ecochic | ExpatWoman.com
 

ecochic

ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 23:33
DKC can help importing pets to this country and they do all paper work... Check their site n contact them. Friends used them to bring their dogs to dubai.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 21:49
Yes. If the property is owned by a company, you need trade license, owners passport copy, title deed and sale deed.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 20:20
Hence the second opinion :) I do get worried about doctors here.... I spent 2 hours playing with my dogs n doing gardening, did'nt need 2 hours but since I had stuff to do I just went ahead. Killed 2 birds with one stone :)
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 18:52
My doctor told me this... I have darker skin tone and did face vitamin D deficiency, he told me morning sun, uptill 11 am was safe... Afternoon sun is very dangerous... Took a second opinion and was told the same... I would spend a good 2 hours in the morning sun and only thing was I got slightly tanned... Always consult with your doc n recheck...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 18:40
Thanks, will give it a try n this time I hope it works :)
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 18:34
Creative Minds behind MOE... Planned to go there yesterday but did not. A kind lady from EW went n posted that they sell everything... Glycerine blocks also...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 18:31
Best way for natural vitamin D is the sun. From sunrise uptill 11 am is great for vitamin D and safe with not harmful affects to the body. After that it is dangerous.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 11:28
Thanks just found the group.... will read more there about supplementing :) We too just feed raw only... organs, meat, bones and fish....well thanks again and good to know you've been feeding raw for so long... :)
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 11:21
As of now anyone sponsoring their families have to register their properties with Ejari. My DH's PRO did all the paper work and running around so ask the PRO's as they are the experts on this.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 11:16
The RERA card is issued by RERA itself and just like everyone's emirates id or labor card, this too is made of the same. Business cards are not valid RERA cards and if the agent does not have one, please make a note of their agency name and his name and report it to RERA. Too many agents are scamming people in Dubai. Even the reputable and Big real estate agents and companies are stooping this low if not just plain not doing their work. I have taken a very big real estate company to RERA as they did not have the proper documents and kept leasing out the property, so please make sure you have and verify these documents before you go ahead with the lease. Sales Agreement Title Deed LL's Passport Copy. I ask to see the first two as originals and and keep the copies with me and go to RERA and ask them to Verify by providing a receipt of the booking amount against the said property. If I do not receive any of the above documents, I just forget the place and continue my search.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 18:15
it's normal for areca plams to brown at their tips.... nothing can be done and the plant will not die so do not worry :)
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 17:11
bump!!! are there no RAW feeders on this forum???? hmmm!!!
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 16:00
wow 4 days... good for you :) hope it don't rain where you will be then... enjoy your long weekend... we are home bound... just gonna be lazy n will catch up on some movies so we dont mind the rain... plus my dogs love nature's cloud sprinkler... hehehehe...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 15:39
me n my doggies are waiting for the rain since the past few days... sigh! we hope it comes soon... can't wait to do some dancing in the rain and then have wet dogs running around inside with muddy paws :D
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 15:37
Thanks dramaqn.... you've made my weekend.... will head there maybe tomorrow and hope they are open :) thanks again....
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 14:29
Hi Tru Blu, really sorry about what has happened... When I worked in Jebel Ali Fz... during the recession period many companies could not sustain business here and closed down leaving the employees stranded. There are a few things you could do. Gather all the current employees from the company and visit MOL. Explain to them what has happened and they could give every one a grace period of a minimum 3 months. I have seen it happen to other companies in the freezone but not sure about Dubai but it's worth a shot if you can stay back and avoid the visa runs as it could fall expensive. Even though the companies trade license will expire, MOL and Govt of Dubai can give a temporary extension to all the employees affected by the sudden shut down. Wish you and your family all the best
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 12:59
Beebers!!! I fight for my Security Deposit... I always repaint, polish and clean the property before handover and I always keep a copy of the original handover checklist / inventory and use that again... If they do not give it back... lodge a police complaint as you would have a receipt and a cheque number...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 12:38
Gosh Beebers, you betta get out soon... LL's who are like yours are never trustworthy... Title Deeds are only issued by the Land Department (RERA) once the developer has received payment and handover is done. A copy of the sales agreement is required for this process and it's a one time deal only. Sadly I do not trust any agent in this country especially the ones who work with the big names as they claim they have great processes but for the sake of making that commission they take on properties which have shady paperwork... once I almost lost 85K in a one payment deal because the agent did not get the paperwork and was happily renting and collecting cheques from the tenants... Only to find out that the actual LL was not the said person.... after that ordeal, I ask for these basic documents... 1- Agents RERA card (to check if it's valid or not) 2- Sales Agreement 3- Title Deed 4 - Passport Copy of LL Only if the agent shows me all these only then we proceed... we have forgone many beautiful properties only because the agents did not want to show us the above.... even if one document is missing we do not proceed... Before signing the tenancy contract, I ask the LL to provide a current dated letter from the developer stating all community dues are paid in full.... only then do we go ahead... it sounds like a ****** pain but trust me it's worth every bit of sweat. And never take the Big leasing agencies for granted too... big or small this is the basic docs they need to provide before the leasing.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 10:34
Honestly speaking when it comes to finding home for rescued animals, i get worried like you. We too rescued 2 kitties off the streets and put them up for adoption (free) and mentioned loads of toys, beds, scratch post etc as part of the free adoption... got loads of calls where people were willing and wanted them immediately. We contacted friends of animals and the lady who runs the show told us that only if the people were genuine they would sign a contract with DM and would reimburse all medical costs incurred by us as this way you are guaranteed that they would be in a forever home and not just be dumped on the streets again after the cuteness phase is over. We took her advice and she along with us advertised and informed the people who wanted the kitties earlier what they had to do and how they had to make payment for vaccinations which were already given and paid by us. Immediately after telling them, they all decided to not go with the adoption as it was not 'FREE" according to them. We have kept the kitties and they are now part of our family along with 3 doggies but i was so depressed to see what people were really like when they had to pay. Payment too was not a lot, just aed 500 for all the vaccinations (for two 7 week kitties) but it went to show that these people could not be trusted. Remember, there are a lot of people who are not like the ones above but it's always better to be save then sorry. Speak to "friends of animals" and do it with them... they are really great plus make sure that there is a contract with Dubai Muncipality itself.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 09:36
Can't remember as we picked up our locks a good 5 years back... and hubby changes it himself... we picked ours from ACE, they are not that expensive and real easy to install.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 09:26
SEY83, we always do that... every place we lived in we immediately change the locks and upon leaving the place replace the original locks... just safer this way and no hanky panky behind my back...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 09:22
If you are in the country then the LL has no right to enter the property without the tenants consent. I know he has to give you a 2 day written notice and if not then cannot just show up at your door. I remember that it happened to us 2 years ago, and the LL sent a potential new tenant to view our apartment without notice. We did not let the couple stroll in. Sounds real ugly by us, but sadly if we let them in the LL would have had all others do the same. Call RERA as their site is quite haywire :(
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 08:56
you can rent them from ACE hard ware... they have the professional ones where heavy boxes can be put on and tied for safety....
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 08:36
if you are breaking your tenancy contract early, you have to pay the penalty of 2 months as it's stated in your contract. This is the law here. You could speak to your LL and ask him if he is kind enough to forgo the 2 months but in most cases they do not but you never know :).
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 12:44
If your salary has increased over the past 5 years, then you should have proof of it via your bank statements. 60% of the total salary transfered by the company will be your basic. You need to check with MOL / DMC on what is mentioned on your contract. The company cannot amend your contract without your approval. Internal memo's hold no validity with MOL... so I think you need to spend the better half of your day at MOL / DMC and get a photo copy of your contract from them. When you go to meet with MOL / DMC do take prints of all the Memo's the company has sent or email correspondence. Take your bank statements (online versions will do to start with) to show the increase/reduction and check your current basic on your valid labor contract. Speak to the person in charge with disputes at MOL / DMC and you can then figure out how to proceed... Wish you all the best... and stay positive...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 12:17
Every bank on this planet are the same, different logos, colors n name, but still the same... money hungry :) Just open a salaried current account and make sure the bulk of the savings are either in an overseas account or under your mattress (hehehehe). Your hubby is right about the joint accounts so don't bother stressing on something which will cause more harm then good... Personally RAK was a nightmare with my hubby, ADCB same... as ive said before, they are all horrid... ask your company who they bank with and open an account with that same bank... it's easier this way....
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:43
generally within the GCC not a big problem but it's always safe so ask you husband to speak to his PRO and even better is to get your passport renewed on urgent basis.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:39
It is illegal and I too had to give a blank security cheque to an international bank here when they forced me to take a credit card while opening my account. 3 years later, I came to know the rules and contacted central bank and they helped me get my cheque back. Central bank will ask you most probably to visit their offices but you can also get it done by calling and lodging an online complaint on their website http://www.centralbank.ae/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151&Itemid=123 Take your cheque back in order to avoid any misuse from their part.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:24
Companies need to be on the approved list of the various banks and a simple trade license, companies financial statements and company letter by the signatory can make this happen. In most cases when banks reject or blacklist a company it's mainly because an individual from that company has defaulted with their payments... can't do much in that case. With regards to security cheques... Central bank of UAE has a law against it. If any bank or financial institution ask for one, they are to be reported to Central bank immediately as these guys can always cash in the cheque after full payment has been made and it has happened way too many times in this country. I know a few who have done so in the past and Central bank has helped them.... banks that do not return security cheques are in the wrong again and customers lodge police complaints as well as Central bank complains till they get their cheques back....
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 10:24
Colon Cleansing / colonic hydrotherapy / irrigation all come under the Placebo Effect category. What is the Placebo Effect???? In a non scientific language, the placebo effect happens when you decide a therapy will make you better and your belief makes it so, not the medicine or therapy. Homeopathy being another. Colon Cleansing actually is more harmful then the false claimed benefits. Please bear in mind that todays Science has changed so much and is proving so many myths / practices / medicine wrong and false which were common in the past. Please read and research and do not just believe blindly..... we all have this great ability to make a decision but with proper facts from the scientific community... It's simple "Mind over Matter" which will rejuvenate and keep you happy from the inside and out :) below are a few links on the myths and harmful side effects associated by this treatment and the practitioners false claims. http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/01/colon-cleansing-not-so-healthy-analysis-says/ http://www.livescience.com/15912-colon-cleansing-useless-dangerous.html http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/colon-cleanses-a-load-of-you-know-what/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_cleansing (even wikipedia) http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20750-colon-cleansing-health-benefits-debunked.html http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43948036/ns/health-alternative_medicine/t/detox-danger-trendy-colon-cleansing-risky-ritual/#.ULRayePZ9es
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 17:50
I use either dish washing liquid (diluted) or diluted vinegar and works great... do this every 3 months in my yard... and safe for my doggies n kitties :)
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 16:29
I am in love with my purchase :) Great thing is you end up grinding as per required portions only, plus since my gadget is small does not take up space. I do a lot of grinding.. every weekend and it's always fresh mince for the grill... make sure when you buy online, you get 2 types of mincing places along with the grinder... comes handy...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 16:06
a youtube link about the importance on wills for expats here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHerf7E4ISw
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 16:02
I bought my manual meat grinder on ebay.... I was actually just looking there, and saw some rather nice ones :) Thought maybe there was a local shop I could buy one instead I have no clue if the manual ones are available here but i do know automatic ones are, they were too bulky for me :(
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 15:59
Yup.. this is a fact.. happened to my MIL who lost her hubby 10 years ago :( and it took her son to fly to the UAE to claim everything as being the Male heir.... if you are a Muslim they shariah law applies where the wife gets a very small % but there is a way for the wife to inherit everything but most lawyers will tell you to have the bulk of the savings in an overseas account. if you are non Muslim and do not have a legal will, Shariah law will apply again. Either way at any time either husband or wife die, central bank immediately freeze any joint accounts and EOS payments. My husband's company is doing this for all their staff and are using a law firm called Just wills.... www.justwills.net..
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 15:53
I bought my manual meat grinder on ebay....
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 15:45
What I was paid as 'basic' salary every month, was not the figure used in the final calcs - it was [i'>split[/i'> Every Pay increase needs to be on your MOL contract... I have amended contracts sometimes twice a year and it cost no more then AED 200/-. Most reputed companies do so as it's the law. What troubles me here is that you said your monthly basic was not the actual figure in your EOS and it was split. That was illegal technically but assuming you did not update your labor contract the company took advantage here (it sounds this way to me, could be wrong as i dont know the whole story).
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 15:36
@ Coriander If your DH's contract states only half of his actual salary in the MOL contract, then you can file a complaint with labor by providing proof of monthly salary transfers to his bank. Note, if anywhere on his MOL contract it is mentioned that he is entitled to any kind of commissions or bonus (only % is mentioned and not actuals) you could face a hurdle there. Any hiring contract which is only on the letter head of the company but is completely different then the actual MOL contract is illegal and MOL will honor the contract by them only... I suggest you hubby go to his employer and by way of some excuse as them to update / amend his MOL contract to the actuals..... this is very important in the long run as a lot of employers do not follow rules here and employees are too scared to take them to labor.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 15:27
hi, sorry missed your post earlier... Firstly, labor law of this country does not give the employer the right to decrease salaries. It is Illegal and the company's trade license can be suspended and they can be fined (huge amounts) or just shut down. Secondly, if you lodge a complaint against your employer with DMC/ MOL a registered case is open and based on how long it will take to resolve, the DMC/MOL may or may not ask the current company to cancel so you can acquire a visa from a new employer. I have been in HR for the last 8 year with 2 different companies in UAE and have come across many similar cases where the old employer is taken to MOL and sometimes if it takes real long (4 months onwards) MOL make the old employer cancel so the new employer can get a residence visa for the said person and the case is still active till a resolution is found. Thirdly, if the company has issued you a MEMO, please take that doc to DMC/MOL and file a case as proof of what your company is doing. The more people in your company who join you the more the strength. Gratuity is paid on Basic only. In JAFZA it is 21 days per year... if the employee has worked under a year he is entitled to zilch. Dubai works differently, every year you accrue 7 days and as you increase the number of years in a company it increases. Other Freezones again work differently... as DMC to clarify this. Remember unused leave should also be compensated... here you would be entitled to housing and basic only. Do not cancel you visa at the moment... register a complaint against the company as they have issued you an illegal notice and remember they cannot make you do anything against the law and your current contract. Go to DMC / MOL if you are ready to leave the job. MissFlipFlop you are correct... 60% or more of the total salary should be basic but cannot be less then this mark.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 14:51
I second Kathyt on this... lemons with cloves keep the flies at bay...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 14:47
my DH and me have been drinking aloe everyday for the past year. we do not use store bought juices or gels but since i grow my own, i just cut a leaf and use it over the next few days and store it in my freezer. I also have been giving my dogs a daily teaspoon of aloe since the last one year and just recently started the same with my kitties and they are doing perfectly great. Aloe has tremendous medicinal properties and is 'Good for you". I also use it on my hair. A friend's mom who is a heart patient and has very high diabetes drinks aloe (fresh from the leaf) everyday as the aloe keeps a check on her sugar levels.... I use it as a sunscreen also... research and convince yourself... :)
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 11:31
Hi there, Can anyone give me directions to the animal place near Silicon Oasis/Academic City please? TIA is there a name to this place????
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 11:29
Hi Bird, we use MAB general services as our landlord has a contract with them so it's easy to have a one point contact for everything. They painted our last villa and in our current villa gave us additional socket points around the home. They did tell me they do fix curtain rods, wall shelves, make additional doors or grills and other things you many need all at extra cost. Apart from the electrical I have not used them otherwise as DH is my handy man in the house. here is their website.... http://www.mabgroup.com/ I do know they are good as they seem to be everywhere in the ranches where I stay... hope this helps.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 18:40
Call or visit rera. I did that last year to check if I was paying too much housing fees. Only thing was It took me half a day (rera closes by 1 pm) but they calculated it for me. You could go to dewa n they too will help.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 18:32
When I worked at Jebel Ali FZ, we had a labor complaints department where one could go n lodge a complaint about their employer. I presume you have a media city visa. You need to visit their office in person n sit with them... Most cases, they will call your company n tell them they are in the wrong n this way you could save on lawyers n a headache... The only way I know they can reduce basic salary is by canceling your visa, not any other way...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 15:01
Call dewa, I've done that before. Rera too gave me monthly amount upon informing them my rent value...
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 14:58
First you give your notice as its mentioned on your MoL contract, then on completion, the company will cancel your visa, upon cancellation you get 30 days to stay in the country.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 14:37
Housing fees is 5% of your annual rent.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 14:35
It is not legal. According to MoL, the basic salary cannot be reduced. It can increase for sure. If they do so, file a Labor complaint... They will be addressed accordingly.
ecochic
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 14:22
It shouldn't... Ask your hubby to speak with his PRO to get further info.
 
 
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