kitten67 | ExpatWoman.com
 

kitten67

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Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 12:58
I have sold 3 cars on dubizzle and with each it took me only 2 days to sell. I think you can achieve a better price through dubizzle if you can invest the time to follow up enquiries and go to RTA with buyer etc. It is important to take good photos of the car and advertise at a realistic price (but leave room to come down by 2k-5k for negotiation by buyer). Infinity are nice cars so I think it should sell easily if you can advertise it well
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Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 16:50
No its not just you - it is getting much more expensive. I do my big weekly shop - fruit and veg, cleaning products, toiletries, dry foods some fresh food from Union coop once a week and usually spend around AED600. (If I go to Spinneys or Park n Shop when I feel lazy I can add an extra 200 to the bill for the same stuff!) On top of that 3 or 4 times a week I am passing by the local Spinneys for bread, milk, fish, meat and on average spend around 150 dhs a time. So I reckon I am spending around AED1200 a week minimum before the pet food etc. We buy a lot of fresh chicken, steak, fish fruit and veg which bumps up the bill but I think it is pretty normal stuff. We are 2 adults and 1 child. My cat food supplies I buy separately from dubaipetfood. The prices have gone up a lot for sure! We eat out for lunch or dinner 2 times at weekend. We prepare packed lunches for school and work from above budget every day.
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Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 12:16
Congratulations on your engagement. Also, well done on having the courage and perseverance to come out here and make a go of it. Take no notice of the pessimists :) I came out here to try it for 6months and am still here 15 years later! There is still a lot of opportunity in the UAE for hard working ambitious people. I wish you every success and happiness!
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Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 15:43
I agree around 1800 is the going rate for the decent clinics.
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Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 15:31
Hi She would be unlikely to get expat family package unless she is very senior - e.g. CFO level. Salaries will vary depending whether in practice or in industry. Then in industry it will vary between MNCs and local companies. Most MNCs will give family ticket, family medical. However, school and housing is becoming less common other than the more senior level positions. Tell her to check Robert Half, Michael Page, Gulf Talent etc. to get an idea for roles and salaries which would be a good fit. There are many qualified accountants in Dubai and lots of competition so she is right to research well before considering a move.
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Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 15:25
I know a lot of nice people who are involved in the Dogs in Dubai group. They arrange nice early morning gatherings/socialization etc
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Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 15:23
Try Dr Hala Fadli on Al Wasl Road near Manara. She is very subtle in her work and reasonably priced. Lovely lady too!
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Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 15:21
If I were you I would seriously consider another option. Can you find a Canon or Nikon with similar specs? You don't want to invest in a camera where you have no after sales support or servicing locally.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 10:35
I agree that it seems worse than ever at the moment. But generally there is a real need for education re pets in Dubai. They are often regarded as toys for amusement and then discarded in this materialistic consumer society once the family realize that they require care and attention. In my own street I have witnessed families who I believed to be well educated and respectable people behaving atrociously. One family purchased a little pup - it played with all the kids in the street, ran around but I never seen it on a lead being walked by the family EVER. After a few months it was gone. When we spoke to the kids and asked where the dog was they replied it had to go away as their father wouldn't allow it in the house - WTH!! Another family went and purchased a beautiful Bengal cat from a pet shop despite us encouraging them to adopt from Bin Kitty. It was also kept outside in their garden They often kept it locked in a cage - similar to the size you get in the vet or animal market!! When they let it out it would come dashing to our house for some attention. It has now also mysteriously disappeared. I hope it ran away and found a caring home. . These are just 2 examples but I see it all the time.............Its just sickening A big thank you to people like Sue and those that work with K9, BinKitty etc . They do a heartbreaking job and need our support. If you cant do fostering, or donating these organisations. please try to educate your kids and their friends about what is really involved in pet ownership. Its the only hope for the future pets of Dubai.
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Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 15:36
The parking situation is the same for most apartments unfortunately. However, I seriously think you should reconsider your choice. The traffic and commute will be so tough on your kids. Oceana used to be really popular but as you see from the thread above, it has some issues these days. There are plenty of nice apartment buildings in more central locations in Dubai with pools etc. which wont be so far from school. You could even try to get into a villa with community pool and park etc so your kids will meet lots of other kids (depending on budget of course). Being on the Palm just adds that bit of extra time to an already long journey. You don't need to live in Academic City but you could choose somewhere that's 20 minutes from school instead of 1 hour. (In the traffic if could be that long!) Good luck!
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Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 13:52
I cant recommend any tablets. (I foolishly tried stuff like that many years ago and it just gave me a horrible taste in my mouth and made me feel nauseous). Maybe the other ladies can give you details The best thing I find is to have a really good breakfast like oats with berries. Oats expand in your stomach and keep you full for ages. During the day snack on fruits like apples/ berries and nuts like almonds. It helps a lot as does drinking loads of water as sometimes here it is easy to confuse hunger and thirst! Also of course, eat a well balanced diet for your lunch and dinner with lean protein and plenty of veg (especially the green stuff!) Its simple and boring but it works... Hope you find a good solution that works for you :)
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Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 11:24
I think around 144 but heard they are planning increase at renewal
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Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 11:17
I can confirm that there are no fees in subsequent years. They have also been fairly flexible in the past with number of cheques..... Its not cheap for sure. But it is very good value for the area and the size of house. Worth a look....
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Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 10:53
Thanks! But we have been really happy with them so far..... Feel so lucky to have a nice house in a good central area with a reasonable landlord. I wont move until I leave Dubai for sure.....
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Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 10:39
I would strongly suggest that if anyone is interested then get in now as these villas always go like hot cakes. It is not a compound with a pool but 8 villas down a lane (4 each side) with large walled gardens and gates and quite private. I imagine the current tenants must already have given notice.... 04- 4245796 Office is at Emaar Business Park www.adnp.ae
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Latest post on 20 May 2015 - 13:24
JazzyJames - I think Safa could be a great fit for you. (Either of the Safa schools!) We are very happy there. It is more academic than in the past under the previous Head but still very inclusive and all the kids are very well rounded with great behavior and lots of activities. There is also a really great mix of nationalities. Worth a look........
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Latest post on 19 May 2015 - 12:55
Contact Binkitty on Facebook. They have so many kittens looking for homes and can help you choose the right one for your family. I would recommend getting 2 as it is no more hassle for you and they will keep each other company when you are not at home
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 May 2015 - 12:53
Your "spoiled" is my fair treatment but for sure it is just my personal opinion and don't mean to attack you. I have lived in UAE for 15 years and seen a big change over the years re the weekends etc but yes lets just agree to disagree :) Everyone will do what they feel is right for their household.
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Latest post on 19 May 2015 - 09:54
Two days off is certainly not excessive if you have someone working from early morning (7am) until parents are home from work in the evening(6pm) and taking care of house, cleaning, laundry, cooking, pets, childcare after school etc. That is a 60 hour week already over 5 days| and then you may ask them to babysit one evening in the week or one weekend evening which adds another few hours. People need a rest to function effectively. Also, the weekend is family time. You need the quality time with your children after a busy working week. Your helper needs proper off time with her friends and family. I would strongly disagree about your comments on the 2 day weekend. I do not know anyone in my large circle of contacts in Dubai who don't have 2 days off. These are people who work in both local and MNCs. The exception would be people who work in retail and hospitality don't have the standard weekend specific days off. Maybe its different in your circle of friends...... And of course some people choose to catch up on some emails/paperwork on a Saturday morning but in reality the majority of people are off Friday and Saturday. Re the salary - 1500 is the MINIMUM. That doesn't mean it is a fair wage for the time and effort required. Each employer should pay what they feel is fair and reasonable based on the hours and duties required.
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Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 11:43
2000 is okay if she has 2 days off and you buy her food toiletries etc But I think 2500 is more of the going rate.
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Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 11:34
I think it is a combination of factors........... The main thing now is supply and demand. The Philipina maids can now afford to be a bit more picky when finding an employer as there are fewer maids in the market now so if they prefer to find an employer who gives 2 days off, lives in a central locations or who doesn't have pets for example, then good luck to them. This is why some nice employers may have issues finding help. On the other hand there are still unfortunately a significant amount of people here who have a very old school attitude to help. They think they can pay a small salary of AED1000-2000 and expect someone on call 24 hrs a day 6 days a week. And that person is not supposed to have a life on their day off - no staying out late, social life, friends or shock horror! A boyfriend. These ladies here working from the Philipines and other countries are here to work and earn money for their families. If they try to do this under the fairest conditions they can find , I think that is very sensible and shows that they are smart and responsible. I would rather have the responsible "switched on" helper who negotiated a good deal for herself looking after my house any day. I believe if you treat people fairly and expect them to carry out their job professionally you can build up a good working relationship. They are not your family or your friend but these ladies (like many of us) are simply trying to build a better future and do their job and just because they have come from a poor country does not mean they should be treated with any less respect than any other colleague/employee.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 06:48
I would highly recommend Crieff Hydro - kids club, lots of activities like mountain biking and pony rides. there is an indoor pool and entertainment in the evenings (dancing, magic show etc) Lodge on the Loch is a good base for Loch Lomond too Generally - check out the visit Scotland website. There are lots of good tips on there :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 10:29
If your passport has a little circle symbol on the front, you can scan it through the smart gate
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 10:22
He really needs to think........... I don't think he realizes how impressionable the young listeners are. He recently made a big deal about how he was getting fit and losing weight. Then a few weeks later ...he was promoting an event sponsored by McDonalds. (As if Dubai doesn't have enough obese kids!) Will stick to 92.......
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Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 10:19
LinkedIn is best option. Some good jobs on there just now for Finance. but...depends on your experience level and professional qualifications. There are good Finance jobs out there but competition is fierce
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 10:17
It only takes 10 minutes to renew. I suggest go to dnata building on SZR. They have an e-gate office upstairs there and never a big queue. Better than going to airport. You will be in and out in no time. I do think though that you need to go in person....... If you are really stuck for time just use your passport for this trip. These new smart gate things are super quick if you have a machine readable passport
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Latest post on 10 May 2015 - 08:32
I would disagree! Its very popular to have a fun colour these days - especially as you can change it back easily. Too many people are very conservative in Dubai. Look in Boots. Alternatively you can get this amazing hair chalk for adding a few colour highlights/pieces from Loreal salons which is in really crazy colours and it will wash out. I have seen it in Pastels...
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 12:00
Dr Liliana Skorski at HealthBay Polyclinic on Al wasl
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 11:22
I would suggest you join the BinKitty group on FB and post your query there. I have done what you mentioned but outdoors and made a cat enclosure so my 5 cats can play outside safely. I got the recommendation for the guy to build the enclosure from the bin kitty ladies. There are a few carpenters who are used to the crazy cat ladies of Dubai and will make whatever you need. Also there are some good ideas there on how to use IKEA shelving, dolls beds for cats etc Good luck
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Latest post on 29 April 2015 - 12:38
The make upo shop that used to be in Mazaya centre used to stock Stila. They moved location but I don't know where..... That's not much help is it?
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Latest post on 29 April 2015 - 12:29
Its been in SAKS in Bur Juman for a couple of years
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Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 10:20
I have a live out maid and agree with Toumi. Process and cost is exactly the same for the visa. Only difference you will pay additional salary to cover her accommodation and travel. the only way to do it legally is to sponsor in the standard way.
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Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 10:23
Funky Monkeys near Safestway. My daughter went to a party there. The girls got a mani, pedi, make up and dressing up clothes. Then they had a catwalk fashion show and games etc This is a good option for younger girls age 4-7
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Latest post on 20 April 2015 - 17:01
My company gives 4 months paid maternity leave . You can then take your annual leave on top of that. We are a MNC in Internet City
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Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 10:56
First of all she is not a SAHM. She is a career woman who took some extended maternity leave and she could consider herself as such. It is not a long time. I took 12 months out and returned to a director level job. I was better at work and more productive after having a child than before. It makes you very focused at work, you prioritise much better and have much more fruitful meetings because you don't have time to waste! My advice would be: Be yourself and don't be a slave to the office - you don't have to sell your soul to have a career Manage expectations - make it clear from the outset you don't do meetings after 5pm for example Meet your commitments - if you deliver what you promise on time every time people are more willing to be understanding and flexible with you when you demonstrate reliability Be decisive, clear and friendly. (Don't be too nice or apologetic - always professional). When managing people - understand the different styles and personalities and try to tailor your approach For anyone starting a new position my number one tip would be take time to observe and listen and gain a good understanding of the organisation, its goals and corporate culture. Then once you have the measure of things, you can make your plans and make your mark! <em>edited by kitten67 on 08/04/2015</em>
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Latest post on 24 March 2015 - 09:32
Hi! I have done this assessment before. Day 1 is usually a case study. They give you information and you have to prepare a business plan and then go and present it in front of a panel. They will ask you Q&A on your recommendations and then more general interview questions. Day 2 is a variety of psychometric assessments - numeracy, language, those black and white shapes things. Also a short meeting with a psychologist to explain the results of your assessment. Its a very structured and interesting process. Multiple people will be having same assessment at same time. For your husband advise him to work fast on his projections etc for the business plan so he can spend time thinking of his justifications for assumptions for discussion. Hope this helps Good luck!
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Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 16:11
No. it is illegal to have someone working for you that you don't sponsor (unless agency cleaner). You can have a live out nanny - but you must sponsor her and pay her accommodation allowance and transport allowance (so extra salary compared to a live in). I do this and its very simple. You just need to agree arrangements and hours up front with your nanny/maid and make sure she doesn't work anywhere else on her day off. (Schedule some last minute babysitting at weekends from time to time!)
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Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 10:08
I used to do the bulk of my shopping at Spinneys and sometimes Carrefour but switched to the Coop last year and never looked back. The only things I don't buy from Coop are meat, oat bran and the prepackaged rocca salads which I pick up from Spinneys or Park and Shop. I used to be a bit biased and didnt really check Coop out before as the one near me at Safa Park is pretty grim in terms of layout. I thought it was too local and I wouldn't find all my usual brands. This is totally not the case - they have almost everything - Heinz, McVities, Ariel, all the good toiletries, great selection of pet food upstairs, really cheap nuts and spices and baking supplies. They even have little stands around the store with special US products etc. The fruit and veg selection is very fresh and plenty of organicsoptions. My top buy at the moment is large wooden tray of strawberries for about 35dhs which is same price as those small tasteless boxes in Spinneys. I just wanted to share my experience as I reckon I save around 300dhs a week on my shopping going to Coop instead of Spinneys. Really worth a look!
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Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 10:08
I used to do the bulk of my shopping at Spinneys and sometimes Carrefour but switched to the Coop last year and never looked back. The only things I don't buy from Coop are meat, oat bran and the prepackaged rocca salads which I pick up from Spinneys or Park and Shop. I used to be a bit biased and didnt really check Coop out before as the one near me at Safa Park is pretty grim in terms of layout. I thought it was too local and I wouldn't find all my usual brands. This is totally not the case - they have almost everything - Heinz, McVities, Ariel, all the good toiletries, great selection of pet food upstairs, really cheap nuts and spices and baking supplies. They even have little stands around the store with special US products etc. The fruit and veg selection is very fresh and plenty of organicsoptions. My top buy at the moment is large wooden tray of strawberries for about 35dhs which is same price as those small tasteless boxes in Spinneys. I just wanted to share my experience as I reckon I save around 300dhs a week on my shopping going to Coop instead of Spinneys. Really worth a look!
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Latest post on 11 March 2015 - 10:21
I personally think its too young but you have to work with your circumstances. I also work full time and use my lunch hour each day to pick DD (age 7) from school. (I eat a packed lunch on my desk). my husband drops her in the mornings. This only works if the school, office and home are not too far apart. I was just not comfortable with the bus when she was younger. Now she is older she has after school activities on certain days so finishing time is different each day so bus wasn't worth it. TBH I also like to have a chat with her and sometimes the teacher at pick up. This is a great way to get a feel for how they are doing at school and keep up to date with what is going on with the friends etc... For the bus I would consider - pick up and drop off time. You don't want your kid to be first pick up and last drop off as this is very long journey for them. Who provides bus service? Some companies are much better than others in terms of quality of service, new vehicles, scanning kids on and off the bus, discipline etc.on the bus. Bear in mind all the other kids on bus will be much older than yours. If you cant arrange your working around pick up and drop off you could try to work out something with Careem. They have a careem kids option with car seats for school runs. Any day I get stuck at work my nanny goes in their car for the pick up. Maybe you could arrange a monthly contract and get a good rate?? Good luck!
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Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 10:40
Blondie007 - Have you considered lingual braces? I think they are a great option too - very discreet and more comfortable than standard braces.
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Latest post on 20 January 2015 - 16:30
I think it is really a personal thing. They definitely work. However, I didn't continue with my treatment after a couple of months and went and did veneers instead. I found invisalign didn't suit my lifestyle. I have a corporate job, frequently do presentations and felt my speech was affected. Also you have to take them out to eat/drink clean your teeth and then reinsert. This didn't work for me in lunch meetings/coffee breaks with colleagues etc. I normally clean my teeth minimum 3 times a day but it wasn't practical for me to be cleaning after every snack and coffee - up to 6 or 7 times a day!. I also just couldn't get used to sleeping with them..... They are great but expensive for sure. Just make sure they suit you and be patient for the result.
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Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 08:45
After Disney and Universal we plan to spend a further week in Florida driving around. We want to do some active outdoor activities, some outlet shopping and any other attractions suitable for 7 year old girl. I know there are lots of websites etc. but the scale of what is on offer is so broad I am keen to hear any good recommendations from those of you who have visited. <em>edited by kitten67 on 12/01/2015</em>
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Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 08:26
Bumping this up.....keen for more info as also planning trip this summer! Did you fly from Dubai? what was best route option? We are thinking to fly EK to New York and spend a few days there before flying down to Orlando. Any other attractions in Florida other than Disney and Universal that you would recommend? Many thanks!
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Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 08:23
I was hoping she meant GBP30k per annum....
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Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 21:41
I have the solution for you! I found this guy through Bin Kitty and he put up mesh barrier for me around the garden walls. He is great and a lovely guy. He has a full time job as carpenter so does this in spare time. He will come and give you an estimate and then you have to buy materials- basically the mesh and some wire twine. Expect his cost in AED500-1000 range. He is excellent. Erwin zero five five four three five seven eight seven zero There is a document on the BKC facebook site in the documents section with all his details.
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Latest post on 30 December 2014 - 14:05
Thanks! I managed to find the original confirmation after posting this and it says delivery from 1 Feb :)
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Latest post on 30 December 2014 - 12:00
I bought 1D tickets online when they were released for the concert this coming April. I opted for the delivery option via courier. Did anyone receive theirs yet? Or do you think they will be printed and issued nearer to the date?
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Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 11:20
I did Meydan last year and that was very nice.... Ritz Carlton and Westin are also very kid friendly. This year we decided to go a bit more casual. We are going to Amwaj Rotana at JBR. They have the Frozen princesses, Santa visiting, and usual kids activities like face painting etc.
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Latest post on 03 December 2014 - 16:42
Hi I have a live out maid and pay this salary. Many people pay a bit less around AED2500-3000 for live out. We sponsor her and the salary covers her salary, her accommodation and transport cost. She is worth every AED to us. She is an excellent housekeeper (mature and loads of initiative), great nanny to my daughter after school and also cooks our dinner and prepares packed lunches every day. She is also flexible in terms of babysitting. (We pay for taxi home for her when she babysits the odd weekend evening). When hiring any maid - YOU dictate the job NOT your employee. So if someone is being picky at interview - don't even consider her. You want someone who wants to work for you. Many would be delighted with that kind of package. Don't entertain any divas. There are lots of nice ladies looking for work! In terms of considerations for live out - understand how far her accommodation is from your house. Be very clear that she MUST NEVER work for anyone else on her days off. And be clear what you want her to do and when to prioritise. Hope this helps.....