KCQ | ExpatWoman.com
 

KCQ

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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 13:22
I have an eclectic mix of Europe meets Asia, simple effective not cluttered (in my opinion :)), best of all not sterile, welcoming and all functional ! Decided to have accent walls vs. all of them painted, it works for me and highlights certain pieces I'm fond of. I have blinds vs. curtains...no pelmets nor any decorative valances etc., not my thing. If your apartment is not very spacious, may I recommend you keep colours light and flowing through. Lighting is of utmost importance, if anything, invest is some free standing lamps first and give the living areas a boost of lighting. Have a fun time doing it up.
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 15:41
Yikes, that is totally appalling....and disgusting ! Not often I find myself in that area but thanks for the heads up, I'll avoid it!
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 18:25
Try and see if this lady can help you, Susan 050 3406 082 I think the villas you are referring to are those marketed by Dubai Realty Company. There are some others you may have missed prior to that particular stretch of housing. If you drive away from JC towards SZR, take the first left and a right next to Al Safa school. I think it's the first left after that. There are two or three complexes around that area and a couple of them definitely with pool/facilities and some properties are definitely within your budget. All the best. <em>edited by KCQ on 12/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 20:49
From our own personal experience...Medcare was a HUGE let down when it came to an Emergency visit. In fact we won't ever bother going back. The only person who was decent and caring was the receptionist. The medical staff we dealt with, two male nurses and the Charge Nurse (arrogant & a total waste of time) left us speechless, appalling attitude. The team on duty at the American Hospital was the total opposite. They couldn't have been more courteous and more importantly, efficient. Night and day comparison.
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 22:02
OK all the best, will be thinking of you, you must be in so much discomfort.... hope you manage some sleep tonight.
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 21:59
They will see you at ANY time. Dr. Salti operated at almost 22.00hrs.... this is not a sore elbow, you cannot gamble with appendicitis, it might lead to peritonitis...:((( At least call the American Hospital, Dr. Salti might be on call or they can probably ask him to give you a ring and explain your situation. Sorry you are in this situation. From a personal experience I would not go to Medcare, perhaps City Hospital? <em>edited by KCQ on 06/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 21:53
The "one and only" as we have nicknamed him, Specialist surgeon, Dr. Nader Salti..... from Chicago, @ the American Hospital. Just chance it ,,,,speak w/the receptionists on arrival they may have some other way to have Alico cover it..... Have to agree w/previous post....you're not meant to be at home w/acute appendicitis, sheesh, what was the doc at Health Bay thinking?!!! All the best, you will hardly see the scar,,,:) <em>edited by KCQ on 06/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 15:10
Having lived in China, a truly wonderful experience for the most part, may I recommend you enroll in language classes ! It really does help for you to be able to communicate even on limited basis as English is not widely spoken nor understood except in some Western companies. It will also make your shopping more interesting,,,,IMHO, taking language classes added so much more depth to our stay there :)) If you have kids, by all means, learning Mandarin is a plus, they will have fun mingling with the local kids. Enjoy China !
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 11:41
We have had several overseas moves, mainly within Asia. Each time we had to provide three quotations and whether it's a fluke or not, we always ended up with KC DAT or their preferred partners. We have been lucky, each and every time, the move has gone smoothly and nothing serious in way of damage or breakage that stood out. I will recommend them based on our personal experience. I accept that sometimes the "name" doesn't always carry through. Friends in S'pore and in Thailand weren't so lucky, they used Crown based on their previous experiences. They weren't so lucky that time, each had dreadful problems with breakages and more frustrating with dealing w/Crown post move. Allied Pickfords didn't get a good rap out there either. I think it's a hit or miss and just like in the airline industry, it comes down to the crew you are given that day! All the best.
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 09:24
@ SA Babe, delighted your mother's condition and general wellbeing have improved. From what I have read regarding epilepsy, in the case of a "Petit Mal", I believe the child does not know they just experienced an episode. They will probably know they have "switched off" for a few seconds. Furthermore, as far as medical data indicates, they certainly have no control over it. Medication stabilises the condition and as you will read, some children "grow out of it". If I remember correctly and not confusing which type of epilepsy I'm referring to, "Petit Mal" is genetic. Reading through literature of epilepsy, some patients may experience an aura prior to an onset of an episodes. I'd imagine it's something similar to those who suffer from migraines, over time, they tend to recognise some telltale signs.
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 08:48
We all have opinions, hopefully based on personal experiences vs. random advice dished out. The reason I wasn't thinking on the lines of otitis media (glue ear) is because of the way the OP described the symptoms. Granted each and every child may experience /display different symptoms for the same problem, however, info provided on medical websites is gathered from collective feedback and is a guideline, there are always exceptions to the rules, especially in the medical field. For instance, our daughter at the age of 3 1/2 yrs surprised both ENT specialists we consulted with. Upon seeing two paediatricians, it was recommended we proceed with hearing tests. At the time we had the option of carrying this out in two countries. We took both offers. She passed all four hearing tests and it was only when they had her on the operating table for removal of tonsils and adenoids was it discovered she had otitis media too!! [b'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otitis_media[/b'> It was indicative that she obviously heard sounds but the intonation waves were not being picked up. Anyway, you are the mother, do what you feel is best. Do whatever it takes to put your minds at rest and your daughter in a comfort zone. you say she's a great student etc., I believe many children with Otitis Media will have some difficulty with certain aspects of learning since they cannot always follow what is being taught verbally. Many a sharp teacher will pick up on such traits :)) All the best to you all. <em>edited by KCQ on 30/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 01:40
She may be experiencing "petit mal" in English known as Absence seizures. Read through the link below and see if anything else is familiar with the pattern you are observing. Rather than taking her to a GP for a consultation, my recommendation is to make an appointment with a neurologist (do a search on EW, some word of mouth recommendations are available) to eliminate any serious possibilities & work down. All the best. [b'>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/petit-mal-seizure/DS00216[/b'>
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 07:22
OK ladies, respective addresses duly noted, you have mail. @wbusy, I take it that's " dot com" and not "dot com dot UK" ? Anyway.....check your mail boxes :)
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 17:55
Ditto....we get ours directly from MB.....they seem to have a longer refrigeration life than some of the others we purchased in s'mkts.
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Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 15:06
Oh gosh,,,,is she called SHIROMI (great smile, first class thief?) has a sister who's been here for yonks & works for British couple? Been there with above and she was an absolute nightmare :(((
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Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 16:16
An Indonesian friend who occasionally had to deal w/dandruff (when she travelled!) recommended washing hair, massaging distilled vinegar (which apparently gives it a shine too!), rinse off and use only very little conditioning cream, rinse that out too. Have to say, she had lovely conditioned, shiny hair :)
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 06:15
If you are NOT obliged to use Medcare, I will recommend Dr. Ursula Rolef, from Health Bay Clinic. She is affiliated to many insurance companies. She has the choice to carry out the procedure in a few hospitals here so you have more flexibility.
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 21:51
A friend had hers done by Debbie @ Hair Corridor (by Park N' Shop),,,it looks fab!!
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 20:44
From our personal experience, these are the two agents I will recommend, the rest of the ones we viewed housing with, I'm afraid get a deserved,,, nil points. Aiham (050 8275 511) and Susan 050 3406 082. Both of these agents have listened, were punctual, didn't show us housing beyond our budgets and they followed our criteria as best as possible.
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 17:45
There were two agents we were very disappointed with. One Suhail (Indian) who works w/another chap Kasami(?) and the other Sayeed (Arab, possibly lebanese) Oh my word, such arrogance! Not only did the latter not keep his appointments, he had the audacity to "attack" me verbally when I pointed out he was already forty mins late....an then of course he didn't show up and asked his colleague to get hold of me and give me directions to view the property! Ha, both guys struck off our list no matter if houses were worth it....I guess we'll never know :))
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 07:33
I seldom watch the show but for some reason we watched about ten mins of it the other night. I am not familiar with contestants however, did not take a liking to the one JSHEPHERD is referring to i.e. frizzy hair.... mouthy number, wow, some attitude...rather full of herself,,,imagine her becoming a celebrity, no thanks !
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 07:29
There's some store (haven't a clue what it's called) in Sharjah Souk that will accept items for cleaning however, [i'>[b'>word of caution[/b'>[/i'>, whilst some friends who have had some items repolished or sealed said it was "ok" some others were not so lucky and items returned looked awful, still charged the [b'>full price[/b'> (200-600 dhs)for the process and are now stuck with artefacts they cannot display. Apparently the guy who owns the store is great at marketing the idea but denies any wrong doing etc., and simply refuses to refund any money. My advice is go with cleaning them yourself ...not worth the anguish or hassle of having to deal with an individul like that if things go wrong :( <em>edited by KCQ on 14/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 18:39
Hi S.Miller..... I would imagine so :) As with everything else when living overseas (or not !) I'd check it out a couple of times as a guest/visitor and take it from there. Always bear in mind that forming real friendships takes a while. Easy to acquire lots of acquaintances initially, filter through and keep the ones who are fun to be with, who don't constantly moan and are negative more than the norm! :) I always reminded myself that just because you happen to be of the same nationality doesn't mean you will or have to get along. Ask yourself, would I choose this particular person to befriend back home ?!! IMHO the best part of having the opportunity to live overseas is the chance to mingle with other cultures and enhance your knowledge/experience through such friendships. Enjoy your time in DXB :)
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 16:38
just my two cents worth..... Plenty to choose from in the Al Barsha area... this, IMHO, is the ideal area for ASD especially if kids will be involved in after school activities. Word of caution when you go through the Dubizzle.com section, some agents do not always present the real property that is available...it's one of those enticing tactics...:(( It is both frustrating and a waste of time. Also note prices are ALL negotiable, especially now with more folk heading home. If you have a hotmail address I can mail you some names of reliable realtors who do not waste your time and who try their very best to meet and to follow your criteria. Once I have made note of your address, best you remove thread or you will be inundated with junk mail. I have a hotmail address I give out and two others for "real" friends/or acquaintances. If you're from the US, there is an AWA (American Women's Association) they organise many activities for adults and for kids. [b'>http://www.awadubai.org/[/b'> All the best and eventually..... Welcome to DXB :)
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 08:59
here you go: http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/emergency_assistance/medicalfacilities.html I think it will be feasible for you to contact the ones listed and ask for their advice re facilities in Sanya and vicinity. If you have specific meds, I recommend you stock up and take them w/you. In our personal experience, the meds administered were not quite the same as the ones prescribed from our doc back home, so be cautious about this and seek advice from your kid's doctor before leaving. Wishing you all the best.
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 21:29
Yes & Yes Hainan was good fun, some lovely hotels etc., however, the downtown area was sort of run down, perhaps not as organised as one would expect the main city area to be? There are some similarities to Hawaii, scenery wise. It was rather inexpensive when we visited but that was five years ago. Golf holidays seem rather popular there. Very little English spoken even in the better known hotel chains. From our personal experience, if you have the opportunity to live in China, mainland or islands, go for it , it is truly a unique experience!
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Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 14:02
Thanks ladies..... if anyone else has more feedback, kindly jump in :)
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Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 14:15
Would you mind giving me a rough idea of costs incurred, i.e. packing/unpacking, which company and how many days from start to finish please? Three bedroom house. [b'>TIA[/b'>
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Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 19:02
it was not turned off - I didn't even know it was there :( It is turned off now thanks to the advice offered on this thread. I had no probs w/my iPhone bill until I went overseas.....live and learn :))
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Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 18:21
None the wiser post visit to Etisilat.....:(( I've got an iPhone G4, same thing happened to me. Roaming, Celluar & WiFi were [b'>off[/b'> for the majority of my travelling since I have a UK phone anyway. I paid my AED2K deposit prior to trip which is apparently a standard requirement before they activate the roaming option. However, I'm now looking at an outstanding AED1K plus....:(( I called in at one of the Etisilat offices in hope of an explanation as to how they structure the bill and what all of that meant. As one other contributor on this thread points out, the problem seems to stem from being connected to the internet w/out knowing it as I seldom connected, just occasionally to d/load e.mails. if you look at my bill there are so many "connections" listed, I would have had to be using my phone several times a day every day. You could tell that the clerk was as confused as I was, he asked some of his colleagues, no joy :( I was then informed, "it's not our fault, it's Apple, because some of their APPS don't switch off even w/the roaming/cellular & WiFi off...." I think it's a case of not knowing and let's pass the buck..... my friends in the States and in the UK haven't got this "problem" suffice to say Etisilat are messing with us. <em>edited by KCQ on 08/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 13:21
This is the model we have w/a separate milk jug. Very efficient little number :) http://www.nespresso.com/uk/en/product/citizandmilk-coffee-machine-krups-xn7006-fire-engine-red
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 23:38
Would any of you happen to know if the ongoing rumour is actually a fact, have the authorities changed this rule from a sixty days to a thirty days visit? TIA
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 20:54
Can those of you who have used his services give me a ballpark figure of expenses incurred for carrying out electrical works. TIA
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 08:15
Whereas there is no specific APPLE Store as such in the UAE, the [i'>[b'>only[/b'>[/i'> official APPLE agent & repair outlet is the one off SZR (by the Metro station, if you're facing Jebel Ali, it's on the right hand side out by Safest Way). I have used both Virgin and the store in Ibn Al Battuta, btw, they are great & very helpful however, if you need any technical assistance, repairs or specific products, the APPLE agent is where they will send you. Parking is at the back, store on the front by Station exit. HTH
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 09:28
Dog tags are worn by all members of the respective military divisions when on active duty. It is their only source of identification. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_tag
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 20:01
I found some in Carrefour.... or you can try the haberdashery store in Town Centre
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 19:42
I haven't a clue what's required however, Malta is part of the EU and as far as I know EU passports do not require visit visas. Best you address this question to the Consul General http://embassy-finder.com/malta_in_dubai_united-arab-emirates All the best.
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Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 10:03
OK thanks, have adjusted accordingly & now hope that works. So G3 is more of an optional choice & not necessary for mail & calls.... i have yet so much to learn. <em>edited by KCQ on 07/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 23:54
OP has every right to question the present situation irrelevant of which level of class her kid is in. Nobody is questioning the teacher's credentials nor the ability to teach, what is in question however, is the accent. IMHO, that is just as important. Example & this is a fact (not just me nit picking) take radio station 103.8-one of the news readers happens to be Indian (or sounds Indian) and hasn't got a flipping clue how to pronounce some words nor some surnames & she speaks too fast etc., seriously, my husband and I commented at the same time, we hadn't a clue what she had just read!! Talk about hashing it, glory be. The radio station broadcasts in English so they ought to get somebody to read & pronounce words correctly. Whoever is responsible for having her read the news is at fault, I'd imagine she feels she's doing a grand job. IMHO, whoever employs foreign teachers ought to take this issue on board because some kids will experience difficulty following what is being taught due to the teacher's accent. @ Zedzee.....bottom line is for example...me moving to Mumbai, [u'>[i'>[b'>thinking [/b'>[/i'>[/u'>I've got a good command of Hindi and reading the news in Hindi....you get the picture.
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 13:41
@ BuyMeAPony.... LOL that "H" thing drives me insane and I have heard it so many times on the radio including Business B'fast radio etc., I wouldn't know how Aussies pronounce it but I think the "haitch" pronounciation is not typically British although several Brits are now using it. Arghhhhh......;) <em>edited by KCQ on 30/01/2011</em>
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 13:38
Can any of you ladies explain...... For those of you who purchased the ticket from Manila to KL (one way) and then another, KL/Doha/DXB....if the girl is coming on a visit visa how does she explain to the authorities why she only has a one way ticket Manila/KL if she is coming to DXB & only has a return ticket to KL,,,,I must be missing something. TIA
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 11:18
Does the cream get rid of the hot flushes?
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 11:15
NIGHTMARE of a place to get to!! I went three weeks ago and if getting there wasn't enough of a headache, it took me close to fifteen mins to find a parking place. The carpark was full. [i'>[b'>IF[/b'>[/i'> I have to go back I will take a taxi, not putting myself through that again :(( Do hope you have better luck.
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 13:06
I was referring to mailing them via local postal services. Nothing heavier than 450gms being accepted. We spoke with a couple of the branch managers and they both confirmed that this was the case. Fed Ex & UPS have a different set up plus have their own planes. I would imagine they are screening the packages too. My packages were open when I took them over and I sealed them at their office. So your suggestion that perhaps it's commercial flights vs. passenger flights might be the case. Other than that, my guess is as good as yours :)
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 09:17
@ Catawba KSE I can confirm that OP is correct. The U.S. govt. has issued strict directives that no packages from ME countries to the U.S. will be accepted if they weigh more than 450gms. There is no specific time frame mentioned. if you nip into the Post Office they will inform you of this. This is not the UAE govt. implementing the new rule but adhering to a request from the U.S. govt. The reason we were given was exactly what MaryCatherine mentioned, precaution after packages contained explosives were sent from the region via UAE etc., We sent our parcels via fedEx, they were great !
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 21:10
Just had a thought before you change dates.... why not call in at the China Consulate which is located about three/four blocks behind Spinney's Umm Seqieum. They will probably have the official chinese govt. holiday calendar & hopefully answer any queries you have regarding your visit. All the best and do hope you enjoy your visit once you get there. <em>edited by KCQ on 22/01/2011</em>
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 08:35
HI...we lived in China....Beijing is a walking city to a point. The areas you hope to visit are not exactly child friendly i.e. The Great Wall (suggest you organise a babysitter that day), Tiannamen Square, Forbidden City etc., are ok w/stroller first thing in the morning, they tend to get very busy in the afternoons and evenings. Always check local holidays calendar before making plans. Sometimes w/not much notice, both areas are closed or sealed off to the public for whatever reason. As for Shanghai, again, some areas are great and child friendly others not so much i.e. very crowded and very spread out. Nevertheless, both worth a visit as are many of the areas in China. May is a lovely time to visit and perhaps round off your trip w/a visit to Hanan for pure R&R. Have a lovely time.
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 08:24
Where is ZEN? TIA
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Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 08:23
Not sure where you live SQ here's the clinic I use on Al Wasl Road opposite Choithram Umm Sequiem, they have a German dermatologist....HTH http://www.healthbayclinic.com/
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Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 17:16
I'd imagine E! or MBC 4 will have some coverage. It's on at 17.00hrs on the West Coast so that'll make it 0500 Dubai time....enjoy :))