SJJ100 | ExpatWoman.com
 

SJJ100

SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 16:04
Safita Furniture? They are near the Toyota Garage/Service Centre and Coco Cola. We've bought and had furniture made by them and are very pleased with it. :)
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 11:07
Dubizzle can be really good - I've had several successes on there but you do have to be prepared to filter the calls and ignore the time wasters. The Classifieds on here can be quite good. Collect my Junk are very efficient but don't pay.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 12:20
It is a lovely brunch and not at all trashy - I've not seen people falling around drunk and doing drunken stuff! We've taken several sets of visitors there who have all loved it and it's been very civilised. :) The food selection is amazing and there are food stations around the water so you can have a lovely wonder around and enjoy the outside at the same time. The Entertainer voucher makes it exceptionally good value too.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 12:17
The Al Muna Brunch with alcohol is 550 AED (or was when we last went) and the Entertain doesn't cost that much. You could buy another book and still save money!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 08:07
The short answer is yes. Some serviced apartments have registration with Ejari which enables you to get your residency visa - when you are phoning or going to view them ask the manager - it is a common question and they should be able to answer. They will know what documentation to provide you with. I suggest you go for big well known serviced apartments or an organisation such as Rotana or Marriott.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 07:59
Latitude at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel do drinks packages and you can use Entertainer vouchers. Chanels at the Media Rotana do buffets and I think you can get a drinks package which Entertainer Vouchers can be used for. If you have the Gold Fine Dining then Flavours on Two at the Rotana on SZR is another option.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 07:55
Cobone had a really good deal for Kepinski the Palm - 199 AED per person on a weekday - includes breakfast (buffet) and use of their pool and beach. Fairmont the Palm also do it - think they are 250 AED per person. All of the hotels are more expensive at weekends.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2014 - 17:59
We are thinking of taking visitors to the Creek tomorrow morning/lunch time to see souks, dowhs, do an abra trip, eat schwarma etc and the big question is will it all be open before Friday prayers? Don't want to waste our morning - any help/advice would be very gratefully received. Thanks
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 17:21
My understanding is that as a non resident you can't get a mortgage in the UK but I could be wrong. HSBC do Expat Mortgages - might be worth speaking to them.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 17:19
Big Bus Tour - includes a tour of the souks, abra crossing, cruise on the creek and gives a really good overview of Dubai (you can do 1 or 2 days). Buy tickets on line for a discount. Sheik Mohammad Cultural Centre - do great walking tours, breakfast or lunch talking about Emirati culture Jumeirah Mosque - a group talk at 10am Saturday - Thursday - very well done and a beautiful mosque A boat trip around the Marina out towards the Palm At the Top (of Burj Khalifa) buy tickets on line in advance for a quarter of the price Dinner by the Fountains at Dubai Mall/Souk Desert Safari Water Park - Wild Wadi/Aquaventure Dinner in the Madinat restaurants by the water with the view of the Burj Al Arab in the background Drinks at the top of a tall building to see the Palm e.g. The Observatory in the Marina Mariot Drinks on a beach at sunset (any of the Jumeirah hotels but I think Jumeirah Beach Hotel is very good) Afternoon tea in Burj Al Arab Shopping to include aquarium in Dubai Mall/Skiing in Mall of the Emirates If you want to go a bit further afield the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is stunning and a fabulous experience what ever your faith. The blue Entertainer will reduce the cost of a lot of the above! Have fun!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 17:08
Arabian Ranches is a great place to live - very friendly and the facilities are excellent - in my opinion the pools are some of the best in Dubai. There are lots of groups in the Ranches check out Facebook and Ranches Ladies on the internet. If you live in Al Reem you will need to allow 15 minutes to get out of Ranches in the mornings as you will need to drive to Studio City/Motor City end. Once you get past that the trip to Nord Anglia is very easy. Depending on your budget have a look at Palmera as they are the right end of Ranches for you. Victory Heights is also very nice but I think the townhouses may be a bit more expensive than Ranches so it depends on your budget. There are 2 pools there although 1 is under the sports city towers and quite small. It would be quicker to get to school but only by 10 or so minutes. There are lots of new facilities being built in the area. Hope this helps
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 07:15
We have got a house full for Christmas this year and thought that a home delivery of Christmas lunch might be a good idea. Have any of you done this and do you have any recommendations of golf clubs/hotels to use please? Thanks and I know it's only September but I understand they get booked up!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 15:42
We used Snoopy Pets in Dubai and they were excellent. Based on their recommendation I changed the company I was using UK side. If you want to use DKC ask them who they partner with in Manchester who is good. Sorry can't help with house insurance. Good luck with your move.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 15:37
Agree with Chrissy23 for 2 recommendations! Jumeriah Beach Hotel - La Parila is fabulous and you could have a cocktail in the bar on the floor below Observatory - great views over the Palm/Marina Nineteen at the Address Montgomery - views over the lake are lovely (need to sit outside for that) and French style food Jumeirah Beach Hotel - Villa Beach - you are effectively sitting underneath the Burj Al Arab Enjoy your dinner!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 10:39
Does the bank/institution you work for currently have offices here? You could approach them about transferring here? Have a look at LinkedIn and ensure your profile is up to date. I've seen local banks advertising for staff on there. <em>edited by SJJ100 on 25/08/2014</em>
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 10:36
Couldn't agree more! I think Catboy and Geordie Bird return next week and that it has been a temporary summer thing while they've been on holiday - well that's what I'm hoping anyway!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 10:35
Sue - We had exactly the same and have been waiting to hear from them for over a week! How quickly did they get back to you DT? I was told they hadn't got the right equipment/parts.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 16:19
Welcome to Dubai - it does get easier I promise! Where do you live? Have a look on Facebook to see if there are any groups locally. Victory Heights, Arabian Ranches etc all have groups that do a range of social things. Expat Woman coffee mornings are great to - there is information on here about where and when they meet. I think there might be an American Womens group but not sure if it is still running
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2014 - 16:34
Personally, I find them excellent - the people we liaise with are very good and have always resolved any questions, issues etc very quickly. Like any bank I suspect for every person who says how good they are you will find someone who says the opposite!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 July 2014 - 13:10
Try Jim Will Fix It - they are a British owned company who do all sorts of odd jobs and A/C specialists. I've used them to hang pictures, curtain poles and they maintain our A/C. Always found them to be very good. If they can't help they usually recommend someone who can.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 July 2014 - 11:21
The first question is do you want an apartment or a villa and what is your budget? There are British families living all over Dubai and lots of really active communities. Springs/Meadows and Arabian Ranches are a good starting point. To sign a contract I think your husband will need his Residency Visa. You will need to pay a 5% deposit and the agents usually charge 5% too. The landlord/agent will issue with a contract - in many cases the rent cheque is for the year but you may be able to negotiate several cheques but you will be required to hand them over on signing the contract. Once contracts are signed you need to connect DEWA (water and electricity) and then register your property with EJARI. Once you've done this you can then apply for your Residency Visa. There is information on the Expat Woman site about different areas and more detail about the processes. Hope this helps - good luck. Its a great place to live and you are moving at a good time of year.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2014 - 19:05
We use Calash in the Gold and Diamond Park - they are really good and will make things exactly how you want them. I've had jewellery designed there and am very pleased with it. They made my wedding ring in white gold.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2014 - 19:03
We've used them for 18 months and found them to be very good. We have the same maid each time so that she does things how we like them and when one leaves and another joins there was a good handover. I found the company through recommendations on here and am happy with them but I think it probably does depend on the person you get but that's the same with every company.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 11:05
Pai Thai at the Madinat Nineteen, The Address Montgomery Villa Beach, Jumeriah Beach Hotel
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 09:25
The Polo Club at Arabian Ranches was recommended on here and they were right - very traditional Emirati Iftar
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 09:22
Please ignore the ridiculous folks who are thumbing down this thread. I enjoy reading what you are all cooking and creating - the soups sound fabulous :) Ramdam Kareem everyone :)
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 15:51
Have a look on the classifieds on here and Dubizzle
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 15:49
Today's total is now up to 5 - I've just had mine back too! Whole process took 7 weeks and I didn't chase at all. :)
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 17:44
Another vote for Ted Morgan - they are excellent. They have moved and next door to them is a new spa called Cocoon which is also really good - very tranquil and excellent service.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 10:01
We went a few weeks ago when the minimum spend was 250 per person. The service was terrible - they brought the wrong cocktails and we asked 5 times for the bill! We had 2 cocktails each, some food and water to get to the minimum spend. 500 will take some spending to get to unless the prices have gone up accordingly! I took some other visitors for afternoon tea there last October and that was a good experience and you can take children to that. The Burj Al Arab has a minimum spend of 320 (also gone up in the last year) and is a fantastic experience. Cocktails to die for!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 10:57
There is a very good tailor in Motor City - Detroit House, first floor. Can't remember their name/telephone number but have been there several times and always very good. HTH
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 10:52
We are thinking of going to Salalah in August - has anyone been and got any tips, recommendations etc? Thanks in advance
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 19:15
You can set up AED accounts off shore and then change money to $ or £ as you need to rather than being forced into an immediate decision. HTH
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 19:12
Recently used DHL which was very good - had a text confirming delivery and who signed for it. They are in most of the Malls too so very easy to drop off (I think they collect to but haven't used that service)
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 19:11
A necklace or cufflinks with their name or initials in Arabic - made at the Gold and Diamond Park in silver or gold A painting of camels or sand dunes - art galleries anywhere including Souk Al Baha and Souk Madinat.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 16:48
Welcome to Dubai and Ranches :) Ranches Ladies is well worth joining. There is a meeting every Tuesday at the Golf Club - you will be made welcome. Ranches Ladies has lots of sub group - book clubs, craft clubs, mah-jong, walking, poetry etc. Something for everybody. It's a really good way to meet up with people. The EW coffee morning in Motor City would also be good to meet new people.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 17:46
1st choice: Villa Beach at the Jumeriah Beach Hotel - fabulous. 2nd choice: Nineteen at the Address Montgomery Despite being "labelled" a EW newbie we've been here 18 months and eat out quite a lot!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2014 - 14:32
We were at the Fountains in the week and saw them. They were good but I'm not sure I'd make a special effort to go.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2014 - 20:59
Jim Will Fix It are excellent and know the AR villas well. We've used them and they've always done a great job. Arrive on time, clear pricing and clean and tidy up behind themselves. www.jimwillfixit.ae <em>edited by SJJ100 on 01/03/2014</em>
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 17:13
The villas in Springs and Al Reem are the same. We think the biggest difference is in the landscaping - Arabian Ranches doesn't have grass and has a desert "feel" to it whereas there is grass at Springs. The villas in Palmera are very different to Springs/Al Reem and Alma is a bit different too. Personal taste and preference at the end of the day but we love living at AR.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 15:14
Another vote for Palmera.and Arabian Ranches :) We are a couple and love living at Arabian Ranches and in Palmera. Everywhere is very accessible from here and there are a good choice of shops both in Arabian Ranches and in Motor City (you can cut through Studio City). Very friendly communities, great facilities - the swimming pools are lovely and you can walk for miles around the paths between communities and enjoy the bird life. If you don't work Arabian Ranches Ladies offers a huge variety of things to do right on your doorstep.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2014 - 12:18
Shops in the Gold and Diamond Park make cufflinks with names/initials in Arabic. You can buy them in silver or gold and they make lovely presents.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 11:21
I second Calash - they've designed and made several pieces of jewellery for me and I've taken several visitors there - everyone has always been delighted with the results and at a very good price. They will also clean your jewellery for free if you buy things there.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 12:12
Arabian Ranches Ladies have a sub-club who play Mah Jong at the Golf Club on Monday mornings. Google Arabian Ranches Ladies for details.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 08:16
We've got lots of little red ants (well I think they are ants) that are in the dining room/kitchen. They target the cat's biscuit bowl. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them. I can't find where they come from and they are gross! <em>edited by SJJ100 on 28/08/2013</em>
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 08:13
Head to the Souk Madinat. Have drinks at The Agency they do a happy hour from 6 - 9pm every night and then one of the restaurants there - Noodle House is excellent, Japengo also. Or more expensive is Rivington Grill or the Meat Company. There is also an excellent Persian restaurant. All by the water - with the Burj Al Arab in the background for great atmosphere. Enjoy :)
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 09:34
Housekeeping.com did a fantastic job for us and we moved into a grease pit! It was disgusting!
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 08:50
Ali from Flymovers will move 1 item. I furnished our entire home via Dubizzle and he moved everything for us. Does a great job de-assembling and reassembling. Initially on our day of moving he visited half a dozen places to pick up various items but has since done 1 item at a time for us.
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 20:33
Thanks Outspan - I've had a look at the Facebook page and can't find anything about aqua classes - or am I missing something?
SJJ100
109
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 16:09
Please can anyone recommend aqua aerobics classes - preferably on or near to Arabian Ranches? Thanks for your help :)
 
 
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