Geordie expat | ExpatWoman.com
 

Geordie expat

Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:59
As DH and I are both British we can go back to the UK, he still pays tax, I don't as I'm a DH/Social Calander Manager. After 30 years in the Middle East the UK doesn't feel like it could be home. Our children and grandchildren are still around the Middle East so we wouldn't like to be too far away from them. Buying a villa in Dubai? I don't think that residency visas are given now with property and the property is only guaranteed for ten years. Then there is the question of health, you cannot grow old in Dubai if you are an expat as you need a clean bill of health for a visa. I think staying in any Gulf country would find the same issues... visa, medical, etc. I'm sure other long term expats must be facing the same question. Why not look at Cyprus? It's in the EU so as UK citizens you would have no visa issues, there are good flight connections to Europe and the ME...in many ways it is more ME than Europe, I call it ME-lite! It has beaches, mountains (even skiing in winter).......full of history, very little crime, real seasons and a lovely sloooooow pace of life. It works for us! (Oh and property prices are really low just now ..........some great bargains to be had) Only 3 hours from Dubai.........come and take a look! Try Northern Cyprus even lovelier.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:45
Desperately need a good hair cut for my shoulder-length, curly, brown hair but so afraid of Dubai hairdressers... Don't want a giant triangle head. Don't want to hear "Oh madam! Your hair IS really Curly!" 3/4 of the way through a cut. Don't want to be teased and blow-dried into thinking a horrible haircut looks good. Thanks for any recommendations! (would prefer Jumeirah/ Safa area, but any place good is great!) edited by Faifunghi on 19/09/2012 Salon Ink is at Jumeriah 1 opposite the Beach Park 1st floor, Irish and Australian hairdressers they have a website with prices on I have hair that most hairdressers want to put layers in! I will only let SI touch mine after 4 years of distasters here Have you or anyone else tried them for waxing etc?
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:42
If you are British you are allowed back in, you are not 'suppose' to be automatically given benefits, and unless you have been paying NI while living abroad, you will NOT to entitled to the state pension, of course, if you have been paying into an offshore private pension, you can do with that what you like. You can not pay into a UK based private pension whilst living abroad, that is illegal, for tax purposes. Interesting. We were told we could, but of course we wouldn't be able to claim the tax allowance, which increases it. So obviously not worth anyone's while.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:24
Not all UK citizens pay tax but I believe they can retire back to the UK (as long they haven't [i'>avoided[/i'> paying tax of course.). I don't know whether they could collect a pension if they haven't paid National Insurance contributions and I also don't think property possession would automatically entitled a person to a visa. I'm no expert though :) We let anyone in, give them a house and benefits lol I was trying to carefully avoid that with my post about being allowed back in.:) <em>edited by Geordie expat on 19/09/2012</em>
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:23
As far as I know you can go back to the UK and if you have ever worked there and paid NI you may be eligible for a state pension and if you still have the time and the money you can pay a lump sum to top it up to the max allowed. Not sure what would happen if you only had a private pension , but if you're a UK citizen I don't think they would throw you out.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 16:50
Can anyone help me. I am trying to find out when the new 2year ruling came into force? Just been trying to find out any info on the website and it all looks as if the latest changes are dated 2011. All I need to know is if DH has signed a contract which is for an 'unlimited period' and he found another job, would he be able to go for it? edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012 Is your Husband on a limited or unlimited contract? How long has he been with his current employer and what is his highest level of education certificate? Unlimited contract, less than a year and Uni degree. As long as he is earning more than 12k and has completed 3 months probation he can change. The MOL has a FF number you can call to confirm 800665 Thanks louisedvs, at least this means he can now start looking seriously. And all I need to do is find a job too :( edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012 What do you both do? I've done mainly admin, PA, reception, clerical, customer service that kind of thing and he's a bid manager. send me your email address mine is sarahdvs47atgmaildot.com Let me know as soon as you have this and i will whip this off! Got it. I'll send you mine
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 16:31
Can anyone help me. I am trying to find out when the new 2year ruling came into force? Just been trying to find out any info on the website and it all looks as if the latest changes are dated 2011. All I need to know is if DH has signed a contract which is for an 'unlimited period' and he found another job, would he be able to go for it? edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012 Is your Husband on a limited or unlimited contract? How long has he been with his current employer and what is his highest level of education certificate? Unlimited contract, less than a year and Uni degree. As long as he is earning more than 12k and has completed 3 months probation he can change. The MOL has a FF number you can call to confirm 800665 Thanks louisedvs, at least this means he can now start looking seriously. And all I need to do is find a job too :( edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012 What do you both do? I've done mainly admin, PA, reception, clerical, customer service that kind of thing and he's a bid manager.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 15:43
Can anyone help me. I am trying to find out when the new 2year ruling came into force? Just been trying to find out any info on the website and it all looks as if the latest changes are dated 2011. All I need to know is if DH has signed a contract which is for an 'unlimited period' and he found another job, would he be able to go for it? edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012 Is your Husband on a limited or unlimited contract? How long has he been with his current employer and what is his highest level of education certificate? Unlimited contract, less than a year and Uni degree. As long as he is earning more than 12k and has completed 3 months probation he can change. The MOL has a FF number you can call to confirm 800665 Thanks louisedvs, at least this means he can now start looking seriously. And all I need to do is find a job too :( <em>edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012</em>
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 15:28
Bump please. I've promised DH that you ladies have never let me down yet :)
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 12:59
Can anyone help me. I am trying to find out when the new 2year ruling came into force? Just been trying to find out any info on the website and it all looks as if the latest changes are dated 2011. All I need to know is if DH has signed a contract which is for an 'unlimited period' and he found another job, would he be able to go for it? edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012 Is your Husband on a limited or unlimited contract? How long has he been with his current employer and what is his highest level of education certificate? Unlimited contract, less than a year and Uni degree.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 12:23
Looking at it from the other perspective, if someone in my home stole from my guest I'd definitely want to know. Whether it's 50 dirhams or 500 dirhams or my children or my maid doing the stealing is irrelevant, I'd want to put a stop to it. Guests should be able to come to my home without being stolen from. I second that! Me too
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 11:56
Can anyone help me. I am trying to find out when the new 2year ruling came into force? Just been trying to find out any info on the website and it all looks as if the latest changes are dated 2011. All I need to know is if DH has signed a contract which is for an 'unlimited period' and he found another job, would he be able to go for it? <em>edited by Geordie expat on 18/09/2012</em>
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 11:45
The silk knots (as they call them) from Thomas Pink are much cheaper than the metal cufflinks and come in all sorts of colours so you can match them to your shirts. Another idea that I have used in the past is just to 'borrow' some simple silver cufflinks from your husband. Most men have lots of different ones and I think plain ones look just as good on women's shirts. I often do that depending on the occasion, but I have also SnS ladies cufflinks from various companies when my DH orders hid shirts.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 11:36
its 50dhs...come on its not that much of a big deal! If that's how you feel, please send me AED 50, as it's no big deal I do I think you need to get things into perspective....all this stress and diliberation for 50dhs...its not worth the stress. No in the overall scheme of things 50dhs isn't much, but look at the bigger picture. If, heaven forbid, it is one of the children and they keep on doing this and no one says anything, how long will it go on until they start stealing from more people and perhaps shops. IMHO children are never too young to learn right from wrong.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 16:53
How on earth do you find out what's on there, especially overnight? All it ever seems to say on the guide is 'no information from channel provider'. Looks as if I'll have to give iPlayer a chance with the others too.:( If you are really lucky, there is occasionally programme information, but yes, I agree it is mainly 'no info from channel provider'. I find the timings really erratic too and have to record the programme before and after, just to make sure I catch the whole thing - gggggrrrrrrr. I unplug my box every now and again to force it to re-set itself - sometimes works. Even Du has 'inshalla' moments!!!! I've managed to remember to record the programme after now, since we kept on losing the ends of everything. Never tried to unplug and force a re-set, will give it a go though.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 16:35
Going back to the original post, what is the free gift and is it with the purchase of 2 products or when you spend AED500? Hear hear. I'm in need of some more Clinique and a free gift never comes in wrong. :) <em>edited by Geordie expat on 16/09/2012</em>
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 14:03
How on earth do you find out what's on there, especially overnight? All it ever seems to say on the guide is 'no information from channel provider'. Looks as if I'll have to give iPlayer a chance with the others too.:(
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 13:50
Nightmare!!! I recorded the WSB the other week, or at least I thought I had. We settled down to watch it and after about 10-15 minutes it went to stripes. Looks as if I'll have to try the iPlayer later, but that doesn't show the lower classes properly.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 16:58
We've never managed to find this or Bearnaise Sauce anywhere in Dubai yet. We have resorted to making both, but the occasional jar would be handy for emergencies. Lol! I have trawled every supermarket and gourmet foodstore trying to find Bernaise to have with my steak and chips!! I don't have a clue why it wouldn't be stocked and it's one of the few things we ask visitors to bring with them. The only thing we managed to find was Belsauce, Bearnaise Tradition at Spinneys in The Springs. It's not too bad. Shame you can't Shop n Ship foodstuffs :(
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 16:16
One of the problems we noticed on Friday was the fathers encouraging their young kids to pick up and play with all the guns on show and praising them for it.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 15:48
We've never managed to find this or Bearnaise Sauce anywhere in Dubai yet. We have resorted to making both, but the occasional jar would be handy for emergencies.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 13:58
DH and I went to the exhibition and it was really scary watching people and young children waving guns around. Some of the guns available to purchase were semi-automatic and I certainly wouldn't like just anyone buying any type of gun, especially one of those. As AC said at least in the UK the police do check to see where the gun will be kept. I know these checks don't always work, but hopefully the guns there won't be in full view.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 11:19
Even full time jobs are hard to come by !!!
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 09:36
ALWAYS suited and booted for the interview, first impressions count. Then if you get the job that's a different story. <em>edited by Geordie expat on 09/09/2012</em>
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 19:36
We live in JVT and have the occasional bad smell mainly in the downstairs loo and main bedroom en-suite. It appears to get worse the hotter it is. We have always put our toilet paper down the loo, but were told at one point that majority of problems with drain blockage was due to the builders dropping all their rubbish down the drains. If this is the case it isn't the tenants responsibility.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 19:10
DH and I got ours straight from the Yas Marina Circuit website, but that was back in April before we moved out here. It's for 3 nights and 3 days grandstand tickets. I have looked on various other sites for friends and it looks as if you can only buy tickets for 1 or 3 days and you have to buy a Grandstand seat. There is no general admission. There is also a small stand in MoE outside Nine West for the Grand Prix.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 19:06
Don't suppose you've got a SatNav?? There is a thread on here from a while ago giving directions, but I couldn't manage to follow it and sorry I can't remember what I searched under. My SatNav was great though and took me right to the door. You can see it from the main road, but you then have to go through all the houses to get to it. Sorry again
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 21:19
When I got a no objection letter from DH, it was my employer who got my labour card.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 17:26
Not sure about EcoClean's policy have you tried them?
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 19:22
What time is the tailor in Ibn Batutta open please? Bump
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 15:13
What time is the tailor in Ibn Batutta open please?
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 21:33
Hi titotu You've got two choices. Either go down to the Arabian Ranches exit and come back on yourself to come in just past the petrol station. Or you can come off and down the Al Khail Road, almost to Springs and then come back on yourself and in the top gate of JVT. If you need any more help just shout
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 15:10
Ladies you are fantastic!! This is what I was searching for :) Hubby really also missing the society appreciation nights back home. We have reserved seats at the malt dinner night in madinat which if my memory serves is the rivington grill event yes? Hmmmm now I'm wondering how he already knew about this event - maybe he found this mmi club already and signed up. Ahhhhhh the DYI malt tasting nights hosted at home whenever someone just received a new order - fun times. We've also just reserved seats for this. Would anyone else going like to get together there?
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 15:07
Try Eco Clean. I've only ever used them and they're great, nothing is too much trouble.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 19:52
Yes we're both Geordies.I've been known to have the occasional single malt myself too! And as you've seen we also miss Greggs stotties:( <em>edited by Geordie expat on 27/08/2012</em>
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 19:30
You just beat me to it Lal1. DH has just joined the single malt society with MMI and they've got a special evening on at the Rivington Grill Wed 12th Sept.
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 15:37
There's now a Saino's and a M&S Simply food on Knightsbridge. And that huge Earls Court Tesco further down. In fairness to the dearth of these things, I have become a much better cook / baker so every cloud.... Now who's going to start a Gregg's franchise...if Cheesecake Factory queues were up to 4 hours, I wonder how long that queue would be haha! I did actually try a couple of Stottie Cake recipes before we left the UK, but there was no way I could get them close to the real ones. As for the Gregs pastry, no chance!!! Think I'll just try out your fish'n'chippy TDB :)
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 14:42
Sorry can't help with securing the balcony. But regarding the litter, we use the C4 litter in the blue bag and we also bought a litter tray with a lid and a door in it. This does help to keep the litter in and stops it smelling too much as there is a filter in the lid. Hope this helps
Geordie expat
4393
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 19:05
Who's a clever girl then? I packed my Peppermint Essesnce on the crate last December Dubai bound, so I have a 100 ml bottle sitting in my store cupboard waiting to be used! I really enjoy living here and have got used to the disappointment when trying to find an item in four different retailers! Really miss Primark, Boots Advantage Points, NO7 Intelligent Colour Dark, Sunday Mail You Supplement. Greggs cheese and onion pasties were always great with Heinz tomato soup in the dead of winter - But we don't need that here! Now who are the lucky ones?!!!!!!!!!!? Ooooh - Greggs pasties and their 'you know what' rolls! I also miss 'proper' fish, chips, mushy peas and curry sauce and ordering half and half (half chips, half rice) without being looked at as if I have just landed from Mars. Apart from that, if we can't get it within a reasonable drive, we find an alternative or go without and I decided from day 1 not to indulge my orange squash habit - way too expensive given the amount of glasses I would drink here every day. Plain boring water for me. Greggs Stottie Cakes
 
 
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