fjcruiser | ExpatWoman.com
 

fjcruiser

fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 16:47
Take a look at the Oasis school in Safa www.oasisschool.ae and Safe Center www.safecenter.info/ They may be able to help you. Sorry to hear your little one has already been labeled so young. Don't despair, there is help around and the previous post is a good starting point.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 22:26
As my username implies, I own an FJ and I have owned it since new (2008) and it has nearly 120,000kms. Service is cheap, fast even the general service is around 2hrs which allows me to stay at the dealership, have coffee and free wi-fi. Toyotas are notoriously reliable, the secondhand market is buoyant and prices may seem high but resale value is good. I hope to keep my car another 10 years. As Toyota service is good, I did not need to look for a cheaper alternative to service my car. I have also owned a Jaguar XJ8 bought privately with FSH. After 2 years of thorough enjoyment, things went from bad to worse. It was serviced at AAA which is an excellent place but any specific problems they had to send me back to the very incompetent expensive dealer. Cars like Jaguars, Range Rovers, BMWs are equipped with air suspension for eg and when it fails (common after 6-7 years), replacement is very costly. I fixed the car and promptly sold it. I also had a MINI in the UK. Great little car for the narrow roads and difficult parking in London. In Dubai I would not feel so safe as most people seem to be driving big cars too fast. I would stick to Japanese cars my personal opinion of course. The FJ is awesome in the desert, yet surprisingly handles very well in town too. Good luck with your search.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 10:10
There is a shop in Karama called Hobby Centre (I think). It is in the same back street leading to the Sana Pharmacy.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2014 - 15:15
There is a German school in Dubai in Al Qoz. British/US and German system are quite different so it depends what year your children will be going to. That said, A British/German friend of mine has kept her two teenagers at the German school here in Dubai (she is happy with it) and her youngest decided to go to an IB school instead and had no issues with the different curriculum. Being bilingual helped though.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 14:06
None except Repton if you can afford the fees.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 13:50
Take a look at the Nurseries & Schools section on EW. There is also a good FB group called Dubai School Guide for Parents with plenty of info and opinions. Good luck with the search.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 12:03
You will need to get some advice as it is a civil matter. The UAE civil code is based on the French civil code but it is likely that some aspects are different to accomodate for sharia law. You would need to find out if the following statement is valid in the UAE : "none shall remain in joint ownership". You may find that you have a right to sell to someone else but you need first to give first refusal to the joint owner and it needs to be recorded adequately. That is what this statement means. Only some proper lawyer advice will confirm this. Convincing and signing on the dot are two very different things ! Good luck with it. FYI http://www.dubailand.gov.ae/english/Tashjee/RulesandRegulations/Law%2027.pdf. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 13/07/2014</em>
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 14:13
Scratches, bumps do not require a police report. It will be cheaper to fix than claiming on your insurance. When you loose the no claim bonus, it can hike your premium by 20%. Ring your insurer and ask them for the cost on claiming on your insurance. They should be able to tell you the figure straight away. Hence for a small repair it is not worth claiming unless you have a protected NCD. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 19/06/2014</em>
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 09:38
Behind Spinneys in Um Suqeim as you drive past the recycling area, go round the bend, there is a little garden center on your left and 3 shops as well. One is a dry cleaner. Good value for money and used by locals. Much cheaper than the Champion in Spinneys!
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 20:03
ACE or Yellow Hat in Times Square.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 14:48
That's what 'trade-in' means. You go to a dealer to buy a new, nearly new or used car and trade in your old car at the same time. Do not expect the best price when the dealer offers to buy your car. On the other hand, it saves you the hassle of having to sell it privately and still not get a good price for it. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 03/06/2014</em>
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 18:46
That is what the UK Embassy website says : " An emergency travel document lets you leave another country if you can’t get a new or replacement British passport in time to travel. You can apply for an emergency travel document (sometimes known as an ‘emergency passport’) if you’re a British national outside the UK and your passport has been lost, stolen, damaged or has expired. You should first try to renew or replace your passport if it has expired or is damaged. Only apply for an emergency travel document if you need to travel before you can get a replacement. What an emergency travel document does An emergency travel document allows you to leave the country you’re in and travel to your destination via a maximum of 5 countries. The emergency travel document can also cover a return journey if you’re resident in the country you’re applying from. An emergency travel document doesn’t guarantee entry to every country. You may also need a visa. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country or countries you’re intending to travel to or through " So you will need to check with the UAE authorities as far as your visa is concerned.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 13:36
Have a look at this http://uaelaborlaw.com/.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 13:18
There is a misunderstanding that farmed fish is not as good as open seas fish. In fact due to rising levels of mercury in the sea, farmed fish appear to be a better option nowadays. Buying the Dubai local fish is a good idea as mercury levels here are not bad. Hammour, king fish, sea bass are great fish.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 13:13
Your sister should apply for jobs in other private companies and compare salary and benefits. At EK benefits will depend on what grade you join as and her family situation. Cash in hand can have as much value as benefits for some. Say the person is single no kids. What is the benefit of a school allowance worth ?None to this person. You need to see what benefits would apply to you.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 11:26
Isn't it better for your dog to stay at home, in her environment, with someone she knows ? As good as kennels can be, even in Dubai, they are only kennels and the animals will not be running around in the summer heat.IMHO dogs are far more affected psychologically than cats from experience of having sent both to kennels before.The feeling of abandonment is very strong in dogs. Good luck with whatever you do.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 20:20
Passed the warranty period (3 or 5 years nowadays), you do not need to service your car at the dealership. There are many independent good dealers in Dubai. Ford parts are not that expensive, less than Volvo. If you buy Japanese, parts are not expensive either.And servicing at the dealership past the warranty period is a good option. They often give you a nice discount for staying a loyal customer.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 13:48
Strict gun laws or not, people who are determined to get guns can do it easily. It is not because you see a therapist you will tell them everything. When he met with the police, he may or not have had guns in his possession. To search his house or room, the police would have needed a warrant. The parents got worried and called the police because their son posted some stuff on you tube. That does not make the guy a criminal so the police cannot do much except interviewing him. Not all unstable people living in the community go on committing crimes so you cannot just lock them up on the assumption they may or may not commit a crime. It is a terrible tragedy as many innocent people died and a sick young man could not be helped. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 26/05/2014</em>
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 13:39
Well done for rescuing him. You should get him vaccinated. It will help re-homing him.Contact Bin-Kitty Facebook page for help. It is a very active and supportive group.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2014 - 21:14
I use RSA. Home contents insurance is essential in case of fire, flooding or theft. Any valuable item like jewelry or watches for eg can be insured individually.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2014 - 14:32
In a non transparent market, it is easy to manipulate prices and give the impression there is demand when there isn't. We all know there is a glut of new properties coming on the market and yet rentals are increasing or people are made to believe it. New expats come to Dubai with very little knowledge of the market (although it is better now as the property crash of 2009 has been extensively analysed in the foreign press). These newbies are easily driven to believe what an estate agent will tell them. They have little way of knowing where the property next door rented for as they are new to the country. On the buying side, there is also little information on where properties sell as asking prices do not mean anything. This allow estate agents to inflate prices quite easily. The last but not least reason is there is still a vast amount of money laundering via Dubai and investing in the property market at any price (it does not matter at what cost as the aim is to recycle dirty money) will drive the market up for everybody else.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 18:46
http://www.munichmotorworks.ae/
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 12:23
You could post on Bin Kitty Collective on Facebook. It is an active group. They will help you to re-home your pet. They hold adoption days.Obviously, it may take time as there are literally hundreds of cats waiting to be re-homed. How old is your cat ? has he be neutered ? Some cats are vocal (the local ones definitely) but as they are neutered, they calm down. You are out all day so your pet gets bored. What about the evenings ? Why isn't he let out ? it would calm him down and tire him up. Surely you can find some time to play and cuddle with him. These are simple suggestions to try out until you find a more permanent solution. Good luck.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 14:18
Al Karama King Games in Karama Center (entrance on Kuwait Street) is a good place.As you enter from Kuwait Street you go into the shop as far right as you can (there are two entrances that's why) and straight. The shop is on your right. It is actually the only one in the centre.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 12:08
You need to check with every school you will be visiting and who allegedly offers it (because of KHDA requirements). Special needs in Dubai means help with maths and reading for many schools unfortunately. As soon as you mention special needs reports, doors will start closing on you.Good luck with the search.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 12:01
It is not a problem and should you find work, all you will need is a No Objection letter from your husband allowing you to work.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 11:57
DOSC is a long way from any metro station! It is on Jumeira Road next to the kite beach so you can tube in and get a taxi. I did it there because I sail and wanted some practical tips as regards to accidents when sailing. The course though is a standard First Aid delivered by the RYA as DOSC is an accredited centre. It is run but an ex nurse who is also a sailor so the practical tips were very useful. As with any course you do, confidence is gained with experience so the first time you would assist as a first aider would be challenging especially if you are on your own. What I learnt from the course is as much about don'ts as the do's and when to call emergency. Certainly in your example, common sense would dictate that if someone overheats he should be taken to a shady area for a rest. Unfortunately you do not always have shade, hence why these accidents often happens. The good news is the boy made it safely in the end.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 11:25
I have just done The RYA First Aid course at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. It costs 1000dhs for non members.It is over 2 evenings from 7pm to 10.30pm. Very good course. Phone Jemma on 04 394 1669 ext 102 and she can put you onto the next mailing list. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 11/05/2014</em>
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 19:24
They have a facebook page under excellistuae with info on their open day.
fjcruiser
542
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2014 - 18:01
Heard the powerlines were quite close by. You may want to drive and check.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 15:51
Give Robyn Martinez (enrollment coordinator) a call on 044401212- she will explain in details K12 and be able to answer your questions.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 11:05
The reception is still opened at the old Safa vets. You will need to sign a form to transfer your pet records to the new premisces.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 11:49
I did not say they took a copy of of my id, they wrote the details with name and tel number because they have to by law they said.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 11:39
At Minutes they did it each time I have had keys cut. May be I look suspicious....
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 11:07
You should try to enroll them now as in August the schools will likely be closed. Between now and your move, try to enroll your kids in some English lessons especially for the 10 and 13 years old. Your little one will likely go to nursery and will pick up English easily. If your eldest fail the English assessment, you could always enroll them in an ESL program ( the one I know is at K12 in Knowledge Village in Dubai so a long way but not impossible) and home school till they reach the required standards.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 11:00
You will be asked for an id and telephone number as it is a requirement when duplicate keys are made.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 10:58
Latest news is a mini drone has been sent down 4.5kms to try to retrieve the black boxes. Fingers crossed. It took 2 1/2 years for the AIr France Rio plane black boxes to be recovered thanks to this technology. I am confident the Maylasian flight will be eventually found too.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 22:24
The rabbies injection is only an issue if the pet is traveliing back to the UK.Even for an indoor cat, it is worth doing every year. I would not bother with the other vaccinations.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 20:55
Try Karen Shiels and Bakhti Ayrton at the Developping Child Center in Umm Suqeim. www.tdcc.ae.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 20:50
Have you checked with K-12 in Knowledge Village ? They are set up like a little school with small classes. They tend to have special needs kids and some ESL kids. Nice environment and fantastic teachers. My DS goes there and we are very happy.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2014 - 11:27
Decathlon in Mirdiff City Center, HQ Adventure in Times Square.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 18:14
You could start first with a self taught method to see if you like the language. I bought the Complete Spoken Arabic Of the Arabian Gulf (book + cd) from borders. I find it very good. I think I will try to go to a school as interaction is key in learning a language. An Emirati lady I met once recommended the Dar El Ilm Centre http://www.dar-el-ilm.com/ as being the best in her opinion. There is also the SMCCU in Bastakiya http://www.cultures.ae/. It all depends how far you live from these 2 places.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 17:11
Good news.Well done!
fjcruiser
542
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 17:00
I had my DS checked at the Moorfields in Health Care City (branch of the Moorfields in Tooting). They were very good, as good as they are in the UK.The doctors really put the kids at ease.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 15:00
On Dubizzle, you could put a link to a facebook page you would have created with some photos and details about the property without obviously giving too much away. then people can contact you by PM.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 14:55
"...I tried to complain to the Police and file a case against her but they said that since she is under her company's sponsorship, the company should be held responsible of her actions. And the company has no contact with her anymore..." If the company has no contact with her anymore, how can they still sponsor her ?.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 10:51
30dhs now and kids go free. By the w-e it will be free hopefully!
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 16:37
To prevent migraines as you know they seem to appear at certain times in the month, cut caffeine, dairies (cow based), wheat and chocolate.The cause of migraines is still a scientific mystery to be honest but a change in diet can help. I started developping migraines recently after having a very bad case of flu. I linked it to my immune system being very weak at that time. I stopped coffee,wheat and dairies (can't really have chocolate anyway) and not only my health improved rapidly but I haven't had a migraine in weeks. Good luck. Painkillers are not the answer, they damage your body, increase acidity (causing a weakening in your immune system) and possibly bringing the migraines.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 16:26
In the light of the Reloguf disaster having left hundreds of Dubai ex-residents without their goods, some for more than 12 months, it is best to stick to companies you know, or companies where information is readily available. If someone can ship out for half the cost of a major brand name, there will be a catch for sure. Once you add insurance on top, the difference in quotes may vary slightly from one shipper to another. The big difference between a known shipper and the less well known is the well known is likely not using agents at the other end. You may pay more but you will have one point of contact instead of having to speak to someone else if your shipping doesn't turn up. Also the advantge of using a known shipper is they are used to deal day in and day out with the respective custom laws of the countries.
fjcruiser
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 11:40
Dollybird, I assume by reading your posts that you will be leaving the property possibly before the sale. If the garden was put up at your cost, there is no reason why you cannot take the plants and flowers and irrigation to your new property. If the viewer ask if the garden will stay, tell the truth, if no questions are asked, it is not your problem!I certainly wouldn't accept any viewings at short notice by sms !!! taking your shoes off is common practice here I have noticed. I am sorry you had some bad experience.
 
 
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