per family. This way, ie. levying charges for exams just prior to taking them is much clearer and easier to administer.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 09:50
Sorry SD :( Good luck with Betterlife customer service - surely they MUST lend you a courtesy fridge if it's 40 plus degrees? Or at least agree to fix it within 48 hours - tell them you have to have it to keep your vital daily medicines in, that should do the trick on humanitarian grounds.........
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 09:37
We also have a F&P washing machine :) Even worse - I had a GEntle Annie machine but called it Savage Annabel as it ripped all my knickers into shreds unless I put them in a pillowcase and felted my cardies - ooh you've brought back machinicidal memories.........
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 09:34
I had one years ago when I lived in Melbourne and a pea got stuck in the little round hole at the back of the fridge shelves, which meant the air didn't circulate or something. I ended up getting some flexible net curtain wire and shoving it down the hole (turned the electric off first though, lol) which seemed to do the trick. Also try defrosting it, even if its a no-frost - pull out the bit on the bottom front and let it all drain into a bowl surrounded by towels. Good luck!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 16:21
There's Flying Colors in Media City who are great (in the same building as the MacDonalds) and there's a Sir Speedy in Knowledge Village, next to Diamond Lease. Both good. HTH Oh and theres another Flying Colors in the Crowne Plaza shopping mall, ground floor. <em>edited by Dubaistar on 11/05/2011</em>
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 09:55
It's one thing saying your kids will go to DC, quite another getting them in - DC is selective, which means that in Year 6 children take an exam similar to common entrance which decides whether or not they will get a place. If your friends children haven't yet taken and passed the entrance exam, then they have absolutely no idea whether or not their dreams will come true regarding sending them there - fret not!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 09:48
Have just been in same situation with friend not seen for 3 years and with little cash - agree with Dubai Mall, creek (do museum and art galleries, cheap and fascinating), also do Jumeirah Mosque Tour on Tues, followed by coffee and cake at Lime Tree cafe next door, then Jumeirah Beach Park for the afternoon - splurge 40 dhs on two loungers and an umbrella and enjoy the warm, wonderful sea. Visitors I've had before also like to photograph the ski slope at MoE and the round-the-world architecture at Ibn Battuta, and they just LOVE going on the metro - I think the fact its driverless makes them feel a bit reckless. Buy a Nol card and then you can stop off wherever you please - a cuppa at the Marina, etc. It's surprising how cheap entertaining guests can be if you put your mind to it :)
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 10:02
Museum is also closed till 2.30 (but well worth visiting when open) as are most of the art galleries in Bastikiya. You could go for a wander on the Bur Dubai side anyway, look at the windtowers down by Heritage Village, have a leisurely lunch at Bait al Wakheel, take an abra ride, then hit the souks once they open - still a lovely morning out, and there's the Creek park too. Enjoy!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 08:22
Funny you should say that arohadxb - I was thinking the same thing, and even went hunting for replacement heads (but didn't find any here). But my good old trusty one is still going strong, so I think I'll just carry on with it till it dies - the only thing is that it isn't cordless so if I use it in the shower it might be disastrous.....
Dubaistar
222
Posts
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 07:27
Second the Braun Silk Epil. Had mine for over six years and never had a moment's trouble with it - absolutely brilliant.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 19:06
If you were in Marina Spinneys on Thursday, I handed one in (though you'll need to know the make and model of course.....)
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 11:51
The credit card of the person who bought the online tickets has to be shown (and photocopied by staff) when you pick up the tickets at the counter, so I guess you'd have to meet the poster there to do that, then get the cash from her. I suppose the idea is to stop ticket touting, but it is a pain when you've got tickets but can't use them and yet others are wanting them :(
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 13:51
Hmm, thanks all. I checked Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester and all were 77,500 airmiles, which I do have, but then on their calculator thing it said that they had fares to the UK on Flex SAVER for 45,000 so I tried some random dates, like May, etc. when there would be no school holidays so no peak times, and couldn't find the cheaper ones anywhere, so just wondered if I was being thick or if they were being mysterious! I was hoping to be able to do the car hire on airmiles too, but won't be able to now :( Still, worth every single penny (or airmile) just to see the rugrats!
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 11:45
I finally have enough airpoints to go back to the UK this summer, but am confused by their website - do they ever do Flex SAVER fares to UK, and if so when? And are they likely to have a fare sale soon - is it May or June? Just want to go ahead and book to see the grandkids, but have always had to pay hard cash before........ Thanks in anticipation!
 
 
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