SEY83 | ExpatWoman.com
 

SEY83

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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2016 - 10:41
Do you mean GEMS Wellington Primary School which is behind the Shangri-La Hotel?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 September 2016 - 14:59
I know somebody that applied for their newborn's passport in June of this year and it took about two weeks from when they sent off the application until the new passport was received. I did a standard renewal for my daughter earlier this year and it took about 11 days. If the case is straightforward then I don't think it takes very long, but don't hold me to that!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2016 - 10:11
Agree, I think the new trend is Facebook groups. There are a lot of advantages to Facebook groups in terms of private messaging, posting photos, etc. However, I have to admit that I do prefer this type of forum. It is very difficult to find old posts on Facebook, and Facebook seems to order things how they want which is not necessarily chronological and some posts don't get a lot of notice for that reason. Basically I find posts getting lost all the time. Secondly, it's sometimes nice to be anonymous! I don't really have anything to hide but people nowadays like to Facebook "stalk", and people want to know details on the person behind a comment or opinion.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2016 - 09:28
My children go to GWPS and I am very pleased with the school. It's just a primary school though, so if you want the full school years then go with DIS. The school has a great community, great management, great teachers, etc, and I am really happy with the progress of my children. They have pretty small class sizes as well, max 20. We have been at the school for the last 4 years and it is very international in terms of the mix of nationalities. To be honest, schools are very personal experiences for every one person that says that they love a school, you get others that don't like it. Go with your intuition on how you felt about each school and which one seemed to work best for you and your children.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2016 - 10:19
I know you said Marina area, but GFX in Business Bay are a pay-per-class studio that specialize in Les Mills classes. Also the Dubai Ladies club in Jumeirah offer the same and are pay-per-class.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2016 - 15:23
Ikea have a circus tent, it's a pretty decent size and can be folded up and put away for small storage. It one of those pop up ones, kind of like the windscreen sunshades. It's 79 Dhs and currently on sale at 45 Dhs apparently! http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/catalog/products/30206882/ The website says they also have this style which I don't recall seeing in store http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/catalog/products/80247818/ I have the circus one for my children who are older and they love it, plus it has definitely withstood the test of time!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2016 - 07:56
Potty training my 2.5 dd has been the biggest challenge of my parenthood. I do not know what to do, nor do I want to get mad at her as when I put her on the potty she never does anything then when she gets off....she does it. I have a potty that plays music and a butterfly potty so its nto that its not nice. I think next move is treat time, I didn't want to do this as I thought its human nature to learn how to go on the potty. I wished someone could come and do this for me because I am lost in this situation. (Dd I don't think she knows when she will do #1) because she is always surprised when she sees it on the floor. Stretch marks oh my! My tummy looks like a tiger scratched me, 2 pregnancies in 2 years. The marks of a mother that I will embrace :) I tried bio oil, I am not sure if it worked and this one the Dr. Perscribed...I still see them! Apparently you can lazer them when they are still pink but I feel lazer is bothersome. I need Tessa to come over and help potty train! I don't think she is ready to be trained yet! Leave her for a while and then revisit it. When she is ready she will be trained in a few days and it will be easy for both you and her.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 May 2016 - 10:38
On potty training I am a firm believer that you shouldn't push children to be potty trained before the are ready, and anytime before the age of 3 is acceptable (my humble opinion). I think that as a mom you will know when they are ready - they take a greater interest in the toilet, they will tell you after they have filled their nappy, they will "hide" when they are doing their business. Small signs that will indicate to you that the child is ready. I think you can try and potty children at any age, but you really make the process very difficult for both yourself and the child if you do it before they are ready, and in some cases stress the child out so that they may even regress. You will also end up with lots and lots of accidents, so why go through that trouble? I have an aunt that didn't believe in potty training, weaning off the bottle/dummy, or any other type of "training". Her argument was "how many adults have you seen walking around wearing a nappy sucking on a bottle and eventually they will give it up on their own?!" Maybe a bit extreme but I sort of get her point!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2016 - 09:16
Thank you SO much for all the recommendations! Would a week in Salzburg be enough as it seems there are a few day trips we can take if we base ourselves out of there? And how many days would be sufficient for Innsbruck? I was thinking we can stay there for a few nights and plan day trips to other areas in Tyrol as well. Has anyone visited Lienz? Is it worth adding to the itinerary? For those of you who might have traveled on to Munich or Zurich or Italy from Austria by road, was it fairly easy - as in are there border checkpoints that might cause delays? Again, thank you for all the info! :) We went about 4 years ago and there were no border checkpoints between Germany and Austria we just drove straight through, well no formal checkpoints, I think you can get randomly stopped and searched. I'm not sure what the situation is now though following the refugee crisis. In general we found driving incredibly easy and roads were well signposted. We rented a sat nav with the rental car and had no problems at all finding our way. I would just note that if you're staying in Salzburg and have a rental car then make sure you find a hotel with easy access to parking as a lot of the old town is car-free.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2016 - 14:44
I highly recommend Salzburg, as it is absolutely beautiful. We also visited Innsbruck and went to the Swarovski headquarters, but did that as a day trip from Salzburg. The town there is also lovely. I found Austria to be one of the most beautiful countries that I have ever visited and would love to go back. Also, I definitely recommend hiring a car as we found this so easy and convenient. For our trip we flew in to Munich stayed there for a few nights, then drove to Salburg for a few nights then drove to Vienna for a few nights and flew out from there. We found driving very easy and comfortable with a sat nav.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2016 - 08:52
I think Montblanc themselves offer this service so worth checking in one of their stores.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2016 - 08:48
I used to have my prenatal check-ups with her and can't recommend her enough. I delivered in the UK so didn't actually deliver with her, although I have a friend who went to Dr. Hiba both for checkups and then delivery and she was also very happy. Go and see her, at the end of the day doctors are a very personal experience, you can only really decide if you get a good vibe from her or not.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2016 - 15:49
Firstly congratulations on the birth of your baby! This link may be of help with regards to Dubai requirements: https://www.dha.gov.ae/Documents/HRD/Immunization%20Guidelines.pdf Page 17 of the document has the vaccination schedule. I was in your situation wherein I had the first set of newborn vaccinations in the UK and then moved out here. I remember on my first visit back to the UK I showed my health visitor the Dubai vaccination schedule and they said that children out here get given more vaccinations than the UK (such as rota virus and chicken pox). This document shows the minimum Dubai Health Authority recommendations, but if you go to one of the private clinics I think they even recommend a couple of vaccinations above the DHA requirements. Given that you travel back and forth, do you and your baby have UAE residencies? If so, then you can apply for a DHA health card and get the vaccinations done for free at the public health clinics. Otherwise, the only way to get vaccinations here is to go private and those are costly, in which case I would recommend doing the vaccinations that are the same as the UK ones when you are back there.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2016 - 11:38
Seems to be ok as per this website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/personal-food-plant-and-animal-product-imports. Below is the extract of the section that is relevant, you just have to limit it to under 2kgs. Summary of restrictions From EU countries: You can bring any fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy or other animal products (eg fish, eggs and honey) into the UK if you’re travelling from a country within the EU. From non-EU countries the following items are banned: all meat and meat products all milk and dairy products potatoes From non-EU countries the following items are restricted: fruit and vegetables - no more than 2kg total weight combined per person travelling bivalves (live), egg products, eggs and honey fish, bivalves (dead) and fish/fishery products - no more than 20kg total weight (fish must be gutted if fresh, or processed, ie cooked, cured, dried or smoked) 2kg total weight combined per person - certain fruits and vegetables The rules apply to any products carried in your personal luggage or sent by post (including those ordered online) and even if they’re for yourself, bought in a shop (including at an airport), home-grown/made or vacuum packed.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 April 2016 - 11:36
I absolutely hate everything about selfies...I hate the way that the photo reverses, I hate the way that you can't actually see anything behind you, and I definitely have not mastered the art of posing! Having said that I appear to be in the minority these days...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 12:06
Honestly it is whatever you feel is right. Generally people in those roles do not make a lot of money, and tips that they receive go a long way for them. I don't think there is a correct amount, but even if you tipped 20 Dhs for 3-4 hours of work that would be fine, if you think somebody has been particularly helpful then maybe more, or if it is the same member of staff and you begin to form a relationship you also may want to give more. I think they highly appreciate every dirham that they get.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 10:15
I don't know about orphanages, but there are a few special needs schools: - Sense Centre (http://sensescentre.org/index.html) - Rashid Paediatric Centre (http://www.rashidc.ae/aboutus.php) - Al Noor Training Centre (http://alnoorspneeds.ae/) Such a great thing to do on your child's birthday!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2016 - 11:52
101 at the One & Only Hotel the Palm. Lovely views and you can take the boat over from the Royal Mirage if you want. I've heard good things about this hotel and I've been wanting to go for a while. 101 is a lounge? I've also read about "Stay" by Yannick. It's split into two, one side has a bar and the other side is a restaurant. I went in the middle of summer so I didn't get a chance to sit outside but the decking and seating area outside seems lovely, and the views are stunning. There are loads of photos on Zomato for you to see. https://www.zomato.com/dubai/101-dining-lounge-and-bar-one-only-the-palm-palm-jumeirah
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 March 2016 - 13:00
101 at the One & Only Hotel the Palm. Lovely views and you can take the boat over from the Royal Mirage if you want.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 10:48
In the British system, which has 13 grades/year, the age groups for the 2016-2017 school year would be as follows: Year 7 Sep 2004 – Aug 2005 Year 6 Sep 2005 – Aug 2006 Year 5 Sep 2006 – Aug 2007 Year 4 Sep 2007 – Aug 2008 From what you have stated below, it sounds like your eldest will be going in to the correct grade but your youngest i skipping a grade and even then she would be at the younger range of the age bracket for Year 4 so will be considerably younger than the children in year 5. With the American system which has 12 grades, the same as Choueifat it would be as follows: Grade 6 Sep 2004 – Aug 2005 Grade 5 Sep 2005 – Aug 2006 Grade 4 Sep 2006 – Aug 2007 Grade 3 Sep 2007 – Aug 2008 Having said this, it seems like your youngest daughter has already skipped a year, as technically in Choueifat she should be in grade 2 this year, not grade 3, as I believe Choueifat follows a 12 grade system. If she is moving to a 13-grade school then they are trying to avoid her repeating a year, she isn't actually skipping a year at all it's the same thing but called something else. For your eldest, it seems like she was also skipped a year in Choueifat, but having assessed her they think that she would benefit from doing year 6, which technically is the same as repeating grade 5 at Choueifat, but she will be in the same age group as her peers as she had originally skipped a grade. Not sure if I am making sense!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2016 - 16:17
I can so relate to this! I also have developed this tendency to neutralise my British accent considerably when talking to people that speak limited English, and quite frankly I end up sounding like an idiot - it's not even something I can control it just happens! Thankfully on the flip side I can also slip back to my usual accent in places like work. I find I have a switch in my brain that just flips on and off. Although I definitely have started using phrases that I wouldn't have said before such as garbage, vacation, chips (or crisps), etc. Also the other "Dubai" phrases. Having said all of this I think the deterioration in English in general is also as a result of social media and not just the fact that people speak with different accents here. For example, on Whatsapp a lot of us tend to just cut corners in the way that we write as it's too much effort to bother with being very proper in a casual conversation. My accent's still there (one of my Indian colleagues says I sound like Geoff Boycott!) I just have to concentrate to speak in a slightly different way. As an example, I usually use flat vowels but I'm not sure if people would understand me so where I would say usually potaita (or taita lol) I feel I need to say potaytow. Not sure if I'm describing it very well..... :biggrin: Also, I don't use the word "The" in sentences either. I say "I'm going t' shop" instead, for example. If I pronounce it properly though, it doesn't feel right. I used to think it was a glottal stop but that's not exactly the same thing. Apart from "lol" I don't use text speak. Even when I send messages I use commas and apostrophes, it takes me ages! I would love to study dialect, accents and language one day, those subjects have always fascinated me. I definitely don't use text speak - "Wt ru on abt" "2nite" "becuz" "gr8" - I'm too old for that! But I will use words like wanna and gonna. I guess what I mean is that when we write in terms of social media, we write as we speak and for me at least words go straight from my brain to device, not really thinking about if it is correct. Sort of how I write on here. Whereas before writing was more formal and we used to spend more time talking to each other rather than writing. I do still use punctuation though!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2016 - 12:14
I can so relate to this! I also have developed this tendency to neutralise my British accent considerably when talking to people that speak limited English, and quite frankly I end up sounding like an idiot - it's not even something I can control it just happens! Thankfully on the flip side I can also slip back to my usual accent in places like work. I find I have a switch in my brain that just flips on and off. Although I definitely have started using phrases that I wouldn't have said before such as garbage, vacation, chips (or crisps), etc. Also the other "Dubai" phrases. Having said all of this I think the deterioration in English in general is also as a result of social media and not just the fact that people speak with different accents here. For example, on Whatsapp a lot of us tend to just cut corners in the way that we write as it's too much effort to bother with being very proper in a casual conversation.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2016 - 17:03
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/weather/bear-with-three-cloudy-days-rain-wind-fog-all-in-weather-forecast
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2016 - 13:06
ESports have a bunch of holiday camps running this week: http://www.esportsholidaycamps.com/
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2016 - 10:00
I was at one of these weekend fairs and The Tutoring Center had a table where the lady spoke to me for a while about the center. I can't give you any feedback about whether they are good or not, but thought I would pass on the details so that you can contact them yourself if you are interested, it sounded promising but definitely not cheap! http://dubai.tutoringcenter.com/ They are based in Business Bay.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2016 - 09:55
Out of curiosity when would you use these?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2016 - 10:44
I am from a 'western' background and i think it is inappropriate. I know most of my friends and family would feel the same way and we are not prudish or conservative. It is a show of complete disrespect to be welcomed in a conservative country and to put on this display. There is no need for it. Hold hands, give a hug, that's no harm, but know your limits too. I feel very uncomfortable, even on beaches in European countries, when people go too far. 'Get a room' in my opinion. Completely agree with this. There is a time and a place. I particularly find it inappropriate in a family environment where children are watching. I have been in such situations (not in Dubai) with my 7 year old daughter and have had to distract her to look somewhere else as I would like to preserve her innocence as much as possible - something that we are fortunate to be able to do in Dubai.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2016 - 11:28
This will be interesting. I think it will be a nightmare circling around to get to where you want to go on either road, because like you said there are a lot of businesses that people frequent on both sides of the road. I also don't find those roads that busy, except during certain times. I think the biggest problem on those roads is the excessive amount of traffic lights. If they could make lanes of those roads free-flowing, and people only exit off at the junction they need then I think that would be a better solution, but who knows as I am not an expert!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2016 - 16:29
Congratulations! I can imagine that you are incredibly anxious as this is obviously something that you have wanted for a very long time, and it hasn't been easy for you. The only advice I can give is to try and live your life as normal. I wouldn't do any strenuous exercise or fatigue your body excessively, but I would act as normal as possible. I'm not sure of any recommendations for doctors at the hospitals that you have mentioned, but I'm sure somebody on here can help.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2016 - 14:26
You can formally sign-up your child at most nurseries just to attend one day a week. Most nursery timings are 8am-1pm (give or take), at least it would mean that your child will always be in the same class, with the same teacher which would be better for them. If the day and time of your art class is fixed then this should work for you. Plus, this is a pretty short term, so maybe try it for one term and see how it goes. I would speak to any of the nurseries you have mentioned and see what they say.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2016 - 11:47
Choueifat may be an option. It's a pretty academic school, I think it is decent but has its own system which some people don't like. They have a few branches. It might be worth you considering.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 14:01
You can definitely by mouth ulcer gel at any pharmacy, although not sure if they sell Bonjela here.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 11:12
I think it would be hard to say that The Entertainer is not worth it, well I guess only if you buy it for certain restaurants that have now disappeared. Every year some of the ones that we use disappear, but also some of the new restaurants are places that we do go to, for example, this year now includes Shakespeare and Fume. Last year we had savings on it around 4,000 Dhs (and I know that isn't actual savings as it is an estimate) so it is worth the money we pay for the app upfront and we will continue to buy it every year I think. What may be a consideration for some people that think it isn't worth it is to share an account with a friend. You may overlap on some restaurants, but there are 3 vouchers each, and you will find that with other vouchers some you won't overlap on at all so it does makes sense. It really works if you share with somebody who has a different taste in restaurants.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 08:11
I second Google Maps on your smart phone. In Dubai roads change pretty quick and Google Maps always seems to be up to date. Plus the traffic feature on it I find to be highly reliable and I will always check the recommendation for best route if I know I am short on time.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2015 - 09:41
Yes! I went on Monday night with my friend and our children (aged 4, 5 and 8), all of us absolutely loved it. The children got really into it, and there were enough adult jokes to keep us entertained. It's really well made and a lot of effort has gone in, plus as it is a small theatre it feels quite personable if that makes sense. I would definitely recommend (and no, I am not part of DUCTAC and I don't know anybody in the panto!!).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 December 2015 - 11:16
Which year was your daughter born?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 December 2015 - 15:00
Which GEMS Wellington? There are 4 :-)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 December 2015 - 12:00
I know you didn't say you can make it to Dubai Mall, but there is that Super Hero shop that sells clothes and toys next to the cinema door I believe. All it sells is Super Hero related merchandise. It may be worth giving them a call to see if they have what you are looking for. http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/shop/ToysHobbies/superheros.aspx
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 December 2015 - 16:15
Before you go out and spend that much money I would ensure that his company policy allows him to accept gifts, particularly of high value. If it is a large US based company, then there is a good chance that he might refuse to accept the gift to avoid the appearance of a bribe or kickback, as some industries are very strict in this respect.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2015 - 16:28
I haven't seen them recently, but I am sure that I saw Barbie branded school bags and lunch boxes in both Carrefour and Babyshop closer to the beginning of term. I doubt they are too expensive.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2015 - 10:00
They're also available at Borders. I would be surprised if any bookshop didn't stock them as they are pretty popular with the girls.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2015 - 08:49
Yes for some reason or another, the majority of dentists operate on a reimbursement basis, so you pay yourself at the clinic and then submit the claim forms to your insurance company for reimbursement. Make sure that your insurance policy actual includes dental insurance and if so, the amount covered. I have found that dental coverage is usually pretty minimal here.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 14:30
Malls here have great facilities for babies in terms of breastfeeding and nappy changes. Most have exclusive rooms for babies (many of those seem to be mother and child, rather than whole family). I don't think you will have any issue. If you are going to do it in public, you should be fine in a quiet corner of a restaurant, but I would wear one of the breastfeeding covers.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 14:13
The Al Shaya card as somebody has already suggested. Another option is the Centerpoint card which includes quite a few brands I believe.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 10:05
What a horrible story, poor family, I hope the little girl is found safe and sound. I guess it depends on what you mean by leaving children alone. If you are going to leave children at home whilst you go out to the mosque then that is unacceptable. However, if you are praying in the next room for 5 minutes then how is that different to going to the bathroom, being in the kitchen cooking, being distracted, etc? I totally agree that you shouldn't abandon all parental responsibilities but you should provide a safe environment at home to be able to step away from your children for a few minutes or at least have them in the same room with you. It's different because the child was left alone in a public place. And the other cases I've read are about leaving the child home alone while the parents went to the mosque. Then i think that is ridiculous. To be honest I think a lot of people in this part of the world are very complacent about a lot of things. It's okay to leave the children in the house alone for fifteen minutes to go to the mosque, equally it's okay to leave children alone and run down to the supermarket. It's okay to leave your car running whilst you carry out a short errand, it's okay to send your children to the bathroom alone in the mall, it's okay to send your child down to the supermarket to buy something you have forgotten, it's okay to leave your house door unlocked and leave to go to work, etc, etc, etc. Sometimes I feel that people here are completely oblivious to risk and just take it for granted that nothing is going to happen. I grew up in the UK and as a result I am very cautious but other people don't think like how I do.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 09:37
Doing a good deed is doing a good deed. If you are comfortable that this man is poor, then whether he uses the money for his son, or even for himself, then I would have no hesitation giving him money. How much you give is a personal decision. I'm sure that 10 dhs will be appreciated so that he can buy something to eat, and if you choose to give him more then that it would make a difference to his family. I don't think you should not give him just because you are worried he will ask for more, there is too much poverty in this world and many of us are very privileged. The more we give the better. Given that you are still thinking about this man should be enough for you to know what the right thing to do is.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 09:31
What a horrible story, poor family, I hope the little girl is found safe and sound. I guess it depends on what you mean by leaving children alone. If you are going to leave children at home whilst you go out to the mosque then that is unacceptable. However, if you are praying in the next room for 5 minutes then how is that different to going to the bathroom, being in the kitchen cooking, being distracted, etc? I totally agree that you shouldn't abandon all parental responsibilities but you should provide a safe environment at home to be able to step away from your children for a few minutes or at least have them in the same room with you.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2015 - 09:22
I'm not sure if you're looking for a nice restaurant or something different. In terms of restaurant what about 101 in the One and Only Palm Jumeirah? It has a bar and restaurant and the location is gorgeous right out on the sea.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2015 - 11:38
I recently had something similar happen at the petrol station. I'd pulled a little too forward so couldn't see the meter. He told me it was 95dh, but I knew it was impossible to put more than 80 into my car. I asked him to check and he said yes 95dh, but when I went to get out of the car, he said oh no, it's 75dh. I'm just a bit more wary now. FFx I have had this happen before. Once I stupidly didn't check the pump and paid the additional amount only later realising I had overpaid, and then the second time I noticed it (because I now never drive off without checking) and called the guy out for it. I didn't formally report it though, probably should have done.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2015 - 13:44
I believe that it is illegal in the UAE for offices to be open on public holidays, and I have heard of random checks being made. You might want to check into that and raise that point with your UK office.