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skyfall

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 10:24
Juts checked it, it says it is being updated :-DDD It only goes up to 1st August I think Thanks :-) Oh, a mere 22% rise expected...brilliant... o_o
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 10:20
Try Jenny at Origins, she makes very good blinds.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 10:19
Thanks Lucy, this is what I expected tbh, Im also happy to take my own snacks, etc...I have booked tickets with extra everything...and as you said, it was utterly good price. The only other airline that flies there is Qatar but it goes via Doha and costs more than double...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 10:12
Juts checked it, it says it is being updated :-DDD
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 11:50
Try getting more information at the The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). My friend also asked the Imam at her local mosque who pointed her in the right direction and now she attends reading sessions, etc...though this is in ADH but Im sure Dubai has something similar. Good luck!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 11:45
Try calling Marina pharmacy at Knowledge Village...they seem to have my meds when it is out of stock everywhere else...They are also willing to order specifically for you...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 11:37
Btw, I was a Service Desk/ Technical Support Manager for companies such as IBM, NOKIA, etc... Having worked in fields that require personnel of your calibre I can safely say it is going to be very difficult to land a job for you as in those fields employment seems to be around certain nationalities that does not include yours. Simply because they are willing to work for lower salaries and saying you are Canadian does make people think you might be wanting too much money, will not fit in with the already existing team (who somehow always end up from the same country)...I experienced this first hand....I ended up resigning... I also have a friend who works in IT but it took her 8 years to get to a 'normal' salary and accept the fact that she is THE only one who is A) a woman B) a minority and C) treated like dirt on most occasions by her seniors who are also from the same country as the rest of the team. I so wish my post was more positive, sorry....Perhaps try volunteering to begin with and networking will lead you to a better position and you will also feel like you are doing something worthy.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 11:24
There aren't any for Toro Toro. Oh noooooooo!!!! I thought perhaps they handed some out at Dubai Food Festival.... :-( There swims my sea bass...lol
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 11:20
I am slightly baffled as to how a 5 star hotel failed to spot on security cameras people breaking into one their rooms! That is, of course, if they have cameras in corridors...the fact that people can actually just walk in and out of hotels as they please is slightly scary, the world is not as safe as it used to be. Hotels should have some form of measures in place to prevent attacks like this happening. Sadly if you flaunt it, you will have to take higher risks of being attacked. Rich people will always be a target. Facts of life. I do agree though that it is slight scaremongering...If we were to base travel on two attacks we would not be able to go anywhere in today's world....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 11:13
Bottom line: if you are willing to live a more frugal and humble life in the UAE go for it! It can be done BUT it will be tough. There are so many added expenses here that I would have never occurred back at home...childcare issues, healthcare, transportation (cars), etc...do a bit of maths based on factual numerics: -contact actual schools for fees, admissions info -search for flats on dubizzle, go to the RERA website to get an accurate idea of rent -check what medical insurance you will receive here and what that will cover down to the last tooth -check car rental companies online or email them for quotations -email an agency asking for the costs of a part-time helper etc... Good luck! :-)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 22:32
I've heard they are delayed rather often?! I dont mind the cheap and cheerful, no frills part but delays are harder to deal with...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 22:04
What about face products? My Dh uses mine, and I recently switched to another face wash and he came out of the bathroom commenting on how great the product is and his pores are so open he does not want to clog them with face cream..lol lol lol! :-DDDDD This made me laugh out loud.... It annoys me when he announces every time he goes to the loo that he is about to go to the loo, takes iPhone, magazines, books, Blackberry....emerges after 20mins with a 'naughty' (utterly weird) smile and sighs really loud....at which point I look at him (as its obvious he does it for attention) and like a good little boy that he is, tell him well done.... HAHAHAHA So sad....lol <em>edited by skyfall on 01/05/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 09:27
Hi Didi777, I completely empathise with your concerns - we only moved to Dubai about 6 months ago with my then 11 month old and like you am very VERY attached to my family and am used to being close to them and they have been very involved with my LO. Moving to Dubai has been harder than I expected and nothing makes up for having no family around. Similar to Skyfall, we have started without a maid, but the pressure on my husband and I to constantly be with baby without any break or support is too much so we're going to start the hunt for a maid very soon. I will say though, that the lifestyle here for children and families is excellent. There is so much to do for young ones, everything is easier, the sun is always shining and the lifestyle is truly fantastic. Plus you will meet and make some fantastic friends, everyone has started in the same boat and you'll come to build a life that you value for different reasons to the life you lead at home. I met some great ladies through the expatwomen meet ups. Honestly, if you do decide to make the move, you won't regret it. There are also some great facebook groups for mums in Dubai so look them up. Good luck! I am intrigued by your comment about the " pressure on you and your husband to constantly be with baby without any break or support" - this is not a Dubai thing..... many people live in the UK or elsewhere and have to raise a child with no other support than the 2 parents. I know I did. As you mentioned you did have your parents for support, here OP would not have that. She would not be able to go out for a dinner with her husband, or have a bit of 'me' time without the help of a cleaner and part-time maid the least.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 09:21
I second the Waves, we had some friends who lived there and I remember their pool was simply stunning with a children's pool separate ( so it's civilised), sun loungers, tables with nice umbrellas, BBQ areas, they even had a tennis court, gym, steam and sauna!!! Metro is also close to this tower I think.... Good luck!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 09:18
Eventually I will be taking up a job but I am not sure how easy is that. If we live in Sharjah, will anything be better for us ? Also are there good schools in Sharjah. My daughter is 3 years old and we want to give her a strong foundation. Sorry, I'm struggling to understand why you won't give out where you are coming from?! That would help a lot of us give a better perspective and also have an understanding of your situation, needs and wants :-) I do recognise many people live on lower salaries but I maintain the view that the UAE can be rather awful if you don't get to experience all the wonderful opportunities it has to offer, such as food, travel, etc...
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Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 21:02
You might find it at the Fruit and Vegetable Market, but I think due to developments it has somewhat diminished :-(
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Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 20:48
Dr. Christian Jozsa at HealthBay Polyclinic and also at City Hospital. I've been going to him for years and I am very picky :-)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 20:45
Oh, wow! This is such a brilliant idea, we are in the process of upgrading our tv system, will definitely ask maintenance guys...though I do like the idea of giving it away to someone who would really appreciate it... :-)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 20:36
Without a maid it can be rather difficult here as you won't have the family support....I started with no maid as well but that quickly changed as the cleaning just never stopped, constant dust and sand drove me crazy...add cooking, washing, ironing to it and you find yourself half asleep by the time your husband comes home :-)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 19:57
Thanks everyone for your advice. I am a bit confued. If I do a breakdown , i get - 1) 1 bed room in Dubai - `5500 AED per month (70000 AED) 2) Utitlities - 800 AED 3) Phone & internet - 300 AED 4) Schooling ( UK/Engtlish standard) 2500 AED 5) Food - 2000 AED This brings the total to 11000 AED I still have 3000 AED for other expenses. Will that not be enough ? Am I missing anything Sorry to be blunt but no, it won't be enough. Though of course, it all depends on what you are leaving behind and what your expectations of life in Dubai are. It is increasingly expensive here, there are many additional costs to what you have laid out, such as medical expenses, transportation for both of you (to rent the cheapest car is AED1800 a month with petrol, etc)., potential holidays, extracurricular activities for your child, etc... Having been here for a long time I can honestly say I would not move for AED14,000 if that has to cover 3 people...My guess is, you would be struggling here: trying to get by, salary to salary...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 15:42
I've recently read The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty and a bit of a different genre, We are all made of glue by Marina Lewycka...I absolutely loved the latter one, very different from what I would normally read but well worth it.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 15:40
Atmosphere over the Viewing deck for sure. Took many friends, family there every time they visited, they loved it. Yes, you do get posers, etc but then you get them elsewhere too... Focus on the sunset, lovely cocktails, do eat beforehand though as the bar menu is extremely limited in my view and crazy expensive.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 15:36
Social by Heinz Beck at the Waldorf Astoria with pre-dinner cocktails on the terrace of Serafina bar set the tone for us last weekend. Amazing food, lovely staff, very attentive, not cheap but it is a restaurant of a Michelin star chef after all...You can book a table outside on the veranda...great sommelier too! I would defenitely go back... Also the Armani main restaurant is amazing, I took hubby there for his birthday!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 18:42
Helen at LifeWorks, Dr. McCarthy on Jumeirah Beach Road, Sabine at HRI at Knowledge Village...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 18:10
Thanks for the suggestion, just been to Hacker, extremely good service, not cheap but seems to be worth it due to quality, design and all...their showroom was full... Funnily enough everyone tells me to steer clear of BetterLife...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 18:04
I've just made an amazing vanilla chocolate cake using vanilla pods for the first time ever and was so happy with the natural flavours...soak it in alcohol to get more value out of them as they are rather pricey...I just scraped it into my cake mix from the pod itself :-) Yumm.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 18:01
Dr. Christian Jozsa, simply amazing! He works out of Healthbay Polyclinic on Al Wasl Road, or City Hospital...I've been going to him for years, also did my surgery for various gynecological issues. Can't praise him enough! (Gosh, I do hope it's not him who you are unhappy with...lol)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 17:57
I called 3 to 4 guys, but nobody came on time.I am not going to use any off such guys, will find out some punctual and professionals. You come to expect people to arrive late, once you've lived out here a while edited by Geordie expat on 27/04/2014 Hahaha...sooo true. OP: Ive posted this in the other curtain thread too as Im trying to get curtains made: - KA International at Al Wasl Square (most expensive but with also the most gorgeous pure Spanish linen materials available, gorgeous printed curtains too, stunning but highly expensive, good service) - Dubai Blinds (mid-range quote, not 100% pure linen curtain, also some polyester materials, good service, arrived next day for measurement plus quote, they quoted me half of what KA quoted) -Origins (cheapest, mixed material of linen, cotton, polyester, ok service) You could select materials from Silk Land and get a lady called Jenny make it for you from Origins!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 17:51
The Breast Care Clinic at the American Hospital is where I went to a few years ago and was more than happy with the 'service' which included a very thorough consultation, physical examination in the presence of a nurse (as the doctor was male), a mammogram that followed an X-Ray and ultrasound, full clear explanation and interpretation of imaging, etc....Luckily for me it was a benign affair. I am greatful for the thoroughness of the doctor though. If you don't mind a male doctor who is also a surgeon, his name is Dr. Paul Sayad. I was very comfortable with his demeanour at all times, he was very professional with sound advice.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 17:42
How about volunteering at Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, they constantly seek volunteers to help with arts and crafts, etc...? Or you could try contacting the Dubai pet shop/Pets Habitat to see if she could help with the animals? They might be able to point you in the right directionif they themselves cant accommodate her. Swimming or other water sports? Or try The Archive near Saffa park, there is an artist lady there who teaches various classes! She was also involved in Arts Dubai...DUCTAC theatre or drama classes?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 13:49
As you would like to live in it I would imagine the schooling of your daughter will have a big say in this, plus the commute you will have to do every day... Otherwise if schooling is easily sorted for her downtown or nearby and you dont mind the commute go with downtown... Downtown will always be downtown: vibrant, desirable...really depends on whether you are happy to forego more space for location. I would also look into the management company of both buildings (their reputation is important to how happily you will live there)...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 13:33
Im in the same situation, had 3 extremely different quotes... - KA International at Al Wasl Square (most expensive but with also the most gorgeous pure Spanish linen materials available, gorgeous printed curtains too, stunning but highly expensive, good service) - Dubai Blinds (mid-range quote, not 100% pure linen curtain, also some polyester materials, good service, arrived next day for measurement plus quote, they quoted me half of what KA quoted) -Origins (cheapest, mixed material of linen, cotton, polyester, ok service) Im off to Silk Land to check some further fabrics...Good Luck! Let us know who you went with at the end! <em>edited by skyfall on 27/04/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 13:25
Try the German Neuscience Centre in Healthcare City...they might be able to advise further. gncdubai com
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 13:23
Go Nespressoooooo.... always have capsules available with limited edition flavours etc in MoE, they also deliver...can't beat it :-)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 10:55
I've just started a thread on this as I'm dealing with same :-) hopefully someone will add some valuable info! Meanwhile would you like to chat about it: frankiedory77 at gmail com?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 10:52
Wear whatever makes you feel good! Why waste precious time and energy of what others think... :-)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 10:48
Investment perspective agree with sadubai: downtown it is very stable in terms of prices in case of re-sell. Do you plan on living in this flat?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 10:44
Almaya supermarket usually stocks it in Dubai Marina, by Corefit....