HereComesTheSun | ExpatWoman.com
 

HereComesTheSun

HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 12:43
Villa Beach at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a nice spot.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 11:54
His girlfriend tried to surprise him this morning (Valentines) at his house in South Africa and he shot her dead thinking she was an intruder. He's due in court later today apparently. Tragic story for all involved. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 14/02/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 11:16
I ordered something from Groupon THREE months ago and it has still not arrived. It was just a small stocking filler for Christmas so wasn't expensive but the deal promised it would be delivered within a max of two weeks, which was plenty of time before Christmas. It has now been 12 weeks and I have been back and forth over email with their useless customer service team at least 5 times. Each time they apologise and tell me it will definitely arrive by the end of next week at the latest. They also promise to respond within 48hrs to any queries, but it is usually up to a week before they get back to you. They clearly don't care one iota about their customers and I would definitely warn anyone against using them. Most of the 'deals' they offer are available as standard elsewhere (i.e. souq.com, ebay, amazon, agoda, booking.com, etc) or direct from the vendor itself, so I would save yourselves the hassle of having to deal with these incompetent shysters.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 17:21
I certainly wouldn't waste any time/effort on getting hold of O and A-Level certificates as I can't imagine anyone ever needing to see them. I'd put all your effort into securing your graduation certificate as that's the only one that matters.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 16:41
Not only LL can get greedy, it's the agents who are feeding it because the higher the rent, the more commission they get. These are precisely the people who are responsible for inflating this bubble. It's not as if thousands of landlords have all simultaneously decided to hike the prices of their individual properties by 30-50% over the last 12 months, it's the agencies with thousands of properties on their books setting the agenda here and it's an absolute disgrace. I sometimes wonder whether this place will ever learn from some of the many valuable lessons it has been taught over recent years.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 14:18
We haven't moved in to our apartment yet so I am not sure if we will have Du or Etislaat yet. But thanks for the information on Du. If we have to go with them then I know what to ask for:) You will only get the Premiership matches and the big teams dominate ( Chelsea, Man Ure, Man City etc) therefore some of the other premiership matches are not always shown. Abu Dhabi Sports has the rights to the Premier League over here, so they are the channels you need, regardless of whether you have Du or Etisalat. They simultaneously show every single Premier League game live with Arabic and English commentary across 7 or 8 different channels, so you shouldn't miss any games, no matter which team you support.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 11:30
Yep, that's correct. The rental calculator is very generous though, so you would have to have been way below the market value when you originally signed the contract for there to be a valid rise for the second year.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 10:55
Thanks for the replies - so 'non renewable' means that at the end of your first year they can kick you out. 'Valid for one year only' means they cannot kick you out but at the end of the first year can increase your rent even though usually after the first year they are usually not allowed to increase it at all. Is that correct? Correct on the first point. For the second point, the rules have changed. Increases are now allowed in the 2nd year, but only in line with the RERA rental calculator. This is what now applies to your situation.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 16:27
Starsouthern is correct. Most contracts include some sort of clause about renewal being at the landlord's discretion etc etc, but this is completely unenforceable as they have to adhere to the laws of the land. You should also have been made aware that the contract is non-renewable at the time of signing it as this constitutes 12 months' notice.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 14:46
Thank you all. How should the notice have been delivered? The below is taken from here: http://www.awf.ae/law-33-2008.html. Looks like the notice must be given by notary public or registered mail. A simple email will not suffice. 2. Landlord may demand eviction of tenant upon expiry of tenancy contract limited to the following cases: a. If the owner wishes to demolish the property for reconstruction or to add new constructions that prevent tenant from benefiting from the leased property, provided that necessary licences are obtained. b. If the property requires renovation or comprehensive maintenance which cannot be executed while tenant is occupying the property, provided that a technical report issued by Dubai Municipality or accredited by it is to be submitted to this effect. c. If the owner of the property wishes to recover the property for use by him personally or by his next of kin of first degree provided that he proves that he does not own a suitable alternative property for that purpose. d. If the owner of the property wishes to sell the leased property. And for the purpose of clause (2) of this Article, landlord must notify tenant with reasons for eviction at least twelve months prior to the determined date of eviction subject that such notice be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 12:58
Saw them in Home Centre MoE about 6 months ago.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 11:15
Just been reading another thread and saw an advert for this place on the sidebar: www.theluxurycloset.com You could see what they will offer you, but I doubt you'll get 75% from any resellers. You'll need to sell it directly yourself to get that sort of return.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 11:06
Hi girls - here is the issue: - Tenacy Agreement ends on 31st March 2013 - Landlord sent an email in Nov 2012 stating he won't be renewing the tenancy - At the time I asked why and h responded via email statng he needed it for "commercial" reasons - I wrote to the landlord again yesterday and played dumb and asked the process for renewing in March. - He wrote just now and said that he cannot renew as is moving one of his employees into the apartment. Can he do this? I was under the impression that under the law here, he has to give me one year's notice, served in the proper way. Any advice would be great. Thanks! I hope for your sake that the law is still on your side, but this might not be as straightforward as you are hoping, as he gave you the required 90 days' notice and you seemingly didn't object to it. Have you informed him of your intention to renew in writing prior to yesterday's email? If not, you've only given 50 days' notice and that might not be deemed enough (I think it's 60 days, but can't be sure), especially in light of him giving you warning of his intention not to renew. Having said that, email is not viewed as the correct way for him to inform you of such things, so that may swing things back to your side. First thing I would do is respond to him quoting the relevant law and requesting that he gives you 12 months' notice at the start of a new tenancy contract, as per his responsibilities. Most landlords relent at this point, but if he doesn't you then need to contact the Rent Committee.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 10:50
Of the online options, souq.com would be a better bet than dubizzle as you can set the price and don't have any direct contact with the buyers.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 13:03
If you're British and the internet connection is any good, you could try this: http://www.watchuktvonline.com/
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 12:42
[url=http://i.imgur.com/wct8rmX.jpg'>link[/url'> [url=http://i.imgur.com/GnHL7Ie.jpg'>link[/url'> [url=http://i.imgur.com/vxNcrtA.jpg'>link[/url'> [url=http://i.imgur.com/vxNcrtA.jpg'>link[/url'> Thanks tkoshy <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 07/02/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 10:55
I have also tried to ring organisers and couldn't get through for the past 2 days, so hopeless. I also rang the Word trade centre and asked about door open times and they said they didn't know. My reply was "But they are your doors!" So annoying. The tickets themselves say to arrive 120 mins before the show, so I imagine that's when the doors actually open. Can't imagine anyone would want to go there more than 2 hours before the show! They recommend leaving a minimum of 60 mins to get in and to your seat.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 13:39
Request a new internal access card from security. It will cost you AED 200, but these cards also open the parking barrier. There are then lots of spare spaces up on the roof (P4). We really did just want one for the gym and security door (we told them this), so maybe we got lucky and they gave us the wrong card by mistake (it opens all doors and barriers) but it's worth a try before you do anything else. Please reply when you've seen this so I can remove it. That's so unethical Call the police then. That seems to be your answer to everything else.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 13:27
agents seem to have just set a price amongst themselves.....a good 30k above what was asked late last year!! This is exactly what is forcing the prices up at the moment. It has nothing to do with the traditional market forces of supply and demand, and everything to do with arbitrary decisions being made across the board by agents. It's the same with almost everything in this country, and bordering on wide-scale price fixing.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 12:53
Just as a side; why do you want to keep giving your money to this person? I'd guess because the rents being asked of new tenants really are ridiculous at the moment. You have some protection as an existing tenant, but once you start looking for something new you are at the mercy of the sharks.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 12:32
You need to check which provider services your home. I doubt still, people can choose between Du or Etisalat as of yet. It's starting in some areas. I think Barsha might be one (could be wrong on that), but it's still a choice of one or the other in most areas.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 12:12
Sit tight and tell them to take it to the Rent Committee if they're that bothered. The RC will take an extremely dim view of the landlord if your case gets that far, especially if you have documented proof that you have explained the law to him on several occasions. These landlords really make me sick, especially the ones with multiple properties (such as yours) as it these people who are responsible for the 'fake jump'. We're well on our way to yet another ridiculous bubble. You seem to know all your rights already, but for those that don't there's a useful article in 7 Days today: http://www.7daysindubai.com/Know-rights-Dubai-s-tenants-challenge-excessive/story-18059736-detail/story.html
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 11:09
Request a new internal access card from security. It will cost you AED 200, but these cards also open the parking barrier. There are then lots of spare spaces up on the roof (P4). We really did just want one for the gym and security door (we told them this), so maybe we got lucky and they gave us the wrong card by mistake (it opens all doors and barriers) but it's worth a try before you do anything else. Please reply when you've seen this so I can remove it.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 14:59
Patong isn't really renowned for great hotels as people don't spend much time in them! The best ones are further down the coast. In Patong itself, I've stayed at the R Mar Resort & Spa and the Andakira Hotel. Both were decent enough but a fair distance from the beach. The Andakira has rooms with direct access to the pool, which is nice in the morning after the night before! <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 05/02/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 14:28
In that case, they'll have a great time!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 14:25
I'd advise you to stay away from Patong Beach altogether unless you're going there specifically for nightlife. There are lots of much nicer places on Phuket.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 13:09
Having also been caught up in the rent scam, I would now insist on only writing a cheque out to the landlord himself. Be very careful with PoA's. There are very, very stringent guidelines that must be followed when setting up a PoA, and if he hasn't followed these to the letter you risk losing everything if there is any issue between the landlord and the PoA further down the line. This 'loophole' has cost some tenants dearly so be sure that this PoA has been thrashed out correctly.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 12:00
You'd need to check the rental calculator to see what increase they are allowed. As for the chiller fees, this sort of amendment has to be agreed upon at least 90 days prior to the end of the lease, so if they are beyond that period they don't have a leg to stand on.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 09:43
I bought a washing machine from C4 and have twice had to call out the service team through no fault of the device itself. But I didn't bother contacting C4 (why would I?), I went straight to the manufacturer (indesit) and they were absolutely fantastic. So the moral of your story should be not to purchase any brands that are carried by Al Ghandi. C4 aren't a retailer in the Western sense, they're a distributor and once you've made your purchase your first port of call should always be the manufacturer.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 11:38
Thanks for the update. Is this your own insurance company that has cheated you or the building's insurance company? Our own contents insurance policy states that it will cover rental costs for alternative accommodation for up to 3 months.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 17:27
Card shops like Hallmark sometimes sell them. Is there one in MCC?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 17:03
They'd tell you to go to the Rent Committee. This is exactly the sort of dispute they are there for.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 16:47
I usually get my stamps from the information counter next to the Body Shop in Mall of the Emirates. They'll weigh the envelope for you so you know it's the right amount, and there's even a post box directly opposite. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 29/01/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 16:45
Is it just me or does 2700aed or even 3000aed not seem and extortionate amount for the services that are provided by both the maid and the agency? We're talking about less then 500 GBP a month. I think what I might be getting at, is that I sometimes feel annoyed that many people expect excellent work for very little pay. No offence to the OP, but you state you have four little ones, this will mean quite a lot of involvement from your maid and rather a lot of washing and cleaning as well. Not it's not just you, i was about to say the exact same thing.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 14:00
And I don't think they hike their prices in anticipation of Entertainer users. It's not only a case of blatantly hiking prices, they find creative ways to get around it. The golf courses are masters at this; always having '(not so) special offers' that instantly void the use of an Entertainer voucher. Great concept in its early days, but slowly losing its attraction.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 13:51
Do you have friends over here? If so, you could knock up a rental contract with them, and then open up DEWA under their name.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 13:07
So many places now inflate their prices to ridiculous levels in anticipation of customers using Entertainer vouchers that I think it's unfair to accuse people of wanting things for free; they just want these things for a reasonable price, which is all an Entertainer voucher seems to get you these days. Was a fantastic tool for getting bargains in years gone by, but not so much anymore.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 08:53
Glad you to read that you've seen sense. Filing a case against him will be much less hassle than the world of pain you'd find yourself in if you resorted to stealing his possessions.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 16:46
Just realised I misread your post. You're looking for flights coming into Dubai. Try Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines or Singapore Air as they don't require too much of a detour. Or take a look at Qatar Airways, as they always have short transit times in Doha. I can't imagine an agent being any cheaper than doing it yourself online.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 16:28
$797 is only AED 2,900. That's a pretty good price for a flight to Manila, especially as you can't expect much discount for only flying one way these days. What date are you looking at?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 12:52
What time does it start?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 12:04
It started going downhill last year when almost any restaurant better than Burger King was moved into the 'Fine Dining' version. Don't think I'll be bothering with the main book this year.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 11:02
I would definitely wait, as it's too early to be booking summer flights with budget carriers like EasyJet. Those prices will come down before they go up again. Keep an eye on them, but (in my experience) the best time to book is usually about 2-3 months before.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 13:35
I think haggling over the price is such a way of life here that people will always try it. Yep. Combat this by simply adding 10-25% to the asking price. That's what I do anyway. which is why everyone asks for your 'best price' LOL !! Vicious circle, I know, but it has to be done. It's just a fact of life here that if you want AED 500 for something, you have to advertise it for AED 650.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 13:32
If only I recognised the school uniform, I would ring the school! Blue tunics and white shirts...And tell them what exactly? That their employee is busy doing her job while simultaneously pulling off the incredible task of sipping a coffee? I have a feeling they might not be quite as outraged at this as you'd like them to be.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 13:27
I think haggling over the price is such a way of life here that people will always try it. Yep. Combat this by simply adding 10-25% to the asking price. That's what I do anyway.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 13:12
always amused by these sort of complaints ... an everage month has 30 days, 1 day per week off makes it 26 days work with working hours of at least 12 hours right ? 26 x 12 = 312 hours per month 2300 divided by 312 = 7.37 AED per hour thats around 1.5 EUR pay per hour ... and people expect them to be educated cleaners, chefs, nannies, servants and gardeners ... Not I dont expect them to be what you mentioned above .....I just want them to be maids! simple..... In that case, why are you bothered if she can't cook? By your own admission, you're looking for a maid, not a personal chef.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 16:04
I usually use Magi beef stock cubes, which are available in most supermarkets. However, I ran out last week and Carrefour (which is where I usually get them from) didn't have any in.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 14:47
The yellow bins are actually for a company that sells your clothes rather than gives them directly to those in need. I'm not making any judgements on whether it's right or wrong, just letting you know.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 11:21
Mirimar or Meridien at Al Aqah in Fujairah
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

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