sarahlou123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sarahlou123

sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2016 - 10:34
Hi Ladies, I am planning a trip to Sri Lanka for DH 40th with our 3 year old son. Any recommendations as to which area we should stay to get the full experience of elephants/waterfalls/nature as well as being family friendly? I was hoping we wouldn't have to travel far from Columbo where we would fly into but it seems all of the nature parks are a good 3 hours from the capital! Any advise would be much appreciated - TIA My colleague goes to Sri Lanka every few years and he has done the beaches down south Hikkaduwa and Bentota. There is a wildlife park but it is more than 3 hours from Columobo, if you want more nature then the north is better close to Kandy
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 13:03
There is a new site called www.dinodrops.com its similar to the Moonpig concept where you can personalise the cards online and they deliver anywhere in UAE. It's great because you don't need a PO Box so they can deliver to houses / villa's etc. Perfect for my relatives back home also who struggled before to send us birthday or christmas cards Blatant advertising and dragging up threads from 2013 LOL
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 12:23
Thank you! Sarahlou123 can you let me know where I can get one - name / brand ? Hi It is a greenish colour and cost around AED500
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 12:20
Hi all, I am coming to Dubai this week and I have searched and searched now hoping someone might be able to help me here. I know that being from Australia I can enter the UAE with a 30 day on arrival visa. I have also read that I can extend this for an extra 30 days at an extra charge (which I had planned to do). How do I do this extension, when would I do this (straight away or closer to the end of my 1st 30 days) and where do I go? Help appreciated. S. Most people go to either immigration ( Near the Trade Centre roundabout and renew) it costs around AED 500 for a further 30 days or they go to the Oman border. I would go a couple of days before your visa is due to expire
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 12:15
My husband is working in Abu Dhabi, but is company is registered in Dubai. Can someone please clarify what I need to do as have conflicting advice. Do I need to go to a typing centre to get the application done or is it something that my husband/company PA needs to do? I was under the impression that he needed to complete the paperwork and then I went to the relevant centre for the medical, blood tests etc. I have marriage certificate attested etc but I would like clarification of the next step. Thank you Hello The company should have a PRO or someone that does the visas for the employees. most companies apply for labor approval first and once this is confirmed you go for blood tests etc. I have never known the Wife of an employer apply for her Husbands visa
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 16:06
Thank you! Sarahlou123 can you let me know where I can get one - name / brand ? Lakeland :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 16:05
Got mine in Lakeland. Ditto
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 14:13
I just thought you gave your ticket to the guy at the barrier :-) I am never there for close to four hours. I now know so thanks ladies for informing me of this :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 11:19
After lots of people saying it was a hoax by hackers, the sad news turns out to be true. Legendary artist David Bowie has passed away aged 69, after an 18 month battle with cancer. RIP Major Tom. Now go be a Star man. Huge loss and a major talent. RIP
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 09:41
Since living here, not once have we ever validated our parking ticket at MOE, but we constantly live in the fear that one of these days we're going to get stopped at the barrier, not for not paying (I can't think of of a time where we'd ever spend 4+ hours at the mall!), but for having not validated our ticket. When we go to Souk Madinat, we always validate our ticket. Mainly because there's tons of signage everywhere as well as people stood next to the machine pretty much reminding you "Have you validated your ticket?" But MOE doesn't seem bothered :confused: Has anyone here ever got stopped for not validating their ticket? Or should we not lose any more sleep over it and just carry on the way we have been? (JK about the sleep thing.. ) Never validated mine and have never been stuck or stopped at the barrier Carry on as normal. :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 09:39
Hi all, my husband has had interest from a company so wanted to find out some details. Do local construction companies in Dubai give good packages like pay for schooling and accommodation? Would they do that for a senior project manager? How much would one need to live on per month with a pre schooler, toddler and a baby? Is the economy stable ? Let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks so much. Depends on the company, not all give a large education or accommodation packages You would need to negotiate this in. For a Senior PM ( Aged over 40) I would expect to see a salary of at least AED40,000 + per month plus family benefits Is any economy in the world stable at present? There are a lot of buildings going up however a lot of companies here have recently posted massive losses. Dubai is an expensive city to live in however it is doable if you don't live the expensive bling ex pat life
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 09:34
A steam mop is the best thing. I used to use a regular mop but have never looked back since I bought my steam one. The colour of the steam mop head shows how much muck it lifts off versus a regular mop :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 09:33
I live in the Greens, It is well maintained, built by one of the best developers in Dubai, very clean, quiet, lots of trees, birds, pet friendly, close to Mall of Emirates and Ibn Battuta mall, metro station a 15 minute walk away. Pools and gyms are well maintained, good presence of security, 25 minutes during rush hour to DIFC. A one bed goes for 80-90,000 ( The latter being pool facing) my chiller is free so my DEWA bills are no more than AED500 during the Summer. The Views across the street are popular and newer built, expect to pay AED100,000 for a one bed We have supermarkets, tailors, KFC, café, ice cream shop, pharmacy, hairdressers, beauty salon, Wagamamas on our doorstep Lots of people walking dogs, not too high rise or crowed as the Marina can be
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 15:21
The Cure, Green Community, next to Park and Shop Is there a Cure there :-) Good to know GE as I thought there was only one at Media City
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 14:52
Hi, Could anyone advise where I could get a good bikini wax done using lycon wax, preferably near Meadows/Springs please? Thanks Essa at JLT http://essabeauty.com/ Salon Ink Jumeriah Beach Road Pastels Beach road too
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 14:17
Maternity clothes... Did not find any shop online... But maybe I am not looking at the right places... http://ae.nextdirect.com/en/shop/AdditionalSize-Maternity/%40GroupSize.Category-0
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 13:22
Where is the nearest Post Office by the Marina or Opposite near to Jumeirah Islands/Jumeirah Park area. Thank you http://www.dubaifaqs.com/post-offices-dubai.php
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 12:24
Buy sell and swap on FB too
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 12:03
Many thanks for your reply. My salary is in USD, so can I get my salary account transferred from my current home country bank account to a UAE bank account. Once you have opened a UAE bank account your company should be able to arrange this I do not know if you will lose money in the transfer due to the exchange rate or if there will be fees to do this. We here in the UAE are pegged to the US dollar. Your bank should be able to advise this
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 09:50
DR Jaffar Khan specializes in this. My friend has hers done with him a few months ago and he removed 6kg of fat!!! she was supposed to have 4 weeks off work but went back after 3 weeks She said his waiting lists are long. She looks amazing and her scar looks really good too Apparently women come from all over the world to see him
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 09:48
Hello - we are moving to Dubai in March. Family with two young kids. My husband will be working in DIFC. We decided on Arabian Ranches as the place we want to live as we liked the look of it and the community living, but now we are worrying that this is not the right decision. Everyone we come across seems to live in Jumeirah and thinks that AR is very far out. Does anyone live in Arabian ranches and work in DIFC? What is the commute like? We understood about 30 mins. He will probably have to work pretty long hours. Any experience or advice really appreciated! Thank you 20-30 mins, Once you are on Al Khail or MBZ road it is pretty plain sailing Saheel Gate can be heavy to get out of during rush hour My ex colleague lives at AR and we work at DIFC, I never heard her complaining too much about the traffic
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 09:46
Hi I am thinking of renting an apartment in Horizon Tower on the marina. Does anyone have any experience of living in this building or nearby? Thanks I have had friends who lived there a few years ago and they loved it. Close to tram, metro and supermarkets The street below can be busy though and at peak times the traffic is very heavy.
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 09:44
Thanks for the recommendation Sarahlou! AlisonT--I'd be curious to hear about your experience (selection of shows and streaming quality). Choice isn't as good as the US site. No buffering at all, just like watching the TV at home :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 13:05
HI! Im looking into these 4 schools for my son who will be entering in year 10 I need him to be in a very encouraging environment he is not so into his sports but very much excelling in computer programming and design... any feedback , comments , recomedations advice .... anything is welcome! Thank you If you use the search posts bar above and input the school names there are many threads to read up on before the OP start commenting too :-) My friends children go to DESC and they love it
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 12:40
If you get the chance watch "Making a Murderer" New Netflix documentary. I watched the first one last night and am hooked
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 12:15
If you have an Iphone or a Samsung Waze is fab, I find it is much better than Google Maps and has taken me to the door of some very difficult locations
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 12:14
If you have an Iphone or a Samsung Waze is fab, I find it is much better than Google Maps and has taken me to the door of some very difficult locations
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 12:07
Thanks in advance for anyone who can help me. Our landlord wants to sell the property we are renting. Does anyone know our obligations when it comes to agents/prospective buyers viewing the property? Do we have to make the property available for viewing at all times? Can I be present while viewings are happening? If we are out of the country on holiday do we need to make our property available? Thanks. Legally you don't have to let anyone in ever. Even your LL has to give you notice to come and inspect the property If you decide to allow this then the viewers/agents have to work on your timings and yes it is best that you are there. I had viewers going through cupboards in the bedroom etc I went through this for almost a year and at first it was okay but as it came closer to my leaving the property the viewings became eratic, I had the real estate agents calling me up at all hours, turning up late so I stopped it all together. If you are away they you don't have any obligation to let anyone view I would say do it but they have to stick to certain slots on certain days and if they turn up late tough. I used to say between 6pm-7pm on Sun/Mon/Tues and 9am-10am on a Friday My ex LL actually expected me to wait in all day at the weekends and let people in at 11pm at night ( NO CHANCE)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 January 2016 - 16:05
Anyone else experiencing this as well. So difficult to download anything as it can take very long! Should I call them up? I am definitely not getting the speed I am paying for! Grrr! Do this first then call them http://speedtest.etisalat.ae/ then call them when you have the result Du is the same and has been this way for four or so months.
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 January 2016 - 11:38
It's getting too expensive as well, 495 dhs for the book. I might go with the app later on if we are going to Wild Wadi which is 100 dhs less. The dining outlets in the Family book looked quite poor overall. Aquaventure runs special residence rates regularly, so not really bothered about that one. YAS Waterworld often have discounts as well. And I couldn't see any of the popular brunches like Al Muna in it. Al muna have rebranded themselves as Hanaaya .. May be check with the new name. Hanaaya has removed the Friday brunch from the blue book
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 January 2016 - 10:20
It opens at 6.30am, I would go early.
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 January 2016 - 09:15
Part time roles are like gold dust, most tend to be in schools/nurseries or in admin. Have a look on the jobs page on here We rarely if ever get part time roles in and they don't pay the best either Good Luck in your search
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 January 2016 - 09:12
Dr Houriya Kazim gets excellent reviews on here. Google her name, she works at the Well Woman clinic I cannot advise on costs although I believe the treatment is very expensive here Brest friends on FB is a good support group Wishing your Mum all the best
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 January 2016 - 17:05
Avoid any with aspartame/sweeteners in them My friend used Whey Protein when she was pregnant but the one she used isn't available in Dubai There is a shop opposite C4 they sells it and they are really good at giving advice
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 January 2016 - 17:00
Money earned here is not liable for tax in the UK, Remitting the money to the UK has no bearing on whether UK tax is payable on the sum. As the money was earned when you were not UK resident, UK tax will not be payable on it, whether or not you bring it back to the UK. I do believe that you may be liable if you haven't been out of the UK for more than 3 years Your UK bank can advise you on this I offshore most of my savings however do change some AED here to GBP and take it back to bank it as I get a better rate than transferring directly via the bank. I only tend to take 5k at a time though My colleague uses First Rate FX for large amounts
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 January 2016 - 20:10
Maids are not entitled to gratuity and there is no labor law to state they are. i am not sure where she has received this information from as they are under different contracts to the rest of us workers In short she isnt entitled to anything other than what you decide to give her
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 January 2016 - 11:59
Hi all Really hoping for some good feedback from fellow expats! Currently planning our move to dubai . DH moves in Feb and is in serviced apartments for 30 days (job is based in healthcare city) . We are really confused between whether to look at an apartment or a villa. We have two children aged 6 and 2.5. Our older son will be in school and at he moment has a place at gems international al khail. We have also applied to Emirates international school meadows but no places yet! I need to look at more schools but because of the holidays everywhere has been closed. DH also looking for about a max 30-40 min commute to work. From what we have seen the springs villas and apartments in greens /lakes are quite dated. We wanted something which is contemporary with good quality European appliances etc. The older communities whilst more mature with more amenities etc seem to be, as I said quite dated in terms of fixtures and fittings( especially kitchens and bathrooms) Any help is much appreciated !! Thank you! Try the Views, I used to live there before I moved across the street to the Greens ( Price difference) The Views are far more superior and have European appliances and the finishings etc are very good The Panoramic is a new one and their kitchens etc are beautiful, there is also building that has just been finished further down the street however it isn't an Emaar property and I don't know the name
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 January 2016 - 11:59
My colleague always uses Dubizzle to sell his and they usually sell within a week to ten days
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 December 2015 - 01:34
Reform at the Lakes delicious
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 December 2015 - 22:12
One was within 12 months other nearly two years ago They registered themselves
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 December 2015 - 21:28
Microdermabrasion with needling is amazing. For the first few days after the procedure you will be very high coloured. Sorry i cannot recommend anywhere in Dubai as i did it in the UK
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 December 2015 - 21:26
I was at Downtown two years ago. Booked Careem for 1am he couldnt get anywhere near so i had to walk to him. Got to the Greens at 4am!!!! Never again. All major roads were gridlocked
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 December 2015 - 21:24
Nextdirect.ae spend over 150 comes in 4 days River island and New Look aed50 flat fee works out cheaper when UK sales are on. Takes 10 days
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 December 2015 - 21:22
Have 2 friends here that married at the 6 month mark and had no issues registering baby
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2015 - 12:44
Recruitment at this time of year is usually very quiet and picks up after the festive period has ended Most recruiters use Gulf Talent and Linked In
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2015 - 12:42
I have used Careem on NYE before.
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2015 - 09:00
My husband now has now got residency paperwork etc and we are now thinking of applying for residency for myself. Having read previous threads it appears pretty complicated. Do we still need our marriage attested even though our marriage cert was issued nearly 39 years ago? Do you still have to involve the UAE embassy in the UK? Yes and Yes to both questions
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2015 - 08:57
@ sarahlou123 - the OP said her husband was in Oman so I assumed that he was working there with a labour/resident visa. It is possible to have residency visa in both a UAE Emirate and Oman at the same time, or it certainly used to be - we did when we first moved here to Muscat in 2012. I never knew that, you learn something new every day I assumed the OP meant Abu Dhabi only as she said in her first post he had a Abu Dhabi visa but no mention of an Omani one :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2015 - 08:55
@ sarahlou123 - the OP said her husband was in Oman so I assumed that he was working there with a labour/resident visa. It is possible to have residency visa in both a UAE Emirate and Oman at the same time, or it certainly used to be - we did when we first moved here to Muscat in 2012. I never knew that, you learn something new every day :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 December 2015 - 16:24
Hi All, Does anyone have any comments about the X1 tower? My employer has found me a studio apartment there and it looks quite nice. Does anyone know if chiller fees are generally included at this tower? Thanks! Most of JLT is paid chiller I read only one tower isn't and it isn't X1
 
 
UAE Family Law 2026 | Divorce, Custody & Personal Status Guide for Expat Residents

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

Best music schools for kids in Dubai | Aureus Academy UAE

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai | Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Top Online Schools in the UAE for Kids and Teenagers: CambriLearn

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

How to get a divorce in Dubai as an expat resident

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

10 Essential Steps to Secure Your Child’s Educational Future

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Kisari Kids - Awareness Parenting Coach Eva Szorad Interview

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

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

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

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

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

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

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

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

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

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

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

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

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

(Images: Supplied)

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

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

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

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

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

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

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

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

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

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

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

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

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

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

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