HereComesTheSun | ExpatWoman.com
 

HereComesTheSun

HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 10:58
To be honest, a company insisting on knowing what I currently earn before making me an offer would set alarm bells ringing immediately, and I certainly would never show them a salary slip. They should be paying you what [i'>they [/i'>think you are worth, not what another company thinks you're worth. As such, your current salary shouldn't be of any interest to them whatsoever. I'd simply hide behind a confidentiality clause as mentioned below by marycatherine and insist on giving your expectations only. What you earned in the past is utterly irrelevant to their future employment of you. At the very least they should respect the fact that you are steadfastly honouring a commitment made to your existing employer. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 22/01/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 16:40
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/government/security-cheques-cannot-be-used-to-arrest-defaulters-1.1126543 From what I can gather from that, it is illegal for them to ask for a blank cheque. That suggests they can still demand a security cheque for the full amount of the loan, but the implications of that bouncing now seem greatly reduced with this new legislation.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 11:30
I don't know how this compares to Carrefour etc, but jadpado.com have the 16GB iPad 2 for AED 1,499, which is very reasonable. And their iPads come with Facetime, which you may find useful in the future.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 20:04
Minutes at Ibn Battuta
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 11:02
Just get Etisalat/Du to activate one of your downstairs sockets for internet use and buy a second router. Problem solved. You can have as many routers as you want on one line, as long as you have the socket space.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 18:22
I don't think this one is a 'moon' holiday, so we don't have to wait for any confirmation. The 24th is definitely a holiday.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 14:05
I am going through the new lease we are signing. It doesn't flat out say "non renewable" but says "renewal of the tenancy is at discretion of the landlord." I guess that means they can raise the rent next year? No. That's a fairly standard term seen in most tenancy contracts over here, but it doesn't get him out of his obligations. I've been through this and it was dismissed as a meaningless clause that has no basis in law. Aha...mumbo jumbo deterrent. Our last contract "1 year only" on it, this one says nothing like that. But what's weird is the new one says nothing about giving notice within 60 days of intention to move, or anything like that. You're so good with these things, HCTS I appreciate your posts on this topic. It comes from having been through it all twice in very close succession, so I'm just happy to be able to forewarn others as I know what a stress it can be. It's important that everyone knows where they stand in relation to Dubai's tenancy laws. Just as his irrelevant "landlord's discretion" doesn't protect him from the law, the lack of a 60-day notice clause doesn't absolve you from your obligations as a tenant, and you should still notify him of your intentions in writing well before your contract expires. There are provisions for this in the relevant laws, but I can't remember if it's 60 days or 90 days (60 sounds right). Always ensure you meet your legal obligations as a tenant (not just what is written in the contract) as this gives the landlord much less wriggle room should a dispute arise.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:56
Souq.com are charging AED 12 for delivery in 3-7 days
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:51
I am going through the new lease we are signing. It doesn't flat out say "non renewable" but says "renewal of the tenancy is at discretion of the landlord." I guess that means they can raise the rent next year? No. That's a fairly standard term seen in most tenancy contracts over here, but it doesn't get him out of his obligations. I've been through this and it was dismissed as a meaningless clause that has no basis in law.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:01
No, assuming it is a renewable contract, she can't raise the rent (as per the calculator) and she can't kick her out. She needs to hold firm and tell the landlord to raise the issue with the rent committee if she doesn't agree; they will inform her the same. However, the landlord may retaliate by issuing 12 months' notice to move out with the new contract, so if your friend wishes to stay for longer than another year, it may be in her interests to negotiate a compromise (say, a 5% increase).
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 12:18
I'd imagine that such contracts wouldn't be worth the paper they're written on in the circumstances you describe as I don't see how they could possibly be compatible with UAE law. And you certainly don't want to be drafting your own Ejari-branded contracts as they are not relevant to the conditions you mention and the authorities will take a dim view of it. Sounds like you need to draft up your own contract and simply hope that your temporary tenants abide by their terms. You can easily find standard Dubai tenancy contracts on Google; just take the relevant terms and put them into your own contract, omitting the terms that are not relevant to your situation.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 16:44
Thanks louisedvs. I had no idea either of the ending and was planning on watching it tonight. Cheers. PS. Just saw you deleted it now. Bit late for me and a few others. edited by ChilliPepper on 14/01/2013 I watched it knowing full well how it ended due to the numerous trailers, posters, reviews and media interviews that made it very clear what the story was all about, not to mention the actual name of the movie itself. It's not about how the movie ends, it's about how the story gets there, and it's a fantastic piece of cinema. Trust me, Louise hasn't ruined anything for you or anyone else.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 12:32
My experience of this is that the website will warn you at the time of payment if it involves a country where the cardholder must be present. I think this was the case with flights to/from Thailand and the Philippines, but it's never been an issue with the UK.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 12:23
I've had numerous birthday/christmas cards not make it to my work PO Box over the years. It's not the most reliable service in the world, and I'd certainly forewarn any friends/relatives not to send anything more valuable than a card through the standard post.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 12:19
Well if they've changed the rules without bothering to inform anyone, you can be sure of one thing: the deadline will be extended as it is with everything else in this country, so I'm not going to panic just yet!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 11:33
It's being done in four phases, and this is the second one. If you haven't yet been notified, then you will be in the third or fourth group, which will be later in the year, and have nothing to worry about with this current deadline. However, you don't have to wait for these messages to come through and can re-register at any time. I'll be doing mine as soon as this current deadline passes and the horrendous queues die down.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 23:45
Try souq.com. I've bought lots of very reasonably priced IT accessories off there.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 15:38
I usually use Empost and haven't had any problems.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 14:40
A friend visiting from Thailand bought one from Virgin Megastore at MoE pre-Xmas - I think it cost AED 2500-3000. They shouldn't be costing anywhere near that. Jadopado have them for AED 899: http://jadopado.com/product/kindle-fire-hd-7-16gb-wi-fi-black
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 12:08
Anything over 10km/h http://www.break.com/index/blonde-chicks-explains-mph-2310483 ;-) that's speed thou - not pace. Just divide whatever time you want to complete it in by 10. e,g,, 55 mins = 5.5 mins per km
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 11:58
Anything over 10km/h http://www.break.com/index/blonde-chicks-explains-mph-2310483 ;-)
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 16:48
registered...(within 10 days) is 80 dhs Who with? I use Empost and they charge the same for 4 days.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 16:13
I've been several times and have never bothered with it. Where in Vietnam are you going? If you're staying in the main towns/cities, you don't need to worry. If you're venturing into the jungle areas then obviously it's a different story.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 15:55
Which is why you call the police; if it's real and the people need help; they will get - if it's a scam they will be dealt with . "Call the police" seems to be the stock answer to everything on here, no matter how trivial. Whatever happened to just getting on with your day and forgetting about it?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 14:57
The chutes in our building have been sealed due to idiots throwing lit cigarette butts down them, so we have no choice but to leave our rubbish bags in the garbage room. And despite knowing that someone has to physically collect all that rubbish every evening and dispose of it manually, some people still can't be bothered to tie a knot in the top of their bags. The state of those rooms by the time these poor lads have to do their job is a disgrace. The pure selfishness of so many people living in this country is simply astonishing; they must have been literally dragged up from birth without any meaningful guidance from their parents whatsoever and with their brains slowly dripping out of their ears in the process.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 15:29
This thread is shocking! I cannot believe some posts I read. Just because you were born in Europe, US or Australia, doesn't mean you're God's gift to heaven. Er, No, because i have 15+ years experience and i have a degree from one of the top universities in the world. Not really anything to do with nationality or skin colour. In that case you won't be interested in a basic part-time admin role for AED 6K a month then, so what are you banging on about?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 11:36
It may feel unfair, but because this is based on calendar days, and not working days, it's correct. If your leave was based on working days, they would only deduct 3. Seems illogical, especially if it wasn't explained to you, but there's nothing wrong with what they're doing. Legally, no, but what possible justification can there be for it? It's backward things like this (and workers having tips removed from them) that the authorities need to address if Dubai is to truly move forward. Legally yes. That is what calendar days means. It's not backwards if implemented correctly. Many government companies use calendar days instead of working days but to justify this, they are given 40-45 calendar days of annual leave instead of the standard 30 which actually works out better. Private companies can give 30 calendar days which is 22 working days. When I said 'Legally, no', I was agreeing with you if you read it again. Sadly it isn't implemented correctly by many private companies, with the employees getting shafted from both ends. There isn't any possible logic to it. Your employer doesn't own your weekends, so why should you have to account for them? And 30 calendar days is only 22 working days if weekends are included. Under that logic, someone could take ten lots of Mon-Weds off and miss 30 working days, but the person who causes less disruption to the company by including days that would have been off anyway (i.e., weekends) gets penalised. If that's not backwards, I don't know what is.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 11:23
It may feel unfair, but because this is based on calendar days, and not working days, it's correct. If your leave was based on working days, they would only deduct 3. Seems illogical, especially if it wasn't explained to you, but there's nothing wrong with what they're doing. Legally, no, but what possible justification can there be for it? It's backward things like this (and workers having tips removed from them) that the authorities need to address if Dubai is to truly move forward.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 11:08
I think it's outrageous that so many companies in Dubai pull stunts like this. It's little wonder that so many employees lack any kind of motivation when they are treated like this.If you wouldn't be working on a Friday or Saturday anyway, what possible reason is there for treating it like a work day? Are we saying that employers now own our free time as well? Not giving back public holidays that have already been booked off is another low blow. Not sure I could work for an organization that had such disregard for its employees.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 09:24
It sounds wrong to me, but like I said, many companies over here get away with simply doing whatever they want to do, no matter how immoral it may seem. How can your weekend or public holidays possibly be classed as working days? It's insane.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 09:06
That's the rule I was talking about. It's absolutely ridiculous, but obviously isn't the case in the OP's situation. Just ask your HR how they've come up with 5 days and take it from there.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 08:49
It sounds wrong but I've heard of something similar before whereby certain unscrupulous companies include weekends under certain circumstances (I'm sorry, I can't remember what they are). Sounds like what has happened here. Check your contract as such policies must be outlined in that if they exist.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 19:10
Looks like I was very wrong. They're rocketing along now, almost half done already! <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 06/01/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 18:19
McDonalds food is grim enough when you eat it in their 'restaurants', but it's practically inedible when delivered. Seriously, this is not something to be getting excited about!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 15:25
It's not complicated at all. I'd recommend the Open Water course over the Scuba Diver course if you can spare an extra day (you should only need 3 days if you do the classroom-based modules online). Open Water is simply a continuation of Scuba Diver; it's only the final day that is different, as well as the ability to dive to lower depths. Most centres will let you do the Scuba Diver course and then upgrade at a later date by completing the additional modules, but you're best just going straight in for the Open Water course if you have the time.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 14:13
It happens here on a regular basis. In 30 years of driving, very rarely did it happen in Australia so it has to be something about the skills or attitudes here. It's attitude. They park over two spaces so no one can hurt their precious possession. Because their car is obviously so much more important than everyone else's, obviously!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 12:31
Dh6. Whether it actually turns up or not is an entirely different matter!
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 12:10
No, don't do this. He could be deported for this, along with his family. He might have children settled in school. I think it would be very spiteful to report him. Also, why not just let him pass? Why honk at him? He obviously just nearly missed his turning. This is easily done, especially since they removed the 'Arabian Ranches' sign. Absolute nonsense. It beggars belief the amount of times you see drivers over here doing things like this or reversing back along a busy road because they've missed their turning. If you miss a turning or have left it too late to make it, just go the long way round. Nothing, and I really mean nothing, is worth killing yourself - or worse - other people because of such stupidity. And if you do pull such an idiotic stunt, at least have the humility to be apologetic about it. He definitely deserves to be reported. Nothing gets me angrier than people who think they have the right to endanger my life every single time I step into a car.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 16:14
I can't help, unfortunately, but I know they have sleep disorder clinics at the American Hospital and the new Saudi-German Hospital. Sounds like you might have already tried at least one of those though.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 14:21
What kind of parents? Probably very good ones by the sound of it.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 12:20
Would be wonderful, wouldn't it? It looks like quite a big job though and they've still got lots more to do so I can't see it being any time soon, unfortunately.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 09:00
That's the correct link, but it also gives 2 email addresses. Have you tried contacting them?
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 08:56
Everything he told you about Ejari is nonsense. It costs about AED300 and you can do it yourself if he refuses. In fact you can still do it now if it gives you peace of mind. You will need to do this if you want to go down the legal route, but simply quoting the law to him should put him in his place. You need to check the RERA rental increase calculator to find out what increase he can make. If you're in the first year, he can't increase it at all for the second. Call RERA/Rent Committee for some free advice; they are very helpful and he will probably back off if you can quote them. edited by HereComesTheSun on 01/01/2013 You cannot do it yourself unless you have the title deeds. You can also do it with an affection plan. Anyone who is renting here should be demanding to see copies of these docs in the wake of all the recent scams.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 08:50
Yes, i see it's a bit of a grey area, however am I correct that any changes should have been notified to us within 90 days of contract renewal. Yes. Even if the rent calculator allows for an increase (and you'd have to be paying well below the average in your area for that to be the case), he has left it far too late to do so, both by the letter of the law and the terms in your contract.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 17:51
It only relates to security cheques. So you could still be done for bouncing a normal cheque, just not one that covers the whole cost of a loan.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 15:59
It doesn't surprise me. He will be well aware of what he's doing; he's just hoping that you don't know your own rights.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 15:33
He's not entitled to any increase, so just reply with something like: "As per the rental laws laid down by the Government of Dubai, we are entitled to renew at the same rate as the first year with no increase, and this is what we would like to do." He's not got a leg to stand on, and he knows it. But beware that he may now issue you with 12 months' notice, so it depends how long you'd like to stay in the apartment for. If you want another 2 years or more, it might be worth paying the 5% increase just so it continues to be a renewable contract. It's your call. Take a look at these links and quote the relevant bits to him in your response. You'll find he backs down fairly quickly when confronted by the law, but like I said, this is at the risk of him issuing you with 12 months' notice: http://www.awf.ae/law-26-2007.html http://www.awf.ae/law-33-2008.html <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 02/01/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 15:01
It's the standard contract on the front then has the quoted text on the addendum on the back. No it doesn't state non renewable, my only concern is because the addendum states we both have to agree so I wondered if this was a get out clause. There's nothing in either of those terms to be worried about. It's far too late for him to be making decisions like this and he is clearly just hoping you don't know the law as he's figured out he could be charging more. Tell him you've consulted RERA and that they've informed you that the contract should now be renewed at the same price and terms. He could, however, issue you with 12 months' notice starting from the beginning of the new contract, but that's the only leeway he now has; three weeks' notice is not reasonable under any circumstances, and the Rent Committee will take a very dim view of this. <em>edited by HereComesTheSun on 02/01/2013</em>
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 14:47
He must give 12 months' notice unless otherwise stated in the contract. Yours states 3 months, so either way he's left it too late to make this decision. The contract should now be renewed for a second year at the same price and terms as the original tenancy. There is no leeway here, he's in the wrong and you should politely tell him as such.
HereComesTheSun
544
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 12:58
I've never heard of a 'rent tax' before. Do you mean the housing fee? How long have you lived in your apartment?
 
 
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