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rawla

rawla
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Latest post on 07 September 2015 - 21:35
How old is your LO? In my DS nursery we can also pack things like yoghurt and the classroom assistants will feed the kids if they don't know how to use a spoon. In addition to LaDiDa00's options, I also send sliced apples, pears, peaches, apricots, carrots, grapes, which they can just pick up and eat. Occasionally a banana which the assistant will help with. You can also buy 'good' cookies (e.g. Annabel Karmel, Organix, etc.), oat bars, carrot and corn 'chips', etc. All the best to your DS with his new adventure :)
rawla
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Latest post on 07 September 2015 - 14:18
Oops! Looks like Admin edited your comment so mine makes no sense now!
rawla
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Latest post on 07 September 2015 - 14:09
Smartee, my complaint was related to a major healthcare provider, but it was about a management (rather than a medical/doctor) issue, so DHA wouldn't look into it, unfortunately. They should really be regulating all aspects of healthcare, just like KHDA regulates all aspects of education.
rawla
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Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 22:13
Sadly, Cowboy, the Dubai Health Authority will only accept complaints related to medical negligence! I was shocked to find out that they don't have a procedure for other types of complaints (e.g. healthcare facilities, management-related problems, etc.). A few months ago, I went to meet with them and had prepared the documents that they required for a complaint as per their website. The nice lady I met told me that unfortunately she could only accept my complaint if it was related to negligence by a doctor or clinic. In my case it wasn't, but it was still a serious issue :( Smartee, I'm afraid Consumer Rights may be your only option. I would contact them and ask for advice.
rawla
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Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 22:05
This is a seriously good business opportunity! With so many tourists visiting Dubai, there has to be money in running a coin-operated laundry :)
rawla
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Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 14:15
You can get a short term work visa through the Ministry of Labour (not DNRD). It is called a mission visa and it is issued for 90 days, then renewable for another 90 days max. It can also be converted to a full residence visa.
rawla
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Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 12:35
Just last week, I travelled through Calais watching the migrants on the side of the refugee area) where there are shelters and one man peed up against the side of the car and banged on the window shouting 'you English, take me and my family we want benefits'. Do I need say anymore? He fits in perfectly with the dumb blonde, the Italian Lothario, the loud American, ... Yet another stereotype by which people judge whole countries and cultures.
rawla
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 22:46
Sorry to hear about your son's headaches. Hope they go away soon! You seem to have tried traditional medicine (neurologists & pediatricians) without any conclusive answers. If you are open to alternative therapies, you can look into cranial osteopathy. It is offered at the Osteopathic Health Centre ([url=osteopathydubai.com/treatments/cranial-osteopathy/'>link[/url'>) in Dubai. It may help relieve some of the headaches, but I'm not sure whether it will provide you with any answers. Good luck and all the best to your DS!
rawla
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 21:49
Try Dr Janeta at Infinity Clinic. Apparently, they have these new machines that can sort out pelvic issues post delivery in a very short time!
rawla
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 21:42
Hi LettyP and welcome to the forum :) You can definitely do short term rentals and probably negotiate a good rate for 6 months in advance, rather than paying monthly. There are lots of furnished hotel apartments so the prices will vary depending on the area and size. You can find some decent options in Tecom, but there's also Dubai Marina, JLT, Sh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai, etc. I would go for a company run hotel apartment, rather than renting from an individual landlord, purely for convenience sake. You won't have to stress out about maintenance and repairs, which some individual landlords are really slack about! Can't think of any concerns re kids, unless you are planning to work and need childcare. That can be an issue. As far as medical care and immunizations, that's not a problem. Hopefully your husband's contract includes medical cover as it can be quite expensive. To give you an idea, you would pay almost Dhs 1,000 for the 6 month vaccines for your baby in a private clinic. If you go to the government hospitals, it would be a bit cheaper. So, medical insurance is definitely a must. Grocery budget will vary depending on what you buy and where you shop. Spinneys and Waitrose are really pricey, but Carrefour, Geant, Lulu and the Union Coop are much more reasonable. I would budget at least Dhs 1,000-1,500 a week just on groceries because baby care products like nappies, wipes, formula, etc. are not cheap. You can subtract dining out from that if you plan to eat out or do take aways, which can be really cheap (Dhs 30-50 per person if you opt for 'fast food' or 'street food') or quite expensive if you go to a 5 star hotel (Dhs 300+ per person with drinks). Dubai has three forms of public transport: taxis, buses and the metro. The metro is great but serves limited areas so you can't rely on it alone. Taxis are relatively cheap compared to London and fairly reliable (except during peak hours!). Buses are generally good but slow. With two small kids, prams, bags, etc. you really need a car. Dubai isn't very pram friendly, unfortunately. All the best with your move. You are coming at a great time, just as the weather is starting to turn and we'll soon be able to do more outdoors.
rawla
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Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 13:42
What I don't understand as a Christian. Why aren't they heading to Saudi or Jordan or Qatar for help and a new life? Why aren't these Arab countries taking in refugees? Or sending money to help them. Why do they all want to head to Germany where people drink alcohol, eat pork and mostly Christian ? Just wondering ? For exactly the same reason you are living in a Muslim country, basil.
rawla
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Latest post on 04 September 2015 - 21:34
I did mine at the British Lasik Clinic on Jumeirah Beach Road five years ago and had an excellent experience. I was first tested to check that I was a candidate for the procedure and then scheduled to have the surgery soon afterwards. It took less than 10 minutes, of which I only spent 2 minutes having the procedure done! It was painless! However, once the anasthesia wears off, your eyes start tearing and that wasn't pleasant. It lasted for a few hours. I also had to wear sunglasses (they provide them) to bed that night to make sure I didn't rub my eyes inadvertently in my sleep. I went for a check up the next day, and haven't looked back since. They also give you drops to use for a few days and your vision only gets really clear (sharp) after about a week or so. There are different types of procedures so the cost varies. I went for the top of the range at the time and it was around Dhs 15,000. The main reason I chose it was because it would allow me to have a repeat surgery again, later in life, if needed. All the best! It was a great move for me and I hope it will be for you too.
rawla
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Latest post on 04 September 2015 - 21:20
Alemania wrote: [...'> "Yes, refugees in Lebanon and Jordan have already outnumbered locals, but these refugees speak the same language and most are Muslims, while integrating into European societies takes years, because they have to learn the language and even maybe a profession. [...'> As much as I feel sorry for this little drowned boy, so much am I worried in what kind of country and society my child is going to grow up once we are back home." Alemania, I agree with you that integration takes time. I have been in the UAE for almost 25 years and I still don't speak Arabic, except for the basics. Shame on me! I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar, however, that most refugees/migrants will be speaking the language of their adopted country within 5 years, or less. How many of us, who have been in the UAE for more than 5 years can say the same? It's one of my greatest regrets, not speaking Arabic fluently, but I'll keep trying to learn. As for worrying about the society your child will grow up in at home, I don't understand what you mean? How will your child be disadvantaged? Will the crime rate go up because of a few thousand refugees? Will there be no space for your child in school? What should a UAE national mother say about her country if we follow your logic? Her children are growing up in a country that has been completely changed by the arrival of 'economic migrants' and they will be exposed to all sorts of foreign values such as drinks and po*k being available, uncensored satellite TV, etc. Perhaps that same mother is worried about the country and society her children are growing up in, and your and my comfort and convenience are the reason for this, but nobody is asking us to leave or shutting the door in our face. Quite the opposite!
rawla
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Latest post on 04 September 2015 - 13:39
I have been following this thread with interest but it was only after FairyDust's disrespectful comment ("Seriously cloud cuckoo land some of you") and her citing of World Bank Data that prompted me to add my two cents. That, and the heartbreaking images of little Aylin Kurdi, who was the same age as my DS... I have experienced a similar uproar and hot, divisive debate when I lived in Australia in the heyday of the Howard government. For those of you who aren't familiar with the issue, please go and do some research. It's too complex to explain here. For those of you that are, who could forget the "Children Overboard Affair"? FairyDust, you are bandying about World Bank Data, which is definitely useful to help us understand the situation. However, you are doing so without painting the full picture. If you look at the data properly (for the period 2010-2014), you will see that a country like Jordan has accepted 2.7 million refugees in this period. This is more than the combined total of UK (126,000), France (235,000), Germany (500,000) and Sweden (100,000). In fact, Jordan, with a population of 6 million, has accepted THREE times the number of refugees in comparison to the above Euro nations, which have a total population of about 220 million. Percentage wise, the number of accepted refugees represents 0.5% of the total population in the EU nations, compared to almost 50% in Jordan. Even Lebanon has accepted 450,000 refugees, which is almost the same as Germany. You talk about "certain" countries that have not accepted any refugees. I will make an educated guess about which countries you are referring to but I will add that the a country like the UAE has spent more than Dhs 1.5 BILLION to help Syrian refugees alone. Their other donations and aid work around the world are well known. The EU has given Greece more than 200 BILLION Euros to bail them out. Not even a tiny fraction of this amount will be spent on refugees in the EU. The European Refugee Fund has a budget of 600 million Euros, representing only 0.5% of the total EU budget. The media has a wonderful way of contorting a story, presenting only a snippet, taking things out of context or proportion, and providing a single or simplistic view. By looking at the images that we are bombarded with, you would think that Europe is being "swamped" by refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Africa (just like Australia was in danger of being "swamped by Asians" according to the notorious Pauline Hanson). They talk about a refugee/migrant crisis of "biblical proportions"!! But if you look at the numbers, the percentages are tiny. The claim that "these people" will be free loaders, take "our" jobs, etc. are just ridiculous. They need to gain a legal status before they become even a blip on the welfare system. And contrary to popular belief, most of them do not want to sit on their hands for years and wait for government handouts. They want to work and earn their living, which means paying taxes. I don't understand what the problem is actually - are we afraid of the numbers of people (tiny), or their sponging off the state (unlikely if they are illegal), or their "way of life" (???), or ??? I think that our attitudes towards refugees stem purely from our fear of change, when in reality, any change that they bring in our society is ultimately insignificant. The UAE is a great example of a country where the locals are indeed "swamped" by non-locals. And we have been accepted and welcomed into this cosmos of diversity. If you were blindfolded and "beamed" Star Trek style into Mall of the Emirates or Dubai Mall, then had your blindfold taken off and asked to say which country you were in, would you say you were in an Arab country? That's where the world is heading. The UAE is a model of what countries will look like in the future. Population homogeneity is a thing of the past, and personally, I think that's a great thing. That's my two cents' worth... for what it's worth!
rawla
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Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 09:25
The one with the multiple frother settings is amazing! You can use it to just heat milk, or make a light fluffy or very creamy froth, or prepare cold coffee drinks. And it's so easy to clean. Agree with HorizonMum2 - if you're a coffee lover, Nespresso machines are great and so much cheaper than buying from the big chains.
rawla
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Latest post on 24 August 2015 - 21:59
I have dealt with Safia from Centurion in the past and I was happy with her services. Her mobile is 050 594 1934 or e-mail safia (at) centuriondubai.com I hope she can help you out. Good luck!
rawla
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Latest post on 03 August 2015 - 17:26
I use them to make porridge for breakfast. You boil two cups of water and a pinch of salt (optional) then add one cup of the oats and cook for about 10-15 minutes depending on how you like them (al dente or creamy). You can then top with whatever you like. I usually add berries or chopped fresh fruits (bananas, apricots, peaches), some honey (or agave syrup if you prefer), a tablespoon of ground almonds and some chia seeds. It's a very filling breakfast that keeps you going for ages and the kids love it too, which is a bonus :) The possibilities are endless with oats, though. You can use them in baking (breads, cookies, etc.). There are many recipes out there. I have tried other brands of rolled oats, but they seem to just disintegrate into slop once you cook them. The Bob's Red Mills ones hold their shape and have a really nice texture.
rawla
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Latest post on 03 August 2015 - 16:43
Thanks, ladies! The Organic supermarket in the Greens didn't have any either but I managed to find them in Choithrams. They seem to have all of the other Bob's Red Mill products under the sun in many places, but the old fashioned, whole grain oats were the hardest to find. Some supermarkets have them in the "Organic" section, while others stock them in the breakfast cereals aisle, just to confuse things!
rawla
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 11:54
Some LLs seem to be really horrible about returning deposits back! In the 'old days' you used to give the LL an undated cheque for the deposit and it wasn't cashed in unless there were repairs needed to the property upon vacating. Most of the time you would just get your original cheque back. Nowadays, they take the cash and when it comes time to return it, they stall and stall and stall until you give up. And you have hardly any options apart from keep trying and perhaps threaten with police/court if all else fails. I think LLs should be asked to place the deposit cheques in an escrow account (just like payments for off-plan properties) and the tenant can then collect them upon vacating unless the LL can show that there was damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.
rawla
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Latest post on 02 August 2015 - 08:09
Thanks, Sam7. Haven't looked there yet. Will try today.
rawla
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Latest post on 01 August 2015 - 16:26
Have been looking all over for Bob's Red Mill whole grain regular rolled oats and can't seem to find them anywhere. Most of the supermarkets have the other Red Mill products but not the oats. Anyone seen them? TIA
rawla
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Latest post on 01 August 2015 - 14:13
There are two routes you can take: 1. Do a Bachelor degree in Accounting/Finance which will give you exemptions from professional qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, etc.) exams so after you graduate, you only do the exams you need and you end up with a Bachelor degree AND a professional qualification. This will typically take 4-5 years. OR 2. Sign up and just do a professional qualification and take all the exams required. The ACCA does give you the option of also getting a Bachelor degree from Oxford Brooks University in the UK following on from the ACCA qualification. This degree is recognized, but some employers in the UAE don't accept it because it's not a "proper" Bachelor degree in the sense that you just 'top up' your ACCA qualification by a year of further study to get it. These employers prefer the traditional university degree. The length of study if you choose this route will depend on you, since you sign up to do the exams when you are ready. Whatever your decide, do your research carefully. All of the professional qualifications are recognized worldwide but they are different in focus. The ACCA is usually done by accountants and is accepted in most countries, the CFA is for finance professionals, CIMA is a mix of accounting and business, while ICAEW normally requires you to be sponsored by an 'approved' employer in order to do the exams. All of the professional bodies have offices in Dubai, so go and visit them and speak to them about the requirements as well as career prospects. There are also lots of training institutes that offer preparatory courses for professional exams. You can also visit universities to research courses if you want to go down the BA route. Ask the universities to give you a list of exemptions you would receive if you do their Accounting/Finance course. Good luck!
rawla
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Latest post on 30 July 2015 - 16:53
It's simply sheer laziness on etisalat and du's part! They can't be bothered (or don't have the means) to check whose ID documents are expiring so they just send everyone "blanket" sms with random deadlines. I have spoken to several people in the long queues and none of them had ID's that had expired or were expiring imminently, yet they all had to re-register by July 31. To top it off, they pick a date in the middle of summer when many people are away and unaware and then they put on a third of the staff to handle this "quick" process, which takes at least 5 minutes per person. The service centre I went to had spaces for four staff and only one was there handling a queue of at least 20 people at all times. It took forever! They also "blame" the TRA which has made the ID registration compulsory. The Central Bank also made it compulsory for all bank accounts, but you don't see banks sending everyone an sms at the same time telling them to bring in their IDs for scanning! In fact, you can just send the bank a scanned copy of your ID to a dedicated e-mail address when they remind you it has expired. Why etisalat and du can't do the same is beyond me!
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Latest post on 29 July 2015 - 13:04
I thought so too, cowboy, but the online registration is a complete joke! You enter your details into an online form which you then print and take to an etisalat service centre to present with your original ID!!! So what is the point, exactly? All you do online is type your details instead of filling in the form in person. I did the online registartion and then asked the person at the counter if I still had to queue up or could I just drop off the form with a copy of my ID attached. He said that I had to line up and then present the original ID so they could scan it. It's totally ridiculous! And to top it off, you get told a week beforehand that this needs to be done so if you work, you turn up at MOE or some other mall after work to do this, only to wait in line for almost 2 hours. Seriously, the way some things are done leaves me completely speechless.
rawla
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Latest post on 29 July 2015 - 08:28
Things getting more expensive at a "normal" pace is to be expected because it's simply inflation that every generation faces. A "overnight" 20% increase in rent or a 10% increase in school fees or a 20% increase in petrol prices is not normal inflation, which should hover around the 2-5% range (with 5% considered quite high). The key here is that salaries are not keeping up with these increases. That's the bottom line. Companies are always citing higher costs as an excuse for increasing their prices/fees, but not many of these costs are human resources related because most people (employees) don't have salary increases every year. And then we see reports in the newspapers about millions and billions made in profit, so that tells us where these higher fees are landing!
rawla
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Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 22:57
Fair point, Oopsiedaisy, but we're now being hit from all sides - high rents, high school fees, increasing petrol prices (will soon be on par with Europe if the price of oil goes up), high DEWA bills, high Internet bills, high medical costs and insurance, expensive groceries, etc. For most people, this is not sustainable. To compound the problem, we have no options - no public schools for expats, limited public transport, no real choice when it comes to energy and telecoms providers, limited access to public hospitals, limited range of local products/groceries, etc. I know we don't pay income tax so we aren't entitled to most of the above, but TBH the cost of living has gone up so much that we may as well pay tax and get some of the above in return. People are feeling the pressure from all sides and salaries are simply not keeping up with expenses. Personally, I don't subscribe to the 'people in Dubai live beyond their means/overspend on luxury items' theory. My lifestyle and spending habits haven't changed in many years, but the cost of doing and buying the same things has doubled during that time, while my salary has stayed the same.
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Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 07:55
If the university is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, it will definitely be recognized overseas. You may be concerned about the 'ranking' as it may not necessarily be highly ranked.
rawla
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Latest post on 26 July 2015 - 15:05
Regardless of whether there is a warranty or not, he sold you an item which didn't work to start with - so it was faulty. The manufacturer has an obligation to replace it with one that actually works. You would have thought so, but NO. Crazy isn't it. Agree! The mind boggles!
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Latest post on 26 July 2015 - 15:02
SGH is a relatively new hospital and my recent experience there has been "mixed". Some aspects of care were excellent, while others (including not spotting a major problem on some test results) were definitely not on par! If these are your only two options, I would go with the American Hospital based on their longevity and experience.
rawla
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Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 17:42
Also the ticket (airfare) home and medical insurance.
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Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 17:40
If you're going on the hourly cost alone, then a full time maid works out "cheaper" than a part time one (e.g. monthly salary of Dhs 1,500 - 2,000 for a live-in maid, versus 30 days x 4 hrs/day x Dhs 35 = Dhs 4,200). However, a full time maid comes with other costs that you need to factor in: - agency fees (I heard it costs approx Dhs 17,000 to bring a maid from the Philipines but not sure), - visa and Emirates ID (renewed annually at a cost of approx Dhs 5,000), - medical insurance (you are responsible for all of the maid's medical costs, as per the law), - airfare home, - bonuses, - food, etc. It all boils down to your needs (do you need someone for most of the day) and tolerance levels (i.e. dealing with the "headache" that MAY come with having a full time maid if she doesn't meet your expectations). You can replace and change a part time agency maid easily, you don't have to deal with her immigration paperwork annually, there is no "gap" when she goes on holiday or gets sick, etc. You may be able to negotiate a monthly contract with an agency for a part time maid for a fixed payment each month rather than paying by the hour. It might still be more expensive than having a full time maid, but at least you don't have any of the additional costs.
rawla
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Latest post on 16 July 2015 - 12:03
There used to be a second hand book shop in the pink Jumeirah Plaza mall on the Beach Road. Not sure if it's still there. I also remember seeing a second hand book shop and cafe at Ace in Festival City, but that was a while ago too.
rawla
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Latest post on 16 July 2015 - 12:00
It's probably too far for you, but the best/biggest selection and cheapest prices for these lamps are at Dragon Mart. The ones at the 'touristy' spots like Souk Madinat and Souk Al Bahar are a bit overpriced. You can try a shop that sells lights opposite Mall of the Emirates. If you take the MOE exit on to Umm Suqeim road (assuming you are heading towards Dubai), it's on the left side of that road, while MOE is on your right. It's basically on the corner of SZR and Umm Suqeim road. They have a lots of different kinds of lights and the prices are cheaper than in the Souks. Sorry, I can't recall the name. It's possibly Salhiya Lighting, but not sure.
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Latest post on 15 July 2015 - 22:50
Sounds yummy! Thanks, Ginnee :) You are really kind to indulge our sweet tooth, with a healthy twist too using the banana ;) Will add this to my weekend menu for dessert. Feel free to get up to more mischief in the kitchen and share the recipes with us, please :)
rawla
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Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 18:34
Can't help with your query, but just wanted to wish you good luck :) Sounds like a great opportunity! All the best!
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Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 18:32
The lobby cafes in most hotels are open so you should be able to get afternoon tea. I'm pretty sure you can get it at the Royal Mirage as I was there recently, but didn't have the afternoon tea so not sure if it's any good!
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Latest post on 11 July 2015 - 11:05
Hi rsaleem066, Cheezu had her rhinoplasty four years ago (assuming she went ahead with it) so you're a little bit late to the party! If you wish to advertise on the forum, contact admin and they will provide you with the rates for placing an ad!
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Latest post on 10 July 2015 - 18:04
I don't know much about giving birth at the American Hospital, but I had an excellent experience at City Hospital with both of my deliveries. The level of care is very good, especially for first time mothers. The nurses and midwives check on you constantly and the midwives, in particular, are very good. As for pain management, if you want to have an epidural, let them know early on because there seem to be lots of C-sections so the anesthesiologists are very busy. You also get pain relief in the form of pain killers post delivery, but that is up to your doctor to prescribe. The facilities and equipment are good. The delivery rooms are fully equipped, while the rooms where you stay are a bit outdated in terms of "looks", but they are clean and have all the "comforts" you might need and expect in a hospital. You don't have to take much with you because they provide just about everything, short of clothes (including sanitary pads, disposable underwear, basic toiletries, nappies for the baby, etc.). All of these were included in the cost of the delivery. (I have heard that these are charged by item at American Hospital, but I can't confirm that!) There is a sofa bed in the room so that your DH can stay with you but it didn't look very comfortable to me! The staff are very efficient in terms of responding to your needs and the level of communication is very good. I did not find any problems in that area. Most of them have a good bedside manner and are very helpful despite being constantly busy. The food is OK. Nothing to write home about but no cause for complaints either. You get the daily menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can choose what you would like to eat. I wasn't overly impressed but I wasn't dissatisfied either. The quantity was good and you get coffee/tea in between meals. They also brought me a mini "Congratulations!" cake after DD was born, which was very nice. There is a "room service" menu that you can choose from, as well, and you can bring in your own food too - the only thing I wanted after a marathon labour and delivery with DS was a big juicy burger and DH obliged ;) The baby is with you at all times post delivery (unless there is a need for NICU, but I don't have any experience with that). They do all the tests (heel prick), vaccinations and baths in the room so you are present at all times. Personally, I liked this. You will also get lots of support from the lactation consultants, physio staff, etc. who will visit you and provide help, answer questions, etc. As for a gynae, Dr Elsa Fernandes gets recommended a lot on this forum. I haven't been her patient so I can't comment, but I believe that she used to work at City Hospital and now has her own clinic in Dubai Healthcare City. She probably still delivers at City and will be familiar with the staff and facilities so that's a bonus. According to her online profile ([url=http://www.mediclinic.ae/DoctorDetails.aspx?drid=35'>link[/url'>), she is British trained/experienced. All the best with your pregnancy and delivery! Exciting times :)
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Latest post on 10 July 2015 - 07:45
Hi Frazzled, most 'dry cleaners' do dry cleaning and normal laundry so you can take it to any of them and just ask that the duvet is washed and dried normally. Mine dry cleans DH's suits but washes the bed linen - so nice not to have to battle with large sheets and duvet covers at home! ;)
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Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 14:19
THE Umm Ali recipe courtesy of the lovely Ginnee: [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic185447-umm-ali-recipe.aspx'>link[/url'>
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Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 14:12
... If you don't share another one of your delicious but easy dessert recipes with us this Ramadan! ;) The Umm Ali recipe you generously shared with us in 2013 is still a hit at my place. Any more you wouldn't mind revealing? Thank you :) *mouth watering in anticipation*
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Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 14:04
OMG! SZR and in this weather! So dangerous! They must be lost or something?? Calling the police is a good idea because they'll be able to help them (after giving them a warning about the dangers of walking down a major highway!), but by the time they arrive, it may be too late. Common sense is not so common any more!
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Latest post on 05 July 2015 - 21:33
Have a look at this site: [url=http://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/www.jollychic.com'>link[/url'> before you buy. There are lots of customer reviews and the majority seem to be negative.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 July 2015 - 13:01
IMHO, you've made a wise decision if you're planning to stay in Dubai long term :) To answer your questions: 1. Although I don't live there, to me AR is an excellent area to buy in. (Actually, I think any Emaar development in Dubai is a safe investment.) The community is established, the annual service fees are reasonable, access is much better, etc. Same goes for the Springs. I have also seen the 1 bedroom townhouses in Jumeirah Village Triangle. They're going for about Dhs 1.5 million and they're a decent size (1600 sq feet). Although you only one proper bedroom, the landing area upstairs is a good size and can be a study space with a futon for visitors. Whatever you decide to go for, think about the location first. It's the location that will determine the value of the property. A friend told me a long time ago to always buy the worst property in the best location :) That advice has worked for me! 2. As for the "mythical" good real estate agent... it seems to be a matter of personal experience and opinion. Most properties are listed with several agents, so find one that you are comfortable with. 3. Don't have much advice on mortgage advisors because I usually go with my bank directly. All the best with our house hunting!
rawla
405
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 July 2015 - 23:08
The standard tenancy contract form (which you can bulk buy in stationery shops!) seems to be hard to find online in soft copy! This real estate: [url=http://ezestate.com/ejari-tenancy-contract-form.html'>link[/url'> provides you with an online form that you fill in and it then generates a contract for you which you can save, print or e-mail. You can also make your own contract. It doesn't have to be the "standard" one. There are some templates on the Ejari website: [url=http://www.ejari.ae/PublicPages/DownloadTempaltes.aspx'>link[/url'> that you can download but they seem to be in Excel format, so not sure how that is supposed to work!
rawla
405
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 July 2015 - 08:10
Just found the schedule online on the arabianranches.ae website: [url=http://arabianranches.ae/en/Images/Recycling%20Waste%20Collection%20Schedule_tcm103-34339.pdf'>link[/url'>
rawla
405
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 July 2015 - 08:06
To my knowledge, rubbish collection in AR is scheduled three times per week. You can check with Emaar Community Management and they will give you a copy of the schedule, or contact Imdaad (the contractor) directly on 800 8200.
rawla
405
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 11:38
Agree with Cowboy! If its possible, have the new tiles placed on top the old ones. Removing tiles is a horrible, noisy, dusty process and your neighbours won't be very happy while the work is being done, if you're in an apartment. You probably won't be either because of the constant banging! You can then have your doors cut/sanded so that they are the right height for the new floor. If you're looking for a place to buy ceramic tiles from, I can definitely recommend Ceramic City opposite Deira City Centre. They have a really good collection, the prices are reasonable and they're professional.
rawla
405
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 18:07
I hate the crowds at the Atlantis! Have never found that place relaxing! As for restaurants, it really depends on what they're after and how much they want to spend. Obviously brunch is out of the question until after Ramadan, and there are plenty to choose from. Mina Salam, the Westin and Jumeirah Beach Hotel all have popular Friday brunches. If they're willing to spend a bit, at.mosphere at the Burj Khalifa is unbeatable for the views and the food is pretty good too. Otherwise there are loads of restaurants around the Dubai Fountain. Perhaps you can suggest they do a search on the Time Out website and narrow it down using the search tool, depending on what they want.
rawla
405
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 08:04
DH's favorite cut of meat :) He claims it's the most delicious. I always braise it whole (or in big chunks if it doesn't fit) or roast it in an oven bag with potatoes, parsnips, carrots, etc. It would probably do OK in a stew as well, but haven't tried that. Bon appetit!
 
 
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