sarahlou123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sarahlou123

8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2016 - 15:15
Thank you, I was considering the park idea as well but I'm not really clued up on where all the parks are and also what the weather would be like by 27th October. It should be perfect weather. They usually turn the oven right down in the middle of October
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2016 - 12:18
Hi all, anyone has recommendations for counselors or psychologists in Dubai? Preferably someone with a 'Western' approach. Thanks in advance! Lifeworks on Al Wasl Road. 5 years ago it was AED500 per hour so may have gone up since then
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2016 - 12:16
Hello ladies, does anyone know the perfect place to watch the football game this Thursday (Italy - Spain)? I'm looking for a pub or restaurant where usually Italians watch the games together... Thank you! Lounge Cafe Italiano in Media City used to be a Juventus supporters bar
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2016 - 20:38
There is a girl on FB called Hannah Louise makeup Amazing makeup
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2016 - 20:37
Guidelines say 24 hours however also state until they have healed
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2016 - 20:35
Hello, We didn't receive any " beautification " charge until now and don't even heard about this.:lol: But as the things are crazy here you never now. I' am just curious how this " beautification " fee is...., they receive a separate invoice or it's included in one of their bills? 2k per month it's ridiculous. The housing fee that we are paying it's included in the DEWA bill and it's 3 % of your annual rent divided in 12 month and added to the water and electricity bill ( DEWA) but it's far away from 2k.:lol: Housing fee is 5% not 3% unless you get a discount ??
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2016 - 20:32
Hi all, I''m really in trouble that my company have terminated me without any reason and I''m 6 months pregnant. Is there any labor law to protect me. My older kid is studying and I paid for the year and I can't go back to home country. My company provides Insurance and Now I'm really in a miserable situation as No company will give me a job as I need to go for maternity within months. Can somebody suggest me what should I do? Why were you terminated? Which area of Dubai do you work in? Personally speaking I would go and seek advice from the authorities regarding this Good Luck
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2016 - 08:33
BMW must have a service centre where written off cars are kept. Perhaps give them a call ask what they do with the parts as I imagine I sell them on
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2016 - 08:31
Hi All, Has a public holiday been declared for October 2nd or October 3rd? I understand that it depends on sighting of the moon. Oman has declared October 3rd as a holiday. Thanks. Today was declared last week as a holiday
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2016 - 08:30
Home Centre...waaaay tooo costly. Homes r us...very limited collection;not enought to choose from. Ikea...to simple Pan emirates....the sets are too 'small' or too 'large'. Nothing that fits into a 3 2 1 family setup All suggestions and advice highly appreciated and valued. Anywhere i missed? Mayb u girls know of any place that sells affordable but comfortable and trendy furniture.... MB Have you tried landmark shops online and look through the home centre section. They always have sales online. Failing that many people sell good second hand sets on Dubizzle and facebook buy sell and swap
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2016 - 13:22
Fit Republik and Fitness First are both at the Ranches and do classes
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2016 - 13:21
Hi, A group of us mums would love to go out dancing - perhaps to 80 and 90s music. I have heard of Societie but welcome other suggestions too please. TIA Sadly there aren't many decent places here which play decent music Societe is okay but fills up with drunken letches as the night goes on plus it is really smoky in there Yes I have head the same about societie ...thanks for the confirmation sarahlou123! There must be places where we can go dancing ... to songs we can sing along to would be an added bonus hehehe There used to be lots of great places but they are always post brunch and very messy Many places play the music but don't have dancefloors. Nelsons/Longs/Mcgettigans do music in the evening but as I said they are all very smoky and attract the drinkers post brunch and late on . Decent bars with decent music to dance too are sadly in the minority here .
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2016 - 11:33
Hi, A group of us mums would love to go out dancing - perhaps to 80 and 90s music. I have heard of Societie but welcome other suggestions too please. TIA Sadly there aren't many decent places here which play decent music Societe is okay but fills up with drunken letches as the night goes on plus it is really smoky in there
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2016 - 11:31
Driver like maids have to either be sponsored by an agency or employed by the family and also sponsored. Most of the Dubizzle guys are illegally providing their service therefore not licenced
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2016 - 08:07
Hello, fellow Americans! I really want to take a trip to Iran. Can anyone provide insight into how we can visit/get in? -How do you obtain a visa? (I read you have to contact the Pakistani embassy in Washington, and then the visa is only good for maybe three months). But can anyone give more specifics or give info on how easy this is? -Are there guided tours or tour groups that go? -Advice on what to do or see? -Is it safe for Americans, considering the political tension between the two countries? -Can I go with a female friend, or should I go with a male? OK if me and the male are just friends and not married? -I read you maybe have to enter through Kish island, but I don't understand why or how this works. -Is there any chance of the UAE having issue with me traveling to Iran and not allowing me to reenter? Answers to ANY of these questions would be appreciated! Thank you! Here is some information from the US government website https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/iran-travel-warning.html
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2016 - 08:04
Hi ladies I need to buy ceiling lights for our apartment but can't seem to find anywhere that isn't either ridiculously priced or at the other end of the spectrum. As well as a couple of Independant stores I've also tried The One, Marina, Home Centre etc but no joy. Please if anyone knows a reasonable prices place for modern chandelier type fittings let me know. I don't want to pay over 1400dhs per light and that's tips! Thanks I got mine from Home Centre online and they were very cheap as they always have a sale on http://www.landmarkshops.com/?kClId=160929060201655570&gclid=CKyLotHYs88CFeEV0wodUSwJVA Ikea sometimes have decent ones and they too have a website http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/ Buy sell and sway and FB you may find some second ones the same goes for Dubizzle I looked in Dragonmart earlier in the year and they were too big and blingy for me
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2016 - 08:00
Hi there, I am quite new in Dubai , currently on my husband visa. I have been asked to conduct group fitness classes in different location in UAE as a fitness instructor. In some of the places, they asked me to give them a receipt, which I can't do it, because I don't have a company. I would like to know if there is any possibility to obtain a freelance license, avoiding to pay 35.000 dhs only for a start up Trade License where they will give me 2 or 3 new visas, which I don't need as I already have my UAE residency. Any help, recommendation of a good and reasonable legal advisor will be appreciated. Thank you. You would have to secure a freelance visa and it would be illegal to do this without one or do it on your Husbands visa. You are not licenced or insured to give these classes and if anyone decided to report you or someone was injured during your class you could be heavily fined.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 12:26
Hi - my 14 year old son takes UK size 13 shoes ! Does anyone know where I can buy him football boots in Dubai. Thanks Open a shop and ship account and buy online from the UK More choice online and less expensive than the UK They usually take a week to deliver and may cost you AED70-100 for delivery only
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 12:24
Motion Ladies Fitness behind the Burj Al Arab wouldn't be that far from the Marina....they are great. You can buy a monthly pass for around 1200 AED (their prices may have gone up slightly in September) and attend all the group classes you want or you can buy packs of 5/10 etc. They have personal training, pilates, yoga, barre, TRX and are starting crossfit in October....rarely more than 8 ladies in each class so a lot of personal attention. They do have a social environment as well...a lounge for coffees before/after classes and they do brunches when the weather cools down. That is 14,000AED a year! :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 11:14
i would like to join a gym in dubai (i am marina way) and wanted to know if anyone has any recommendations. i would really like the following; 1. not costing the equivalent to the world debt 2. has classes like zumba/ pilates 3. has personal trainers there that will kick me if i need it (so that will be most days!) 4. potential (although not essential) has a social environment. would love to know if anyone knows of any thing around that would be recommended ? Most of them are expensive Core in the Marina does classes as does Fitness First Cant help with personal trainers though sorry
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 11:11
Hello, I'm still newish to Dubai. A cleaner is due to start in the morning but not sure if she has a labour card, as she hasn't sent me it yet. Is a labour card a legal requirement, for her to work at my place? She is employed by a cleaning co. Thanks in advance . I have never asked for an agency maids labor card. As long as the agency is licenced I think you should be okay
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 11:10
Hi ladies, Would anyone have an idea where I can donate real hair like for cancer patients? Organizations or institutions that are accepting donations? Thank you so much ladies and God bless Hair for Hope did something here a few years ago Google them and you may find something, I think they are on FB also
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 11:07
Hi ladies, Just saw this article in Gulf News today that UAE has 3 months maternity leave? First I'm hearing of it, is this a new law? [url=http://gulfnews.com/guides/life/jobs-careers/compare-maternity-leave-for-employees-in-9-countries-1.1902881'>http://gulfnews.com/guides/life/jobs-careers/compare-maternity-leave-for-employees-in-9-countries-1.1902881[/url'> MOL still states 45 days and I haven't heard of any changes I believe Sharjah get longer and Dads are entitled to Paternity Leave
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 12:48
We are arriving in January and will be looking to hire a driver straightaway as I can't drive and we need to start school runs etc. immediately. This is my biggest worry about moving to Dubai. Could anyone tell me the best way to find a driver - through an agency/word of mouth and roughly what it would cost please? The two school runs a day are the priority at the moment, but if it's impossible to find part-time, then will go for whatever we have to. Thanks. Most people use careem They are the safest drivers and the cars are clean I cannot tell you the cost however if you look on their website you may find costs on there I don't know of any agency drivers sorry
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 12:44
Thanks, will give them a call, was hoping I could get the place in the greens as we could continue their daycare and could walk them easily. Thanks again :) http://www.skairesidency.com/ There is one next door too but I cannot remember the name sorry
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2016 - 20:26
Yes I would negotiate to family medical With regards to a permit you could go on your Husbands visa until you find a role and some companies may allow you work on his visa
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2016 - 14:49
hello! Can anyone recommend a not too expensive mixed spinning classes in Dubai? thanks so much There are so many to chose from and nearly all will be mixed in the gyms When you say not expensive what price do you want to pay? and where do you live as location is important when travelling to classes
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2016 - 14:47
hi ladies, can any one give me an idea for lunch box??? I am out of ideas and I am repeating same food every day specially for breakfast. my daughter is 1 year and a half and she goes to nursery, she have to eat a breakfast, snack and a lunch, waiting for your replies please :):) Google The internet is your friend as there are so many sites dedicated to this
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2016 - 14:30
I'm looking for a pair of white converse, dainty style. Converse in MOE don't have them, can anyone recommend some where else I can try please? Thank you :cool: Asos have them and they deliver here http://www.asos.com/search/converse%20dainty?q=converse%20dainty&CTARef=slsb
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2016 - 13:28
I get mine from the UK now. As Polo said they haven't been stocked here for ages
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 12:13
Hi ladies. The Owner's Association of our tower are looking for a reliable strata management company who can manage our tower efficiently. Can you help me find the best one thru your recommendations and based to your experience? Any help would be highly appreciated. Thank you! I used to deal with this company a few years ago They were one of my clients and were very professional http://www.stratum.ae/contact/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 12:09
Hi, I'm coming over for a holiday and need to find out out if Naproxen tablets are an accepted medication in the UAE - can anyone assist please? Many thanks :cool: Check the banned list http://www.uae-embassy.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines%20for%20carrying%20medecines%20to%20UAE.pdf As they are NSAIDS I don't think there should be any issues and I cannot see it on there
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 08:09
Most recruiters use Gulf Talent and Linked In. The latter is also used by companies. Apart from having the CIPD qualification do you have any HR experience at all? You will be competing with hundreds of candidates with local HR experience. Many of these candidates speak several languages and reside in the region. Sadly HR roles are far and few between and many companies are laying people off. You may have more luck when you are here as most recruiters try and recruit local talent as it is far more cost efficient and practical. The job market isn't the best at present and salaries have decreased over the last year however networking is key as many people find roles through friends and other contacts. Another point to think about is that agencies here aren't like employment agencies at home. They all work for clients and will only contact you if they have a suitable role for you Good Luck
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 September 2016 - 09:29
A friend of mine had two stubborn areas that she couldn't shift. She is a fitness freak and eats healthily Nothing she did would shift the two areas and if she wore any form fitting clothes you could see the areas stick out. She went to Brussels to have them done and it cost half the price of Dubai. The bruising was awful and she had to wear a corset thing for a week or so but the results were amazing All cosmetic surgery is more expensive here than in the UK/US. If you have it done I would go back to the US and do it there
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 September 2016 - 09:26
Hi ladies -- we'd love your help with something! We're creating a list of the best curry houses in Dubai, and would love to hear which ones are your favourites. We appreciate any help you can give :) Brick Lane Brit Balti
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 September 2016 - 09:07
Please don't name them on an open forum, that is what gets them blocked :cool:
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 September 2016 - 09:05
Hi Arriving this week. Need some help /advice please. Any views on which is the best tower in the greens/views? Is there any indoor tennis in Dubai? Are there any friendly not too serious tennis clubs out there? Does anyone know if the Artists corner group still exists ? I have tried to email / Facebook them. Thanks The Greens are older than the Views. The Views are more expensive than the Greens so all will depend on your budget. I feel the taller towers in the Views are far nicer than Tanaro, Turia etc. I live in Al Arta 4 and love it even though it is in the older part of the Greens. The closer to the Greens village you are the noisier it is with traffic. The best greens buildings are on street 1 and 2 ( Nakheel/Sidir) I don't know of any indoor tennis courts although if you Google you may find them
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2016 - 14:31
Hi, I'm slightly overdue a PAP smear but also want to have a well woman check. Theres so many clinic out there to choose from. I live in Arabian Ranches. Has anyone tried the clinic here or has any recommendations for a good doctor else where. thanks Hi Debbie I use DR Liliana at Healthbay Polyclinic on Al Wasl. She is a European DR and very professional/nice with a good sense of humor and puts you at ease ( I know some women hate PAP smears) they also give you a scan where you can see your gynae areas on the screen. Weird I know as the UK doesn't do this but I was very interested and she could see everything was okay Be careful of recommendations from posters with little posts as they are usually trying to advertise their place of work for free
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2016 - 10:08
Hi ladies, My husband and I have moved into Abu Dhabi two days ago and are about to begin the tedious task of the property hunt! We have heard some disastrous tales around property agents not being legit or even entitled to have the property tenanted and I am wondering what agencies/agents you would recommend to work with? And if there is any additional advice or things we should look out for in our search? Appreciate any help or guidance you guys can offer us! Property finder and just rentals advertise Always ask to see their RERA registration and never hand any cheques over without first seeing the LL details and title deeds. Personally i would try and go down the LL route and cut out the agent. if you see a building you like speak with security as they may know who the LL is
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 September 2016 - 10:05
http://www.partysouq.com/paw-patrol/ I have never used the site
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 07:39
Taxis are plentiful and cheap here plus most areas have bus routes. I don't know of any shuttle buses that go from residential areas though Personally I wouldn't cycle anywhere here as it is pretty scary on the roads during rush hour
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 07:37
Hi I am in the process of house / villa searching to rent . Looking for suitable areas for a young family - preference in Springs & Meadows..are these really good places? Are there any concerns to look out for when selecting a villa in these places ? Urgently need good guidance .. Both popular areas and close to amenities Personally speaking I would say the Meadows is nicer than the Springs and usually are pricier. Emaar are the developer for both areas and are on of the best in Dubai.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 07:34
my home is in the marina and i work for Al tayer head office next to gicco - i have not started yet but they have given a company car - so i did not know what would be best and should i ask - i dont want to appear rude. Just ask what the parking situation is and if it is paid or if you get a space. I don't think it is rude to ask them that
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 07:32
All the best surgeons here cost more than the US/UK any cheap ones I personally wouldn't trust I would get it done at home and tie in a small holiday at the same time
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 07:30
I think you really need to change your friends That is the biggest load of twaddle I have ever heard in my life. I have lived and worked here for ten years and come from the U.K. The only problems I have ever had are with arrogant rude expats who move here and develop a king Edward sized chip on their shoulder.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 September 2016 - 13:33
I am looking for a hairdresser that works with NYCE products, any suggestions? I have never seen those products here. Most use TIGI, L'Oreal, Goldwell, Wella etc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 September 2016 - 13:30
query - is it easier to travel by car or by public transport when travelling to and from work? and if you do travel to work - is it usual for them to offer parking or what is the norm ? It depends on the distance, access to departing and arriving metro, cost of parking on the street You have to weigh it up and no it isn't necessarily usual for companies to provide parking spaces to all of their staff. Case in point I work at the DIFC and we rotate on spaces, on the months I don't have it I catch the metro. Parking on the street is now AED4 per hour so the metro works out cheaper for me
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 September 2016 - 13:50
Hi everyone, I have recently moved to Dubai with my teenage son to teach. We have had some wonderful experiences since arriving. We need to now settle into a more realistic lifestyle to match our budget. So if anyone has some top tips for living in Dubai on a budget I'd love to hear them. How does public transport work? Can I just hop on a bus or do we need a card (like London?) Best value grocery shopping? Do they deliver? Budget weekend restaurants, activities, sights to see? (I'm living in sport city ) Many thanks! Lou xx Get a NOL card similar to Oyster top it up at the machines as the metro and it can be used for buses and the Neto. You just scan it on bus or metro Groceries I shop in careffour and union co op as they are the cheapest and always have offers Geant and trolley.ae deliver but I don't know how big their choice is Buy the Entertainer family lots of Bogof deals on there plus groupon is always good for deals
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 September 2016 - 13:40
Be very careful bad mouthing a surgeon on here You do know that defamation is illegal and if someone at his surgery saw this and reported it you could be in big trouble
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 September 2016 - 13:38
Oh I've had to tell drivers to pull over before because the stop/start and erratic driving makes me sick to my stomach. That's why I avoid RTA taxis and take Careem cars when possible. Doesn't happen with them. It's the pumping of the breaks and whiffy ones that turn my stomach