Dubaistar | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dubaistar

Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 17:56
Thanks all!
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 17:20
It's a discount card you order through TimeOut magazine - gives you 20% off lots of places, nice restaurants like Mango Tree, etc. With that and the Entertainer book you're good to go!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:26
I'm pretty sure your TimeOut card gives you 20% off - might pay to call them and check.
Dubaistar
222
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 09:11
I like to think of it as the natural progression of montessori. Play based learning which evolves into activity based and project based learning. I would not be surprised if it was the leading form of education across the world in the future. I've always been a fan of this style of learning. Unfortunatley though, the diploma is not accepted across universities as readilly as graduating from the British system... So if you are thinking of a pathway to uni, this is something that parents have to factor in. All it means in practice is that you have to apply to uni for admission 'ad eundum statum' as with any other non-British qualification, which is no big deal, just another form to fill in. The IB diploma is viewed as being at least equivalent to British GCSE ones and some courses prefer it because of the breadth of subjects studied and the extended essay, 150 hours community service and theory of knowledge components.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 08:08
And most importantly, he will have the cleanest shoes in town........
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 09:50
Hi Amandashaks I looked into MBAs in lots of places for DH, and to be honest I found that most of those offered here are not what they seem at all, so be warned - many of them you can get here are not recognised outside of the UAE. Because they are so expensive, it seems mad to pay all that money to get a qualification that will be of no use when you move on - if you apply for a job in say, UK, Australia, SA, all your quals will need to be assessed under that country's ratings and approved for visa purposes, and an MBA from a lot of places here will not be acceptable. So just check VERY carefully before you sign up for anything and pay loads of money over. Good luck
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 07:28
Try www.moonpig.com - based in Jersey, great range and specials, also do just cards for birthdays etc. which works out cheaper and a lot more reliable than sending anything from here. I use them all the time: just sent my sister their bouquet of the month, cost me about 30 quid including vase and from the photo it is stunning. Also, they deliver on Saturdays.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 08:02
Urbano - ground floor Souk al Bahar - lovely view. Or Cafe Madeleine upstairs in the mall, there is outdoor seating overlooking terrace.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 16:46
Depends on what you want to do a Masters in. For an MBA for example (just looked into this for hubby), Manchester Business School will take you with just life/business experience for their executive programme. as will several other unis, but as someone posted before, a lot of these qualifications won't stand up to scrutiny outside of Dubai. For other Masters courses, even if the prospectus says you need a degree, if you are interested just check with the admissions tutor, as you may just need to do a short bridging course if your experience is enough.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 07:44
We were there two days ago - where they do the show is on pebbles/gravel so might be tricky to push a wheelchair right in, but there were some older people with walking sticks who managed fine and it's only a few yards from the entrance to the seating area. It was absolutely brilliant, with very knowledgeable and interesting trainers, the kids loved it, and the birds - eagle and all - get to perch on your gloved arm. Definitely a "must for visitors." By the way, thank you so much to the lovely English lady who drove us all back to the Arabian Center, you were a lifesaver!
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 06:12
Monday
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 08:48
Thanks BH, for some reason I had thought it was 6pm -6am but wasn't sure - have probably saved a fortune thanks to you!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:40
I know I should know this but have totally forgotten and need a prompt (it is Thursday after all) - what time is cheapest to call the UK on Fri/Sat? TIA
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 08:26
The author spells his name with a K, Jim Krane (not being pedantic here, just know the staff at Borders will try and spell it with a C" and the same book is also published as City of Gold: Dubai and the dream of capitalism - think one version is a reprint but they are the same book. HTH
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 20:09
Big pain is that some drs won't bill them direct so you have to fill in claims forms - eg. Nicollas and Asp for one. Check their list.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 16:48
.....Home - fab shop, got lots of Xmas gifts there
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 08:25
You can buy GMAT books in Borders - MoE had several in their sale last week - go to the Eduction section towards the backon the right, next to Reference - I think most were around 40/50 dhs.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 08:12
What I meant to say is that if it is prescribed here in UAE there won't be a problem bringing it in. Even though some of the drugs on the restricted list CAN be prescribed here, Customs only allow them to be brought in with doctors letters, etc. if they have been prescribed and issued abroad. Hope that all makes sense.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 08:10
GA just make sure you have your doctor's no. loaded on your phone (or with you), and the pharmacy no. would be a good idea too and take it in the packaging - the price in dhs will be on the packaging, so if they query you you can just call the doc/pharmacy. Have a good trip.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:45
With that kind of housing allowance you can live just about ANYWHERE - are you sure you've done the conversion from Singaporean currency right??? :)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 16:33
I've bought really cheapie plonky white wine before and used that - seems to taste OK once cooked......
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 09:58
Although you can get your police clearance at Port Rashid (right next to dry docks) I would go straight to the main CID place (police headquarters) near Al Mullah Plaza - they have a special counter for this and it's all very quick. Take passport plus copies, plus photos. For fingerprinting there is a separate ladies queue too which speeds up the process considerably. Parking is a nightmare though :(
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 09:56
Just a heads-up if you're going on a Friday - the museum doesn't open till 2.30. Other days it opens at 10.30 but might pay to check with them.
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 09:17
Yes, Khalid bin al Waleed is right outside the Burjuman Centre. When I've had visitors, we've metro-ed there and always taken a taxi from there to the Old Souk/Textile Souk and Museum bit, rather than waiting for the bus, then walked down to Heritage Village and the old Sheikh's house, retraced our steps and had lunch at Beit al Wakheel on the waterfront right next to Bur Dubai abra station, hopped on a 1dhs abra across to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk on the Deira side, then taxi-ed or bussed back up to Union station to go home. Or you could taxi/bus back up to Deira City Centre if you wanted to end up at the movies or a mall, but to be honest every time I've done it I'm too stuffed to face the prospect of a mall (note to self: must go back to the gym...) It's a good day out and while youre in Bur Dubai have a look in the clothes shops one block back - the stuff on the ground floor is all a bit cheapie, but upstairs is Fakes Heaven!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 21:53
Mine was the same when she came to visit - if I needed to go to the loo when out with her she would ALWAYS say "Still haveing trouble with your waterworks then?" I have NEVER had trouble with my waterworks, EVER so gritted teeth and smiled beatifically while momentarily contemplating matricide, bless her!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 21:48
Thanks heavens little baby Connor is alive and well - I seem to remember reading that Equity rules mean that if the kids don't speak they don't have to get paid as much, or somesuch, so I guess that is why a lot of the Corrie kids just smile enigmatically- I can sleep well tonight after all - thanks folks!
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 11:08
Agree Chaos, back in the UK I had a nice filing cabinet with everything at my fingertips, here I have three clearfiles - one for all the official certificates and copies which has travelled to umpteen bureaucratic nightmare places in Dubai :), one for everything to do with the apartment - security deposit receipts, tenancy agreement, DEWA, etc. to which I often add useful printouts from EW like "How to change the housing fee on your DEWA bill to what it should be once you've organised a rent reduction", etc. as I find them, and the third just copies of bills and statements. All the other stuff which is UK related is kept in a separate box, also in clearfiles. I suspect it's my Virgo tendencies, coupled with OCD but definitely worth organising now BMAP - good luck with the attestations, you're nearly there - or rather here!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 09:55
Buy Me a Pony wrote: Anyway, now I have to go through the rigmarole of getting a JP to sign copies of my passport, medicare, licence, blah, blah, blah. You probably already know this, but the initial notarising has to be done by a Notary Public, which is not the same thing as a JP - UAE Embassy are very particular about this! (Probably because you have to PAY a NP, whereas JP services are free, lol)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 08:35
Thanks Daza and Crystals - have got visitors this weekend so will head out there.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 20:21
Can U buy those steering wheel locks like you get in Halfords here? Then you can keep the keys and no-one, but no-one will be able to use the car except you!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 13:22
http://www.volunteerindubai.com/
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 09:01
You have the option of renting them to just go round the fenced off bit, or can go up over the dunes for an hour, no booking necessary, though at the weekend you might have to wait ten minutes for an available bike. Make sure you negotiate residents prices with them as they'll give you a big discount. My brother and nephew did it and loved it. Can't remember the name of the place but it's the one nearest to the Hatta end of the road, the one that also has a mini gokart track on the right as you go in the entrance (which is also where the well-hidden toilets are :)) BTW there are guys driving landcruisers to "rescue" anyone whose quad bike gets stuck in the dunes - which is a surprising number of them......Hope he enjoys himself!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 11:21
45 mins travel time - not including walking to and from metro platform, lol
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 19:41
GGP I agree with HK - it takes six months in any expat move to feel like home (this is my fourth such move) - for me, it's knowing where my mechanic, doctor, dentist, hairdresser, plumber, fave supermarket is - silly things but they ground you and diminish your stress once they are sorted. Out of all my moves (France, US and Aus) I found this the hardest, I think because on the surface here everything and everyone seems very organised and easy, but underneath it's like the duck paddling - calm on the surface and paddling like heck underneath. I don't have kids here, they are back in the UK, and consider myself to be pretty capable, but I found it hard, and only now can I honestly say, hand on heart that I'm enjoying it. Given what you've shared about your family situation, sisters, etc. it might not be a bad thing to wait for another 14 months till you haven't got to be so in charge of everyone's future, but hey, we were looking forward to you coming so let us know when and if it does happen. Take care, and que sera sera (sp.) :)
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 11:39
I got a Cobone/Gonabit deal which was a BOGOF, so it cost 100 dhs pp. Normally it's 200 dhs, but worth checking with them as they might negotiate. http://theyellowboats.com/ He goes pretty fast on one bit so you get a kind of gentler jetboat experience too, lol
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 11:23
"[b'>The servers are courteous, they're all pretty and nice to talk to[/b'>," said customer Wow Nabong, who had never heard of a cosplay cafe before or even watched any Japanese anime. :-P If we do, I hope they name it after this customer!
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 11:14
Does it have to be a yacht/cruiser? We did a YellowBoats 75 min Atlantis, Palm and Burj Al Arab with visitors and it was great - informative, lovely photo opps and a very knowledgeable driver (captain?) It goes from the marina, next to Spinneys.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 20:51
Sorry, illegal unless she's your maid
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 20:49
A friend lives in Trident Oceanic which has a playground in it, right next to Marina metro station - I think it's quite small but OK for young kids.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2011 - 17:32
Haven't seen any party stuff (mind you, haven't been looking for party stuff recently) but all the Borders branches are selling Mr Men books for 5 dhs each, so you could always buy a whole load of different ones and use the pictures and put clear plastic Contact over them on some plain white plates, cups, mats, etc.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 17:09
Not as bad as hooters, but about 15 years ago got really badly sunburnt on a beach in Cyprus, especially on the belly, went back to hotel after a wee tot or two and slatherd on "aftersun cream" - woke up two hours later burning as it was self-tanning lotion. Because I wasn't quite on top of my game when applying it, I was a mixture or orange, deep red and unable to let anyone near me for weeks - not exactly the second honeymoon DH was hoping for.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 15:57
BMAP, if your husband is working in Internet City, the Nakheel station is very close - about 5 mins walk, and there is a bus which runs from Marina Mall/JLT (think its the F37/39A) which drops off outside the Siemans building. There's also the 88 which runs from Deira City Centre along and stops at various points enroute. Suggest you look at the rta website journey planner http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal once you know where you're living, and plot him a route. Buses and metro are really cheap - he could go that way, then ring a taxi for home - he can load their number on his phone, call them and the nearest one comes and picks him up - only costs an extra 3 dirhams. If he has an Etisalat phone he can order pickup over their website, but their system doesn't work with Du phones. YOU should defo have the car for all the reasons other posters have said, and in fact I use public transport and taxis all the time, as do others here and it is probably the easiest and cheapest place to get around if you are on your own and not carting pushchairs, car seats etc. so he will get used to it in no time and the great benefit for him is it gives him time to adjust from office to home life and an up-close-and-personal look at another aspect of Dubai.
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 14:00
You have to be kidding..Dear. edited by Lady Bubbles on 05/02/2011 Hehehe - DH was very surprised at being addressed as "Dear" by the DEWA man - had to restrain him from replying "Hey honey, here's my details"....
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 13:16
And from the lovely folks at DEWA after three visits and about ten phone calls in a vain attempt to have the correct housing charge applied to our bill finally an email as follows: [b'>good morning, how are you dear? can you please send me your tenancy contract, DEWA bill and Registration ID # please? thank you and have a nice day [/b'>[i'>[/i'>
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 15:02
Thanks ladies, will tell him to check and double-check who he signs up with if he decides to go ahead. Personally I'd rather enrol him in a cooking course, would be much more useful in this household than a ******* MBA course!
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 07:29
Here it is, and don't forget Alex's shoes...... Everyday: Wash clothes Ironing Clean kitchen Clean bathrooms Make beds Tidy bedrooms Every Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday: Clean furniture Clean glass tables Vacuum floors Wash floors Clean cooker top Dust off room Sunday: Change sheets on beds, wash and iron them. Change towels, wash and iron them. Wash and iron table cloth / Wash table mats. Water indoor plants. Cover outside furniture. Vacumm carpets. Monday: Clean and tidy out fridge, throw anything out of date. Wash and disinfect kitchen bin. Clean cooker properly / hobb. Clean large appliances. Clean inside of microwave and oven. Tuesday: Clean inside of windows and ledges below. Dust off study / book shelves. Wednesday: Clean and polish Alex’s shoes. Water indoor plants. Thursday: Uncover, clean and arrange outdoor furniture. Clean outdoor areas and doors (entrance, patio, balconies). Once a month: Clean silver Check all wardrobes and drawers are clean and tidy. Clean top of pictures, doors, fridge, mirrors… Go through kitchen cupboards and clean interior and exterior, make sure you throw away anything out of date. Wash shower curtains in washing machine. Clean walls with sponge and water. Living Areas & Bedrooms: - All carpeting vacuumed - Vacuum, mop and dry hard floor surfaces - Stairs, mop and dry hard floor surfaces - Tidy room appearance - Dust furniture and knickknacks (damp cloth) - Make beds - General dusting Bathrooms House Cleaning: - Tile walls and bathtubs cleaned and disinfected - Shower and shower curtains cleaned and disinfected - Mirrors cleaned and shined - Sink and counters cleaned and disinfected - Floors washed and disinfected - Carpeting vacuumed - Clean and disinfect toilet - Wipe down outside cabinets, drawers and cabinet faces - General dusting Kitchen House Cleaning: - Scrub sink - Clean small countertop appliances - Clean refrigerator exterior - Outside of range hood cleaned - Top and front of range cleaned - Drip pans cleaned - Sinks cleaned and disinfected, chrome shined - Countertops cleaned and disinfected - Clean outside cabinets and cabinet faces and doors - Clean exterior of large appliances - Wipe down inside and outside of microwave - Clean table and chairs - Floors cleaned and mopped - Trash emptied - General dusting
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 17:47
At the bottom of your screen you should have a little magnifying glass which you click on and can increase the percentage size of the screen Hmm, thanks Freckles but I can't see anything looking like a magnifying glass, despite putting my glasses on, lol. Might have to wait till DH returns from UK tomorrow - that's how woefully technically challenged and pathetically dependent I am - grrrrrr! Just want life to be simple like it was in the olden days........
Dubaistar
222
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 17:23
Love it too but the font is about half the size it was before - anyone know how to fix this on my computer?
Dubaistar
222
Posts
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Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 16:23
Oooh jillp - good news! Looks like they've reinstated it, or possibly that I struck a very unhelpful RTA Customer Service rep - have to go there again on March 15th for a day so will check it out - thanks :)
Dubaistar
222
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:06
Is this school in Sports City by any chance? A friend from US who is moving here in April was concerned about the same things, so chose ASD in preference - she was not wanting to get lower fees, just wanting the best for her gifted DD and supersporty DS.
 
 
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