matchamaiden | ExpatWoman.com
 

matchamaiden

matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2025 - 16:01
Hey! Your family is in for a treat! The "Dubai Chocolate" that’s trending is actually the Ganache chocolate bar from FNP Dubai. It’s super rich and creamy, which is why it’s gone viral. You can ord...
Ganache??? I don't think anyone who knows the "Dubai Chocolate" thinks of ganache lol. The main reoccurring flavour of the Dubai chocolate is pistachio cream mixed with crunchy knafeh. When in the world did ganache come into the equation?
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2025 - 15:11
As for calories, I'd clock the Dubai Chocolate at roughly ~800 to 900 calories per bar. 400-500 calories for the thick chocolate shell and the filling might be 200 calories for the knafeh + 150-200 calories for the pistachio cream. Mind you the Dubai Chocolate is a HEFTY chocolate bar - a real big boy! The treat is best for sharing unless you want that calorie bomb lol. Otherwise, enjoy it! I tried it a while back and LOOOOVED it
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2025 - 15:06
Hi! There's only one place to get the real Dubai Chocolate and that's through FIX Dessert. They don't have a physical or online store and are only available for online delivery through the Deliveroo app 2x a day (once at 2PM and again at 5PM until stocks last). I missed ordering at 2PM last Sunday but was successful on the 5PM slot. Good luck!! :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2025 - 17:13
Also here's the link to the ExpatWoman jobs portal (I found my current job in Marketing on there) - https://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/jobs-in-dubai/vacancies
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2025 - 17:11
Hi and welcome back to Dubai! My cousin's kids are studying at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai and I hear it's a pretty solid International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Mine are studying at a UK curriculum school (Emirates International School in Jumeirah and Cambridge International School in Qusais), if you're open to a British system. :) Also if you're looking for work as an educator in Dubai, I'd recommend searching on Naukrigulf and the ExpatWoman website's jobs board. I don't work in education but I always see a lot of openings for schools on ExpatWoman. All the best in your search!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2024 - 15:26
Hi Lynne, that would be great! I lived in Deeside for 20 years! No idea how to use this forum so no idea how to get in touch with you to arrange a coffee date?
There's an active Facebook group for this forum if you ladies would like to get in touch with more members! :) https://www.facebook.com/groups/ewindubai
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2024 - 08:54
Hi and welcome to the sandpit! :) One of my kids studied where lunch is typically eaten in the school's courtyard, so during the hotter months they were informed to eat in their classrooms but when the weather gets cooler (late September/October - April/May), they'll resume eating, playing, and running outdoors. They have an indoor gymnasium but I was told by my kid that it's used by the school's sports teams/athletes for lunch break practice. My other teen studied where there's an indoor school cafeteria so they always had their break there or in the halls. So I guess it just depends on the school! :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2024 - 17:33
Hi and welcome to the sand castles! Yep the only legal way you can hire domestic helpers, maids or cleaners on a part-time basis is through a cleaning company or agency. Avoid hiring maids who are looking for a part-time job with their "own visa" (this means they're in the country on a Freelancer visa or they're sponsored by their family/spouse) - this is against the law! Would also recommend reporting them if you encounter any. Domestic helpers must either be from a part-time maid company or a hired on a Full-Time Live-Out or Full-Time Live-in basis. Hope that helped!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2024 - 12:43
Welcome to the sandcastles! If your hubby's new job is based near Downtown Dubai or Jebel Ali side - I'd recommend looking into apartments in neighbourhoods like Discovery Gardens, The Springs, The Greens, Barsha Heights, Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Motor City, and Sports City. If his job will be located in Old Dubai, then I'd recommend neighbourhoods like Silicon Oasis and Mirdiff
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2024 - 09:26
Try amazon.ae! Don't get the ones in pharmacies as they're typically a lot pricier. My son had a basketball accident at school and we got him some tapes from amazon instead
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2024 - 12:03
I can recommend the following IB schools in Dubai, depending on your friend's budget: For premium, the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (it's high-cost IB curriculum with boarding school options and lots of extracurriculars). Next, I'd recommend GEMS World Academy Dubai or GEMS Metropole School in Dubai (still in the pricey range, but great picks). For an affordable IB school, consider Emirates International School Meadows (the tuition fees won't burn a hole in their pocket and the education quality is good - I have two friends whose children study at EIS Meadows). For even lower-cost alternatives, your friend's family might have to consider schools a bit further away in the neighbouring emirates, like in Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2024 - 11:55
For a trusted cosmetic surgeon in Dubai, I'd recommend either Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Clinic or Zieda's Clinic. Both clinics have experienced and safe plastic surgeons, so your sister will be in good hands.
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2024 - 11:53
My best advice would be to take photos of his conversation with his friend and save it on your phone in a hidden folder. In the worst case scenario that he is cheating, you at least collected proof to help your case. My next piece of advice is to not approach him about it, or he might get defensive and lie to you even more. When he returns from his alleged "business trip", you can casually ask him questions about how work trip went, etc. to gauge how much farther he'll lie to you.
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2023 - 17:31
hello.. can you please tell me what happened with this case ? i have similar situation and need to know what to do .. thank you
Hi! I recommend asking the FB group instead: https://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/forum/dubai-northern-emirates/12-month-notice
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2023 - 13:25
I recommend getting your mum a perfume from Zara. They usually have great options for all ages like floral, oriental or fruity ones. I gifted my mom a bottle of "Rose Gourmand" because it wasn't too overwhelming sweet and feminine but just enough to be delightful :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2023 - 12:49
I recommend just getting them from IKEA - it's affordable and they offer installation at home. That's how I got new curtains and blinds for my son's new bedroom in our villa. I've also noticed that...
I thought I was the only one who noticed it! All they do is change the name, but it's the same number and same user accounts promoting it.
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2023 - 12:49
Which area in Dubai are you looking at? My fav nail technician is based in Al Rigga I can give you the salon's number if you don't mind travelling there
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2022 - 15:33
I've only ever been a member of Fitness First, but they do have ladies only gyms in Dubai. Their membership gives you access to the group classes, facilities, lockers, etc. Highly recommend! You also get I think 2 free consultations with a personal trainer.
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2022 - 16:36
Consider Enhance clinic at Dubai Mall, or try Dr. Kamil al Rustom clinic
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2022 - 08:50
My condolences that this is happening to your son. My daughter went through the same thing except not with 30-40 boys since that seems like an exaggeration considering the ratio of boys/girls per classroom. She promised me she didn't do anything and I believed her because as parents we always assume that our children are blameless, but in reality she was spreading nasty rumours about another girl on social media. This was a shock to me - my Honours Student, School Prefect girl who just like your son would share everything with me. Now that doesn't mean your son is the same of course, but it's very important that you need to find out exactly what's transpired between your son and that girl and keep an open mind - parents aren't always told everything and kids will lie to make themselves look they're not at fault. Whether your son or the girl is at fault needs to be cleared in a private discussion. I suggest bringing it up to the principal so they can sit down with you, your son, the girl, and her parents in a private conversation to get to the bottom of this. All the best!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2022 - 10:42
You can check these 2 places out if you don't mind them being for-profit: 1) Book World Trading (in Satwa) 2) Book Hero. These are their drop-off points I copied from their instagram post: ...
Thanks for the suggestions! But I was hoping to donate them to non-profit causes and charities instead. We're a family that focuses a lot on charity, and it's a tradition/habit we want to keep on doing. Maybe someone else might need that list, it's quite helpful :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2022 - 10:35
Doesn't seem like a red flag If the status of your offer letter reflects the same status on your official online application in the Emirates career portal, then you likely don't have to worry about it. Maybe it's just one of those jobs where a recorded interview was all it required. I applied for Emirates twice - one was for a travel agent role and I had to go through several in-person rounds of interviews up until the very end (the role ultimately went to the handsome Western man who charmed the all-female hiring panel LOL. Myself and the other applicants could see it coming from a mile away). I didn't get the role and the same status was reflected on my application in the Emirates career portal. The second was for a different role, and again my status in the hiring process was reflected on my online application. I believe you don't have to worry :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2022 - 13:41
I'd recommend Mediclinic or Prime Medical!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2022 - 13:38
There are plenty of schools in Dubai where their school buses have a bus conductor. Best to always check with the schools first if their buses have bus conductors. These poor little children dying because of careless and stupid drivers is heartbreaking. My condolences are with their families.
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2021 - 11:26
I know this is an old forum, but girl trust me it's way better to build your following on Instagram. It'll take time, but at least the people are real, authentic, and will actually engage with your sister's content. Plus, when people find out you buy followers it will make your Instagram account look cheap, desperate, and dare I even say "plastic".
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2021 - 11:23
I think buying followers for instagram is a good idea, especially if you have a business account and are trying to promote it. In today's world, it is very popular to run business accounts, blogs, ...
It's NEVER a good idea to buy Instagram followers! Engagements are low, the accounts are bots or inactive, and this messes with how your post will appear on Explore pages and people's newsfeeds. Plus, when people find out you *bought* your followers, your account/brand name will end up looking desperate and low-quality. It's better to build followers authentically.
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2020 - 12:29
My daughter on the other hand did her Year 12 and 13 (A-Levels) from Cambridge International School Dubai. The difference was that she was unsure which university she wanted to get into. Because she completed her final HS years, she was able to apply to 8 universities and got acceptance offers for 5 of them. But Foundation Studies pretty much locks in the student to that one university for at least one year. Your son can still transfer to a different university if he wants to, when he's managed to secure enough first year transferable credits at uni. My own son did that. Once he got enough class credits at Birmingham, he used the credits to transfer to American University of Sharjah. So Foundation isn't a complete lock :'>
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2020 - 12:24
My son graduated w/ only his IGCSE/GCSEs last year, and he got into a Foundation Course at the University of Birmingham in Dubai. Foundation Degree, Foundation Studies, Integrated Foundation, Foundation Year... they all come in different names but they're all essentially pretty much the same thing. I'd recommend your son doing a Foundation Course if he's very sure of what he wants to take and will be dedicated to staying in that same university for at least one year! Like lordvoldemort said, the Foundation studies is only valid for the university he's taking it in. So if he does Foundation at the University of Birmingham, he must continue his first year of undergrad studies at the University of Birmingham.
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2020 - 13:41
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health has a free online prescription service so don't need to see a doctor: https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/eServices/Pages/Prescriptions.aspx (you can see what medicines your child might need for their health problem). I hope it helped, angelaleith748!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2020 - 17:13
If you're moving from Dubai to Switzerland, I'd recommend Santa Fe
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2018 - 17:05
There's a dog park in greens, one in springs and I think there are doggy camps that they can go mingle and have fun with other dogs :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2018 - 17:04
Another dog is always a good idea, but please save a life from a dog shelter :( and always make sure you're planning on keeping that dog....they're not just temporary fixes!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2018 - 16:58
Sometimes you have to try a few times but it works because its Apple to Apple :D
What a great tip nesheli :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2018 - 16:56
Have you tried that green market near Gold & Diamond park in Dubai? They have a good variety of plant decorations....
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2018 - 16:55
I live in springs (near meadows) and I love the area! there's so much to do here and you really get the sense of a full community.....Jumeirah island is still relatively new, maybe the pricing is the same because the meadows houses are very attractive in the real estate market? Not sure tbh....
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2018 - 16:52
what a great idea! have you tried snoopy island? or maybe ghantoot (a hotel on the way to Abu Dhabi) that has good atmospheres and food....
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2018 - 16:50
Following this....What a great idea! I've been wanting to get into weight training to tone my body - would love it if you shared anyone you find for this :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2018 - 17:18
Your friend can actually get a free tourist transit visa for up to 48 hrs from DXB I believe... you can get one if you're in DXB for 8 hours and up to 4 days (pay extra to extend the 48 hrs to 96 h...
OMG lifesaver!! Thanks a bunch Haim :))
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2018 - 17:17
i've seen a few headlines like on Gulf News about it, but nothing seems to declare an exact date as to when spotify will be coming here
Let's just keep our fingers crossed then! :))))
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2018 - 17:15
The only place I dare visit in Deira is the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club......
Oh how come?! The area has loads of lovely places to visit....I've been to Al Fahidi Historical area and apparently theres a newly built area called Al seef that's worth a visit :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2018 - 17:15
The only place I dare visit in Deira is the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club......
Oh how come?! The area has loads of lovely places to visit....I've been to Al Fahidi Historical area and apparently theres a newly built area called Al seef that's worth a visit :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2018 - 17:31
hello, can't your current nanny recommend any one she knows? Perhaps one of her friends is seeking a job....
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2018 - 17:29
Urgently looking for a PART-TIME/LIVE OUT NANNY Dear Nannies, Our family is trying to find a reliable, trustworthy, honest and kind-hearted PART TIME, LIVE OUT nanny, who will take a good care ...
Hi Tate, have you tried asking some of the other nannies that take the kids down to the park in JLT? Sometimes the nannies might refer a friend of theirs that is looking for a job!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2018 - 17:26
Hi! I live in the springs area as well and heard of this. There's a dog park in the greens area that is great for your dog to socialise - but it's not very big and usually very crowded. Let me know if you've heard any updates regarding the springs one :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2018 - 17:20
Has there been any news from Spotify regarding this?
Yes!! It's been on all over the news - well talks of it at least. Let's keep our fingers crossed =D
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2018 - 17:09
Is FaceTime also completely blocked in Dubai?
I think it depends on your phone. I had bought one from a store (not apple) and facetime was working perfectly for me!
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2018 - 15:20
I absolutely love this thread! I am down to make new friends too :)
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2018 - 15:09
Hi Rand, have you tried checking in shelters? There are loads looking to be fostered. Please adopt and avoid purchasing animals :'(
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2018 - 15:06
I sure hope so! Although I've been using the music apps available in the UAE and they're not that bad but none compare to spotify :(
matchamaiden
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2018 - 15:05
Pork is usually allowed in hotels! Just use a food app to check the menu before going to a restaurant for your pork fix :)
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing