Simone N | ExpatWoman.com
 

Simone N

Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 08:31
Definitely the pipes - I went and confronted our upstairs neighbours about it several years ago (complete with screaming baby). Their child was fast asleep. They moved out eventually. Then we got 'The Drillers'. Sent DH up that time, they were putting together furniture for months apparently. They moved too. Now we have high-heels at 6am and 11pm (even on the weekends) and chucking-water-over-the-balcony-maid. I think we need to move.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 13:14
There was a lady in Dubai who used to make them. I think I have one of hers somewhere, it was so useful!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 06:24
Rain in Jebel Ali through the night but appears to have stopped now.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 19:45
It's not allowed to rain until Chevvy get a very important part that will make my windscreen wipers work again!!!! I forbid it.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 15:03
You can go down to the police station and contest a fine. Not worth it in my experience.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 10:43
Don't feel bad, just enjoy it!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:34
Go old pen and paper followed by a spreadsheet - the spreadsheet took me hours and hours to design but it's like another member of the family now LOL
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:31
You do have to fill this in on all school application forms and Muslim children are required to attend Islamic Studies classes (hours vary from school to school). GCC nationals and children from some Arab countries are required to attend Arabic as a first language as well. I'm at a loss to figure out how they decide for those Arab countries that are multilingual and may not have Arabic as a first language. But I digress... You can apply to the KHDA for an exemption for your children from either Arabic as a first language or Islamic Studies (or both, if you wish). They do ask for an explanation of why you'd like them to be exempt and of course, their decision is based on your own unique circumstances. <em>edited by Simone N on 13/01/2011</em>
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:17
I don't think there are any - I'm using another system now as being unable to sync with Quicken was driving me nuts!
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 19:49
The ministry usually decides on the dates for the national schools at the end of Feb and the other schools take this into account when sorting out their calendars. Looking at the dates, Ramadan will end on 30th/31st August this year so I suspect 4th/5th September will be about right.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 19:52
Geant, as an alternative. We bought some yesterday.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 20:15
Had some excellent hot & sour soup from the chinese in Ibn Battuta the other night, fairly sure that they deliver too.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 10:34
I like to use a technique called chunking it down - make a list of all the things you have to do, then break it down into the smaller steps that are required to get the job done. It is so much easier to find the enthusiasm to do one small thing than a great big task.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 10:27
Hello there, If you send me a quick email, I'll send all the details simonegroups at gmail.com ;)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 15:03
I think the 'Power to the people' doppelganger along with the poor grammar is quite a strong indication of the identity of the penman. And surely wanting to 'round them up' and then to 'stick them on the World Islands' makes the writer of the letter somewhat of a hypocrite.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 14:37
I very much doubt you will find it in the supermarket. It's usually found in Central Asian/former USSR countries, is it not? Camel's milk would be an ideal substitute if it's due to lactose issues.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 14:32
The UAE has the best policy. You can reside here as long as you have a job... you lose your job, your OUTTA here. No passports issued in general. Ah, but you can get a passport in certain circumstances, it's the actual nationality that's hard to come by.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 13:00
I went through this at length with an officer the passport office as I wanted to understand how my (future, way way in the future) grandchildren will be affected by the choices my husband and I have made (e.g. one child born in Dubai, the second born in the UK). There are situations were the nationality of the grandparents are taken into consideration as well as what other nationality/passport the child would be entitled to receive if the child in question were refused a British one. So it's not always a straight forward yes or no answer. I would suggest that you ring the British Embassy and ask for their advice.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 09:30
I was thinking about this some more last night (insomnia does strange things to the mind) and I'm convinced that singing the national anthem is optional. Standing still in respectful silence is the compulsory part. Some people never learn the words to their national anthem. In fact, the UAE national anthem didn't even have any words until 1996 although I believe that it has always been known as [i'>Ishy Biladi[/i'>. Must say that the tune is quite catchy, especially the [i'>biladi, biladi[/i'> bit. Love a good bit of Arab fanfare myself. The Bahraini national anthem is in the same style.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 20:04
I think there's a supply chain issue as Carrefour didn't have any diet Coke at the weekend and I noticed that the shelves were quite empty in that aisle.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:33
But no-one is required to sing, surely. Just to stand respectfully while the national anthem plays, something I expect my children to do regardless of the anthem being played. Singing optional :)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 10:08
No but it's on my ever-expanding Kindle wish list :)
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 09:04
As far as I'm aware, the Sleep Lab at AH doesn't assess children. Here's there link http://www.ahdubai.com/Spclinic/sleep.aspx Please let me know if you do manage to find some help as we're also looking into this.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 09:00
You will find that (British) National Curriculum schools will use, teach and expect students to use British standard spellings. This is a good website for understanding the National Curriculum. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/ExamsTestsAndTheCurriculum/DG_4016665 It's worth noting that there has to be some extra elements added to meet with the Ministry of Educations guidelines (e.g. learning about the UAE and its culture, etc) so the reference above is not 100% complete for UAE BC schools.
Simone N
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 January 2011 - 11:21
I think it's very wise to have a letter from your DH as a precaution. I have been asked several times leaving and entering the UAE with my DC and the first time, I didn't have a letter nor did I have my DS's birth certificate to prove that he was my son. Luckily, a friend of DH's was on duty at immigration at the time and could vouch for us. I've travelled to various other countries and it hasn't been an issue but I do carry an undated, signed and stamped letter from DH as well as copies of my DC's birth certs. <em>edited by Simone N on 02/01/2011</em>
 
 
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