kareemab | ExpatWoman.com
 

kareemab

kareemab
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Latest post on 19 July 2014 - 16:11
Hi Mama5 - Palm Jumeirah mosque is beautiful and they do a really nice Khutbah on a Friday which is read out in English after the Arabic one. I highly recommend it. I know that one of the Springs mosques also do a service in English but not sure exactly which one.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2014 - 18:34
HI there - I know 2 people who do Eng + Maths for Primary age up to A-level. If you post your email I will send you their details then you can delete after? :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 11:12
sure this has been on here so many times but just found out there is a chance my DH will be moving to a new job opportunity. I am sponsored by him and we did this privately not through his current company does my visa need to be cancelled if he leaves his current job and then reapplied for when he starts the new job? Or is there a grace period to allow him to transfer his visa?
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 14:23
Hello! My DH is Sri Lankan although we live here and I have been many times to SL also. Love it! DH and has just given me this advice: 1. Keep in mind any household electronics that you send over will be taxed (often heavily) when you collect your cargo from the SL end . A "gift" to the customs guys may reduce this this but it all depends, you could end up shelling out way more than what you thought. I experienced this when sending cargo to SL last year. 2. In SL you can get all the materials but not contemporary same like Dubai. If you send from Dubai, again the SL customs will tax you. This said, DH still recommends you to buy from here because quality and choice is better. DH says that he bought all his home items from Dubai because they last longer and you can get literally everything here. He recommends you buy your full kitchen and bathroom sets here for easiness sake. In SL its more difficult because supplies are not regular and styles are more old fashioned in general. You should factor in a buffer amount for paying off the customs guys if you do bring a significant amount. 3. For a gift I would suggest gold jewelry which is dramatically cheaper here in Dubai. Sri Lankans love gold and when a new baby arrives they are always given gold jewelry as gifts for the baby (unless your friends are Muslim in which case they would give gold only to a baby girl). Additionally, whenever anyone in my DH's family have a baby (which is often, they are a huge family) we try to give baby supplies - Johnson's sets, cribs,clothes and sometimes even nappies, all of which are cheaper and easier to find here. Hope this helps! Any questions please ask x <em>edited by kareemab on 02/07/2014</em>
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 16:36
Oh sorry just to add - there are some other posts on EW about this kind of thing and I have seen other posters say that Daman local insurance may have some benefits for maternity packages - have a look at the website and see :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 16:25
Hi Jhw Hope I can help you here with some info - sorry if I sound a big negative, that's not my intention! :-) 1. There is no free healthcare here. If you don't already have insurance you wont be able to take insurance that will cover maternity, as you are already pregnant and most insurance companies have a 10 month period before you can deliver. 2. You can buy a maternity package in most hospitals BUT these only cover certain things - if you have any extras it will end up costing an arm and a leg. Any time spent in ICU, blood tests, emergency scans etc will not be covered and will be added to your bill. The cheapest package starts at 7k ish for a normal delivery in a standard government hospital but this may not be what you are used to so if you are looking to go for a UK or American branded hosp you are looking at 10k plus. If you end up having a c-section you are looking at a minimum of around 15k upwards and more realistically 20k for all the costs. As I said if there any extras these are paid for separately. 3. If you are planning on moving to Dubai not that long before the birth, you may not have had your visa and medical card processed which will cause issues when you try to register to deliver in a hospital - as far as I know you need to be a valid resident and some hospitals require you to register by 5-6 months pregnant. The cheaper government hospitals definitely need you to be a resident with a health card but I am not sure about private ones. Residency and visa processes are notoriously up and down here and what your DH's company says will take 1 week may end up taking 1 month so don't rely on any time limits. 4. A lot of women go back to the UK (or their home countries) to give birth from Dubai. As the health care is generally so much better in the UK (and free) I would seriously stay in the UK and come after the birth. Even if you did manage to get here and get everything processed, it will cost you a significant amount of money. Finally - all this info is just what I have personally experienced and know to be true! Apologies if any of this is wrong or conflicting. Please note I am also prego and experienced some of the issues I have listed above and have made the decision to go back to the UK to deliver in September because its just too much hassle here if you don't have private medical insurance. Good luck in your decision and plans :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 21:46
Thank you so much for your suggestions ladies! I will have a look for all the suggested. I have struggled with this all my life but haven't really realised how bad it could get as I have been using steroid creams for years! Might be worthwhile just to fork out and see the dermatologist so that I am not worrying too much :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 18:37
Is it possible to find scotch eggs in Dubai (non pork)? I'm really craving them! From a shop or supermarket, not from a restaurant.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 18:26
Yes I have tired and it is good but just cools the skin really, it isn't making the rash disappear but it is relieving me a little :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 09:17
Unfortunately Filipinas are now considered "too expensive" - as the Philippines Govt imposed a minimum 1400 aed wage for house maids. So this is probably why their visas are not being issued. Apparently what most people would spend on a hair cut and mani/pedi is now too pricey for the UAE for full time care/cleaning/cooking each month. Honestly the double standard here is ridiculous. Other countries mentioned below are being issued - Sri Lankans have a minimum wage of around 870 aed I think and they are still being issued.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 09:10
Congrats on your news! Very exciting times ahead :-) Just been last week for my new residency medical and as you have to do an xray, you have to tell them you are pregnant in which case they do a pregnancy test to confirm you are telling the truth and this is reflected in the medical report which then needs to be submitted to your company. There is no way to avoid this and your report won't have the required Xray stamp on it so your company will know. The Dr in the clinic will talk to you and do the test straight away. (I am also pregnant so had to do this) You'd be better off just telling your boss - you'll be in probation anyway so once they find out it wont look good for you on a honestly level and they may find a way to fail your probation on the account that you were not honest. I know most employers would (and can) do this. edited by kareemab on 19/06/2014 <em>edited by kareemab on 19/06/2014</em>
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:41
during recent visit for visa medical: Typist: Do you want next day service by courier Siiiiiiiir DH: Yes please that would be great Typist: Ok its additional 35aed Siiiiiiir DH: fine but will it definitely be ready by tomorrow? Typist: Yes Siiiir surely it will DH hands over money, processes payment etc Typist: Sorry Siiiir there is no courier tomorrow can you come and pick up your report tomorroooooow DH: So why did I just pay 35aed? Typist: Thats how it is Siiiir. In the system Siiiir. What?! Are these people actually serious??
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:37
Thanks Asti - I hope your situation gets better too. Its very hard not to end up feeling like we're the ones with the problem instead of the people who keep asking.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:34
I go through bouts of this when certain instances happen, but I don't ever feel as upset as you have done. I think perhaps what Izzy suggested, making use of your time in a charitable way, or simply keeping busier could help you - if that is an option? I do get really down about the racism and class structure here which can put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day, but ultimately I choose to live here and bad things will happen wherever we live so I just try to get on with it. Had a few instances where DH was treated like a dog (repeatedly when dealing with immigration and authorities) because of his race and that made me really sad and I wanted to pack up and leave.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 11:27
Asti do you mind if I ask you do you think it is cultural or is it all circumstantial? I feel very bad as I know I am being bad mouthed by people from DH's community. But I know that from the beginning they did presume that myself and DH would be "well off" as I am from UK (as thought this automatically means we're rich!) so we get more requests than anyone. When its family members its even harder because the "family hierarchy" is so rigid they would never dare question or refuse parents or elder brothers/sisters. Wed Genius+Frazzled - thank you for the advice. I agree with all of it, I just need to try to avoid the usual arguments that happen and try to talk to DH calmly. We have been back and forth on this for 2 years and we are expecting a baby in a few months. To add to this I'm not working anymore so we have to prioritize.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 10:08
SarahLou - I don't feel guilty because it happens all the time, but DH does. If it was a one off occurrence from one of my family (who have never asked) then yes I would feel guilty because I would know that they were struggling, but as it happens to often I think I am numb to it now.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 10:00
Thanks GE - I know you are right. Have just re-read all of this, and the Old Me would be shocked at how much I am letting them get away with! Think I have just been a soft touch for too long. Thanks for all the advice!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 09:53
Izzy - have tried, it doesn't seem to make a difference. I love to plan and have everything accounted for each month, but he takes it anyway and makes me feel terrible for putting my foot down if I try. I have started telling him to withdraw it from my personal account as this is the only way I can keep track if they are paying us back or not - if he takes it from his he says they have but in reality that end up paying it back months later! GeordieE - have got myself an e-saver account that only I have access to and I don't tell anyone how much is in it lol! It's the only way to make sure we have something in case of emergencies :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 09:37
Thanks both - I have asked him before as you suggested, if the favor would be returned - and his answer was yes! But the reality they would probably borrow from others to lend to us (1 of his friends asked for money today to give to someone else, so it is getting worse!). They also don't seem to value life planning or savings and they are surviving "hand to mouth" so to speak, which worries me. My DH takes the view that as family/friends we should help each other and that he literally has no choice in the matter as it would be "culturally" unacceptable for him to say no. Additionally, sometimes they use the "we're Muslims" line, as though that justifies it. I have been made to feel as though I am a tight fisted foreigner and that this is "the way things are". For me, however much I agree with charity, I feel that my own family has to come first.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 07:35
Saravana Bhavan in Karama but I think its only open after the prayer as I went a few weeks ago and I had to wait? Well worth it though!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 22:34
Hi GirlA - not trying to rain on your parade but don't bother going to the embassy! They wont see you without a pre-booked appointment for a start, and they no longer deal with anything visa related at all. I have been through a similar thing recently when trying to get a visa for my DH who is also not from UK. Just go online and cancel your DH's application. We accidentally applied for the wrong visa for my DH and we cancelled it online on the same page where you made the application. If he already has a valid multiple entry visit visa then he will be fine. Hope this helps x
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 22:27
Hi Mincepie - can you give mroe details so that we can help you? 1. Are you sponsored by this company or on your husbands/father visa? 2. Have you started working for them already? 3. Is your passport with you? If yes, has it been stamped with your residency permit? 4. What did you sign when you accepted this offer - only the offer letter? I ask because if you are in the hiring process then all you would have is an initial offer letter followed by your employment contract once you accepted, and then you labor card/contract once your visa is processed. If you have been working for them for some time then you should ask your boss for a copy of your labor contract and they are legally obliged to give you a copy. There is no such thing as a company without any HR at all as all companies must have a sponsor which means there must be PRO to process the visa. This is considered as HR is some smaller companies. Hope this helps -if you can give answers to the above then more people may be able to help you :-) p.s if your company refuse to give your documents/passport/labor card etc you can go to the labor court in Qusais and file a complaint for 50aed. Its amazing how quickly and miraculously things start happening after that!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2014 - 22:19
Indopaks?? Lovely. I'm sure both nationalities wont mind being lumped together in a derogatory way at all. I assume you mean all sub-continental's as I am sure you didn't clarify their exact nationality and are basing that comment primarily on skin colour? Veela - keep your wits about you as you would in any new city. Research carefully the area you want to live in and of course with children make sure you are in a good community, preferably with a secure play area etc.I wouldn't spend any time to worry about theft etc, just use your common sense and you will be fine :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 15:03
Mine was more into it than I was! Different culture though, he's South East Asan and grew up in a huge extended family so we had a lot of "why aren't you pregnant yet" questions from the minute we got married so I think that added to him wanting to get started! I think it really depends on the individual man but I would say in my experience that I have rarely seen "Western" men get excited about it until the baby is on the way and until they themselves have been at least pushing 30 to mid 30's; whereas in my DH's family they all wanted kids really young and were much more hands on than men in my own family in the UK.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 20:19
Thanks Avdm - I saw last year there was an initiative called "Karama Kanteen" and I was wondering if they were doing this same this year...I will try to find out!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 20:04
Hello - I am going back to work when DD is 2-3 months old and I don;t think getting a nanny/babysitter is an option that I really want to go with. I have been looking at daycare facilities but there is such a wide range I am getting a bit overwhelmed. My requirements are below - if you can give any advice or feedback it would be much appreciate :-) I live in Al Quoz area. Travelling to Bur Dubai/Deira/Marina/JLT areas are not an option - as close to home as possible! I can't pay the rates that some nurseries are charging unfortunately - the maximum I can pay is 5-6k per term. is this possible? I will only need care from between 3-5 hours per day. Baby will be 3 months but if there are any that take babies from 2 months then that would be great! Thanks in advance ladies!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 14:47
I was planning on using reusable at home and disposable when out, but like you I am planning to send DD to nursery from about 2-3 months old so it may not work out! Do you mind me asking which nursery you send yours to? I'm nervous about sending such a young baby but I'm nervous about having help at home too so I was thinking nursery might be a better option.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 13:55
My mum had me and my brother when she was 22 and she says she can only remember being evry busy and very stressed trying to make a living while raising us - although I never felt that I missed our on anything and she was definitely always present. I do notice that she is much calmer, more attentive and patient, and more open minded with my younger brother and sister who she had when she was 35 and 37. She also agrees with this and says that she has more time to enjoy them compared to when I was young and she was very young herself.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 14:10
This seems to be a lot of money compared to what EW have posted on their moving to Dubai section? http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_Residency_Visa_Procedures_Dubai_9656.aspx I'm going through the same process and I was quoted only 245aed by the Immigration hotline yesterday.....
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 12:39
Yet another valid and interesting EW post being hijacked by ladies having their own arguments which are not relevant to what OP asked. Good on you Nayls85 for being culturally sensitive. Your children will be fine as some of the posters have said - I know that over the last few years some of the popular expat cafes were open - Shakespeare's (a few branches), Lime Tree in Al Al Quoz, More cafe etc but it changes year by year. I am sure they will advertise if they will be open and you can fine info closer to the time online. Good luck and Ramadan Kareem :-)
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 15:04
Thanks Ladies! I loved Taare Zameen Par that's what got me started on this, what a brilliant film. I've tried sominal and flimsansar as they used to have a good selection of subtitled movies but recently the amount of spam and adverts on there are just so annoying I cant get through a full movie! Will defo look through some of your suggestions, thanks so much.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 08:50
Hi - I'm from UK and DH is Asian. I have never found if it comes to taking a holiday that the length of time was problem for either side. Especially if you don't get to see them often. 5 days is only a very short time and regardless of nationality I don't think anyone would have an issue with that so please don't worry!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 12:29
I am really sure that your files will be fine! Final advice (which I did after running round in circles) print of the pages that I sent you for the Embassy and take them with you to the church to show them so that they understand why you haven't got forms from here (if they still don't understand) and why they are coming from a UK registrar. I wasted a few trips back and forward and finally did the above and that finally satisfied them! Good luck!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 12:13
I am not sure of their specific requirements for Catholic Churches but I was told by my lawyer that for any legal UK wedding whether it be Church of England/Registry Office/Sharia etc this is the legal requirement as all files will be checked. Other than this, I can't think what else the church would need as this is all inclusive. Its very good that you posted it already as this should reduce the headache! I think you should just contact the church again, explain what you have done so far and confirm that its enough. Just reiterate to them if they don't understand, that a registrars stamp means that all files on you have been checked for previous or current marriages.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 11:53
Oh and some useful links for you: No forms declarations or forms for use in UK from British Embassy - see below (FYI I know it says that in exceptional circumstances they might be able to do it, but I faced huge problems with my docs and they still said that they definitely could not help with administering a single certificate): https://britishembassydubai.clickbook.net/sub/britishembassydubai List of Lawyers who may be able to help you: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-arab-emirates-list-of-lawyers
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 11:47
I went through this myself - in all honesty I found the embassy to be a little unhelpful when it came to this and I initially got different info from 5 different people! When I made an appointment and tried to submit my forms they then clearly told me that they don't issue these or CNI's for marriages in Commonwealth countries (there is an update on their website if you want to check as well as info on gov.uk). They will not prepare or attest any declarations for use in the UK as per their website and a letter from a church here will not help as it cant legally prove that you are single. They basically only issue affidavits for marriages in UAE churches or CNI's for marriages which are NOT in commonwealth countries. I finally contacted a lawyer in the UK who told me that I should post my bans in the UK and wait the required 30 days (I think its 30) for the certificate from a legal UK registrar who will check all UK records for any previous marriages. This is just my experience which happened fairly recently, inshallah it will help you!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 16:50
As you don't have insurance I would recommend Al Zahra or Latifa. I used Al Zahra and their maternity package was very reasonable. I didn't find them very "warm" but they ticked all the boxes and overall I was satisfied.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 14:59
Hi Allspice - I have just been through a similar thing but for UK docs, tbh I would go with the consulate. I REALLY struggled to get my forms done and it was a nightmare trying to find a notary or even a reasonably priced lawyer here in the UAE. I was being quoted upwards of 1500 AED just for the initial consultation. I actually didn't manage to find a notary at all in the end and sent my documents back to the UK to be stamped, a process which costed in total around about to 1000 AED mark. Hope this helps!
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 15:51
Asalam Alaykum Towis - I was just wondering, are you a convert or a born Muslim? In my experience some of the classes that I have been to in Dubai were quite overwhelming (as a convert) so I think it depends on how comfortable you are? I know you said you did a Theology masters so it would seem you have a good foundation to start with. As Maroosh said, there are so many great and informative groups/classes in Dubai and all the sisters will be very helpful Inshallah. Al Huda Sisters has a great reputation so I would recommend you start there.
kareemab
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 10:05
Thanks both, will have a look. Finding it very hard to find nice maternity wear that doesn't cost a fortune in Dubai! :-)
 
 
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