Hamra | ExpatWoman.com
 

Hamra

Hamra
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Latest post on 31 October 2016 - 08:50
We had all our curtains altered when we moved over from Dubai. The work was done by Sedar Curtains in Salwa Road and they do made to measure as well.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2016 - 08:58
For ladies try Mr Thomas at Hind Tailors in Najma Street next to the Fathi toy shop. For men try Bombay Silk in al Khaleej Street near Mannai Roundabout. Bombay Silk really know their stuff with "Western" suits and shirts.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2016 - 16:47
There's a helpful article (2015) on importing a car into the UAE here: https://www.dubicars.com/news/how-to-import-your-vehicle-into-the-uae.html
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2016 - 16:32
Salalah is wonderful and, as you know, the best time to visit is during the Khareef. Here's a few suggestions of where to visit: 1. The sea can be very rough as the monsoon winds are blowing at this time of the year. The upside however is that you can visit the blowholes at Muqsayl. 2. Job’s Tomb (Nabi Ayub) 3. Have a drive on the anti-gravity road. This is 200m section of an unsealed track off the road between Salalah and Tarqa. You go down the hill, put the car in neutral, release the brakes and the car starts going backwards uphill. 4. Wadi Darbat
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2016 - 07:56
IKEA in Doha make curtains to any lengths. They didn't seem to have the widest of ranges but there's enough to get you started.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 16:48
We've used both Crown and Allied Pickfords and been very happy with both. HTH.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2015 - 04:10
It very much depends on where you work and the company culture. Like Hoobs, I worked in the legal field and long sleeves and closed toe shoes, like a court shoe, were the unspoken rule. But that's really no different to anywhere else. I always had a shayla in my drawer in case I had to meet with very conservative clients but if you don't interface with clients the dress code is probably more relaxed.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2015 - 02:03
Another recommendation for Sarah at Qatar Vet Centre as they do both incoming and outgoing animals. They were our cat's vet while we were in Qatar and Sarah handled all the documentation to ship the cat back to Australia. Sarah coordinated Kitta's pre-departure stay at their cattery, the flights and transfers (she had to change planes in Dubai) and also booked Kitta in for her stay in quarantine here in Sydney. Totally off topic: On the appointed day we went out to pick up Kitta from the quarantine place in Eastern Creek in Sydney. When I said who it was I'd come to collect, the lady who was doing the cat's release just looked at me and said 'Your cat DID NOT enjoy the travel experience.' LOL.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2015 - 08:36
The wools are all synthetic here. So I buy the pattern, wool etc when I'm home. Same with tapestry.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 16:25
And that depends entirely on how long the queue for the loo is LOL! The abaya goes over your ordinary clothes so you can easily put it on while you're in your seat. You'll just need to undo your belt while you pull the abaya down over your hips and legs. For your head, you can buy an all-in-one hijab (often called an Amira hijab) its simple to put on and its like pulling on the old fashioned Jackie band. <em>edited by Hamra on 08/02/2015</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 16:16
You will be required to wear a hijab (head covering) and an abaya (black overdress). You can buy them relatively cheaply here in Dubai, just head for Satwa. You can either slip them on while you are on the plane prior to entering Saudi airspace or some ladies do it at the airport in Riyadh. Depends on who you're with, and the mood of the officials....
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 16:10
Glow Salon in Beach Tower (4411 7652).
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 16:25
We had visits and quotes from reps from GAC, Allied Pickfords and Crown. We went with Allied Pickfords. We're leaving Doha after 10 years in the region.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2014 - 16:10
Apparently camels in Saudi are linked to the source of the disease so during the MERS outbreak the supermarkets here stopped having camel meat on sale as most of the camel meat comes from Saudi. Camel meat is back on sale now and has been for at least two weeks. PS Camel meat makes the best slow cooked casserole ever!
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2014 - 16:04
A second vote for the Grand Hyatt. We went there for Xmas Brunch a couple of years ago and it was terrific.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 10:11
TBH I wouldn't bother unless its vitally important to you to have the same surname on your passport as your spouse. I've had a different surname to my DH for nearly 40 years. Its never been an issue and we've lived all over the world as expats. The multi exit visa is valid for one year at a time and costs 500QR which may or may not be paid for by the employer. The employer must give consent to the issue of the visa and this is usually via a consent letter. <em>edited by Hamra on 17/10/2014</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 12:52
AF3 is along the road from me. Now that Decoration r/a is a proper intersection with lights it should only take you 10 or 15 mins to get to the American school at rush hour, depends on the traffic at Aramex r/a though.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 16:32
Thanks for your replies ladies. As the credit cards are with a bank based here in Qatar the accounts have to be closed 40 days out to give time for all potential debit amounts to come in. The physical ccs have to be returned or destroyed prior to our leaving the country. Unfortunately we have already used the cc to buy the airline tickets as DHs company runs a 'you-pay-then-we-reimburse' system. We can't use home country credit cards as the bank there insists that they have to send a message to a home country mobile with a special code and of course having been out of the country 10+ years neither of us has a mobile, nor could we use it here in the ME anyway...but try explaining that to a bank they seem convinced that we're up to something dodgy. Thanks so much for the reminder about the QDC deposit, we'd both completely forgotten about that.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 15:04
There's a place in Doha City Centre on the car park level. At the C4 end down the escalator.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 18:51
We drive Doha-Dubai-Doha frequently, travelling time varies between 6-10 hours each way. Get your visa for Saudi prior to departure. Crossing time through Saudi is only about 1.5 hours. Females must wear abaya and hijab while in Saudi. As you probably know, women cannot drive in Saudi. What happened last time probably isn't what'll happen this time so don't stress, have a relaxed attitude and go with the flow. Just as one example at the border, females may or may not have to go into the females only section and have fingerprints and photos taken...or sometimes if you walk into the men's section with your DH everything will be taken care of there. Fill up with petrol while you're in Saudi as petrol there is even cheaper than Qatar. Pay in QR and they give you the change in Saudi riyals. edited by Hamra on 25/08/2014 <em>edited by Hamra on 25/08/2014</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 19:39
I use Al Assaiel Services they're on B Ring Rd near Ricks Cafe. A Saudi visa usually takes 4 days. Email is [email protected]
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2014 - 16:25
There used to be bellydance classes at the Ritz Carlton gym, give them a call. Public performances are banned as you probably know.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 13:11
Bear in mind that some of the people doing the inspection of your goods will make their judgement based solely on the picture on the cover of the book or dvd. What we think is harmless may have quite another interpretation. In the case of confiscation, usually the person and their employer's representative are called in and have to sign for the confiscated items which are later destroyed. The importer and the rep might also get a stern warning (yes, both of them) but it all depends on the nature and number of the item/s. In serious situations, the involvement of the local sponsor is not unheard of. Imprisonment or deportation however would be a drastic outcome, but it all depends.... edited by Hamra on 18/08/2014 <em>edited by Hamra on 18/08/2014</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 09:22
It seems to depend on who checks your shipment and what mood they're in at the time. We were told to list every individual DVD, video and book and the boxes of them had to be packed last in the container so they were at the front when the container was opened in Doha. After opening only 5 boxes of cookbooks they seemed to have given up though - there were 9 boxes of recipe books alone LOL.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:48
We live in a stand alone villa in Abu Hamour and have had no problems at all. We've been lucky to have a good landlord who sends someone out to fix anything and has been so easy to deal with. After our experiences in Dubai its been a relief! I guess your choice (stand alone v compound)depends on your children, their ages and their social lives. We won't be moving for a few months so you'll be well settled by then. Good luck with your search. Hello - just wondering if anyone new of a good size and affordable villa located very close to Doha college? Looking for at least 5 beds with double car cover. has anyone had a horror story by renting out stand alone villas?
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 13:46
'....if I can't find instruction in Qatari Arabic that it's not worth my time to learn...' Ah, and it would be a non-Arabic speaker who told you that :-) Here, if you look 'foreign' nobody will expect you to be able to speak Arabic. However, if you have some general Arabic greetings and show that you're willing to make an effort it will be very much appreciated. The best advice I was ever given was many years ago from a Kuwaiti colleague when I had very mixed-up spoken Arabic. She said 'Just pick one accent and stick to it'. Since then I've focused on speaking Arabic with an Egyptian accent and I've never had any trouble at all here mostly thanks to the widespread consumption of Egyptian films and music.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 18:30
A second recommendation for Century Tailors. They did a great job with several pairs of trousers for DH and they're making some work suits for me at the moment.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 18:27
We travelled extensively in Yemen a few years ago but we wouldn't go there at the moment. Its too risky. OTOH, friends have just come back from Socotra, they flew to Sana'a, waiting in the airport in Sana'a for the connecting flight. They didn't leave the airport at all.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 18:06
I looked in all the usual shops in Satwa but didn't find any. I get it posted over from NZ now.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2014 - 20:28
I saw some in the shops opposite the Najma Souq. There are lots of shops close together all selling drapes, curtains etc. They told us that they'll make any size.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2014 - 14:01
Not much help but I looked for ages unsuccessfully. I ended up making one using an old sheet for the base and cotton material from Satwa for the ruffle. Doesn't look too bad if I say it myself :-)
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 20:02
We've just had a heap done by Global Gifts Shop 30 in the plaza opposite Al Ahli Hospital. 44879055 ask for Gayan. Very pleased with their work.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 14:40
As long as everyone who's travelling has a passport from one of the 23 (or is it 24) approved countries you can get your visa on entry. Some nationalities don't have to pay for their visa either. Agree withChizz's visit list though the mosque will not be accepting visitors on Friday. The Sultan's Military museum is well worth a visit and you get your own soldier as a tour guide :-) <em>edited by Hamra on 10/02/2014</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2014 - 11:05
Baggage allowance refund? Use it or lose it :-)
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2014 - 09:20
Singapore airport is very easy to get around. There's a free train that runs between the terminals regularly so its easy to transfer from one to another. Plenty of signs and lots of info desks. You're travelling with two different airlines so I assume you'll have to pick up your bags from the Tiger flight and check in again with Emirates.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2013 - 11:30
Thanks so much ladies. The candle wax is gone thanks to the paper bag and iron. The red wine stain is slowly fading, maybe because it had already dried it seems harder to remove completely. Next time I use the tablecloth I'll make sure to have a strategically placed vase of flowers :-) <em>edited by Hamra on 30/12/2013</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 07:57
Maybe you could try the British Dental Centre in Salam Tower on the Corniche (44117755). I've had complex work done there by Dr al Ansari and I've also seen his senior partner, sorry I forget his name, but the senior gent is an oral surgeon.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 08:02
Great summary NorthernStar, but now I'm confused. When the PRO renewed my ID a few months ago he told me that there are no more separate egate card because the information is included on the new ID card. So I used my ID card in the egate channel at Doha airport last week. I didn't get past the fingerprint booth but then I never do, despite having my prints redone [u'>4[/u'> times but that's another story. I showed my ppt and ID card and they waved me through, which leaves me wondering, should I have a separate egate card? If I do, it wouldn't be the first time the PRO has given me the wrong information.....
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 17:44
I'm sorry to hear your friend is having a problem. I've seen many zeffa here, often with shamadan. Is there a restaurant with a bellydancer at the hotel? Could she perform it for you even if she uses a cd? Or maybe if you could contact one of the other hotels that has a dancer and ask if she could do an outside contract (she'll be contracted to the hotel that employs her.) Drums and mizmar would be the minimum musicians and from what you say you don't want the dance troupe. Last thought, have you tried Raqsaat Group?
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 14:24
The main post office near the Corniche is still open, DH was there this morning. There's also one in the Lulu on C Ring and another one on Airport Road.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 09:29
Great idea! There's a series of shops on Salwa Road on the RHS (heading towards Saudi border) that sell the fabric in various colours and patterns. They also make anything you want, some of them have small bird cages made out of the patterned fabric hanging outside.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 21:25
Some suggestions to see would be: Khor Rori and while you're out there you could experiment on the magnetic road where cars seem to roll uphill backwards. The maritime museum and Al Baleed The Prophet Job's tomb The blowholes at Al Mughsayl The tomb of Umran (its about 30ft long) and close by is a building containing a rock with a hoof print of the Prophet Saleh's camel.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 19:47
.....when an offending picture is covered over with black felt tip pen and the ink's gone through the paper making the article on the back totally illegible. This is irritating if its something I want to read or if the black blob covers part of a recipe. But as is so often the case its the inconsistency that amuses. Its ironic that a tv cooking show like Masterchef Australia or MKR, bleep out all spoken references to p**k and even obliterate the word p**k on the screen if a menu is being shown. Yet in other cooking shows the chefs talk openly about p**k and make sauces with alcohol. Oh and in last night's MKR one of the contestants quite clearly used the f* word, I reckon once but DS says he heard it twice LOL! edited by Hamra on 17/09/2013 <em>edited by Hamra on 17/09/2013</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 19:35
The Doha main post office is near the Corniche, its the beige building with half rounds on the roof surrounded by scaffolding. There's also a post office in the Lulu Hypermarket building on D Ring road, the ladies there are really helpful. <em>edited by Hamra on 31/08/2013</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 09:58
We used Crown when we moved Dubai-Doha, extremely happy with them....will probably use them again for the big move back home.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 12:56
All I can find out is that this applies to non-GCC passport holders entering Oman from Sharjah at the Dibba border post only. There's no mention in English or Arabic of a letter being required at any of the other border crossing points. Does anyone know more?
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 09:03
Kiwis get into Oman for free but Aussies have to pay......this annoys the pants off DH every time hehehe!
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 07:57
We went as a group of ladies from Dubai to Oman on a visit. One of the group was a hijab wearing Arabic speaking Muslim lady who was having her first weekend ever away from her DH and children. She was very excited and she had her DH's full approval to have some "me time". Anyway, she was asked to produce a permission letter from her husband before she could enter Oman (she'd exited the UAE without a problem). She rang her husband but they wouldn't accept his verbal approval because "he could be anybody" and they'd only accept either a letter or his personal approval with suitable ID of course. Her husband had to pack their kids into the car and drive from Dubai to the border in the traffic on a Thursday evening to personally give his approval and was he livid by the time he arrived! He gave the border guys such a telling off you could have heard the yelling from space :-) Long story short, this requirement doesn't seem to apply to non-Muslims, I've certainly never been asked to supply such a thing in 40+ border crossings which are often on my own. However, sometimes they've asked for a letter of approval to take the car over the border as the car's registered in DH's name. <em>edited by Hamra on 05/08/2013</em>
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 09:15
We used Maureen Lord at Apollo Real Estate 97455864352. She seemed to have a wide range of properties both villas and apartments.
Hamra
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 08:56
Not much good news on bellydance classes in Doha I'm afraid. - The Ritz Carlton no longer lists belly dance as one of the classes they offer. - Yama Yoga used to have a bellydance teacher. She taught a block of lessons on a specific theme rather than on-going progressive classes. Its not on their website now so I guess they don't offer it any more either. She/They also used another dancer's photo as her promo picture on the website, a practice frowned on in the bellydance world, or any other world :-) - The Curves gym in New Salata had BD classes a couple of years ago. I don't know if they still have them or not. I use instructional dvds now. <em>edited by Hamra on 04/08/2013</em>
 
 
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