fandrew | ExpatWoman.com
 

fandrew

fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 08:27
You can delete will send you an email. Thank you dear! X
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 08:05
This is such a difficult question and everyone has their own style or approach. Many would say I am far too "liberal" or relaxed in this area and to some degree I would have to admit that it is not always the best approach but its what I can handle. It is what makes me feel comfortable. I try to watch my mother in law who seems to have struck the perfect balance between employer and mother hen. All of her maids respect her, would never be difficult with her but also seem to genuinely care for her. They call her 'mama' and she sincerely cares for all of them, speaks affectionately and calmly to them, buys them gifts while on holiday, includes them in religious holidays, family weddings and events etc. I have no idea how she does this, I need to spend more time with her to find the trick!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 07:29
Just wanted to say I think it's amazing what you're planning to do:) It's a very big deed in Islam to foster and take care of an orphan, makes me very happy to see people are taking in children who have no family:):) I hope I will be able to do the same one day. That is really sweet and kind of you Maroosh! I just hope we are able to do this and that DH and I are good parents :) I hope you are able to do this as well. There are so many little beings here who need love and just because it looks as if we will not be able to make our own beings doesn't mean we don't have love to share and give with other little ones who might want mothers and fathers. Fingers crossed this works an good luck to you! edited by fandrew on 23/03/2013 This is so beautiful: Sahl bin Sa’d (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “I will be like this in Jannah with the person who takes care of an orphan.” The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration. [Sahih Al-Bukhari'> I'm sure you would make amazing parents:) Bless you Maroosh :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 07:21
Just wanted to say I think it's amazing what you're planning to do:) It's a very big deed in Islam to foster and take care of an orphan, makes me very happy to see people are taking in children who have no family:):) I hope I will be able to do the same one day. That is really sweet and kind of you Maroosh! I just hope we are able to do this and that DH and I are good parents :) I hope you are able to do this as well. There are so many little beings here who need love and just because it looks as if we will not be able to make our own beings doesn't mean we don't have love to share and give with other little ones who might want mothers and fathers. Fingers crossed this works an good luck to you! <em>edited by fandrew on 23/03/2013</em>
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 06:32
Thank you everyone for all of your links and suggestions and input! Jellymum, sorry to respond so late! If you reply to this I will put up my email (its my real one :-) and then take it down. Yes I am not Emirati, only DH but I do speak arabic. Adoption from my own country is not an option unfortunately. This was so very helpful ladies thank you again!!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 11:53
There is a very active Adoption Support Group here. If you give me your contact details I will put you in touch. We have 4 adopted children ourselves. Thank you both. Looking up the site now and jellymum how do I give you my email address on here? Do I post and then remove?
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 11:38
http://www.timeoutdubai.com/community/features/15174-how-to-adopt-in-dubai#.UUwJEREaySM Thank you London Lady, I have seen this article. Unfortunately this is for residents and foreigners. Oddly enough it is far easier as a westerner/foreigner to adopt a child but for us it is complicated. Under shar'ia we cannot adopt only foster but to find any information on how to even begin the process of permanent fostering is proving to be next to impossible. Sigh, Dubai....
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 11:18
bump. :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 09:40
Fandrew, their answers are often contradictory, silly, unhelpful or belligerent (even rude) unfortunately. We have honestly not gone there guns blazing, really not my style. But to nicely ask them to be considerate. We didn't want to involve authorities, I am upset to consider ever doing that now after what I've learned from mrsb. I suppose I posted here because it's becoming such a nuisance and I feel tired because of other people's behaviour. Thanks for reading and replying though. It's feels good o rant a little. X I feel for you, I would be beside myself if I was constantly kept awake by non stop barking. They sound like awful horrible people maybe you do need to go in guns blazing. Sounds as if they could be the type who only respond to nastiness. They may continue to take the p*** is you are nice but if you speak their own rude language you may get a response. You should send DH in at any rate to do that in my estimation. Good luck to you!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 09:31
Mrsb, I would hate for that to happen to the dogs. No, they are not western, they are Arabic of some description, not locals, but wouldn't like to guess from where? Something I wasn't going to mention, but will now add. The son who is an older teen actually told my dh, he likes to keep the dogs out to PxxS people off!! So perhaps there is no language barrier, just belligerence? Really don't know why some people have pets, to treat them like this? It's annoying but also a little upsetting to see. Especially when I look at our spoilt bundle of fur sleeping on 'his' sofa! Forgot to add, my dog barks like crazy when disturbed by these other's so it's surround sound barking, sometimes! X Ugh, what an awful kid. How about a compound manager or their landlord? Could you find out who owns the house they rent? I agree with Mrsb that a likely solution might be for the police to put the poor things down so try to avoid involving them. Or maybe talk to the mid?
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 09:20
Thanks for replying. Of course we suggested taking the dogs in. As I said they are left out and ignored ALL day and night. I know dogs bark, I have one, but I also know that you have to consider other's and deal with the situation. Seriously who likes to be disturbed on a daily basis, numerous times by barking? Some people it would appear, have them for status rather than pets. You wouldn't keep a family member out all day and night? And that's what having a pet is, isn't it? Unless of course we are talking about guard dogs, which in this case we are not. I would not be complaining if like you, my neighbours were reasonable enough to bring the dogs inside between 8 and 8, I wish... Ah ok. When you suggested that the dog barks because he is lonely and wants to come in what did they say?
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 09:19
The problem is not too trivial for the police however, if you do involve the police, it is a distinct possibility that the dogs could be taken away, even put down. I have known this to happen before. From the answers you say they have given, they don't sound as if English is their fist language or that they are westerners. Perhaps you need to find someone who speaks their own language and understands their culture to explain the problem and your suggested solution to them. They may understand your view point better .... Just a thought ..... This is a good idea. I didn't think about whether or not they were western, good thinking Mrsb. We have local neighbors who had a dog and while she as not mistreated they didn't really understand what to do with her or how to care for her because dogs were not a part of their culture. DH talked to the husband and now they walk them together :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 09:05
We have a dog and despite our playing with him and his having free reign (as long as the weather holds out) to move inside and out at his leisure, he will bark. The location of our villa makes it hard for him not to be distracted because people are always walking by. We take him in around 8pm and he comes out around 8am every morning but in good weather he will be out for most of the day barring summer when he sits in the house all the time, poor ******. I have had dogs my whole life, some are barkers and some are not so they may not be able to control his noise. Have you suggested they take the dog in at night rather than just expressing your frustration (which I understand!) at the barking noise? Sometimes I find if you provide a solution to people in the complaint rather than just the complaint it works better.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 11:19
Hi MB7 while I never had personal experience with them I have had three friends who swear by Elysian. Why not give them a call? Good luck, I have been where you are far too many times. We just gave up, stayed put and decided we will try to build something soon. The RE industry here is for the birds!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 11:36
IMO whatever it is worth the confusion over middle east cultural and society has more to do with a broad spectrum, rather ignorant belief that the dominant religion in these parts is inherently evil. I think this fogs everyone's grasp of geography :-) We have friends who will travel to Egypt now on holiday who refuse to come here completely ignorant as to the swiftly dwindling civil rights of both men and women in that country in comparison to here. It seems to be an ignorant coupling of both religion and politics in the region. So few people have more than a basic understanding of history and politics in their own countries let alone this region. <em>edited by fandrew on 15/03/2013</em>
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 10:56
Hi, Once more I need advice. I moved from an apartment a month and a half ago. My landlord was awful, created all sorts of problem, the last drop is the security deposit. He sent me when I was moving out an email with all sorts of things that would be verified to give me back my security deposit, after I moved I gave him the keys, access cards and final bills and he did not give the deposit. First he said someone would check if all was fine. He sent a lady who said all was fine. But he did not authorize the deposit to be paid back. Now he disappeared and doesn't reply to emails or calls. What can I do in this case? Do I have to open a case in RC, police? I have all communications, in no momement he mentioned not give the deposit back or any issue with the condition I left the apartment. Has anybody been thriugh this situation? Did you save a copy of all contact and emails? If so print them out and take them to RERA and yes open a case.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 10:51
I know exactly what you mean, but don't forget that stereotypes especially here exist in all formats and for all of us. You would not believe the things I was told to expect of my UAE DH or what I get asked about on a regular basis from people who have lived here for decades!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 08:41
It may have something to do with which pill - brand name or not - the doctor wrote the script for. I have had prescriptions for other things that have varied depending on who wrote the prescription. Who is your doctor is he a psychiatrist or a GP?
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 22:23
AnonDubai Said: "Well, I didn't feel foolish and I felt extremely free! Anyway, unlike many of you, I am not and have not been in a position to just up and leave within hours if something bad happens in my home country. That is something I accepted when I chose to live abroad." Not to be rude AnonDubai but this is an odd statement, how can you know that this will never happen to you? Barring some sort of third eye future telling talent. <em>edited by fandrew on 14/03/2013</em>
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 08:58
OP just keep it I don't think there is any reason you will be forced to surrender it. I think the policy is 'ask for it if they give it up - great! if they don't then press the issue but there is nothing legally that can be done'. My old company pressed very hard for it and I just ignored them or told them oh right yeah I will get to that. When they became more forceful about it I let them know that if they felt it was their legal right to keep my passport that they should find proof of that through a government department here forward it on to me, have that department speak with me about it and then I would comply No one ever said anything more to me about it. <em>edited by fandrew on 14/03/2013</em>
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 16:27
When I worked I refused to allow my employer to keep my passport. They tried, I said I needed it for something, and then never returned it. I believe it is illegal regardless of what the police may have said to those of you who needed to report it. They may want the passport from you and may ask for it and then question you as to why you don't have it - because it makes their job easier - but I don't think its a requirement. DH who has background in these things was horrified to find my old company wanted to keep my passport. He was the one who instructed me to get it back ASAP and to tell them that to keep it was against the law. We do not keep our staff passports either, just as a matter of respect. Except to be honest the maid has lost hers twice so I feel like keeping it :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 10:06
I second 1864 at the Grosvenor House as its the only place DH goes for his hair cuts exactly because there is pampering but not "too much that its disturbing".
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 12:32
I say hand the baby a credit card, send it off to Harvey Nichols with its siblings and maid in tow and call it a day Problem solved :)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 11:09
The lounge minimum spend is around 200 but 350 per at the restaurant - have fun! <em>edited by fandrew on 07/03/2013</em>
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 15:03
A salon in jumeirah have seriously messed up my hair - they couldn't care less!!! Called Maria Dowling as need to get it sorted and despite not caring about the cost or time limit to see her (just want this problem sorted out) have been told it is not possible? Please someone recommend a hairdresser who is good with colourand who actually cares about their clients. Thanks in advance. Hellocatty I am a regular client at Maria Dowling and can highly recommend Charlotte who is perfection with color and cuts. Don't be put off by her darling pink hair - suits her and she is young and trendy - she won best colorist not long ago and is regularly sent off to do conference on behalf of the salon try and book with her. But don't you dare take my slot :-) <em>edited by fandrew on 05/03/2013</em>
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 15:00
I believe you can find Tom's of Maine natural products here. In the organics food and grocery in dubai mall or on sh. zayed road might be the place to start otherwise do an internet seach for who carries it?
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2013 - 08:53
As you should do Elmpark, I think you are right. In fact, maybe don't even wait for someone to reply on a message board and just go get proof on your own (or the advice of a lawyer here). No matter who we are or who we are married to we must always follow regulations to the letter just to always be on the side of right. Good luck!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2013 - 08:40
Thanks for this. No I am here, and have residency on DH's visa and would not want to do anything to jeopardize this, as his job is our main income! I am still awaiting my degree to be attested, and that could take some time, so can my employer be processing my labour card without it? and what would happen to me if I was working and it wasn't processing? just very concerned that anything I do could have an impact on my husband's visa status, as have heard I could get a huge fine/be deported etc!!! just no clue if this is the usual Dubai scare stories. I have all the correct pieces in place, ie contract, police checks, NOC just awaiting that attestation! Ah Degree attestation I have not dealt with. DH had that done for me before I arrived so the company had it before I arrived so the visa was definitely in the processing phase by the time I started work. I understand your concern, I do, DH is Emirati so he has both western as well as local lawyers who work on different things personally and professionally and I would assume he used a local one for my employment issues - HOWEVER, not being in exactly the same situation regarding awaiting degree confirmation I am not at all confident on how to advise you. If the visa were being processed now I would say do not worry, however if the visa is awaiting more documentation I would say wait for some more experienced and knowledgeable ladies to wake up and respond. I suppose one could "chance it" but I wouldn't just in case - barring anyone more helpful responding could you consult with a lawyer and/or call your employer to ask what the status is of he actual visa processing? They should have a receipt that it is being processed which they could provide you with and you could copy and I suppose just carry around with you?
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2013 - 08:11
Good morning Elmpark. While I am not in HR nor from an employment background I can say that before I married I worked from the moment I landed until my card was processed which, as the other poster mentioned, did not take much time at all. My DH is a stickler for doing everything absolutely legally and above board and had one of his lawyers check this out for me to ensure we were doing the right thing - he would had fought me on it had there even been a question as to its legality. I believe as the other poster said, as you are in the system and being processed they view it as a formality and not a breach of visa regulation. If you are not yet here or not yet working I would send their HR department all the necessary paperwork before you arrive (I did this) to speed the process once you land. Good luck in the new job!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 17:21
I.....today....drove...all by myself,from home to pick DD up from school !! and we even made it home!!!!:) :) :) (lots of sweating involved,shakey leg etc i think i have lost about 3 kilo just with fear!! ) I'm so happy,i'm so happy la la la la la la Its the weekend la la la Have a good one everyone:) Congratulations! Honestly I could never muster the courage so I am impressed! Look at you, freewheeling and fancy free! :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 17:19
Bump? No one? Sorry to be so pushy..I find it so odd that drivers are so hard to come by given the region. Could be a new company idea ! :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 16:52
I am also looking for a female full time live in driver, preferably Filipina with at least 10 yrs experience. Oh goodness, I am told women drivers are so hard to come by and accordingly command top salaries. My sister in law has a female driver and if you are looking I am told the best thing to do is search classifieds for jobs wanted in saudi listings. Good luck, I know it took her some time to find someone but I hope it doesn't take too long for you!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 16:33
Have you spoken to Assist.ae they may be able to help, as they employer drivers. No, I haven't thank you so much for the suggestion will ring now! Ah shame, just had a look and its more of an intermittent service, we need someone full time to live in with us hopefully for a number of years. But thank you at any rate!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 16:31
Have you spoken to Assist.ae they may be able to help, as they employer drivers. No, I haven't thank you so much for the suggestion will ring now!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 10:56
I am horrified that you will knowingly allow a molester to go free to attack another person, because you have no faith in the country that you reside in. You choose to live here, I assume for monetary reasons, and yet you doubt the system. I have made a few cases against individuals (including an incident where I was held with a gun to my head by a drug crazed highly influential individual) and have never had my passport taken from me. If we are to feel compassion for you, then I do hope that you are extending the same to his next victim. Apologies if this comes across as rude CMM, but I feel compelled to defend Buttercup in this instance as I think this is an unnecessarily harsh judgment of her actions. She did what she felt comfortable doing in a country not her own as a foreigner married to another foreigner. I think it is unfair to expect her to push the bounds of a foreign legal system despite not understanding it and thereby possibly risking her own situation just to track down a security guard her brushed against her. That is asking too much in my opinion.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 10:30
Well Buttercup this is the other side of the coin of course. No one here is doubting your story or its veracity - certainly not I - I believe you completely. Why as a security guard would he do this? Because generally speaking these building security guards (sadly in my experience most building security in all countries I have lived in) are not professionally vetted individuals. I am truly sorry its an upsetting and maddening experience however you slice it. I imagine you are filled with anger at such affront and want revenge - of course so would we all - but take heart in the fact that he did not at all "get what he wanted". You thwarted him, he was not successful focus on that.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 09:57
Buttercup, thats a horrrible experience you've been through and I hope you can put it behind you soon. You said in one of your earlier posts you feel very badly let down by the system but the reality is that you didnt give the system a chance to work, and you probably never were going to give it a chance to work. You made a few phone calls that were frustrating and all the more-so after such a horrible goings on, you had emergency personel call you back to check if you needed an ambulance just in case, and you had a policeman come to the house to see what was what - and you sent him away. You sent him away and didnt give him a chance to try and do anything next. Your company lawyer gave your husabnd dodgy information when he/she should have been saying lets get this dealt with now, lets go to the police station. Failing that your husband should have said - lets get this dealt with now, lets go to the police station. No-one did. It wasnt the system who let you down. Please remember this when retelling your story because your version of being let down by the system could easily be what puts another victim off reporting an assault. edited by DesertRose1958 on 26/02/2013 Hi DesertRose1958 I do have to disagree with you. I think 2 hours trying to get someone to listen to what you need is plenty of time. Maybe I was just unlucky, lets face it, no system anywhere in the world is perfect for everyone. I was ready to file a report and do whatever was needed to make sure that guard never did it again, so you really can't say that that I wasn't going to give it a chance. As for sending the policeman away, yes I did do that and no, I didn't give him a chance. I cannot and will not risk my passport being taken away from me, it is one of the things that keeps me so far away from home, is knowing if ever I needed to get back home in a hurry then I can. My husband was in a different country, he flew back as soon as he could but didn't get here until late at night. I haven't meant to offend anyone by anything I have said, so if I have, then I am sorry. All I have done is give my experience. As I said earlier, maybe I was the unlucky one and I certainly wouldn't want to put anyone off reporting anything to the police. This is not at all to defend or decry the system or your actions Buttercup but just as a way of comparison, in my own western modern country I had a similar experience and was unable to get help of any kind because I was not reporting the incident in the moment. I was told repeatedly that on hearsay they could not drag someone in to the police station or make an official report or fire him or reprimand him. Unfortunately, there are few countries/cities/fair systems of government in the world which would allow the police or any government body to act upon the hearsay testimony of a single person without 3rd party witness after the fact of incident. This does not in anyway take away from what happened to you, the credibility of what you are saying or the wrong doings of this person but the fact is I would be more concerned about living in a country that would arrest a man sight unseen from the complaint of a person at home, on the phone, citing an incident that happened hours before in a totally different location than the reporting. Again, NOT against, just unfortunate. As for the miscommunication re: your report (do you need ambulance?) that is truly terrifying God help any of us if we need an ambulance!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 22:36
OP is all depends on your contract as others here have said and whether it is 'open' or 'closed' and whether you work for a freezone or other organization. DH works in DIFC and has what I think is a called a closed contract of several years which means he cannot be let go and not be compensated for the amount of time his contract stipulates. If this clause were in your contract you would know about it. If it is not in your contract I am afraid the others are correct and unless you have been there for a year - in which case you are given gratuity along with 30 days pay - you are only entitled to the 30 days. I would move on from this place and not waste time with a lawyer and just find something else, I am sorry and good luck!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 22:30
I would be careful with this, there was a lovely one in Jumeirah after running for many years, the government shut it down and there is now a law that no hotels or anything of that sort can be run out of villas in the UAE (thats why there are many hotel apartments in barsha now) so unfortunately, though it is a wonderful idea, you will most likely not be able to get a license. Jenni DXB is correct here. There are strict regulations guarding separation of residential and commercial areas in the UAE and a commercially run b&b in a residential neighborhood out of a single family villas would qualify as just that. FWIW a very good friend lives in a beach compound next to sunset mall that was built by a royal family member to operate as a small commercial hotel type compound but was denied as the area was residential. Now that so -called once hotel/b&b resort is a residential compound of villa and apartments. You will not get a license for this I am afraid.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 21:57
Thank you fandrew for your wishes. The doctor im referring to is a new doctor i went to, i have graduated from al fakih clinic! This new doctor at a different hospital has said that ivf babies should do an ultrasound scan that test for down syndrome , i think its called an NT Scan. This is what i gathered online. Her reasoning is that the eggs arent of the best quality and so the risk is higher. This came up because i have done 5 ultrasounds already and im worried incase the continous scanning may harm the baby. She said its upto me to decide but she recommends it. Another question, are there any doctors that you would recommend for ivf pregnancies? I have read on this site about some but i don't know if there is a doctor who would treat ivf pregnancies with more care.. And also this doctor said that insurance will not cover ivf pregnancies and so we should not mention it again..did anyone hear about this before? Thanks edited by T85 on 25/02/2013 Hi again T85. I misunderstood your post. We are talking about two different tests. The NT scan is a non invasive, totally harmless scan of your baby's body parts done via ultrasound which gives you odds as to the likelihood that your child has a problem. So for instance the doctor will take careful detailed photos of the baby's nose, its distance in relation to the chin and forehead and the size of the nuchal fluid behind the baby's head. All of these are physical characteristics of SOME trisomies and abnormalities. Once the doctor has evaluated these photos he/she will combine those results with your age and give you odds of your child having a problem. So for instance your result will read : the baby has a 1 in 2000 chance of having a problem OR the baby has a 1 in 200 chances of having a problem. If your odds are not good the doctor will then suggest a CVS or Amnio (which are the tests I referred to in my initial response). These tests prove within a fail rate of 1% (so in other words they are 99% accurate) in telling you whether your child is perfectly healthy or not. The upside of these tests is that they are 99% accurate in telling you the health of your baby - the downside is that they are invasive and carry a 2% risk of miscarriage. That 2% risk however can largely be attributed to the skill of the doctor - someone who does these tests all the time are very skilled and those who do not may make a mistake - along with statistics that include miscarriages that have occurred after the test that are a result of the baby naturally miscarrying and not due to the test itself. However, no one can know - and this is the problem. On one hand the NT scan is totally safe but the results are not very accurate or rather certain and then on the other hand the accurate tests are not totally safe and carry a risk of miscarriage. If you want an opinion mine would be to absolutely do the NT scan - there is no risk to the baby of that - and if the results are not favorable go on to have a CVS. With regard to doctors just for "IVF babies" I have never heard of this. Once you "graduate" as you say to a normal OB/GYN there is no distinction made between a natural pregnancy and one achieved through IVF. Or at least not in my country or that I have ever heard of. I also find it curious that this doctor says IVF babies are not as good quality and carry higher risks - but then I am not a doctor so I defer to them. If that is true that the NT scan is definitely the way to go (though personally I question this statement). All head decisions but in the end I am sure you will be fine - good luck!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 18:10
Kids clip in coloured hair extensions, or glitter or coloured hairspray? Thanx :) There is a halloween dress up shop in the mall with autmoatic in it along jumeirah beach road. Try there!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 17:43
Hi T85! First of all thank heavens and blessings for your continued pregnancy! I have never heard that "IVF babies" despite age should have the CVS or Amnio tests for abnormalities but I can attest that we did it and would do it again. The test itself can be painful for some (it was for me) but many others I have spoken to said it was nothing more than a shot. In terms of associated risk it is really minimal and depends entirely on the skill of the doctor who performs it. The iranian man, Dr. Pour Mirza, is considered the best here in Dubai and I would advise you see him. I suppose the decision to have the test is a personal choice depending on what you would do with whatever the result may be. I will stress again that the 2% miscarriage rate is difficult to quantify as it includes not only those doctors who are inexperienced in performing the test but also - and this is the most important factor - those pregnancies that would have miscarried due to abnormalities regardless of whether the test was done or not. <em>edited by fandrew on 25/02/2013</em>
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 16:03
It isn't often the quality of otherwise of non-western candidates, it is often the communication and language skills which are desired, particularly if the hiring company is UK, Aus or US - just as Russian companies want to employ russian speakers. With regard to salary, have you seen how little is being offered for admin jobs in the UAE, regardless of nationality requested and to those who say they wouldn't get out of bed for less than 20k, get real and enjoy your long duvet days!!! What does annoy me is that employers want to change their package after interview. I was offered a job recently which was offering a reasonable salary. The hirer then proceeded to ask me what was the lowest salary I would work for - I was expecting to negotiate up, not down!!! I told him I would be prepared to work for the salary offered on the advertisement but he pestered me for days asking for my minimum and got quite offended when I asked him what his 'minium' was. Needless to say, I didn't accept the job and wasted more time on a pointless and unecessary interview. I'd far rather employers be honest at the advertisement stage - yes it is 'racist' and unfair if an employer only wants a certain race or nationality, age, gender or model looks with an open mind, regardless of experience or education - at least we all know where we stand and won't bother wasting our time or the hirer's time by applying for jobs which the employer has already pre-selected their recruitment criteria. What a weird and annoying experience, glad you didn't take the job!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 15:59
Wonder how locals fall in to this category. There seems to be reverse discrimination here regarding their abilities, education and qualifications. I wonder if they are sought after because they are local or also cast aside for a western candidate. At the end of the day racism will exist no matter what - but I agree salaries should reflect the position and necessary qualifications and not the color or nationality of the person who fills the position. For what this is worth I would take that part time admin job in a heartbeat. Sadly I have no admin experience and would be a disaster :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 15:05
yeh it moved on to the economics of the phillapines :\: lol! thats right, something about how we were fueling the economy of the philippines by not paying a decent wage.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 15:02
Sorry, not starting a fight but couldn't help but draw a comparison to the enduring banter on here regarding paying maids a wage based on nationality. I certainly hope all of those on that thread are listening to this :-)
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 14:56
I hope that's the case when DS2 gets bigger. All I ever see these days are 'Western - MBA - experience - bilingual advantageous - 8000AED'. These dismal offers make you question bothering to get out of bed. I was offered 4K for 8-5/5 days, no package. It's insulting. LOL - would take the duvet ;) A duvet wasn't offered in the package, and I doubt I could afford a reasonable quality one on the wage :) The Filipina probably didn't spend 6 years knocking it out at uni (paying for uni training)?to be specially trained for her job, either. :) I am not sure why the assumption is always that Westerners are well educated (at least to degree level) and well qualified. I have come across quite a number that only have their high school diplomas, and yet expect to get the big jobs just because they are Western. This sense of "entitlement" is very prevalent even on this forum, and while I can't control how people want to view themselves, it's sad that some of those who rush onto judgements based on nationality have themselves very little to offer- and are only where they are because of their nationalities and passports- as opposed to merit. I always assumed that all things being equal they preferred a westerner over lets say someone from the subcontinent but that everyone in the running had to have the same qualifications - meaning that I was under the impression that a westerner with only a high school education could never take a position from a non-westener with a university degree. If that isn't the case than yes, I agree completely - very unfair indeed!
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 10:24
If you cant afford to pay that much, your alternative would be to get somone new in the country but with GCC experience. Ill probably get shot down for suggesting that but tis the way it is. Or you don't have a maid if you cant afford it. Also true if we couldn't afford to pay a decent wage we wouldn't have anyone.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 09:42
I thought he was Pakistani didn't know he was local. Are they funny? Never been to a show.
fandrew
207
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 08:52
It's not common at all to pay 2000. in my neigbourhood the going rate is 1000-1300. it depends where you live. Also, I think Expatwoman readers and especially newbies pay the most... I think there is a lot of merit to this idea that it depends where you live. In Abu Dhabi the going rate tends to be much higher by all accounts and the wage DH set is based in part by what the staff in his family home are given each month.
 
 
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

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing