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rawla

rawla
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Latest post on 29 February 2016 - 21:54
Very appropriate for you to post on this thread, CP ;) I'm beginning to wonder if the potatoes are frozen when transported to Dubai which affects their shelf life! Some of the ones I have come across in the supermarkets feel cold and wet to touch. And, also, btw - wow! More than a 1,000 views on a thread about potatoes. There's less than that on the sick maid thread at the moment! Who knows... this could end up as "potatoegate" and get deleted if things get heated ;) ;)
rawla
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Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 16:03
Thanks, ladies! I will start keeping them in the fridge. Notnewintown, I have been "cutting out" the sprouts and using the potatoes, and only throwing out the ones which are soft or wrinkly. It's just so annoying because I used to buy 10-15kg of potatoes at a time and store/use them for weeks without a problem. I normally buy my "staples" (rice, pasta, sugar, flour, potatoes, etc.) in bulk because I use them almost every day. Can't store 10kg of potatoes in the fridge ;), but thanks for the tip, ladies! At least they'll last a bit longer.
rawla
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Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 13:51
Keren Bobker answers a lot of similar questions on Saturdays in The National. You can google: Keren Bobker The National and you will find loads of employment related advice (e.g. [url=http://www.thenational.ae/authors/keren-bobker'>link[/url'>) There is a question somewhat similar to yours here: [url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/personal-finance/breaking-contract-of-uae-employment-comes-at-a-cost'>link[/url'>
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Latest post on 25 February 2016 - 15:01
You are correct sarahlou123, it's 150 items, BUT.... but that's not confirmed yet. It could be more... it could be less :thinking:
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Latest post on 25 February 2016 - 14:56
Oh that and cold calling and spam emails. I ask a guy who called the other day exactly how he got my number. He flat out said, anything you fill in, in shopping malls, give your business card etc they sell the lists of contact details to companies. It's shocking! I give them my old Etisilat number which is no longer in use :-) I only give the important stuff my current number and so far no spam. Ironically, most of my spams come from Etisalat!!!! And the RTA sent me one at 3am last week telling me not to miss the upcoming "valuable plate number" auction or something! At 3am!!!!! A few years ago I was doing a random search for something on Google and I came across a website called www.dubaiagentsecrets.com. They sell an "EMAAR Mega List Bundle 33,000 Records" for 599 UK pounds, for example. I doubt very much that Emaar as a company are selling their client database, but there are individual employees with access to that database who clearly have no morals or scruples! It's scary how easily personal data can be obtained here. Just think of all our passport copies floating around the place...
rawla
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Latest post on 25 February 2016 - 11:02
One thing that most overlook in VAT discussions is that many items are already priced much higher than in other countries, sometimes being double the price. I was thinking the same thing, Arch. I will certainly be doing more online shopping once this tax is introduced. We already pay 20-30% more on average for most things in the shops, and that's compared to countries that have taxes! Dubai has this tag of "shoppers paradise", and while that was true 10 years ago, I don't think I know a single person who believes this anymore. Most of my friends have switched from going shopping or to the mall for fun, to shopping only for what you need and getting as much as you can during sales or online. If you walk through any major shopping mall these days you see lots of walkers and people watchers, but hardly anyone in the shops buying things. I always find it amusing that the big malls report these huge "footfall" numbers and then charge the shops rents based on that, when in reality the "footfall" is exactly that - people just walking because there's nowhere else to go in the heat! So the mall tells the shop they'll increase the rent this year because of a gazzillion visitors (not shoppers!), the shop passes on the rent increase to the customer via higher prices, and even fewer people shop as a result. And now with the lack of tourists, it's hurting even more. Last year at this time, I counted one Saudi license plate for every four cars parked at MoE. This year, I think I saw a couple over two days.
rawla
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Latest post on 25 February 2016 - 10:48
Well the mystery continues. It might be that I was clocked at 200km/hr (!!) on Al Khail. The fine was 4000+ dirhams and 12 black points. We are trying to contest it but my husband sent his office manager down and they kept directing him to the cashier rather than anyone that could help. They said we would have to pay for the camera pictures and to contest it anyways so we might as well pay it! I want to go myself but I think my husband is afraid of what I might say!!! sheikhandbake, please do appeal the fine. I know it's a hassle, but why should you pay a huge fine AND get 12 black points for something you didn't do? It's just not right. Sometimes it is wiser to take the path of least resistance and choose your battles, but I think in this case, to me at least, the right thing to do is contest and appeal. It could be a faulty camera and they can check that easily by verifying the other fines that were issued that day. I would definitely go and speak with someone higher up at one of the main police stations. People who drive 200 kph don't do so only once. They usually have a track record with this type of behaviour.
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Latest post on 24 February 2016 - 17:09
thanks for your answers. the thing with the mortgages is wrong. there a few banks out there will give 50% mortgages to people which are non resident in UAE. Also the real estate agents saying the same.. but back to the main thing: In case we get married, will it still make a difference that the child is not from my boyfriend ? You are better informed than me. I really wasn't aware of any bank in the UAE that gives non-residents a mortgage because everything here is tied to your residence visa. Maybe things have changed or you are referring to a non-based UAE bank. If you do get married, it will make no difference that your current BF/future DH is not your child's father. As long as you have all of the custody papers and an NOC from the father, you will have no problem sponsoring your son (but you must still provide all of the required documents). Make sure that all of your official documents relating to your divorce and custody, as well as the NOC, are attested and (ideally) translated into Arabic before you come to the UAE. That will save you a lot of hassle, time and money :)
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Latest post on 24 February 2016 - 13:42
Sorry, westawake, unfortunately I'm not familiar with the different health insurance plans in Abu Dhabi, for visa requirements. The Dubai ones do require a private insurer (i.e. the government health card that you can get isn't sufficient). Does your husband have a PRO in his company who can advise him?
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Latest post on 24 February 2016 - 09:33
janinadubai, you seem to have read the requirements for sponsoring your son in Dubai, which do include a valid tenancy contract and Ejari certificate. The scenario you are thinking of is very complex and likely to fail simply because of other reasons beyond your control. Your plan to buy a property within three months may not materialise unless you plan to pay the full amount in cash. If you plan to borrow money from a bank, they will not lend it to you based on the short time that you have been in the UAE. I think this is the first issue that you have to be realistic about (unless, as I said, you are planning to make a cash purchase). As your not married, you also can't buy a property in a joint name. Only spouses and siblings can jointly buy property in Dubai. The second issue is the matter of the visas, which can take longer than you expect. The ideal sequence is as follows (if you chose not to get married): 1. you get your visa (presumably an employment visa from your BF's company) and Emirates ID, 2. you rent or (cash) buy an apartment/villa in YOUR name (which can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks or even more), 3. you get your paperwork (presumably you already have the papers from your son's father) and then you apply for your son's visa and Emirates ID. Only after you have all of this in place, you can register your son for school. This entire process can take weeks and months, especially in September which is the traditional time for an influx of new expats so there are backlogs everywhere. The final issue here that you may wish to consider is the potential consequences to you living in Dubai if your relationship doesn't work out. I'm not saying that it won't since your BF seems to have already indicated that you plan to marry, but you should always have a back up plan. So as you can see, what the other ladies are suggesting to you makes much more sense. If you get married before your arrive in the UAE, your husband can organise your residence visa before you arrive (it can still be an employment visa in the company name). Make sure you attest your marriage certificate before arriving in Dubai. Once you are here with your son, you simply take your Ejari, marriage certificate (to show that you are married to the person whose name is on the Ejari), and other documents, and apply for a residence for your son. HTH. Good luck to you!
rawla
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Latest post on 24 February 2016 - 09:15
Abu Dhabi has stricter laws in place regarding health insurance because they have made it compulsory for everyone! Dubai is currently phasing this in based on company size. As per the Abu Dhabi (HAAD) regulations: "All employers and sponsors are responsible for the procurement of health insurance coverage and possession of valid health insurance at all times for their employees and their families (1 spouse and 3 children under 18)". (more info here: [url=http://www.haad.ae/haad/tabid/136/Default.aspx'>link[/url'>) Since your husband is sponsoring your maid on an Abu Dhabi visa, as her sponsor he is obliged to provide her with health insurance.
rawla
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Latest post on 24 February 2016 - 09:08
On Saturday, I got a ticket - apparently for going 160 km/hr on Al Khail road. I have never gone more than 120 on Al Khail and never in my life driven 160. I don't even know if my car goes that fast! No way to fight it. 4000+ dirhams. Is that not a tax? sheikhandbake, I think you need to probe a bit further and go back to the police to find out exactly what you are being fined for. You can also ask for proof if it's a speed camera fine (or check it online as FD said). You are entitled to this information. The amount you are being fined (Dhs 4000!) is way, way over the amount that any speed fine incurs. There is a full list of fines and associated black points somewhere on the Dubai police website. I can't seem to find it now but it's also here: [url=http://www.dubaifaqs.com/list-of-traffic-fines-dubai.php'>link[/url'> (the dubaifaqs site). As you can see, even "Exceeding maximum speed limit by not more than 60km/h" is a Dhs 900 fine! If you believe that you have been wrongly fined (and you have proof of this too), you CAN appeal the fine. There is a common myth that you can't. To appeal, you have to go to the Dubai Police HQ which is on the Deira side (behind the old Galadari roundabout/tunnel). There is a form you can fill in and provide supporting documents.
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Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 15:22
According to this website ([url=http://www.acmelabs.biz/Blog/2013/01/26/get-your-childs-vaccinations-for-almost-free-in-dubai/'>link[/url'>): "Take the rental contract, the birth certificate and go to for example to Al Baraha Hospital. Register there for a health card. The fees for that are 110AED per year for kids till 10 years old and with the issued health card you get any vaccinations for free in the governmental owned hospitals." (DHA hospitals and health centres) This is from a couple of years ago but I don't think it has changed.
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Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 15:17
Income tax exists for a reason. Governments charge taxes so they can use the money for social services, health, education, infrastructure, etc. If the UAE were to start levying income tax, I would expect to get unemployment benefits, a pension, free or subsidised healthcare and free public education for all. Otherwise paying income tax makes no sense at all. Collecting income tax implies a collective responsibility for the welfare of everyone paying it. While we don't currently pay income tax here, we pay extortionate fees for healthcare and education and we have no financial provision for retirement unless we plan for it ourselves. So, it's not as simple as "most people are here because we don't pay tax and will leave if they introduce tax". I'm happy to pay income tax if it means my children will go to a good school for free, if I don't have to pay Dhs 350 for a 10 minute consultation with a GP, if I can rely on a minimum income while temporarily unemployed, or if I'm guaranteed a pension when I reach the age of 65. Introducing income tax in the UAE will require a complete overhaul of the social, health, education and labour systems. It would also need to be done in alignment with the other GCC states with large expatriate workforces. (There has been talk of the VAT in the UAE for a decade but it is only now that there is a crisis with the price of oil, that other GCC states have "come to the party" and agreed that they need it, which is why it has gained momentum in the last 12 months.) IMHO there will no doubt be a time in the future that income tax will be introduced in this region. But it will require a fundamental and drastic change in the way things work.
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Latest post on 22 February 2016 - 15:07
Hi! I'm pregnant and without insurance. The great thing is that you are not stuck with a hospital or clinic you don't like and can try something else. I would recommend you ( if you are healthy person living healthy life) to follow essential scans and check-ups (as if you take a package from the hospital/clinic you might pay for something you don't really require) : Week8: Fetal Heart Beat and antenatal screen Week12: Nuchal Translucensy Scan (Down syndrom) Week20: Morphology Scan Week25: GCT, CBC tests Week30: Doppler Scan and then as per your pregnancy. By now with all above (excluding Doppler) I ended up paying AED5445 including consultation charges/routine tests (I visited private clinics in Healthcare City and on Al-Wasl Road). I think, it's not too bad comparing with antenatal hospital packages, which normally do not include big scans (like Down Syndrome and Doppler etc.) in their packages; so, you would have to pay lots of extra. My obgyn from private clinic is arranging delivery in City Hospital. Charges: Normal delivery: AED 14500 (Hospital charges, Doctor charges, Baby package) Cesarean: AED 27000 (Hospital charges, Doctor charges, Baby package) So, without insurance, it's expected to be spent around AED 23000 for normal pregnancy. Please, don't take my post as paradigm and contact hospitasl and clinics to COMPARE their rates. I've done a lot of research and came up to understanding, that the best place to deliver is City Hospital and the best clinic to be observed is private ( like ''Femiclinic'' in Healthcare City is great, ''Cooper'' on Al-Wasl, ''Healthbay'' in Umm-Suqeim etc). Also, make sure, if you go to a private clinic, that your obgyn is authorize to deliver in City Hospital (or at hospital you plan to give birth). Good Luck to you and your little one! edited by longinjumeirah on 13/05/2014 hi ! i know this thread is very old , but i needed to know ..... @longinjumeirah , did you finally deliver at city hospital and what were the charges ? i seem to be getting different info from different people .... i called City hospital and asked for their charges , they told me its around 13K ... but some friends have told me it normally goes upto 35k + for normal delivery !! how much did you end up paying ? I paid approx Dhs 15K for each of my deliveries at City Hospital. However, my doctor was not at City, so I paid an additional Dhs 5K to her for the actual delivery (so total was 20K). I had normal deliveries but with epidurals (which are approx 3K extra). Your friends who paid Dhs 35K may have had a full package (i.e. prenatal screenings, etc. plus the delivery itself). Or they may have had other extras (epidural, forceps, etc.). Also, the VIP rooms on the top floor cost a lot more than the normal rooms, so that could add to the cost. Finally, there are additional costs for the baby too if you want circumcision, the hearing test, etc. The best thing to do is to go to City Hospital and speak with them. Ask for a full list of their prices (which they are obliged to provide by law) and also what is included and what is charged as extra/separately. All the best with your delivery! :)
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Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 16:56
*Update* Belated thanks for the tip, sheikhandbake. I went to Modell's the following day after your post and (just my luck!!!) they no longer stock Shock Absorber bras as of a few weeks ago :( I also phoned TKD and they too don't sell this brand anymore. They have a brand called Panache, which is similar to Shock Absorber. I will go and check it out.
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Latest post on 20 February 2016 - 15:22
I just checked on Google Earth street view and the shop is in Sky Tower on SZR. There is a Life Pharmacy in the building next to it. You need to go into the Kodak shop. The florist is actually in there!
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Latest post on 20 February 2016 - 15:15
I found some reasonably priced ones in a flower shop on Sheikh Zayed Road next to the Emirates Grand Hotel, which is before the Dusit, if you're heading in the direction of Abu Dhabi. The flower shop is in the same place as a Kodak photo store, so you will spot it easily if you look for the yellow Kodak sign. They sell flowers and a range of terrariums. I think I also saw some at Global Village, but I couldn't tell you in which pavilion (it's all a blur after trekking through most of them!).
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Latest post on 17 February 2016 - 20:42
We've had this problem recently too and got Must Have Maintenance to come out and flush all of the drain pipes. It seems to have done the trick for now. The pipes are narrow (courtesy of the wonderful construction companies here that try to cut corners with el cheapo materials at every turn! Exhibit A: the Address hotel), and often there's construction debris and other weird stuff like rags in the pipes too!
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Latest post on 16 February 2016 - 15:39
Sorry to hear about your LO's troubles, tcb. I'm not sure if there are many (or any?) paediatric gastroenterologists around in the UAE, but I can recommend Dr Ursula Rolef and Dr Michael Klein (wife and husband) at HealthBay polyclinic. Both are excellent gastroenterologists and have also treated infants. Maybe they can help you get to the bottom of your DD's constipation. If she has been constipated from day one, there could be underlying causes that need to be diagnosed and treated (e.g. allergies or even thyroid issues). All the best and hope your DD gets through this!
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Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 16:39
innon, there's no need to "spit the dummy" and leave! :) You have to agree that you didn't give us the full story from the start. The way you wrote your post made it sound as though you only had a three month contract to begin with so posters responded based on this. You should have explained the situation in full. You signed a three month contract with the landlord which was being extended until now. Was it extended officially (i.e. did you sign a new three month contract every time or was it just word of mouth, with nothing in writing)? Do you have anything in writing from the landlord about making this a long term lease? You seem to have an Ejari certificate which can only be issued for 12 months because anything shorter falls under the short term lease category, which is under the Department of Tourism (DTCM). Unless your landlord is licensed by DTCM, he can only rent out his property on an annual basis. So you now find yourself in legal limbo because you have entered into a three month agreement with a landlord who may not be licensed to lease his property short term, and he has now asked you to leave after accepting rent payments from you for 9 months. This seems complex to me from a number of perspectives (legal, regulatory, moral) so I would advise you to either consult the Rent Committee or a lawyer to find out where you stand. Good luck!
rawla
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Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 11:23
I second the Fetal Medical Centre in Healthcare City suggested by HorizonMum2. They are without a doubt THE experts in ultrasounds in Dubai, and have the latest technology available. Otherwise, if you're looking for a ob/gyn I can recommend Dr Janeta Atanassova at the Infinity Clinic. One of her specialties is obstetric ultrasound and from personal experience I can tell you that she has never used stirrups for an internal ultrasound. Maybe I have been lucky, but after several pregnancies and my regular annual check ups, I have never had even the slightest pain or discomfort during the examinations she performed. HTH and good luck with your pregnancy, wish you all the best :)
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Latest post on 10 February 2016 - 21:22
The Yummy Mummy package at Sensasia is great. I was given that as a gift while pregnant and it included one massage per month for three months, plus a bag of spa goodies for pregnancy and afterwards. It was one of the best gifts I ever got :)
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Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 18:03
You could try Dr. Houriya Kazim at the Well Woman Clinic as an alternative, although she may be just as busy.
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Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 14:46
Agree with GE. At.mosphere is lovely for a special occasion lunch (you don't really get the full impact of the views at night) and the food is very nice. If you're thinking anniversary or milestone birthday, it's a great option! I did a Nobu brunch many years ago and, although I liked the food, I didn't enjoy the atmosphere it all. It was very crowded and noisy. Perhaps its much more pleasant outside "brunch hours". As for Zuma, I must be one of the few people in Dubai who hasn't been to Zuma although I have only heard great things about it. I think food-wise, you can't go wrong with any of the above. So it all depends on what type of occasion it is and what you would like "crowd wise". Enjoy!
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Latest post on 08 February 2016 - 19:13
I had a friend (in another country) with this problem and the only solution was to get it in through the balcony using one of those small cranes, on the back of a truck. She was only on the second floor, though. Is that an option for you? It would be a shame to dismantle it if you can get it in in one piece.
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Latest post on 08 February 2016 - 14:47
I have copied the info regarding sponsoring housemaids from the DNRD website below. This will give you an idea of what is required. As far as I'm aware, you can pay a fee to have the visa transferred from visitor to resident without having to exit the country. I don't think there are restrictions by nationality or profession, but I could be wrong! You will need to get a copy of the standard "maid contract" that is issued by the Ministry of Labour and fill in the agreed details (salary, leave, etc.) and have that signed by both parties. The contract is in English and Arabic. The maid will also have to do a medical test in one of the gov't approved centres (Karama seems to be very popular). Suzimack, I think you will have to do the medical in Dubai if your maid will be on a Dubai visa, because that's done by the Dubai Health Authority, which is separate to the federal health ministry. Once you have all of the paperwork, you can go and submit the application at a DNRD branch, so you don't need an agent. After the visa is issued and stamped, you will receive the Emirates ID (there is a separate fee for this). Suzimack, as for health insurance, the policy you take should give your maid cover within all of the UAE. There are many insurers which offer individual health insurance (some for maids specifically) and you can ask to see the network list beforehand. That will give you an idea of which clinics and hospitals your maid can use. As for the maid being Ethopian, I'm not sure if there are any issues. Since she is already in the country legally, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to employ her. My understanding is that they get stopped by their own government when trying to exit the country if there are restrictions (I know this happens in the Philippines). I don't think the UAE has imposed any restrictions by nationality? Finally, I would call the DNRD to confirm exactly what is needed beforehand. Good luck! ******************************************** Issuing Labour Residence Visa- to Housemaids or Equivalent- sponsored by a Non-Local Description of Procedures This involves a description of procedures of Issuing Labor residence visa to Housemaids or Equivalent sponsored by a resident ​ Applicant Sponsor, Agent Documents Required 1- Application Form of Issuing Labor residence visa prepaid through E-form includes 2 photographs of the sponsored + (signature of sponsor). 2- Original Entry permit of sponsored. 3- Original passport of sponsored. 4- Original medical test or online, valid. 5- Copy of sponsor passport. 6- Employment contract of housemaids or equivalent signed by sponsor and sponsored. 7- Sponsor is a private sector employee: copy of sponsor employment contract, salary should not be less than (6000) AED or (5000) AED + accommodation, with profession condition. 8- Sponsor is a public sector employee: salary certificate or To Whom it may concern Certificate to prove salary, salary should not be less than (6000) AED or (5000) AED + accommodation. 9- Sponsor is a partner: Copy of partners’ contract to assure the partner’s share not less than 70 thousand Dirham's. 10- Sponsor is an Investor in a professional License: Original and copy of Financial security receipt. Fees Required 1-(5080) AED Issuing Labor residence visa fees payable through (E-form) shall be paid at the typing offices, broken down as follow: (4800) AED Federal fees.. (100) AED Residence visa fees for one year (100) AED issuing user card fees.. (50) AED service charges. (10)AED Datel service fees.. (10) AED knowledge Dirham. (10) AED typing and attesting employment contract of housemaids or equivalent (130) AED urgent fees (optional), paid at Bank employee. (100) AED local fees. (20) AED Bank charges. (10) AED knowledge Dirham. (20) AED Zajil delivery service for ordinary applications.
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Latest post on 07 February 2016 - 14:00
Thanks for the advice about Fitbit, ladies. Comp99, that's exactly what I'm worried about... I have a cupboard full of these types of things, from the Wii Fit and workout DVDs onwards! I'd rather not add anymore to that collection. I go for brisk walks on most days and do a bit of running to keep things interesting. I don't really need anything too flash so I'm wondering if a good old fashioned pedometer will do the trick, instead. I only considered the Fitbit after seeing a 69% off promo on Jado Pado. Mommypie2015, I'm afraid I can't be parted from my usual watch which I have worn for almost 15 years now. It's got lots of sentimental value attached, and buying an Apple Watch just for my walks seems a bit extravagant. If you use it all the time, like you do, if definitely sounds like a worthwhile investment, though.
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Latest post on 06 February 2016 - 22:27
Thank you all. Very useful! Izzy and comp99, I totally agree. I used shock absorber before I had kids and now it no longer fits so I went looking for the same brand again. I had previously bought it in Go Sport but they no longer stock it. I searched online but couldn't find any info about current stockists in Dubai. Thanks for letting me know they're available at TKD. Sunwater, thanks for the tip re radiation risks. It hadn't even crossed my mind! I'm still debating whether its even worth getting the Fitbit for what I want to do with it.
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Latest post on 05 February 2016 - 08:24
I think you need to verify that her husband is actually her husband, first! You say that her husband wants to be with her on HIS days off. What does that mean? That he will stay in her room all day, while she's working? Where does he normally live? I think you need to get a better understanding of what she would actually like to happen and their living situation. If she wanted her husband to be with her on HER day off, that would make perfect sense and I can't see anything wrong with that. I think your approach in "laying the ground rules/boundaries" from the outset is good. It is important that both the employee and employer understand each others' expectations, so be as clear as you can about these and within reason, of course. All the best!
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Latest post on 03 February 2016 - 15:20
Sorry I can't be of help with Dr Elsa specifically as I haven't been with her, but my experience is similar to yours. My Ob/Gyn also has a private clinic in Healthcare City and I delivered my kids with her at City Hospital. She never once discussed paying her fees prior to the delivery. I used to pay her a week after the births, when I went in for the follow up check up. How would Dr Elsa even know what to charge you now? There are different fees for different types of births. Plus what if you don't even make it to City Hospital in time and end up having your baby elsewhere where she can't attend or isn't able to make it in time for the birth? I certainly wouldn't be comfortable paying upfront with so many "ifs and buts". It's a well known fact that small, private clinics rely on cash payments and have limited insurance participation, so I'm not surprised that you are being asked to pay upfront. Even City Hospital will only ask you to pay a deposit once you arrive for the delivery. As for the paperwork, mine was sent through to City a couple of weeks in advance but I was still given an envelope with copies of all my test results to take with me when I went in for the delivery. One of the things my Ob/Gyn cautioned me about was a blood test that City will insist you have when you arrive, but it is also done by the Ob/Gyn in advance so there is no need for the second one. You will need to have this test ready to give them when you get to the hospital for the delivery so they don't waste time getting another one done and waiting for the results (which can take up to an hour). Ask Dr Elsa about this. I'm sure she will be familiar with the scenario. It's also a good idea to have copies of all your test results and ultrasounds with you just in case you don't end up at City, as I mentioned above! All the best with your delivery! :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 February 2016 - 16:19
I have a friend who dresses her two boys in the same clothes, and they are 6 years apart in age. I cringe every time I see it. OP, its not for me, but for some other people they might like to dress the same as their children. Just out of curiosity, why no vote for dressing two boys in same clothes? Is it a fashion faux pas? Yes for me it is. Especially considering the age difference. Buying a noddy t-shirt and shorts for your 3 year old might be cute, but the 9 year old looks ridiculous! Not to mention that the 9 year old HATES wearing the same clothes as his 3 year old brother. Has mentioned to me (and to his mom) a number of times. They are different people with different personalities and that would normally show in their clothing choices. I totally get why the 9 year old hates it! I would too if I were him. BUT, speaking as a Mum, a part of me also appreciates that you can save a lot of time and money by just buying two of everything (especially with BOGOF offers here!). If that's the reason your friend does it, I really can't hold it against her. Anything that makes it easier to clothe, feed, bathe, etc. kids is a bonus in my book ;) As for matching mum and child clothes, it doesn't appeal to me, but I can see how it might work with babies if it isn't completely "matchy matchy" (e.g. baby has a onesie and Mum has a similarly designed/complementary t-shirt or something). It could be a cute gift for newborns. Toddlers onwards, not so sure... If this is a business idea, Alenka66, wish you all the best! :)
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 09:24
It is quite strange, McB. I agree. You would definitely want to have your passport with you at all times in a foreign country. I'd keep a copy of it before sending it off. With my embassy, you apply for the new passport and they send it to the embassy. When you go to collect the new one, you have to bring the old one for the embassy staff to cancel. They just basically cut off the barcode with a pair of scissors. Granted there are about 20,000 of us in the UAE, vs 100,000 Brits, but surely it's a far safer option for everyone if the old passport just got cancelled locally. Imagine it was lost in transit and you still had your residence visa stamped in it. You would need to jump through all sorts of hoops to get the visa replaced.
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 09:17
I bet there'll be another SMS soon to say that "we are committed to providing you with our best service so we have doubled your internet speed for free. In line with that we have recently revised our talk, surf and watch packages to better reflect the new range of products that you can now enjoy. The new prices for our packages are as follows ... and will take effect from March 1" ;) Or something to that effect... Du du du du du du du du! PS No, I don't work for Du. I've just been a cynical du customer for the last 12 years, starting with the good old Sahm that some of you may remember. Every time something changes, there's a new cost involved.
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 16:12
I don't have any personal experience, but I have friends whose kids have attended short courses there and they've been happy. I didn't hear any complaints.
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 14:51
Have you looked at SAE in Knowledge Village? http://dubai.sae.edu/ They have both DJ and animation courses.
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 14:48
I came across the Kobonaty book today, which sells for Dhs 249. Much cheaper than the Dhs 495 that the Entertainer charges, but how does it compare in terms of vouchers? Anyone have it? Would appreciate feedback. TIA
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 January 2016 - 12:13
"Statement of fact pierced ears on tiny children are less acceptable to white middle class parents in UK - whether that is right or wrong is neither here nor there. It is how it is." Citation, please? Can you point us to the scientific research that has made the above sweeping statement a "fact"? "Delighted to hear there is no class structure or different cultural behaviours in Dubai. Delighted beyond belief that everyone is truly equal - it's something that had troubled me and slowed our decision making." Yet another completely uncalled for statement. What does Dubai have anything to do with it? You are the one using class distinctions as bait to get people going. But we at EW are smarter than that. Nice try, Tessa! :)
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2016 - 22:09
Actually, little ones do not 'forget' pain and little ones do not have a reduced neurological system that makes them feel pain less. That view was dismissed in the early 70'2. I still remember when it was acceptable not to give neonates post operative analgesia but things have moved on the research 9whichis quite extensive) demonstrates that early experience of pain might not be remembered at a cognitive level but has a huge impact on how pain is perceived later in life. Pain is not a purely physical thing and the effects are exacerbated if the pain is imposed by someone trusted such as a parent. That said Emla should sort out earring pain - a generous smearing, covered with a non-absorbent dressing (or clingfilm) and left for at least 30 minutes should ensure that piercing is relatively pain free. Why an intelligent parent would want to risk a child suffering the pain of an infection (albeit minor) or an earring caught on clothing pulling and tearing the skin is still something I don't understand. The aesthetics of a tiny child with earrings is entirely for the parents but in UK they do tend to be associated with lower social economic groups or people from other cultures where it is the norm and are frowned upon by the white middle classes. Maybe the UAE having doctors doing the deed changes that perception a bit - in UK it is often poorly trained 'beauticians' and shop assistants - or sometimes a friend at school with a sewing needle. Dear "Dr Tessa", The studies you are referring to are about infant exposure to long term, severe or repetitive pain. Since you seem to be so well informed about all things related to pre and neonatal medicine, you would know that there is something called a "pain continuum" and a small prick, such as the one newborns feel when they get their heel prick test done, for example (and which according to you would have a "huge impact ... later in life"!), is hardly comparable to repeated or chronic pain. I think it's important to keep things in perspective, wouldn't you agree? Thank you for your advice on how to use Emla cream. My previous posts must have highlighted my ignorance on its application and uses ;) As usual, your posts are shining examples of enlightenment, knowledge and open mindedness designed to stimulate the return visit rate on EW. Well done on re-appearing on the site every time things slow down to keep things interesting. Keep up the good work! ETA: Yours sincerely, An intelligent, middle class parent
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2016 - 14:15
Thanks, sarahlou123 :) Hi newmommytobe! Congrats on your pregnancy! You're almost there :) Like sarahlou123 said, we did this and went with Smart Cells in Health Care City for all our kids. It is very pricey, I agree. I think it was in the range of Dhs 12-13,000 per child and they also gave us a small "sibling" discount. The reason we chose them was because, at the time, they were the only company that had successfully retrieved the cells for use in medical treatment. That gave us peace of mind that the cells were being stored correctly and that we could access them, if we ever needed to (hopefully not!!). There are probably other companies now that have also done this so you'll probably have a range of options. Check carefully how long they will store (some are only 10 years) and think about whether you want to store the cord or tissue or both (we went with both). Most of the companies that operate in Dubai are happy to sit down with you and have a lengthy discussion so that you can make an informed decision about what's best for you. All the best to you!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2016 - 12:21
You said it FD: "Everyone's ears are different"! Some parents pierce ears, others circumcise. Some eat their placentas and others don't vaccinate. Some swear by dummies and others won't go near a disposable diaper. Some use CIO and others co-sleep with their babies. Some have a drink during their pregnancy and others won't eat nuts. Or any combination of the above. Who are we to judge? Unless there is strong medical evidence that shows something will definitely result in harm or pain to a child, everyone is entitled to make their own choices about their kids. "Everyone's ears are different" :)
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2016 - 09:38
Emla cream is OTC here and has all sorts of uses. It seems to be particularly popular for bikini waxing! Some pediatricians apply it before giving injections/vaccines. It's also used by people having laser hair removal. Most people I know have a tube of Emla cream at home.
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 22:17
Oh dear it's the old baby with pierced ears looks like a gypsy rant again. She asked where it can be done not how strongly you felt about it and had to let her know in a long and completely unnecessary lecture that wasn't meant to change her mind as much as it was to shame and judge and get all high horsey. We'll get off it. I find it ironic that some mums blame cultural reasons for this or that but have no qualms about their culture allowing a tiny baby to cry itself to sleep night after night all by itself in a room alone. Any fool can tell which is more traumatic. Compared to that a one second jab goes past at lightning speed. They also allow those little children to do many many other things that I won't go into here that I find personally abhorrent. But guess what at the end of the day it's all conjecture - everyone gets to keep their own baby and raise it however they like ! And isn't that amazing. So good evening to all. OP please get yours child's earring done by a valid licensed practitioner. The judgement on here comes for free :) Hear, hear!
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 19:08
That's all good - we're all entitled to our opinion about whether something looks good or not. The point is that having a baby's ears pierced in this day and age is not a barbaric, painful experience, so we don't need to judge people for it. As for the holes closing, mine almost closed over twice because I didn't wear earrings for a couple of months. It was impossible to put earrings in without sheer force and excruciating pain and I had to see a doctor to have them ""re-opened". I guess we all have different ears too ;)
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 15:23
I miss her posts too!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 15:20
Tessa, I think you'll find it can be a cultural thing- personally, being British I find babies or young children with pierced ears totally bleurghhh and would no way inflict such pain on my own children, not to mention the general faff they are too young to understand (keeping the wounds clean, remembering to turn the earrings, not getting them caught and tearing the lobe etc..) but here you will see other nationalities who find it quite normal...Ironic that mums complain about their precious babies having to endure horrible sharp needles for vaccinations lol but each to their own !! DT, while I agree with you that it is very much a cultural thing, I find your post a bit judgmental. The actual ear piercing is pain free if you use Emla cream. My DD didn't even wince! She happily looked around and played with us while the doctor did the procedure, which really took about half a minute. We kept the wound clean for her (she's only a year old) and it just takes seconds to swipe around the earring with an alcohol swab. I don't know why you would need to turn the earrings? :confused: You have to keep them in for a month and then you can change them. As for getting caught, it's probably more of a concern with hoops rather than the stud earrings which are commonly used. BTW, there is a recent law in Dubai which only allows doctors to do ear piercings. Nurses are not allowed to do it, and definitely not jewellery shops. I had mine done by a licensed jeweller when I was a teenager and it was horrible and painful at that age. I wished my parents had done it for me when I was a baby. If my DD doesn't want to wear earrings in the future, she can simply choose not to and the holes will close on their own.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 15:06
Being an unfit, gym-averse, 50-something female with quite a few kilo's to loose myself, I would never ever go to group exercise classes. Because they indeed are scary and filled with slim women who look at you funny. Sorry, been there, done that. Pole Angels surely doesn't cater to our needs. The name alone.... As Twohoots suggest I'm starting with light exercise at home, but a good personal trainer would surely help! Following this thread to see if some good suggestions (out of experience, not commercial gain) come up. Good luck to you Amy, I'm with you! Oopsiedaisy, I hear ya! :) The one class that I love is BodyPump, which seems to cater to all shapes and sizes. You can choose your weights and you work out every muscle group for 5 minutes. I stick to low weights and focus on my technique. The class is over before you know it! I tend to go once a week mid-morning because all of the "gym bunnies" have gone by then. I then walk or do short runs for cardio and that works most of the time to keep me feeling fit. I try not to obsess over the scales too much and focus more on my energy levels. The thing that motivates me the most, though, is the feeling after you've exercised. I forget just how good that feels until I get off my a** and do something. Good luck! I'm sure you'll get there soon :)
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 14:58
What would help with some drivers, although not all, is average speed cameras same as they have in the UK in places. This may then stop certain drivers going over the 20kph "buffer" and then slamming on their brakes as soon as they see a speed camera. Also a great number of them need to learn lane discipline. I must admit I take great pleasure in driving past people who I have seen lane hopping to try and end up in the fastest moving lane and then getting stuck ;) It happens most mornings on SZR. Drivers in the fast lane are going slower than ones in the slower lanes What is it here with drivers desperate to get into the fast lane when other lanes are clear and my pet hate is the drivers who sit in the second to fast lane and won't budge. No wonder people undertake as they cannot get into the fast lane to overtake! They need to be fined too!!! True 'cause most people seem to have just one idea and that's to get across all lanes to the fast lane as soon as they enter the road. Dangerous in itself!! I'm more than happy to stay in the 3rd or 4th lane out and sail past all the rest :biggrin: Shhh, GE ;) Don't let our little secret out that the 3rd and 4th lanes on SZR are actually the "fastest" :cool:
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 13:55
That's the international standard. They're only doing what everyone else does. As FD rightly points out, the grace/buffer/leeway or whatever you want to call it is in place for a reason and exists all over the world. It is legal and the police do not hide it. In fact, publicising it makes much more sense. The quality of the newer roads here is outstanding and the limits and buffers are put in place accordingly. Bigger, wider roads have bigger buffers and smaller, narrower roads have smaller buffers. The people who cause speeding accidents are either driving way over the limit or way under the limit, actually! Plus, how often do you get a chance to even drive close to the speed limit with the traffic jams we face on a daily basis, thanks to all the lovely drivers who feel the need to change lanes every five seconds because the other one seems faster :angry: Urgh the lane changers do my head in and they NEVER get any further either. It's very frustrating to me that in the UAE you have massive 6 lane highways, but so many traffic issues on them, because people don't drive properly. Yet in somewhere like Germany, where you have a two lane autobahn, with NO speed limit and everything moves and is great with no issues, purely because people are disciplined, courteous and stick to the road rules. I couldn't agree more. The autobahn is a great example! When the RTA started the Canal project, they put in place a "detour" which was exactly the same as the original road - i.e. the number of lanes stayed the same (so there was no merging) and the speed limit was also unchanged (100). This was very clever on RTA's part and widely advertised in all of the newspapers! Despite this, for months we suffered through horrendous traffic jams northbound that would suddenly disappear once you got past the Safa Park interchange. Clearly, people were hitting the brakes as they approached the "detour" (for God knows what reason) and causing tailbacks. I honestly don't think most people have a clue how much damage they cause by suddenly slowing down on a highway. The impact can be felt for kilometres behind and anyone who has used or seen traffic simulation software will understand this. Now that the Canal bridge has opened, the traffic jams have "mysteriously" disappeared and its smooth all the way to the Trade Centre in the mornings. It just goes to show how much people's fears have to do with the way we drive and how much this has an impact on traffic. The same applies to curiosity and the rubberneckers for which there is still no fine, but there should be!
rawla
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 10:09
That's the international standard. They're only doing what everyone else does. As FD rightly points out, the grace/buffer/leeway or whatever you want to call it is in place for a reason and exists all over the world. It is legal and the police do not hide it. In fact, publicising it makes much more sense. The quality of the newer roads here is outstanding and the limits and buffers are put in place accordingly. Bigger, wider roads have bigger buffers and smaller, narrower roads have smaller buffers. The people who cause speeding accidents are either driving way over the limit or way under the limit, actually! Plus, how often do you get a chance to even drive close to the speed limit with the traffic jams we face on a daily basis, thanks to all the lovely drivers who feel the need to change lanes every five seconds because the other one seems faster :angry:
 
 
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