LeicsExpat | ExpatWoman.com
 

LeicsExpat

LeicsExpat
79
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Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 11:06
Hi. We need to hire an agency maid who can drive. Does anyone know of any agencies that offer this? We can't afford to sponsor a live in maid and can't afford a maid and a driver together. Many thanks
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 11:41
Hi. Has anyone used the phone museum in Satwa to have their iPhone battery replaced? I need to get one asap but worried about them opening up my phone and changing the battery.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2014 - 12:50
LeicsExpat, my daughter will be going to Jess in Sept, would love to meet up. Let me know. Hi Snowflake. Sorry, I've not been on the forum for ages. Definitely a meet up would be great for our two little ones before they start. I work during the week until 3.30 but could do a meet up one afternoon? My email is ejfisher36 at gmail dot com
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 14:31
I used mine for the first time at the Golf club AR at the weekend. They weren't sure how to use it and had to fetch the manager who had done the training. It's very simple. You type your passcode, they type theirs and then they write down the reference number. I prefer it but I know people have had problems when using it as staff haven't been fully trained.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 14:15
Thanks Forty Winks. As an alternative does anyone know of any maids/nannies who can drive for part time work?
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 13:55
Thanks ladies, I will look into it. Would be good if I could find one where there's some children from JESS Jumeirah too so that my LO will know someone but not sure this will be possible.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2014 - 12:57
Hi, Has anyone got any children at the new GEMS school in RAK? Friends of ours are moving to UAE and are looking at the possibility of living in RAK but need a school for their daughter. Any reviews of standards there? TIA
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2013 - 14:00
DragonMart sell the Majlis cushions too
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2013 - 12:31
Hi, Can anyone recommend a gardener in AR please? We have bought some artificial grass and need the ground preparing and the grass laying. We don't want anyone too expensive which is why we bought the grass rather than getting a company to install it for us. Thanks ladies! :-)
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 13:51
Thanks Ladies, I've managed to wangle picking him up and dropping him off at nursery. Thanks for the suggestions! :-)
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 11:43
Hi everyone, Does anyone know of any nurseries in Jumeirah, Safa, Umm Seqeuim area that do a pick up service for after school services? My son starts FS1 in september and will finish school at 12.30pm so we will need a nursery to provide after care until 4pm. We can't afford a maid and driver. Thanks Assist.ae and Careem but they are expensive Thanks Sarah. I'd heard that there were some nurseries that had a bus pick-up service to deliver after school children to their nursery. I've looked at assist.ae but they will only do it if a maid or nanny goes with them which defeats the object really. :-(
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2013 - 19:25
Bump
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 21:26
That's absolute rubbish! There are no new rules stating any such thing! If there was then they would implement them in schools as we'll and as a teacher I've heard of no such thing! I think they're telling fibs to stop parents from bringing their children directly into the classroom. My husband and I drop my two year old son off at nursery everyday and take him dirEctly into the classroom, which the nursery wholeheartedly encourages! I don't accept this need for nurseries here to encourage you to drop your child off and leave straightaway, especially if they are very distressed. I once heard a nursery call it akin to ripping off a plaster as in it hurts the child at first and then they get used to it - absolute Tosh!! Only you as a parent can decide what is best for your child at that age and if it means you comforting your child and allowing an easier transition then so be it, not some high and mighty nursery deciding for you! Some children are not bothered about going into nursery alone but others are more sensitive and to allow those to become stressed like that is disgusting! They also should not be encouraging you to leave without saying goodbye as this distresses the child even more as they feel abandoned! I really hope you address this with the nursery and if they insist on upholding these so-called new rules then maybe think about moving your DD to a more gentler nursery. My sons nursery believes in a gentle introduction to nursery where mum or dad can stay with the child for the first morning, gradually building up to leaving them for an hour but the emphasis on what the child is comfortable with rather than what the nursery wants. They foster a very warm, welcoming and happy environment unlike some I wouldn't care to mention. Sorry if it seems like I'm ranting but a lot of nurseries here appear to have very shoddy practices. At least in the uk they are regulated by the education authority, the KHDA needs to start inspecting nurseries here and implement some tighter regulations.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 08:00
Someone mentioned rents going up. We won't be able to move until November as that's when our current contract terminates. Does anyone know whether there are lots of ground floor/podium level units (3 bedroom) still available and what the likelihood is of there being some available in november? We have been there twice to look around and whilst the finish isn't great it's a steal! Thanks
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 21:35
Planning a year in advance as we will find out in October whether he has a place so need to make a decision.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 19:08
My little boy may be starting fs1 next September which means that he will finish school at 12.30pm with no provision at the school for after care. My husband and I both work, I finish at 3.30. I have been told that there are nurseries that do a pick up service from the school and provide after care for a fee. Does anyone know which nurseries provide this? We don't have the option of a maid so need this after school option. We will need pick up from safa area. Thanks
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 15:23
Thanks! That's good to know! I'm liking the idea of Remraam more and more now. Just hope they build an access road or extend Hessa street to make it even more convenient!
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 14:21
Sadly the dirt road is no longer an option, unless you have a 4x4 as DEWA are building a substation right in the middle of it. I would assume at some point a connecting road will be built, as it is at the moment, you come out, use one under pass to head towards Sharjah, then the next one to head back to Motor city - takes about 15 minutes. It's nice. A big mix of nationalities, families, singles, couples etc. The apartments are pretty good, but the finishing isn't great and EVERYONE has ac issues when they move in - it can take a while to get everything sorted. The swimming pools, childrens play areas etc are nice. There are places that deliver from Motor City, which is good. Thanks fairy dust! We're going to take a drive up there this afternoon to check out the loop. I don't mind too much about teething problems if we move in as we will be saving a lot of money moving there. We live in tecom at the moment which is expensive plus there's nowhere for our two year old to play. The only sticking point for us is the distance. I work in jumeirah where my sons nursery is and my husband works opposite safa park so it would be a long commute. Google maps suggests taking bypass road to e66 to get into jumeirah/safa but I'm not familiar with that road. Does it get busy during commuting hours? Also, do you know if they are planning to build a supermarket there? Thanks for all your help. We can't move til November so knowing our luck all the apartments will be rented by then! We really want a 3 bedroom on ground floor or podium level with large terrace/garden
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 20:03
Hi, does anyone know where I can get reasonably cheap party supplies for my sons 2nd birthday party? Plus a decent themed cake? Thanks
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 20:25
Thanks divalicious. Is it cash on delivery? Do you know the phone number? Thanks
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 20:35
Hi, I want to add to all those budding entrepreneur mums and 'kitchen table tycoons' out there, that as a lady Brit with full UAE nationality I would love to sponsor a ladies / kids linked business if any one is interested let me know. Hi lynhom, I would be interested in seeing what the opportunity would be like to have you as our sponsor for our kids based company. Are you still interested? Sorry about the tardiness of my response but only just seen your reply.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2013 - 14:24
It depends on the nursery and your feeling as a mother. A lot of the nurseries I looked at for my son recommended just leaving him there on his first day and walking straight out. They called it similar to ripping off a band aid, quick pain! I disagreed with this as my sons temperament would not allow this, so I eventually found a nursery that allowed a more gradual settling in process whereby I went with him and stayed in the classroom with him for the whole hour so that he could get to know the teacher rather than being left with a total stranger, which he would have hated! The next day we went and I left him for half hour then went back to pick him up. He cried when I left him and was quite sad until I picked him up but wasn't inconsolable. Then the next day I left him for an hour and so on until he felt comfortable with the people who would be looking after him. I think it's important for nurseries to realise that not all chidren are the same and that they need different settling in methods. He has been going to nursery for three months now and loves it there to the point where I pick him up and he says no as he wants to stay and play. Plus his dad drops him off at nursery in the morning whilst I go to work so makes it easier anyway for him.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 14:32
Thanks fatexpatdxb. How do I go about getting an investor visa? The reason we were looking at freezones is because initial cost for setting up was low, are investor visas expensive and do you need a local sponsor? I suppose the only way to get around the restriction on services outside the freezone is for people to pay by cheque but then how many people have chequebooks these days ?
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 15:29
Thanks everyone. So is it possible to have two labour cards at the same time? Obviously one would be for my full time job and the other would be for my business which would be part time so long as I get an NOC from my employer? It does state in my contract that I need express permission from my employer before undertaking any work outside my current employment
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 10:35
Hi. We're thinking of moving to VH and wondered if anyone who lives there could tell us what facilities are available. We're thinking pools, play parks etc. thankss
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 18:42
Ok so it sounds like we would need freelance license. We wouldn't need office space as such but I understand its a requirement out here. What capital would we need in that case? Thanks
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 18:06
I'm a bit of a novice at this and don't really understand the whole freezone bit. The nature of our business will mean that we travel to different areas within Dubai to give classes. Will that mean we can't set up a company within a freezone? Also how much capital do you need to begin with? Thanks for the help
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 15:03
So if I set up in freezone I don't need emirati partner is that right?
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 21:10
Hi Mmmmm, I travelled for the first time with a 12 month old and tried to make it as painless as possible. I took his car seat on board and he was allowed to stay in it during take off, landing and turbulence which was a godsend as he slept for the entire flight! This was with emirates. I ordered cartons of formula that I picked up airside in the airport, gave one to my son before take off and he slept like a baby. I booked marhaba family meet and greet at dubai to meet us which was fabulous as we went straight to the front of the immigration queue and they helped us with our bags. Depending on where you're landing I would book a similar service, most airports do a meet and greet service.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 21:43
Please see my post in another thread before considering kids island! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic205866-nurseries-in-jumeira-1--2.aspx
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 21:19
I would definitely not recommend kids island as a nursery. I am a primary teacher and trained in the EYFS curriculum and spent some time there. From what I saw, children were expected to sit still for half hour at a a time and these were 18 months old! They were told to be quiet, weren't allowed toys etc. the children were unhappy and cried most of the time. I felt so sorry for them and sorry for parents who had placed their children there. It's far too structured and strict and does not facilitate learning r creativity through child initiated play. In fact, the only play I saw was outside and even that was strictly controlled with no room for creativity. Awful and completely goes against the principles of early childhood education where children learn through play. I feel very passionately about this and it took a while for me to find a good enough nursery where I felt that my child's creativity and enthusiasm would be fostered. I can recommend Inspire nursery in Umm Sequeim and Cooper Nursery. Both nurseries adopt a child centred curriculum where the child is not put under Ny pressure to learn but rather is allowed to learn at his own pace through the process of play and exploration. I hope you are able to make an informed decision. One thing to remember, don't be blown away by amazing brand new facilities. It's what goes on n the classroom that's much more important
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 20:34
OMG! :( I have just read an article by a famous guy that advocates that in nursery kids should only have PE, arts, music and loooooots of play time (with no evaluation or any pressure on these activities but to enjoy them). I could so easily relate to his philosophy! He even says he never did any homework until he was 12 or 15 (sth like that) and he now has a PHd! As I have a younger one, almost turning 2 and who will soon join nursery, can you please advise a nursery that is 'laid back' (caring for the kids, of course and providing a good atmosphere) but that is not academically oriented at all :) ? Thanks once again to you all for helping me not feeling the odd one out. I felt the same way as you and saw a lot of nurseries that followed the French system of loads of structure with children expected to be quiet and sit still for 20 mins at a time. They were bored out of their minds and just wanted to play - they were 18 months old!! Needless to say I managed to find an amazing nursery that follows the creative curriculum where they learn through play. Activities are laid on for them but they're optional so they can still play if they want to. There's a few like this. Inspire is the one my son goes to but there's also Cooper and Jumeirah international nursery
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 20:25
Inspire nursery in umm sequeim is great! They follow the creative curriculum which means they learn through play rather than having to sit in lessons all day, which they shouldn't be doing at such a young age. I looked at tons of nurseries and eventually narrowed it down to inspire. My son has just started there and already I can see progress in his communication and language skills. The staff are lovely and the kids all look really happy there. I spent a day at kids island and would definitely not recommend it. I felt horrified and sick to the stomach by the time I left as the kids were miserable. In my opinion it's not a great nursery to send your child to if you want to foster their creativity and imagination!
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 17:20
Article by Elizabeth Truss in today's uk guardian newspaper condemns the British nursery system. I personally think she's talking a load of claptrap. What do you think? Www.guardian.co.uk/education/earlyyearseducation
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 15:16
I can recommend Belhasa car rental. Very professional and reasonable plus they collect and drop off at a convenient time for you. My husbands company use them for company car hire but I've used them personally. I paid 1850 dhs per month for Toyta Yaris based on 6 month rental, even cheaper if you go fr a year contract.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 19:07
Just bumping this post. If I want to go from tecom to AR using hessa street, does it turn left on sheikh mo bin Zayed road or do you still have to go down to al khail road?
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 13:05
Problems are due to the cable cut. If your Internet is with Etisalat they have re routed broadband to other cables but it means that your vpn will be restricted as Etisalat are only allowing you tube streaming and nothing else. Not the vpn providers fault I'm afraid. We use an excellent vpn provider with uk and USA servers but can't access uk ones at the moment due to the cable. Try www.viewtvabroad.com. They have 6 different servers in each country to choose from once you're set up so if one server is slow you can choose another.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 19:13
Thanks sandy dogg you're a lifesaver!
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 18:50
My 18 month old absolutely loves The Tickle Book by Ian Whybrow. He points to it on the shelf and has to read it about 20 times (feels like it anyway lol). It's great with loads of pop ups and flaps
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 10:13
I've not noticed any disruption to my iPhone 5 service. I've been able to get on 4g and lte services without a problem. Only thing I've noticed is that I can't get on the VPN because of the damaged cable issue.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 10:09
Thanks everyone. Well we went today and I took the most basic piece of paper with my husbands noc on that he had written in English. No problems and I now have my driving license! Yay
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 19:20
Can I get the NOC translated at the traffic dept and any idea how much that would cost?
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 19:19
Try fun and learn soft play inside fun city. 30dhs for all day play
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 19:16
Hi. We've been living in Al Yassat for the past 6 months. As a newcomer to Dubai with a young child I love the building as a temporary stopgap for 1 to 2 years. It's in a great location with a 50 yard walk to the metro station and whilst TECOM is a bit of a sandpit without much greenery it's great for the price. We have a two bed apartment and find it quite spacious but I can imagine the 1 beds are a lot smaller. It's got lots of shops, bars and restaurants all within walking distance and the greens residential complex is a 15 min walk away or you can take the bus from outside the building in the summer. It's great if you're new to Dubai as all your bills are included and you don't need to furnish it. The lifts are the only niggle I have as they do take forever! Unlike other apartment blocks where the lifts 'talk' to each others these ones take ages to arrive. But apart from that I would highly recommend this place. Although it seems expensive, because all your bills are included its cheaper than most areas in Dubai and you're in a great location.
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 19:06
Hi. Went to get my driving license converted to UAE one today and was told I needed an NOC letter from my husband. Does anyone know if it needs to be in Arabic or whether I can just take a typed English one from my husband? Don't want to turn up tomorrow to be turned away again. So frustrating! Also been told by sources that I can't hire a car if my UAE license is less than a year old as insurance will be invalid, which is ridiculous as I've been driving for the past 18 years in the uk! Help!
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 20:11
Welcome to Dubai! I have to recommend The Westin for family brunch. Very family friendly and they love kids there. There is a petting zoo, bouncy castle, kids outdoor brunch area etc. the waiters are Amazing and will entertain the kids whilst you enjoy the choice of food from 3 different restaurants!
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 13:44
Can anyone recommend a good business start up company in Dubai? We're looking to start a small business here and need a company to do all the paperwork etc. cheers
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 14:39
Anyone know where I can get a halogen oven from? They're few and far between here whereas in the uk they're everywhere and really cheap. I've seen some on souq.com but really want to look at them in a shop any ideas ladies?
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 14:30
I bought a wall sticker from there last week and delivery was great. They called me beforehand to make sure I would be in on the day it was due to arrive. Would buy from them again
LeicsExpat
79
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 14:29
Hi. Welcome to the greens! We live in TECOM which is just over the race course road and we walk to the greens everyday as long as its not too hot. You don't say whether you have a car but the metro station is really close too. You can catch the 33 bus from outside choitrams to the metro station if its too hot. How old are your kids? There's a playgroup in the greens. They meet every Sunday at Al Sidr 4 from 9.30. You can find their group on facebook. They are lovely and very welcoming to newbies x There's a nice atmosphere at the community centre coffee shops too plus lots of mums, dads and kids congregate on the grass by the lake in front of the community centre, you'll meet lots of people there. Enjoy!
 
 
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