ranstone

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 August 2017 - 14:43

Hi there, I came across a Groupon voucher for spa treatment at 'Emirates Plaza Hotel' in Abu Dhabi however upon perusing online for further info, looking at reviews it looks rather questionable. There seems to be no mention of a 'spa' at this hotel anywhere particularly on their website. And the reviews of the stay at the hotel are especially negative particularly on the 'reputation it has'. I was wondering and hoping someone here has been to the spa and can offer a review of it or can provide some insight as to whether there is indeed a spa? I have also looked into Howard Johnson hotel in Abu Dhabi however came across the same roadblock, no info about the spa or any reviews on it. So if anyone has been there, please provide some insight. Thank you Might be worth posting the question on the Abu Dhabi forum ? If I were you I'd trust the warning signs and avoid it :)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 August 2017 - 22:35

Hi everyone, I wanted to know that is there the system of home schooling in Dubai ? Any information about it will b highly appreciated ...thanks.. http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_schools_colleges_boarding_homeschooling_in_dubai_and_abu_dhabi_10594.aspx

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 August 2017 - 09:45

Quite worrying really ..... especially after the tragic fire in London. At least the evacuation procedures seem to work well here. I would never sleep at night living in a high rise even though some apartments are really lovely. Hope everyone is well !

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 August 2017 - 05:29

1. As a british national, how many times you can renew your visit visa in dubai? And what are the procedures? Does anyone know?This will help us get organised in alot of everyday life aspects. Please anyone, any info would be of much help. 2. What kind of school fee we should be looking at for schools like alsafa? This is for our 9 yr old son. 3. What are the rents like for a, say, decent 2 bedroom apartment in locations like sports city, motor city, festival city etc.? Kindly answer all these questions to help us prepare better, before we come. We have lived in dubai in past years but nt sure how things are right now there. We left our hearts in dubai and still miss it. Hi You can renew a visit visa as many times as you need (Someone will correct if I'm wrong), to renew you leave the UAE and re enter ..... you can do this by road to Oman quite easily either yourself or there are organised buses that make the journey. Have a look at propertyfinder.ae to get accurate figures in your requirement but Sports city is probably cheapest you can get a 2bed under 100k, motor city probably average 110k and festival city is generally a lot higher. But you are comparing very different parts of Dubai quite a distance apart. sorry can't help with school fees Hope that helps :)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 August 2017 - 01:34

Hi I have been offered a position as store manager for an international fashion house based in Dubai. The monthly salary/package they have offered is 23,000AED (this is including housing allowance.) Return tickets home each year Full medical for myself and husband One off relocation cash allowance of 20,000AED Potential bonus of 9,000AED per month (this is only if I make sales target so not guaranteed each month) I will be relocating from Australia with my husband (we don't have any kids) Do you think this is good offer? My husband will be relocating without a job and will hope to find work once in Dubai (he works as a maintenance supervisor here in Australia). Do you think he will be able to find work quickly in Dubai? Any help with recruitment agencies or companies for my husband would be greatly appreciated So many questions in my post but I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision Thanks!! Jess Hi Being realistic It's difficult to say if it's good or bad ...... it somewhat depends on the lifestyle you live now in Australia and whether you want to maintain it. What sort of accommodation do you live in now and what would you be happy to live in here ? Same goes for your car, same goes for your general lifestyle, what do you do for leisure etc etc etc ..... there is no getting away from it Dubai is expensive .... plenty of people will tell you that you can live cheaply, which you can but it's pointless doing that if you end up unhappy. Firstly a good chunk of your income will go on housing, it all depends on what kind of property you want to live in and also location plays a huge factor. AC, water, internet, mobiles, car/transport, food etc etc .... will all start to eat a hole in the remainder of your 23k. Have a look at propertyfinder.ae this will give you a good idea of rents. Regarding your husband, unless he has very unique skills or experience, his problem might be that with maintenance jobs he will be competing against guys from various parts of the world who will be very happy to work for far less than he might want to. As you can appreciate with such a broad spectrum of cultures, nationalities and expectations an excellent salary package to one person is not so good to another. I'm not being negative but just realistic and you need to be realistic before moving to Dubai ...... there are many people very happy here but there are many unhappy frequently because of money Hope that helps :)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 July 2017 - 10:31

Hello ladies! I am a single, English female in my early 30's and will be moving to Dubai for work in two weeks' time. I am just wondering whether anyone has any advice, hints or tips for a soon to be British expat like me? Anything from practical advice that I might need to do prior to moving, or anything for once I get there. I would particularly welcome any advice around money and finances. For example, I am unsure about how much cash to take, how easy it will be for me to transfer money from my current account to The Emirates once I get here, any fees that might incur, etc. Also, anything finance and money management related for once I actually arrive would be fab! However, any hints, tips and pointers would be greatly appreciated! :-) Thank you. Hello everyone, Apologies for not replying sooner. I have been extremely busy with packing and I am now in Dubai! Thank you everyone for replying. Sorry, I can't get back to each poster individually, but I have found the advice given on this thread to be invaluable! It has helped me immensely in my preparation to move here. One of the things which I am unsure about is the best place for me to exchange the currency I have. I have already changed a few pounds into dirhams but realistically, these will not last long! Just before I caught the plane in England, I exchanged a little money at the airport, out of desperation, as I had been so busy, I did not have a chance to convert currency earlier. The rate was 4.1 :-( Since arriving, I changed some money and the rate was 4.7. I am just wondering if anyone can give advice on the best place to exchange money and any other help surrounding this, please? I also have a question about phone networks. At the minute, I am using Etisalat which cost 100 dirhams for 40 minutes of calls and 40 minutes of texts and 700mb of Internet. The calls and texts can be used either locally or internationally and runs out after 14 days. Considering that I am new here and would like to keep in touch with family and friends (mainly in England) , do you feel Etisalat is the best option? I haven't tried du, but I can go to their shop at the weekend and find out about their tariffs. Also, another thing is that from my research, I should not be able to use WhatsApp calling on my phone. However, I have used it successfully a couple of times since arriving here despite having my new Emirati SIM in my phone. I'm just wondering how this is possible. Might it be because my WhatsApp is registered to my UK SIM? If so, I'm just wondering if anyone knows whether I'll still be able to make phone calls via WhatsApp once my phone contract ends at the end of August? Sorry, a lot of questions, I know! Don't know if any of them make any sense - I'm still jet lagged and extremely tired so I'll end it at that! Thank you in advance! ? Hi and glad you've arrived I cant advise about exactly where to exchange currency, unless you are changing a huge amount (where you can negotiate a bit) 4.7 doesnt sound too bad to me but could be wrong. We use Etisalat and now have contracts here, even with a contract you can still add on flexible minute packages which allow you to call home. Whatsapp calling has been hit and miss for us but most of the time it doesnt work so cannot be relied on, I dont think its related to UK contract as mine was a new phone and never used with my UK SIM. We have found the most reliable way to contact home is via Skype. Skype to Skype is free or for £6 per month you get 400 mins of calls to UK landline and mobile. You can also set up a Skype number where you get a UK number allocated to you so your UK family and friends can call you by dialling a UK number. Hope that helps :)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 July 2017 - 21:59

Do we need to get children's birth certificates attested, before moving to UAE from UK? We already have our education certificates attested. They will definitely need to be attested at some stage (assuming you are being sponsored by your husband). Its easier to get them attested while you are in the UK but timing and when they will be needed depends on how your visa is being processed by your husbands company. Assuming he is coming on a standard employment/residence visa you are best seeking advice from the PRO dealing with your husbands move as to when they need them. Some families enter on a visitor visa and then deal with the visa application once here, some its done prior to arrival. EDIT: Should also add that you will need marriage cert attested

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 July 2017 - 17:37

forgot to mention, it will be a company decision to give people salary increases. depending on your lifestyle inflation is approx. going to be 2.5-3% (this is estimated and CANNOT be confirmed as everyone's lifestyle is different)........ they have said that they will not look at income tax for individuals in UAE (although there is a new tax for dependants in KSA). they are looking into corporate tax for possible introduction in the next 10 years or so this should not impact individuals. my question was sarcastic - companies costs are going to increase, I highly doubt they will be giving employees any raises. Usually countries with VAT also offer free schooling to the taxpayers. Will that be the case here? Will taxpayers here also get citizenship like other VAT countries offer? Interesting...... im not sure that VAT gets you free schooling ? Certainly not in any country I'm aware of ..... high rates of income tax will sometimes get you that .... but not always. As for citizenship .... can you name me a country that gives you citizenship for paying VAT ? :)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 July 2017 - 10:18

Not sure what you mean by a professional racquet ? but you could try Decathlon they cater for raquet sports (amongst many other things) , there is a branch in Mirdif.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 July 2017 - 11:18

Hopefully, this shouldn't affect so much on our monthly expenses. Difficult to second guess how it will roll out but I'd say theres a pretty good chance that VAT will be implemented immediately on DEWA, phone bills, TV, RTA and any other government related costs.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 20 July 2017 - 22:43

Or just carefully burn them off with a lit cigarette ;)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 July 2017 - 00:54

Legally you can bring AED100,000 in from the UK which in GBP is 21,000 It is easy to transfer money from a UK bank account once you have a UAE account up and running however you will be charged anything from 25-50 pounds and it can take around 5-10 working days ( depending upon who you bank with. Your bank will give you the cost of charges) however you will lose on the exchange rate as it is better for you to change money here at one of the money exchange houses as you get a better rate on large amounts. When i moved here in 2006 i brought GBP3,000 with me and my friend put it in her bank account until mine was up and running, i did have a job and somewhere to live so the money was for spends. You can withdraw here from your UK bank account but the rate isnt the best and depending on your banks condition it may only be up to GBP a day Hi Sarah, Thank you for your message. I suppose I don't need to worry too much about it as I only need enough money to last until my first wage comes through. It's just a little difficult to know how much one will need, but I suppose there's always the option of transferring money through from the U.K., if I need to. Also, I was speaking to a friend yesterday and I currently bank with Co op and he advised that it might be better to open a bank account with somewhere like HSBC or Santander, if they have them there, before going as it might make it easier/ save on transfer costs/ costs. Might this be a good idea? Anyway, thank you for the advice, any other pointers would be greatly appreciated! :-) I am not particularly looking forward to the weather being a hardy Yorkshire lass and being more accustomed to rugged terrain and colder temperatures! Any advice on how to keep cool? Thank you. Hi there You mentioned HSBC. We bank with them and our UK and UAE accounts are globally linked. The transfers in between are instant and problem free (done online) and we can view all of our accounts in one login. We have banked with HSBC in the UK for many years but new to UAE, so far it's been problem free banking.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 July 2017 - 12:35

Thanks albeit another interesting news article rather than anything published by the authorities but I'm sure it's correct. . It doesn't seem to mention the issue being Islam..... more of a health issue, which makes sense. Completely agree about the tattoonation site ..... didn't ever think it was genuine I'm not at all confused .... I was simply seeking clarification of your previous post stating "Tattoos for artistic purposes are illegal here and always have been" now you say "tattoos themselves are not illegal" which sounds slightly contradictory but I get what you mean. Either way looks like it'll be easier getting it done outside the UAE :) Thanks for the info and your help. I think you misunderstood what I said, I never said HAVING artistic tattoos was illegal - they're not and that would be ridiculous. HAVING artistic tattoos done here is illegal, that's why there are no licensed tattoo parlours. You seem to be being argumentative about the situation for some reason. Not sure why. I'm not being argumentative..... just trying to gain some clarity by perhaps politely questioning what you say. Things do change in Dubai (although perhaps this hasn't) so it's not unreasonable to question news or other online articles that are a few years old.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 July 2017 - 22:58

Thanks albeit another interesting news article rather than anything published by the authorities but I'm sure it's correct. . It doesn't seem to mention the issue being Islam..... more of a health issue, which makes sense. Completely agree about the tattoonation site ..... didn't ever think it was genuine I'm not at all confused .... I was simply seeking clarification of your previous post stating "Tattoos for artistic purposes are illegal here and always have been" now you say "tattoos themselves are not illegal" which sounds slightly contradictory but I get what you mean. Either way looks like it'll be easier getting it done outside the UAE :) Thanks for the info and your help.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 July 2017 - 17:18

Tattoos for artistic purposes are illegal here, and always have been. Certainly it's NEVER been legal in the 14 years I've lived here. Semi-permanent make-up done by the salons is legal and they have licenses for that. But you can't get a license for a tattoo parlour - because, as far as I'm aware, permanent body adornment of that sort is haram under Islam, because it's seen as self harm. There might be 'some' clinics that do it, and are licensed but these aren't really professional artistic tattoo artists. However, that's not to say that there aren't people, and really good tattoo artists operating under the radar. I know of two of three really excellent ones, but they will ONLY work on recommendations from previous clients, because, huh shock, horror, it's illegal. I don't doubt your knowledge having lived here 14 years ! ..... Lots of activities are forbidden or frowned upon under Islam but that does not make them illegal per SE (drinking alcohol a good example) ..... and shock horror lots of things are stated as fact on forums incorrectly. Ive not found anything formal (The law, not a forum post or magazine article) that says 'artistic' tattoos are illegal .... only thing I've found is to practice unlicensed being illegal, perhaps you'd be kind enough to post links to something formal ?

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 July 2017 - 01:08

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo in Dubai, Tattoo Nation Dubai offers you the completest repertory of professional tattoo artists in Dubai. https://tattoonation.ae/ Looks like you post after doing a google search :confused: Fake phone number No address given No ministry of Health approval number = NOT legal Having adverts and a website doesnt make it legal bye: In fairness ..... neither do articles found via Google make tattoo's illegal. ;)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 July 2017 - 02:20

Thats correct, if they are doing pictures and designs they are doing it illegally. I'm not being argumentative but where have you seen this other than articles online ? ..... everything I've researched states it's illegal to be unlicensed, once licensed it's seems it's a grey area at best (like many things in the UAE) as to what they can do ..... there are licensed tattoo places openly advertising.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2017 - 00:06

Ear and nose piercings can be done at gold shops too. Tattoo parlors are illegal here in Dubai Tattoos parlours are not illegal (unless it's been outlawed in the last year) ..... they just have to be done by a licensed artist. having permanent make up done by tattoo is legal here. But having a tattoo done as in getting a picture drawn on your skin is illegal Would be interested to know where you have read this ? Ive researched it thoroughly as I was looking at having one done. It is only illegal if carried out by an unlicensed tattooist. Generally they will only get a licence to perform medical or cosmetic tattoos, however once they have a licence they can and will tattoo other things and quite a few do. The law doesnt mention pictures or art ..... it simply states that they must be licenced.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 July 2017 - 20:40

Ear and nose piercings can be done at gold shops too. Tattoo parlors are illegal here in Dubai Tattoos parlours are not illegal (unless it's been outlawed in the last year) ..... they just have to be done by a licensed artist.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 July 2017 - 20:31

Hi guys, Myself and my husband and our 2 young boys are relocating to Dubai hopefully in 6 months. We don't know much about the ,moving process so I am trying to read as many threads as I can to find all the info I need. Basically we are trying to find out about living locations, what areas are the best for ex-pats. I would love to live somewhere were the community really get together and know one another as I have the fear of been isolated once my husband goes to work and the boys go to school because I plan to take 12 months off once I get to Dubai. The are would ideally be close to a good school too. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. I know it would depend on budget but maybe use 150k per year as a guideline. 2 or 3 bed villa type, greenery etc, I don't want to be in an apartment. Thanks. Orla x If I were you I would opt for the springs. It's an amazing place, perfect for your family. Yes I think that's gonna be the spot. Without wishing to be a party pooper ..... personally I'd pause for breath or you may end up setting expectations for yourself/husband that can't be met. Let your husband apply for a job and get an offer, see what salary and allowances he gets then start planning villas and schools according to budget. There's no harm in dreaming but dreaming can lead to a big disappointment. Long gone are the days of western expats just being able to walk into lucrative jobs. Like I say I'm not a party pooper just being real.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 June 2017 - 01:58

For parcels and online stuff we use Aramex Shop & Ship service. For other post we rent a personal PO box from Emirates Post.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 June 2017 - 01:41

You can open a savings account as a non resident ...... exact criteria differs from bank to bank. I'm fairly certain you cannot get a cheque book or debit card (i.e. a current account) as a non resident.

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 00:00

Hi We moved into Arabian Ranches2 a couple of months ago and love it. It's nice and quiet, the villas are all pretty new and rents reasonable (depending what you are looking for). Decent local Shops are nearby, school, gym and nice restaurants. Never heard a race track. Only thing I would research is where your hubby is going to be working for commuting and which schools your kids will attend. Driving is hectic and I only drive my little car locally :)

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 May 2017 - 11:33

Hi guys so nice to be on here this is my first post ? We are hopefully moving out to Saudi I am a midwife & we have 2 young children. I know we have missed leaving prior to this tax year, but if we left in the next few months or even before next April I would only want to work part time. But would we still have to pay UK tax, from what I have read I would have to be employed full time so just wanted some advice. Thank you so much Everyone's circumstances are different so the best advice is to seek some advice from an expert ..... pop and see a tax advisor before you leave and he/she will tell you exactly what is right for your situation and the timing (in the tax year) of your move. Good luck !

132

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 26 April 2017 - 23:02

Hi everyone, I am looking for mattress store which provides UK Safety Standards (Fire Retardant) and Certification. Can't find it anywhere in Dubai. Help me please! Thank you! IKEA or Robinsons .... depending on your budget.

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

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