shamat | ExpatWoman.com
 

shamat

shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 12:18
Hi Kylie, our car was recently impounded as a result of an offense that we are certain we didn't commit, however, there is no right to appeal it seems . . . That aside, I think your car only gets impounded for certain traffic offenses and it doesn't sound like yours is one of them (we allegedly jumped a red light and got black points for it too). However, in the worst case scenario, even if they do want to impound your car, bizarrely enough you can actually legally buy your way out of the impounding! I think they charge a set amount per day for the length of time that they were going to impound it for. BTW, impounding was a total bureaucratic nightmare so my advice would be to throw money at the problem rather than to go ahead with the impounding, if you have it to throw!! Good luck!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 15:36
Try Spice Island, at the Renaissance Hotel in Deira. The food is good and they definitely have a Saturday brunch usually, and, I believe, a good section for the children (can't vouch for this as I don't have any, but I've heard good reports!). Its probably a good idea to check whether alcohol will be served though as it may be dry in the lead up to Ramadan.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2011 - 14:54
I haven't stayed there, but I've stayed at Al Maha Desert Resort and the RAK Banyan Tree al Wadi, and they were fantastic. In fact, there's a gonabit deal on the Banyan Tree today that's very good value.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 21:30
Literally all that happens is that they will take down the registration number and ask for a vague description of the car. When I had to use it before they didn't want anything too specific, because the driver who hit me sped off quite fast - I think I only knew the size and colour of the vehicle.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 21:27
Sugarbeach, the number to use is 800-4-353.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 21:22
I would report the car to the Dubai Bad Drivers line. If this person is constantly driving in a foolhardy way, s/he will eventually be fined if enough complaints are made. I can't remember the number offhand (I've used it before) but I'll look it up and post it in a minute
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 16:02
cymraes, has the child involved already been diagnosed as Autistic? I'm no expert, but if the child hasn't been formally diagnosed, it may act as evidence to suggest further diagnosis should take place. If the child has already been diagnosed as autistic, and it was already known that there were no difficulties with language or understanding, I can't really see what new information this has added.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 15:49
Do you like Japanese food? If so, check out the Japanese restaurant at the top of the Al Falaj hotel. It is THE MOST unlikelyvenue to find a nice restaurant (don't be put off by the exterior!), but we stayed at the hotel in February, wanted to eat in the hotel, and found it then. Extremely good prices, nice food, good service. Its not smart, but if you want somewhere casual and tasty, I would recommend it.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 15:19
What about Toshi, on the top floor of the Grand Millenium in Barsha? I haven't been there in a while but it used to be quite nice. (Oriental food) Or if you like Indian food, we had a lovely meal in Spice at the Ramada Barsha a little while ago, complete with live Indian music. The menu isn't huge, but what we had was really good. And there's an Entertainer voucher. Or the Observatory or Azur (Mediterranean) at the Marriot Harbour hotel in the Marina.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 15:11
Don Coreleone at the Metropolitan on SZR gets my vote every time. Its nicer if you can sit outside (which obviously is a bit of a challenge at this time of the year!) but there's a nice inside bit too. I have been there many, many times now and I can honestly say that I have never had a bad service experience and the menu is fab and well priced. ETA: Its in the Entertainer Fine Dining, or if you have a Habtoor Loyalty Card you can get money off that way too. <em>edited by shamat on 21/07/2011</em>
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 15:09
Sounds revolting! Are any of the children going to want to eat 2.5 hour old fries?! Have you definitely been given the right message about what you are supposed to bring and when? It seems like an odd food to request given the parameters.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 11:46
Hi take a look at this site..dubai based and with free delivery :) www.wildwarehouse.com What a brilliant website! Thanks so much for posting the details!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 20:16
Go for a drive through Nad al Sheba. There are still a few herds up there. However, be aware that if you take photos, the herdsman will expect tips! (Trust me, the herdman won't even be visible until you press the shutter, then he will make himself known!!)
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 12:51
Also check that if you are on regular medication for anything, including the Pill, that you can get your brand here. I can't get my eczema prescriptions either. Epipens are also hard to get hold of. Finally, as everyone has said, most things are available out here but sometimes supplies of things can be erratic or very, very expensive (eg. bread flour) so be prepared to shop around.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 12:35
I'm starting one tomorrow, 2 hours a day for 2 weeks, at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Bastakiya. Can't tell you if its good yet but I'm looking forward to it! i heard about this and thought it looked good (love the centre!) do report back! Unfortunately the course didn't start! There were only 3 particiants and it needed to be 5. If they can get another 2 by the end of the week it will run, but I'm not very optimistic! Shame - the trainer seemed really nice.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 21:03
The turtles hatch all year round - there's more in the summer, but there's never a night when they don't come ashore to lay their eggs from what we were told there. We saw all stages of the process - the mother laying the eggs, the hatchlings popping out of the sand (really incredible!) and the newborns walking to the sea and starting to swim. Absolutely awesome! From the fixed tent camp (which incidentally, was a very good place to stay), they take you down to the beach in the evening, and there's also an optional excursion just before dawn (about 4am). Would highly recommend it, and it was the cheapest part of our itinerary!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 20:58
Seriously?! After a week of takeaways on paper plates with plastic cutlery and a can of pop to drink he might change his mind! Send him to me for a week, he'll be begging to do the washing up... Following on from what Cheeky Monkey said, one of the things that you will have to learn to do is stick to what you've agreed. For example, if you have agreed with him that he will do the washing up and he doesn't do it, you must not step in and do it, however much you hate to see it stacked up. At the beginning of our marriage, we once got down to eating our dinner off saucers because none of the plates had been washed!!!!!!!! Its really hard to see your home becoming a mess, but I think sometimes men just assume we'll step up and do it if they don't, and sometimes it doesn't hurt them to see that when they don't do their bit, you won't be doing their bit either. Good luck!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 20:45
I know that this won't exactly answer your question, but my husband and I did a driving trip to Oman last New Year. We started off by staying at the only hotel on Jebel Al Aktar (very expensive and basic, but perfectly adequate), then we did a night camping in fixed tents on Turtle Beach to see the baby turtles hatching (absolutely lovely to watch!) then we finished our tour in Muscat for New Year's Eve. We had a fantastic time - a great mix of natural beauty and peace and quiet, but it was a lot of driving and it was quite expensive. If I was doing it again, I would extend the Jebel Al Aktar bit, as there was some brilliant walking opportunities there. Let me know if you want any more details about our itinerary if it interests you.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 19:00
Thanks for this information, I've always wondered about MSA. My course is specifically for Gulf Arabic but it was the only one of the courses I research that specified.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 17:59
No more Culpepers? I loved their shop in Covent Garden :-(
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 16:00
I'm starting one tomorrow, 2 hours a day for 2 weeks, at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Bastakiya. Can't tell you if its good yet but I'm looking forward to it!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 16:30
We brought our cats over from the UK at vast expense, and it was really worth it, we wouldn't be without them. However icecat makes some very valid points about your cat being in a home where he is wanted. If he can't be with you, then he probably is better being elsewhere. The other cost to factor is of course the repatriation at the end of your time here. Without a doubt, neither journey will come cheap. And you will also have to factor in pet care costs here if you and your OH are away travelling, unless you have a very willing friend who can be relied upon to feed him. We use Homely Petz and are very pleased with the service, but it really doesn't come cheap. Good luck with whatever you decide.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 16:21
I've just been down to carrefour to clarify my mistake over the price. For anyone who is interested, at their jewellery counter they will do a yellow gold name necklace in Arabic or English letters for 995 aed and this includes a gemstone of some description. So I was wrong about the silver, and right about the price. The price still sounds high though in comparison to what other people are paying.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 10:43
I'm beginning to wonder if I misread the sign . . . !
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 10:11
Thanks Clair, very interesting. It sounds like Car4 are offering an extremely bad deal!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 10:07
Its another shoe shop one - what is it with the shoe shops out here?! Shamat is after a pair of red shoes. She passes a shop window which has the perfect pair of red shoes so she pops in, but can't see them anywhere in the shop. shamat: I'm interested in the red shoes in the window, but i can't see them anywhere in the shop. Where are they? shop asst: last piece ma'am. shamat: (thinks, why leave them in the window then? but says-) What size are they? shop asst: size 40 ma'am shamat: Oh that's a shame, I wanted a 38. shop asst: I will check if I have any more. shamat: (thinks - but you just told me they were the last ones. But says-) OK then. shop asst: (taps away on the computer, looks up beaming) I have them in black, in a size 37. That ok ma'am?? shamat: (thinks, so you have them in the wrong size and in the wrong colour?!!! But says) Err, no, that's ok, I think I'll leave it thanks! <em>edited by shamat on 06/07/2011</em>
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 09:59
This story is worthy of the "Overheard in McDonalds part 2" thread! Dubai logic strikes again!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:09
I haven't used them, but I've had plenty of visitors who have and have said they were good. Not sure that I'd want to test the BYO theory. At the end of the day, its dry for a reason, so I'm not sure I'd want to flout that.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 15:04
Wuffles, I'm interested to hear that you have bought crepe at the shops on Al Fahidi St. I usually use Satwa for all my fabrics, but have really struggled to find a nice crepe (I'm needing a specific and not readily available colour). Is the selection good there? I'm going to be down at the Bastakiya for a course in a few weeks time - are these shops walkable from there? Fairycakeymum - I've had exactly the same experience of bargaining in Satwa. Some shops will just not budge on prices!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 14:48
Interesting that this should come up today, as I've been considering one of these too, just a plain one, no crystals/gemstones. Carrefour do silver ones "from 995AED" but I don't know how this price compares. Has anyone had a gold one made recently and if so, how much did it cost? I'm guessing they are more expensive if you have a long name?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 21:17
Any white fish baked in the oven in tin foil with a bit of lemon juice, herbs and black pepper, served with cous cous and a nice salad. Or I have a recipe for low fat chicken tikka kebabs, which I serve in a similar way to above. Let me know if you would like the recipe and I'll look it up and post it here.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2011 - 20:52
Another vote for rent a crib here. I've used them several times for visiting young visitors and they offer a brilliant service.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 16:41
My personal favourite is at the camel race track - the atmosphere if you manage to catch a race in action is awesome. We always drive through the enclosures where the camels are housed and drive right into them and then wander on foot - we are always made really welcome and regularly offered camel rides! Sorry to hijack, but Denim, my husband and I have been trying for years to see camel racing and have only managed it once, up at Lisali. Where do you go and when? Is it on at a regular time, or have you just been in the right place at the right time when you have seen it?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 16:40
Go for a lovely meal at Reem al Bawadi on Beach Road. Great food, interesting and unusual surroundings. I've always enjoyed the desert - going out privately as well as going on the organised tours, but its not really the right time of year to do that at the moment. If you want to go further afield, I find the scenery in Musendam truly breathtaking. Like Wuffles, the Dubai fountains would be on my list, and so would the abras. I'd also highly recommend the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for breakfast/lunch, followed by a walk through the Bastakiya visiting some of the art galleries there. If you go at sunset, you can climb onto the roofs of some of the buildings to watch the sun set. Finally, you can't go wrong with a Creek Cruise. I'd recommend the Al Mansour Dhow which has entertainer vouchers. Such a shame you are going Claire, I will miss yoursensible, down to earth posts. All the best for the future!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2011 - 13:21
We always take home Bateel dates and chocolates, because not only are they yummy, but you get great boxes with them that you can keep after you've eaten the contents, that make great jewellery/trinket boxes. There's Bateel outlets in Souk al Bahar, Dubai Mall and Town Centre Mall (next door to Mercato).
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 21:13
Ok, here's my contribution. Well known hotel chain, with whom we have a loyalty card. Because we are known, they also know that I have a nut allergy, in fact, in the past, when I've made a restaurant booking, they've even checked that I still am allergic to nuts! Anyway . . . Its my birthday. DH books a table a long time in advance, mentions the birthday and the nut allergy. So the restaurant say that they will bake me a cake, and will take account of the nut allergy. So we arrive, they check "secretly" with my husband that it is still my birthday (!) then bring out the cake. They place it on my placemat, say happy birthday, then snatch it away, saying they can't give it to me as it has nuts in it!!! It is given to my husband, and I'm presented with a fruit salad! We laughed so much we didn't have the energy to complain!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 20:54
wuffles, I have never met you, but I've read your posts for some time and found what you've said to be thoughtful and helpful, so I was shocked to find that you were the OP on this thread. Do not feel bad about this. You did absolutely the right thing. Through no fault of yours, or any other woman's, this guy is not a suitable man to be going into women's homes to do maintenance stuff. He comes with a serious health warning and you had to do what you did. If you had said nothing, you would have put a lot of other women at risk. Imagine if someone had done that to you in Australia! Would you have been worried about the consequences for him there? No! I'm guessing that you would have been completely indignent and outraged at his audacity! Just because this guy may seem to be disadvantaged by his circumstances, that is NOT a justification for his behaviour.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 17:26
I think once we are settled in, I will see if I can find some sort of cultural course so I can understand things a lot better. It all seems so mysterious right now. Check out www.cultures.ae. They run some really interesting cultural events from their centre in the Bastakiya down by the Creek, and they also do tours round the Jumeira Mosque on Beach Road. If you go to the mosque talk, they spend a bit of time describing national dress and how it evolved as part of the talk.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 20:43
I didn't enjoy the RAK Hilton Resort and Spa too much (although its probably a very suitable location for young families) but I love the Hamra Fort Hotel in RAK. Its not glossy and glitzy like other hotels, but its a great night away.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 19:49
She asked you knowing that your individual circumstances weren't ideal, and yet she still chose you. I'd say go for it. The problems you list are practical ones only. She thinks they aren't problems, so I think you should park your anxieties too. Go and enjoy the day and be what a bridesmaid should be - a close supporter! Its a brilliant confirmation of your friendship. Have a great day.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 20:48
I would also recommend it. The food is very different, but if your guests are open and receptive to new experiences and food, its definitely worth a try. BTW, the food is all very nice, it just won't be what you are used to. Depending on when your visitors are coming out, I would also highly recommend the Cultural Centre Iftar as well. That was so worthwhile and interesting as well.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 15:41
Yuk! Thanks for the tip! I won't hurry there then!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 14:27
The Eton language school here does German courses specially designed for children, but I'm not sure whether they'd be suitable for first language German speakers. What about investing in some good quality story CDs/DVDs which are in German? Or subscribing to a good quality children's magazine that could be sent to your children out here? Or watching family films together and choosing German rather than English (this only works if the speech is dubbed rather than subtitled of course!). Also, are there any online computer games that your children could play that give instructions in German?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 14:50
Thanks very much! I'll keep a lookout for it!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 11:24
can you easily get the fluid/gel for the flame? I'm really interested to find out the answer to this too. I already have a fondue set which I brought from my home country, but it uses methylated spirits, which I'm assuming can't be bought here. Any ideas anyone?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 17:40
Very interesting indeed. I had no idea about this, despite doing a variety of watersports and spending a lot of time near water throughout my life. thanks for posting.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 17:28
My application is........................."waiting to be examined". And what exactly does that mean?!! This process isn't really inspiring confidence is it? First your cc is debited, then they claim its "not on the system" so you email some random you just happen to have the email of and she tells you .... well, I'm not quite sure what she's told you! They'd obviously examined it enough to remove the cash from your cc!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 14:08
Hamra fort is also worth checking out as that's near to Iceland as well. We stayed there last weekend and had a great time! There are Entertainer vouchers for its restaurants too.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 13:47
I'm a teacher and I personally find showy presents rather embarrassing. The parents in my class don't know me well enough to choose me jewellery or handbags as my relationship with them is a purely professional one and there's a big danger that a gift like this will go unused or unworn. And I hate the thought that parents in my class are being asked for a specific sum of money. That's wrong. I'm given a salary for goodness sake! If people want to contribute towards a gift, the amount they give should be entirely their own choice and should reflect the relationship they think I've had with their child! I posted on a similar thread last year and said that the best present I ever got was a bar of chocolate from a child who I knew had bought it out of her own money on the way to school without being prompted to do so by her mum. That's priceless. Another year, my class clubbed together and wrote me a recipe book of all their favourite recipes from their home countries. It was a lovely gift and it brought tears to my eyes.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 18:06
Its not a ladies night, but my friends and I like to go to the Observatory at the Marriot Harbour hotel for happy hour, 6pm - 8pm. The prices are good and the bar snacks are excellent. Also because its a bit of an early start, it means we can all be in bed early enough to be able to get up for the school run the next day!!
 
 
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