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plum2

plum2
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 15:00
Make sure you know whether you fiancé is being hired on a single persons contract or a married contract. It makes a difference. If he is being hired as a single person will they pay for your visa, flights, insurance etc once you are married?
plum2
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 21:53
There is a good shoe repair shop called NDust or something like that, opposite LULUS close to Mall of Emirates. try them. Otherwise there will be shops in Satwa that will stitch leather bags for sure.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 13:15
Here's one available mid-June with all white goods included. 180K/year http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/residential/villahouse/2013/4/15/gulf-platinum-properties-4-bed-maids-townh-2/?back=ZHViYWkuZHViaXp6bGUuY29tL3Byb3BlcnR5LWZvci1yZW50L3Jlc2lkZW50aWFsLz9wYWdlPTEmcHJpY2VfX2d0ZT0mcHJpY2VfX2x0ZT0mYmVkcm9vbXNfX2d0ZT0zJmJlZHJvb21zX19sdGU9NCZwbGFjZXNfX2lkX19pbj0mcGxhY2VzX19pZF9faW49NTc1MDklMkMmYnVpbGRpbmdfX2luPVN0YXJ0K3R5cGluZytoZXJlJmtleXdvcmRzPSZpc19iYXNpY19zZWFyY2hfd2lkZ2V0PTAmaXNfc2VhcmNoPTEmYWRkZWRfX2d0ZT0mZnVybmlzaGVkPSZsaXN0ZWRfYnk9JnNpemVfX2d0ZT0mc2l6ZV9fbHRlPSZiYXRocm9vbXNfX2d0ZT0mYmF0aHJvb21zX19sdGU9&pos=4
plum2
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 13:13
Depending on where in Victory Heights you lived (it is quite a big community) it could be possible in maybe November to March, depending on the weather.
plum2
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 13:06
A quick look on Dubizzle shows a 4 bedroom Townhouse for 170,000 http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/residential/?site=2&s=RP&rc=1743&c1=--&price__gte=&price__lte=&bedrooms__gte=3&bedrooms__lte=4&places__id__in=&places__id__in=57509%2C&building__in=Start+typing+here&keywords=&is_basic_search_widget=0&is_search=1&added__gte=&furnished=&listed_by=&size__gte=&size__lte=&bathrooms__gte=&bathrooms__lte= Sorry I can't remember how to do those tiny links! Maybe it is the independent villas that are more. There are loads of 4 bedroom villas on Dubizzle in Victory heights for 200-240,000 dhs <em>edited by plum2 on 16/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 13:02
Victory Heights Primary School will actually be in Sports City, which is adjacent to Victory Heights. Altho Victory Heights would be very close it will probably be too far and too hot to walk/cycle except in the few winter months. The other side of Sports City you have Motor City (mostly apartments) and then Arabian Ranches. The road exit from Arabian Ranches is not easy at that time in the morning. The area is currently subject to road works so it remains to be seen what the final access in and out of the Ranches will be like. The Villas in Victory Heights are lovely and if you get places at the school I would opt to live there.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 12:58
Yes, I think the school will be open by September. I have friends who have been offered and accepted places there. You should be able to get at least a 3 bedroom if not 4 bedroom villa for that budget. Look on Betterhomes or Househunters websites.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:51
Dubai Netball League also has a Facebook page. The league matched are still on tonight and for 2 more Wednesdays and then it is the end of the season :( Last year Zorina, one of the coaches, organised summer netball twice a week at the 7's all through the summer. It was hot but everyone enjoyed it! I think it was 30 dhs a time. If you post on the FB page I'm sure someone will reply with details.
plum2
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 16:52
The factors you need to consider are 1. Where you or DH will be working. 2 Where you can find a school p,ace for your child - this is really hard in this age group ate present. 3. Your budget. There is a lot to be said for living close to your child's school especially as you will have a baby. It won't be long before you have potentially 2 different school pickup times and you won't want to be driving half way across Dubai. The Greens is pretty much all apartments. The other areas you listed have villas but there is a huge range of prices.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 05:36
Contact David Sims on [email protected] There are usually waiting lists but your DS will get in quicker if he is a transfer from another country or if you offer to help.
plum2
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Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 06:33
Sorry to report that school places for this age group are very oversubscribed and you will struggle to find a school place for him. Unless he is 5 before September you will be looking for a Reception or FS1 place. The closest school to Downtown is GEMS Wellington Primary I think, which is behind the Shangrila Hotel on Sh Zayed Rd. (don't get confused, there are several Gems Wellington schools !) You may have the best luck at one of the new schools due to open in September but I don't think any of them are close to Downtown. There is Victory Heights Primary School in Victory Heights. Look at www.vhprimary.com There is also a new Gems Al-Khail School but I think that might be IB curriculum. Hopefully others will have more suggestions. Where will you/DH be working? Best of luck!
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 08:13
If you (as a residence visa holder) are just going to do a visa run with your visitor, and you tell the border people this, you will not actually have to get an Omani visa, only your friend. There is nothing decent close to the border. The Hatta Fort Hotel is always nice for coffee/ lunch/afternoon tea. Or make a day of it and use their lovely pool for the day!
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 15:10
If your eldest will be 10 before 1st September then you will be looking for year 6 yes. I wouldn't say that Repton was super academic. There are a wide range of abilities there. The advantage with Repton is the progression to the senior school from year 7. With new schools like VH there is no secondary school. Not sure how long you plan to be in Dubai. Repton does IGCSE's and IB in the sixth form. You may wish to look elsewhere if you are after A levels.
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 13:58
Have you tried the food at Baker and Spice cafes? There is one n Dubai Marina and they have the most delicious food. Not all of it is vegetarian but a significant proportion is. Highly recommended.
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 13:18
Hi, I have a friend who moved to Christchurch with her family in December. Would you like me to put you in touch with her? You can email me on Dubaiplum at gmail dot com.
plum2
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 07:15
So will you be looking for places in yr2 and yr 4? It is Nursery and Reception that are so hard to find places in. As you move up the school it gets easier. Many schools will have admin staff working this week so you could try contacting them. I think Repton has places for year 1 and upwards. New Schools like the British Curriculum Victory Heights Primary School should also have places. Look at www.vhprimary.com Where will you husband be working? Good Luck!
plum2
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 19:48
Www.vhprimary.com
plum2
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 09:35
Pouring in AR!
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Latest post on 06 April 2013 - 18:14
Palma Springs are quite old aren't they? I don't think they are the 'modern villas' she means.
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Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 15:59
It really depends which part of Abu Dhabi you're in. It takes me an hour from AR to Abu Dhabi airport but could take a further 30 mins I guess if I was going as far as the Corniche.
plum2
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Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 07:34
Till the 6th I'm sure I read.
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Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 21:09
There are at least 4 centres that offer clinic and home based ABA Reach out in Knowledge Village Child Early Intervention Medical centre , Stepping Stones and Kids in Motion - all in Dubai Healthcare City. I only know www.childeimc.com but I'm sure you can google the others. Good Luck <em>edited by plum2 on 03/04/2013</em>
plum2
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Latest post on 31 March 2013 - 20:23
It's very easy. Just head up Sheikh Zayed Rd. As you approach the Trade Centre exit follow the signs for the Maktoum bridge. After you go under the Trade Centre junction keep following the signs for Maktoum bridge. The road curves to your left. Stay in the left hand lane. The road then forks and you take the left fork signposted Ruler's Court. The Main PO is not far up on the right hand side.
plum2
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Latest post on 30 March 2013 - 16:30
The email address for Vienna Trading is [email protected]
plum2
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 15:56
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/driving-licence-international-dubai.php http://www.dubaiforums.com/dubai-auto/driving-uae-with-international-driving-permit-t20908.html Neither of those are official sites Hamar - just other forum type sites.Their info could be out of date. Temporary UAE Driving Licenses have not be issues for a while. Ring the RTA and ask them yourself.
plum2
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 14:47
Hi Can you please email me on Dubaiplum at gmail dot com
plum2
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 14:45
If one has an international drivers license...can one not drive your friend's car if you are on a month visit in Dubai? The RTA told me and my friend it was Ok with an international license this week.
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 14:44
The boat stops for a snorkling trip and you can swim a v short distance to the island and get out for a walk if you want to. I think its called Telegraph island. <em>edited by plum2 on 29/03/2013</em>
plum2
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 07:07
If a visitor who does not have a UAE license wants to drive here, it must be a rental car, unless the RTA will issue them with a temporary 1 month license, which they can and will do at their own . where have you got this information from and how current is it? This is not what the RTA told Cherry Ripe and I in separate phone calls this week.
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Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 07:00
I don't sorry but I can call them on Saturday for you and try to get one. I'll post it here.
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Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 13:42
Have you taken your kids to Children's City in Creek Park? That's probably at their age level. I haven't been for years but it used to be excellent. Lots of hands-on activities. <em>edited by plum2 on 28/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 13:41
The big mosque is amazing but it's not open until quite late in the afternoon on a Friday. The whole corniche area is great with public and paid family beaches.
plum2
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Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 13:16
Wadi Adventure Park in Al Ain is great if you have slightly older kids. They can do surfing, kayaking, white water rafting and climbing. A good day out and then go up Jebel Hafeet to watch the sunset over Al Ain. If your kids are younger the Zoo in Al Ain is great. Closer to home the Sharjah Wildlife Park is excellent. It's on the same Rd as Sharjah Airport, just keep going. Edited to add: Check timings before you go. The Zoo and Sharjah wildlife park don't open until the afternoon on Friday I think. <em>edited by plum2 on 28/03/2013</em>
plum2
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Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 11:41
For people on visit visas, RTA say they can drive private vehicles if they have an International Driving License. Our insurance company (RSA) say that if RTA say they can drive, then they are covered under our policy(over 25years). When we asked the RTA about driving a private vehicle on an international license they said no! Rental vehicle fine, private not. Clear as mud as usual. I was told the same 7 years ago and again a year ago But this is the UAE! What was the rule a year ago is very likely to have changed!
plum2
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Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 11:40
For people on visit visas, RTA say they can drive private vehicles if they have an International Driving License. Our insurance company (RSA) say that if RTA say they can drive, then they are covered under our policy(over 25years). When we asked the RTA about driving a private vehicle on an international license they said no! Rental vehicle fine, private not. Clear as mud as usual. When was this? Both Cherry Ripe and I range the RTA yesterday and got the same answer re the International Driving License. Maybe the rules have changed recently (as they do!).
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Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 10:01
Yes, Laurelm, That is the timeing for the whole day cruise! Lunch is included in these. Our lunch with Khasab Dolphin Tours was lovely. Unlimited soft drinks and water, tea etc all day. Loads of lovely fruit too.
plum2
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 17:17
That's the same here. They must have turned 5 at the start of year 1.
plum2
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 17:16
For people on visit visas, RTA say they can drive private vehicles if they have an International Driving License. Our insurance company (RSA) say that if RTA say they can drive, then they are covered under our policy(over 25years).
plum2
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 17:09
Most schools use 31 August or early Sept as their cut off. For FS1 children need to have turned 3 by this date. For FS2 children need to have turned 4 by this date. Your daughter would therefore be eligible for FS1. Good Luck in finding a place!
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 21:02
Florence is no longer in Dubai.
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 18:17
No I don't sorry. You can register on-line with the John Tracy programme in the States. It is a wonderful programme for children with hearing impairment anywhere in the world. Go to www.jtc.org to sign up. There are lots of speech therapists in Dubai who have experience working with children with hearing impairments. How severe is your child's hearing loss?
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 18:11
The town in the Mussandam is called Khasab. The Golden Tulip hotel is just before Khasab. I think it's nice to take a leisurely drive up there, maybe via RAK, do a dhow cruise ( I recommend Khasab Dolphin Tours) and then return.
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 16:35
You could try ringing Vienna Trading for costs. They are a hearing aid supply company but provide a full audiological service ( assessment, ear moulds etc) They are probably not as set up for testing really little ones as the American hospital though. 04 396 7071
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 12:39
Mr Ben's Costume Closet is in Al Ghazal(?sp) Mall at the very top of Al Wasl Rd. Maybe you could call them. Sales 04 346 3422 Hires 04 345 7282
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 10:14
Not sure where you live but you could try contacting Victory Heights Primary School which is a new British Curriculum School opening in September. It is always easier to get into new schools. www.vhprimary.com 056 342 1662 (and no I have nothing to do with the school!) Gems are also opening a new IB school on Al Khail Rd. I saw an ad in 7 days yesterday.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 11:09
Firstly, do you have kids? It is bearable, but you will need to stay indoors. Dubai will not be deserted. All stores will be open all day from 10 am. You'll be fine! Not all stores. No cafes or coffee shops are open in the Malls during Ramadan. If there is a hotel attached then they will usually have somewhere opne to eat/drink behind screens.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 11:07
Being highly critical I thought maybe it's something that's blown way out of proportion but I guess not?! People are being very honest, not blowing things out of proportion. FS1 and FS2 (Nursery and Reception year) places are extremely difficult to secure at the moment. There is a new British Curriculum School opening in Victory Heights in September. Look at www.vhprimary.com new schools are always easiest to get into. Great for those looking to live in Victory Heights, Sports City, Motor City and Arabian Ranches.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 10:58
I wonder if by desperation we just choose a school then apply to other more suitable ones for the following year. Is that something that's done or do you think it's bad for children to jump around schools so much? Yes, that is something that people do. Accept what you can get (within reason) and stay on the waiting list for your preferred school(s).
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 08:18
Early Years school places are very hard to find at the moment. You will struggle to find an FS1 place for your 3 year old. What curriculum are you looking for? Where will you/your DH be working? There is a new British Curriculum primary school opening in September, Victory Heights Primary School www.vhprimary.com or email [email protected] This would be great if you were living in Victory Heights, Sports City, Motor City or Arabian Ranches.
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Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 22:23
It's a sticky right at the top of the page :)
 
 
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