IrishMammy38 | ExpatWoman.com
 

IrishMammy38

6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2017 - 17:25
Hi guys, Myself and my husband and our 2 young boys are relocating to Dubai hopefully in 6 months. We don't know much about the ,moving process so I am trying to read as many threads as I can to find all the info I need. Basically we are trying to find out about living locations, what areas are the best for ex-pats. I would love to live somewhere were the community really get together and know one another as I have the fear of been isolated once my husband goes to work and the boys go to school because I plan to take 12 months off once I get to Dubai. The are would ideally be close to a good school too. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. I know it would depend on budget but maybe use 150k per year as a guideline. 2 or 3 bed villa type, greenery etc, I don't want to be in an apartment. Thanks. Orla x If I were you I would opt for the springs. It's an amazing place, perfect for your family. Yes I think that's gonna be the spot.
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2017 - 23:54
That's good to know, Ill defo check Ikea out. I was reading somewhere about postage and not getting it delivered to your door as you need to go to some central location to collect everything, is this true? Would that be the same for Ikea, im sure they would come to your villa? Maybe I need to stop reading some stuff online ha. Hopefully we will make the move in Jan, we have literally just started to talk about it, my husband is an Engineer so im hoping he will find something so we can start the process. If I could I Would go tomorrow, im stuck in my hectic 9-5 office job and cant wait to feel the sun on my face and take some time out :) We don't even know how to apply for jobs, tats another post I should probably stick up.:) If you want your post delivered here, you need to set up a post box with the post office. Even then it's debatable if you will receive it. It's not like the good old Irish postman!! Ha!! We haven't bothered, just get stuff couriered within Dubai and get our international post when we get home. Everything else can be delivered here...from your big furniture and electrical items down to laundry, milk and McDonald's!!! Any time of day or night!!! So yes, ikea no problem. The shopping festival is usually in February so you will get some really good deals then!!! As for applying for jobs, sorry can't help you there!!! I'm not working here and we were transferred here with hubbys job but you will definitely get answers if you post it on a separate thread. I'm guessing you would apply directly to companies or some might have recruitment fairs! Good luck!! So your telling me ill never receive a birthday card from home with my few euros in it? Now that's a bummer, I may give my Iban to everyone before I leave ha. I'm getting so excited about the move now, just hoping all works out and goes to plan x
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2017 - 23:49
Hi, Yes, I would suggest to get a hotel or hotel apartment first while looking for places to live. There are so many areas to chose from and it is important to really see which one fits your family. Some people like living further out from the traffic and congestion and some like living in the middle of it all. So you really have to see which area fits your family the best. Here is my take on some areas. Each area pretty much has it's own shopping center for groceries and restaurants so that's never a problem. The most "going out" places is the Marina and Downtown Dubai. Motor City- Great community with lots of families. You will need a car as it is a little further from the malls, etc. But they also have there own shopping centers with restaurants, grocery stores, etc. Arabian Ranches- Also great community with families, but again you will need a car as it is right next to motor city. They also have shopping center close. The good thing is that taxi's are really cheap here so even if you don't get a car you can still afford to get around. The Greens- a little closer to the busy areas with great community. Just be careful not to get too far out as you will isolate yourself. Expat woman has some great meet ups to meet people and they list them on this website. Ikea is the best place to buy furniture, especially if you are here only a short time. There are facebook pages in each area that people do sell second hand furniture. There are a lot of expats coming and going. I live in Motor City. It is just myself and my husband but we like it because it is easy to get to as traffic in Dubai is crazy. Also, we have a dog so it's a great green area. We have everything we need here. But the mall is about 15 mins away. So no big deal. And when we do go out we just take a taxi and it is easy. Honestly you just have to come and explore each area to see what is best for you. Hope this helps a little. Oh and don't bother with postage. You will never get your mail. If you want to order stuff online I suggest stop and ship. Make sure your husband gets a good contract. You will need at least 170,000dhs for a villa and make sure they cover your kids school as that can be very expensive. Dubai is very expensive and only worth it if the company pays for your rent and kids school. That's great info, thank you so much. You say make sure the company pays for rent and school? does this really happen? again reading online and others saying it used to happen but not so much these days unless your at the top of the ladder? That would be amazing and a massive bonus.
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2017 - 18:16
That's good to know, Ill defo check Ikea out. I was reading somewhere about postage and not getting it delivered to your door as you need to go to some central location to collect everything, is this true? Would that be the same for Ikea, im sure they would come to your villa? Maybe I need to stop reading some stuff online ha. Hopefully we will make the move in Jan, we have literally just started to talk about it, my husband is an Engineer so im hoping he will find something so we can start the process. If I could I Would go tomorrow, im stuck in my hectic 9-5 office job and cant wait to feel the sun on my face and take some time out :) We don't even know how to apply for jobs, tats another post I should probably stick up.:)
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2017 - 16:13
Great thanks. Another question for you. What do most people do when they first get over? Do stay in short term accommodation while in search for the permanent one? I just ask because they are all unfurnished so I would need time to furnish it? Is there good furniture shops or do people tend to buy 2nd hand?
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2017 - 14:49
That's brilliant, I really appreciate your help. I did come across The Springs and I really liked it so its good to know there will be people like me living there, its a relief. Its such a daunting experience but I know it will be for the best once we get settled x