shamat | ExpatWoman.com
 

shamat

shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 18:40
I wholeheartedly support this increase. Getting a taxi from my home recently has become a joke (its been impossible for months, and I live in a really easy place to get to) so if this helps the situation then bring it on I say.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 18:38
OP, I am totally with you on this! I went to my usual grocery store yesterday and it took double the time it should have done because of this! I honestly begun to wonder if they were deliberately filling up every shelf I wanted to get to - I felt like they were looking over my shoulder at my list so that they could get to the next item on my list before I did!!! Clearly I need a life if this is all I have to worry about, but it irritated me all the same!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 17:16
We went there last August to celebrate our wedding anniversary and we were fine (but then I'm a bit like kelly1814 - I am still on the beach in August!). The villas are well designed so if you do want to sit outside, the veranda is shady, but if you are planning to stay in, there's plenty of space as the villas have a separate living area and a small dining area and kitchenette too. You can be picked up by golf buggy and taken to the restaurants so no problem with that either. We took a few snacks/simple lunches with us too, to save the number of times we had to go over to the main hotel, and that worked well too.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 12:00
I had to give up on it! One of the early questions is about whether you use a tablet or apps or something, and when I answered that I didn't use them, the next question was how often I used them, and there was no way of moving beyond this question even though it didn't apply to me! So I gave it up - life is too short!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 08:26
SkyKitty, thanks for posting about what its like to be a member of the crew - its good to be reminded about what it is like for you guys on a busy flight! I'm not a call button user on a plane - like another poster said, if I need something I tend to get up and get it myself (as long as I don't have to push past a refreshment trolley to do it!) but I do wish airlines would make their own lives a bit easier by giving everyone a small bottle of water at the start of the journey. I think if they did that, a lot fewer people would feel the need to pester the crew, allowing them to get on with the bigger job of serving dinners/dealing with emergencies etc.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 17:43
Yum!! Anyone seen any creme eggs left in the shops anywhere?? Yes - Choitrams opposite Safa Park had loads in too!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 13:59
Hi Shellly, as I understand it, the textile souk is the souk that runs parallel with the Creek, just past the Dubai Museum, so it is on the bur dubai side. However, its always seemed to me that these sellers are more aimed at the wholesale trade. You might be better exploring the fabric shops that are in the area behind Al Fahidi metro station - not sure whether that area has a name, but there are more fabric shops down there than you can shake a stick at! Edited to add:- with one of my visitors recently, we caught the metro to Al Fahidi and went exploring the fabric shops, then walked down to the Bastakiya to look at the historic buildings and had a coffee. Made a really nice afternoon out! <em>edited by shamat on 09/04/2012</em>
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2012 - 11:30
Check out these previous posts which I found quite useful http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=161171 http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=166434
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 14:17
I haven't been myself, but a friend was raving about Sicilia. She said both the food and service was excellent.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 14:14
What . . real ones, or the sort that tend to appear on this site on Thursday evenings?!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 14:05
Well done! I've also lost 5lb in the last few weeks so I'm feeling pleased too! Can't say its easy though!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 11:59
I was pretty shocked when I discovered this too. I can't imagine why it is. I think that maybe they are hoping that people will be so desperate to buy it there and then that they won't want to wait an extra few days for a printed copy to arrive.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 08:45
I'm sure I've seen some of her stuff in the Town Centre Mall on Beach Road (the Mall next door to Mercato). There is a small shop on the ground floor which sells her things.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 16:57
We've recently stayed at the Miramar and had a lovely stay. Nice beach (although busy) very nice pool area and excellent food - there's a particularly nice asian fusion restaurant there.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 13:35
What an extrordinary article!! If women have a problem with her, its likely to be due to her arrogance or her flirtatious behaviour than because of her looks!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 17:27
Does anyone know how much they charge for cat sitting? Been trying to contact them to ask, but can't get through. Thanks. I have two cats and I pay 100aed for one feed, or 150aed for a morning and evening feed, so its not a cheap service by any means! However I have two cats and one has medical needs, so it may be that we are paying slightly more than a one straightforward cat family would!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 17:14
Choitrams opposite Safa Park had loads at the weekend too.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 15:24
Hi Fairfield, like you, we have become stuck in the mud too! I've never tried any of the places that have been suggested so far, so I'm watching this post with interest! However, on the subject of bar/restaurant combos, we like Koobah (at Al Qasr) followed by any of the restaurants at the Madinat that take your fancy (the Italian restaurant by the abra station would be my top choice). They have a lovely terrace area there overlooking the Burj al Arab and Pier Chic. However this combination may be a bit similar to your Bahri Bar/Al Hambra combo. I also like The Agency at the Madinat for pre dinner drinks.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 15:03
In Shape Gym on Beach Road offers Zumba classes that you can pay by the session. There are sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays but the schedule changes frequently so do check it online. www.inshapeme.com
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 12:50
Stroking my cats Walking along a beach Trying new food
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 09:41
Its the gale force winds I'm not liking today! Gale force winds and oppressive heat are not a nice combo!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 21:21
Thanks so much for your replies! This concerns a cat that I need to have a pet-sitter for during 2 weeks and I am terrified that something will happen and that I can not rely on them? Anyone who has had a petsitter for more than a week lately? I am astounded by the number of people who have had bad experiences with Homely Petz! As I said earlier on in this thread, we have used them for years with no issues at all - the shortest period was a one nighter and our longest period was almost 3 weeks. What they do is they come out to meet you and your pet and talk about your pets care needs. After that you are assigned a pet carer who will also come round and meet you before they start doing the pet sitting. As you are looking for a summer arrangement, you have plenty of time to meet them and at any stage you feel unhappy with what you are seeing or hearing, then you can always cancel the booking. Alternatively, why not try them for an overnight stay and see how you get on? You will soon know if their service is what you are looking for.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 12:33
We have been very happy customers of theirs for 3 years now (we have two cats, one of whom has daily medical needs). I cannot recommend them highly enough and they are definitely fully licensed and legal.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 12:31
I've not stayed in Bab al Shams (although I've been there to eat and I've never been disappointed), but Liwa hotel is nice, and you can drive on a road into the Empty quarter, so its not even necessary to off road if you want to see the scenery. We have done a few other desert resorts and they were all great, but they are very expensive which might be tricky if you have a limited budget. They are all well worth the money though. Al Mahra Banyan Tree Al Wadi Qasr al Sarab
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 09:42
Shamat, what's the flat belly diet? How do I join the club? There is a link to its website below but really you need to get the book which gives you the full picture - I downloaded it onto my Kindle. I've no idea if it works - I saw it reviewed positively in a magazine recently, felt my own tummy was in need of a flattening and thought I'd give it a go! Its a very common sense and down to earth approach - healthy eating, portion control and exercise. So no weird and whacky ingredients/diet foods that aren't available here, which is a positive. If you decide to try it I'd love to know how you get on! http://www.flattummyclub.co.uk/about-flat-tummy-club.php
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 14:30
I'm certain you would get it in Satwa - Fida springs to mind - but I'm not sure about anywhere else.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 13:18
Welcome to the Dubai Stone! Even my cats have got it!! There's another post running on here at the moment about flat tummies, you might want to check it out to reassure yourself that you are not alone!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 13:13
I got rid of all my junk food this weekend.. By eating it looool!! LOL!!!! This Flat Tummy Club diet that I started yesterday talked about this issue of clearing your larder prior to dieting, but it made the point "throw the food away - who wants to treat their body like a dustbin?!!" It made me giggle, but I also found it thought provoking too (incidentally, just like you I "threw away" my larder down my throat at the weekend too - before I'd read that part of the book!!)
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 16:27
I feel exactly the same as you, you are not alone! In fact today I have started The Flat Tummy Club diet in a desparate attempt to lose mine! I'd also considered a programme that's being offered at my gym - can't remember exactly what its called but its something like "get fit in 4 weeks" and is a combination of exercise, personal trainer time and a custom made diet programme, but at 2500aed it doesn't come cheap, which is why I'm trying the Fat Tummy Club one first. Good luck!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 15:23
When is she visiting? The reason I ask is that The Address Dubai Marina currently has a brilliant offer on at the moment - for 299 aed you get 2 x 25 minute treatments which seems very good value here. However the offer finishes at the end of March. Its a really nice spa so you won't be disappointed, but their regular prices are high.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 14:24
English College is less than 60k!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 14:15
We have transported our beloved cat with us all over the world. Best advice I can give is to make sure the vet is aware of where you are going (which sounds like you already have) and hire a company to do everything for you. I second this. We tried to move our cats ourselves but it just became too complex with all the export regulations in the UK and the import paperwork here. We used Airpets on the UK side, who (I think?) use Dubai Kennels and Cattery on this side. Our contract here is now coming to an end and we intend to use both of these companies to do the reverse journey.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 18:52
If you do go there, I'd love some feedback about it! My husband and I are keen to try it too!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 17:35
We've used Desert Frames in Satwa before. They are down Plant Street (the road that leads down from the Iranian Hospital)
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 15:14
Regarding the visa, your husband will have to sponsor him (I don't know the costs, sorry) and I'm guessing he will need some documentation from his mum to say she is happy with the move. However you must check this out in advance because I think a son can be sponsored if he is still in full time education, but if he turns 18 and he's not in full time education then he has to find a job that will provide him with sponsorship in his own right (or do visa runs!). Someone else may be able to give you more info about this. Medical insurance will also be the responsibility of your husband.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 16:52
This thread may help you. I've never successfully found it here so I avoid recipes with it in now! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=155937
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 16:45
What about a picnic in Creekside Park. Children play, the adults chat, then when you are done with that, you either go on the cable cars for the views, or to Children's City or to the Dolphinarium.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 13:40
Is this the first time the school have made you aware of this problem? Has he been entered to do external exams? GCSEs etc? Has he missed coursework due to illness or just not really working hard enough? Could it be that the school are just protecting their exam statistics (ie. they don't want students who are unlikely to get A* reducing their ratio of succeses). I really hope it isn't that, but I am aware that this could be a game schools would play here. To move him at this time of the year will be extremely detrimental for him socially, emotionally and educationally. My advice would be to stick it out until the end of this academic year, but with a view to him repeating year 11 next year IF his grades are poor.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 12:25
@americanfamily3 That is amazing!!! And worrying! Its downright dishonest really. Mind you, I have had a few very bad experiences when doing grocery shopping in large stores in the UK recently. I don't think we should ever be complacent and I think its always worth checking receipts to make sure you are paying the price you think you are paying.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 13:01
We've been in the past and really enjoyed it so we are going again this year. We normally buy VIP tickets which work out to be extremely good value if you manage to pick up a deal too. You get a coupon book which allows you to have a certain number of free dinners plus 2 beverages (although check what is included this year). You go round different stands that are being operated by hotels and restaurants and when you find something you want to try, you hand in a voucher and get your food. This year we are just going for the normal entry ticket because we got a very good deal on these early on. We will therefore be paying for our food as we go. Last year I seem to recall that each sample meal was between 40 - 50 dirhams for a fair size portion (not a huge one though). Hope this helps!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 15:39
What about Kaleidoscope at Atlantis? Its 195AED per person (food only) but there are entertainer vouchers in the family dining which makes it tremendously good value. Drink is extra though. Its a huge restaurant so no problem with space either and its right beside the aquarium.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 16:45
I couldn't revive the old Overheard at McDonalds thread - I suspect its reached its full capacity, but I couldn't help thinking of it when I had this conversation yesterday! Sha: I'd like to book some treatments for me and my friend using the skywards offer Spa: ???? What offer ma'am? Sh: The Skywards offer - 30% off? Spa: Oh the sky-wards offer Sh: (eyeroll. thinks Isn't that what I just said) My friend would like the Vitamin C wrap Spa: We don't do that ma'am Sh: But its in your brochure. Spa: (condescendingly) No ma'am, only our downtown branch, we use their brochure. Sh: (another eye roll) - of course, silly me. [dull conversation ensues about whether I can book for both of us, but confirm my friend's treatment later. We conclude that this is possible and move on with the conversation'> Spa: When would you like to come? Sh: Sunday 18th please? Spa: Next Sunday? Sh: No, Sunday 18th Spa: So, next Sunday Sh: NO. Sunday the 18th Spa: (condescendingly) No ma'am, next Sunday is the 11th, not the 18th Sh: (thinks but doesn't say "I effingwell know that next Sunday is the 11th however that's not when I want to book!!!!!!!" But instead says -) I WANT TO BOOK FOR THE 18TH, NOT THE 11TH [transaction is conducted, credit card number is given'> Sh: So can I book for my friend now? Spa: (hesitant) when does your friend want to come? Sh: The same time as me????? Spa: Oh ma'am, I must check our rota, to see if that's possible Sh: Well if it isn't possible I don't want to book either!!!!!!! Spa: I call you back.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 15:10
This thread may be of interest to you. I certainly learnt lots from it! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=168820 <em>edited by shamat on 27/02/2012</em>
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 17:48
Thanks everyone for your help! I've got a few ideas to work with now!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 17:17
Thanks very much! You can remove your address now!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 17:17
Thanks Good Morning, the more the merrier!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 17:09
Thanks for the tip - I will organise this for another time, but I don't currently have a friendly taxi driver and won't have the opportunity to make a friend before Thursday! I can't risk a street pick up because according to the rules that occasionally are published in taxis, the driver does have a right to refuse multiple pick ups and drop offs. (Like you, I would have thought the RTA would be grateful to not have 4 different taxis taken up with just one customer, but obviously not!) So any other ideas?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 16:44
Thanks Muesli Bar but according to RTA rules, Dubai Taxis are not supposed to do multiple pick ups/drop offs at different places, although they do. I'm not sure how up for a fight I'd be at the beginning or end of a nice night out with mates!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 16:35
I know this question has been asked before but after doing a search, I can't find the answer. Because of the current problems with getting a taxi on a Thursday night as discussed on this site previously, a group of 3 friends and I are thinking of hiring a driver to drive us to visit another friend's and then get that same driver to pick us up afterwards. We are all travelling from different addresses in the new Dubai area, and we would need dropping off at the same addresses on the way home. We would be happy for the driver to do other jobs while we are at our friends, but we want a guarantee that he'd be able to pick us up and drop us home afterwards, hence the reason for not booking a taxi. Our friend lives in a place where there will be no passing taxis at the end of the evening. I know we can hire a taxi for 6 hours for 500AED but we won't really need the driver for 4 of those hours (it will take about an hour to do the pick up/drop offs). So has anyone got any ideas about services they have used before that they would recommend? Thanks in advance!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 15:06
We were there last week! We only managed 3 days ski-ing out of 7 because of fog, snow and hail but the days we did have were good, and we can imagine that the massive snow dump that occurred at the end of last week will have made the place awesome! Ski hire was very very cheap - we stopped at a place before we got to the main resort to hire our kit, owned by a husband and wife team. I can find out the name of the place if you want. The resort itself is not particularly interesting, but as others have said, if you want to stay in the resort the Intercontinental is your best bet as it also has things to do if the conditions turn bad. We were staying in Beirut and driving in each day so we had other options when the weather turned bad. I am honestly not sure how you would amuse yourself if you were staying in Faraya.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

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

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

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

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing