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Spook

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2017 - 17:52
Just thought of this: https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/guides/khda-dubai-2017-school-rankings-table-complete KHDA is the education authority here in Dubai. They assess and rank the (many) schools here. It's a great place to start, as all (open) schools are listed here. Don't necessarily go for the top ranked schools, we went to an amazing one, but because it was new did not get a very high score. Ask around the "Dubai Mums" FB page for some suggestions regarding good schools too.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2017 - 17:42
Hi! We live in The Springs - on the plus side, it's a great community, and really close to the southern part of Dubai (JLT, where I work). The villas are somewhat over-priced though and you can get some really good deals a bit further out. I won't list them - previous posters have done an excellent job! Some of the villas are indeed showing their age. I know this sounds obvious, but select somewhere either close to the school(s) that the kids will be going to or close to the office. A plus here is that the school buses come to your front door to collect and drop off the kids. So you can maybe stay a bit further away than you might otherwise do. Re purchasing household stuff: as most posters have already said, most villas will be completely empty and you will need to start from scratch (except for kitchen units and some built-in wardrobes). BUT you don't need to buy new - there are flourishing FB pages which have some great second hand deals (type in Springs, Meadows, Lakes Flea Market for example). Ikea is also a good, reasonably priced alternative. Please do ensure that you have enough to cover housing and schooling - and check out prices before agreeing on a salary as both can be incredibly expensive. Water/electricity/waste collection are also fairly pricey. Hope this helps - please write back if you need any more details :-)
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Latest post on 13 December 2016 - 12:44
Hi - can anyone recommend a maid agency that they have had a good experience with recently? We need someone for a month or so as our maid is on a well-deserved holiday :-) Thanks!
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Latest post on 15 October 2016 - 10:01
Good morning - does anyone know of any inline skating classes in Dubai? Ideally southern side as we live in Springs :-)
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Latest post on 28 June 2016 - 09:58
Google Ejari and it will tell you what documents you need. You can do it online but it is cheaper in person. I did mine at the land dept at Al Manara. I went as soon as they opened and was second in the queue it took 20 mins Fantastic, thanks!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2016 - 11:47
I just LOVE that the kids get to mix with every possible permutation of race and religion, with no pre-conceptions, no judgments. Organising parties now sticks to the "No pork, no beef" and "Always have a couple of vegetarian dishes" rules :-D
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2016 - 19:01
Dubizzle is pretty good too..... Sorry to hear you are leaving :-(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2016 - 08:10
Also this: https://www.facebook.com/DxbKiteFest
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Latest post on 13 March 2016 - 15:26
Hello - I am in Springs 14 and aside from a very soggy lawn, there did not appear to be many problems. Of course, we had water seeping in from the upstairs balcony and leaking in through the bathromm windows, but nothing horrendous!
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Latest post on 13 March 2016 - 15:10
Is there any dance spring camp? Prefer around jlt, marina, media city.... My son want to try street dance, hip hop... any suggestions? Hello! There's one over in Media City, general "performing arts": "Hayley's Comet Spring Camp, at James & Alex Dance Studios. Weekly Hip Hop classes in the Meadows Town Centre.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 11:48
Blondie007 and Stix - thanks! Is there a weblink or any other info you can share with me describing dates, times, tc.?
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Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 08:31
Good morning! We will be holding a birthday soon for our 9-year old daughter. Can anyone recommend (a) someone who can paint nails (with little pictures, decorations etc.) and (b) henna painting? Thanks :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2015 - 14:07
Pizza Express is also less than 100 dhs per child. I'll check that out too, thanks!
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Latest post on 14 September 2015 - 14:06
when is ur party for? could you possibly have it outdoors? the parks are quite lovely! or have a look at Fun City (Oasis Centre or Lamcy Plaza) they offer party packages from AED 65/- per child... I also know that a new party zone has opened up at Union Coop (behind ShangriLa on Shk zayed Road)... not sure of their rates though but can't imagine them being too expensive Hoping to have it around October, when the weather cools off a little. We had a "Pool Party" last year, and was a big hit, but we have been very politely asked if we can do something different this year! Just contacted Fun City (thanks) and am rummaging around for the one at Union Coop. <start of vent> I seriously cannot believe the amount of money that people are prepared to pay for a children's party! Honestly, some of the stuff on offer here is just CRAZY. <end of vent ;) >
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 14:34
Hi Ladies! I just got engaged and while I am still relishing in my "just engaged bubble" I was reminded that I also need to start planning :-) Anyone can recommend a bridal shop in Dubai? I have a modest budget and prefer not to exceed 5000 AED. As much as I would love to look my best on our BIG day, I don't feel comfortable spending OTT on a dress I'll be wearing just once. Thank you all!!! Hi - have you had a look at Dubizzle?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 11:55
Thanks you all very much for the replies. Daza, yes I have taken screenshots of the comments. Beebers, that is it really, I have enough stress to be dealing with, she is here to help and not add to the stress. Cherpie, no, that wasn't me, this is the only time I have discovered FB comments. Tallybait, it's not my first time having a housemaid, and you could be right that we have crossed the line but generally I don't think so, and even though my kids are FB friends with her,, they really don't bother with FB anymore. It seems everyone (except the old foggies like me) have moved on to Twitter and Instagram. Regards her workload, I absolutely know it is a light workload and plenty of time off, there is no ambiguity about that whatsoever. Maroosh, especially here in the UAE where there are such strict social media rules about slander etc, a bit foolhardy on her behalf. I will never want to be her friend on FB, but it didn't bother me that the kids wanted to friend her or vice versa, I didn't think there was anything untoward about it. My kids only posted music stuff and she was only posting religious stuff. Anyway, glad they were FB friends, and that their Mom snoops on their FB page, LOL, otherwise I would never have known. PinkLily, I could absolutely do without her, my kids are older now and I don't need that flexibility anymore, that you need when you have little ones. Having thought about letting her go now, the timing is just wrong, as we are leaving this week for the summer and I need her to stay in the house and look after the animals, I just wouldn't have the time to find someone else before we leave.. I was very tempted to write a comment on her FB page, but decided against it. When I come back in August, I will let her know that I know about her comments and her complaints about me, her contract ends in October and she can go home then or earlier if she wants. I won't be giving her an end of employment gratuity, if we were leaving Dubai and having to let her go, than I would have done so for sure. But now that she will be leaving because of her dissatisfaction with her employer than she will leave with nothing more than she is entitled to. Silly girl, as we would have been very generous to her and she could have had a nice little lump sum to help her on her way. Thank you again ladies. Hi! You could send the animals to kennels for the duration if that is all that is needed? There are several around or you could use petsitters.....
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Latest post on 20 June 2015 - 10:18
I know im planning a head, but thats just me, as wanted to get some advice on whos best etc Im leaving Dubai Jan next year, and wanted to know who was the best company to use a shipping container, ill be taking mainly my expensive sofa, dining room table , chair etc, and big pieces of art work. back to Cheshire Also ill be taking my sausage dog too with me, and wanted to know who was the best to use for pet relocation and how it worked Hi! We used DKC - they are absolutely excellent - supportive, kind and helpful. As well as import/export, they can also provide accommodation and can also collect from your house - which is super-useful if you are in packing mode (they also have a vet, in Motor City): http://www.dkc.ae/what-we-do/global-relocations/pet-imports They are somewhat expensive, but they provided such a good service (our cat arrived here in better shape than us!!) that we would use them again and have no hesitation in recommending them.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2015 - 17:50
I use "Fast Rent A Car" - reasonable prices (particularly if you take long-term leases), helpful and quick to reply. Ask for Jeff - let me know if you want more specific contact details, not sure if posting contact numbers is allowed by EW?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 17:29
we are moving from paris to dubai end of june and I have applied my 10 year old daughter for so many schools only to be put on waitlist. I started with applying for the american curriculum schools because this what she is attending in her current school, but now I have also applied for IB and British system schools. I just need her in a good school now... Can it really be true that I can't get her in anywhere? I'm about to cry about this situation.... again :( What can I do? Please help! :( First, DO NOT PANIC! The schools often appear full here because parents make multiple applications, but with some persistence and a bit of research you will get there (same position as you almost exactly 1 year ago). It seems as if you want British/American schools but as you come from France you may want to consider a French school? There are 4 French schools here, Aflec, Georges Pompidou and the most recent addition, ICE (and another Lebanese-French school, but I know nothing about it). My daughter goes to ICE, it is fine and as it is new there will be a better chance of getting in than in the other French schools. They are also thinking of providing an "English Stream", so it might be worth asking even if your son does not speak French. Incidentally, all of the staff speak good to excellent English! I also did a lot of research and our "Plan B" was Nord Anglia. It looked excellent, although it was still being built when I arrived. Another suggestion - try and dig out new/recently opened schools. They are more likely to have places although on the flip side you can't get much by way of opinions - as it is new. Have a look at this, it is the official government website and contains some useful links: http://www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/Articles/DispForm.aspx?ID=38&event=Going to school in Dubai&category=Citizens KHDA also has a searchable database: http://www.khda.gov.ae/khdaWebsite2015/directory?isSearched=1&islight=_islight&school=null&textFilter=&rating=null&curriculum=French&grade=&fee=&location=&tab=school Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 16:17
Hi all, Hoping you can help Looking into schools for my son for 2016 FS1 and came across the above schools. Do any of you have children at any of the schools above (Repton/Kings Barsha/Foremarke/Nord Anglia) if so can you give me an honest opinion both good and bad and if you had ever considered any of the other ones instead before making your decision? Unfortunately my gut isn't helping me. Obviously cost is ridiculous at some of them and location of some are a bit further out but taking that out of my thought process at the moment. Thanks everyone appreciate it in advance!!! My daughter currently goes to one of the French schools, but as a "Plan B" we had her down for a couple of British schools. I did a fair bit of research and was most impressed with Nord Anglia - we would have sent her there without a qualm had she not got into the French school. Incidentally, even if your son does not speak French, they are thinking of having an "English Stream", so it might be worth contacting them (I.C.E., Meydan). Good luck!
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Latest post on 04 May 2015 - 23:44
Thanks, will do just that :-)
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Latest post on 04 May 2015 - 17:55
I agree with an earlier post by Geordie Expat. You will face a whole load less hassle if your husband does it!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2015 - 14:31
How is Timmy? Has anyone adopted him yet? Bless you for taking him in! :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2015 - 14:27
Send me an email ([email protected]) and I will send you the list of schools that I researched last year. We ended up going to one of the French schools, but there are several English language schools that we would have been happy to send the kids too as well.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2015 - 13:30
We give ours 10 dhs for every year they are.... So the 15 year old gets 150 dhs etc...it also gives them a bonus of an extra 10 dhs every year Stupid question (sorry!) - so does the 15 year old get 150AED/month? General thought - we would also think of adding a few "strings", like keeping her room tidy and for the money not to be used to buy sweets. She is expected to help around the house and does so quite happily, so we would probably not include doing chores as a pre-requisite to getting pocket money (yet ;-) )......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2015 - 13:19
Wow. That started a debate! My daughter helps around the house - tidies up after herself after a meal - and happily for others, helps load the dishwasher, knows how to set it.... things she needs to know if she is to be a functional, independent adult. Being kind and polite to the lady who helps around the house absolutely goes without saying.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 11:57
Hope no-one minds my changing the subject, but seeing how much everyone likes MC made me think. Are there communal areas (park/pool/fitness areas) in MC? We are currently in Springs and whilst we like it, it is fairly expensive and a fair way away from school. MC would be a whole load closer. Any information appreciated :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 11:54
I'm sure you get far too many of these questions BUT husband is in the last stages of agreeing a job in Dubai (although last stages seem to be taking a while, is this good prep for things to come?). Anyway I'm trying to get a march on sorting out schools and house... My thoughts are Nord Anglia (they have places which seems positive) Foremarke (like the website also seem to have spots ) GEMS jumeriah primary (even bigger than the others but spaces sound possible) Houses... Victory heights (easy for school but does it have nice communal areas?) Ranches (sounds great but will traffic getting out in the morning drive me mad?) Jumeriah golf (too pricey?) Or should be throwing all this out and doing something totally different!? Um.... Think that's it at the moment. Husband would be working in the DIFC (Ohhh, sounds fancy!).. Any thoughts of any of this would be brilliant. I keep sort of thinking I know what I am doing and then realise that maybe looking at people's holiday pictures of Dubai doesn't exactly make me an expert. Little waves of excitement and panic keep coming over me!! Thanks so much. Grey and bit rubbish in UK today... Good day to plan dreams. I applied to Nord Anglia and it looked fantastic. Staff were kind and extremely supportive. We didn't go there in the end though as the kids were accepted into our first choice of school (French school). Had we not been accepted though, we would have sent them to Nord Anglia.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 11:52
Just to mention as I'm sure you have all seen in the news, but not been posted on here yet the terrible situation following the recent Earthquake in Nepal. Please do think about any maids/watchmen/school security or Nepalese people you may have contact with and ask if they have been affected and perhaps see if you can help in some small way. There is a Nepalese community here and if anyone knows of any collection points or any charities/NGO’s that are looking for donations please do post to share. RIP all those who have lost their lives. Absolutely agree. Please be aware though that there has been a change in law which makes charitable donations more complicated. In effect, you have to get approval before you can do this or face a possible jail sentence or fine. Info. posted on this thread: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic234887-new-legislation-on-charitable-donations-forum0.aspx
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 11:47
All - there has just been a change in legislation regarding charitable donations. This means that anyone wishing to fundraise in the emirate needs to get prior approval from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) through one of its registered charities. Failure to do so can result in a year in prison or a 100,000AED fine. Link is here: Link here: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Official+explains+how+new+charity+law+in+Dubai+will+affect+you.-a0410760065
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 13:08
You don't need to have anything official to move out. Just make sure you get your deposit back haha I have been shifting stuff myself then have the movers in to do the heavy lifting, maintenance work ( Plumbing in washing machine, hanging pics, reassembling furniture etc) I then have cleaners in to do the old place. You need to apply to DEWA for the final bill when you move. They will raise this and 2 days later you pay it and give a copy to the Landlord Thanks! Good luck with the move and mind your back!
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Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 12:24
I am in the same boat. Moving from The Views to The Greens For the new property you need to apply for a moving in form from Emaar You need to apply for this 5 working days before you move in For the new place you need the following Ejari for the new place. Now I had problems trying to obtain the Ejari before the contract date. The Land Department would only let me apply for this once the contract has started. Original Tenancy contract Final Bill from previous tenant or receipt that the DEWA has been set up for the new place Title Deed from the Landlord Emirates ID, Passport copy and visa of tenant Emirates ID, Passport copy and visa ( if applicable ) of Landlord You can do it online but it costs over AED400 I went to the Land Department opposite Al Noor Metro station and it costs AED185 They open at 8am so go at 8am ( it is quiet then) Once you have the Ejari you can register for the Emaar moving form http://media.emaar.com/pdf/24072012/Move-In-Out-Form.pdf ( Docs you need are on the link) Before you submit the form, call Emaar and ask if there are any outstanding service fees on the property. For this you need the LL full name and the address of the new property. They will tell you via the phone If there are outstanding service fees then the Landlord needs to pay these or removals will not gain access and you wont be able to get the moving in form DEWA is now AED4000 for deposit ( It has double) Thanks Thanks Sarah Lou - do you have any similar advice for the moving out part?!
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Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 12:12
I would really appreciate any recommendations (preferabley from personal experience) of any companies that reseal balcony doors (to stop air coming in or escaping) and can also put locks onto them. I have done a lot of research but can't seem to find the right company. Many thanks. Hi - all I can think of is that you ask the management of your building/community if they retain anyone for this. Security are also a very good source of information! I assume that you have tried calling the supplier/manufacturer of the doors to see if they can suggest anyone? Good luck - if I think of anything else I will let you know.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 10:43
Good morning! We will be moving on from our current villa and need to give the Landlord 2 months notice. Does anyone have a sample letter that I can use? Don't want to get caught in some arguement with the Landlord because of some bit of information that was not included! Thanks as always :-) I did this last year, if you are dealing direct with the landlord the first thing you need to do is have a look at your contract and see the terms and conditions for vacating and for handing the property back. If you are breaking lease or just not renewing again at end of term, these can vary from property to property so there will not be one standard letter that fits all. But the main points you need to outline are Address letter to landlord by name and address Date the letter Give notice of your intent to vacate premises as described in contract at end of term or break lease on a date forward of two months of a date stated Refer to the paragraph clauses where the terms and conditions for vacating are stated on the contract State your intent to comply with terms and conditions as per contract such as cleaning Request authorisation to remove your furniture if required (some compounds require a security pass for furniture removals) Request landlord meet you for final inspection upon handover of keys, if not dealing with estate agent who will have a proceedure in place for inspection check out. Request refund of security deposit within due term mentioned on contract. I would also take to this meeting copies of receipts of final cleaning bill and any repairs and maintenance paid for by you during the tenancy if maintenance was your responsibilty. In the absence of a property company doing the final checkout I would have the Landlord sign receipt of any documents you provide on handover of keys. hth edited by chezmoi on 21/04/2015 That is most helpful, many thanks - I will do as you suggest. Whilst an agency assisted with finding and moving in, our relationship since this has been directly with the Landlord, so I am assuming that we will be dealing directly with the Landlord when we move out. Worth checking though!
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Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 08:35
Thanks for the recommendations everyone, I will be busy today :-) If anyone else has any more suggestions, please let me know!
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Latest post on 19 April 2015 - 17:32
Hi - we had an absolutely excellent, flawless service by a group here called DKC. I know this is not really what you were asking, but I am assuming that you will have to start looking at some point! If you decide to go with them, I suggest you ask them to recommend someone at the UK end; I am certain that they have a trusted partner with whom they usually work. Good luck and kudos to you for being such a responsible pet owner :-)
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Latest post on 18 April 2015 - 10:49
Thanks Missy Moo, I will look them up. You interested in a decorating job?!! :-D :-D :-D
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Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 21:51
Hi blimey. Many thanks!. Forgive my ignorance: what other services aside from PRO do they provide?
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Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 07:36
Hi I would also be interested in a good PRO reference. Thanks!
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Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 21:22
Can anyone give any shop names which sell children's shoes? Just bought school uniform (ouch!), next it's the school shoes!
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 12:47
Can anyone tell me what this is about..? and whether you have been? thanks I have just been up Y cluster and the signs say the 'funslide' is opening on 31st August. Said 20AED one ride. Didn't say which cluster mind you. Looks like a huge inflatable slide from the picture.It is in JLT park (I can see it from the office :-) ). I will have a look at the notices on the way out of the office and post and extra information I can find there.
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 12:36
Am allergic to my cats .... will think about getting a purifier thou.Any idea where you can get one of these from? I am allergic to the cat too!
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Latest post on 10 August 2014 - 15:14
Ciao. Here I am ;) Im italian.......:) Quando vi trasferite? Di dove siete? Ciao Marianna! Siamo qui in Dubai.... io sono inglese, mi marito spagnolo. Abbitiamo in Springs - tu? Purtroppo non parlo italiano molto bene, ma la mia figlia e' molto brava, anche mi marito. Parliamo?!
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Latest post on 30 July 2014 - 21:26
Not sure whether this is helpful or not but your maids contract is standard contract issued by the Ministry of Labour in Arabic and English and as far as I am aware completely non-negotiable.Yes, that's a start! What I was also wanting to know was the things we are obligated to provide, so that we can then figure out the things that we would like to provide. We will have a "live out" maid/nanny and I have no idea of anything that would normally be provided (apart from salary of course). Getting rather desperate and we will have to hire soon!
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Latest post on 29 July 2014 - 23:07
Hello! Is there anyone in this forum who is Italian, has Italian friends or knows how to link in to the Italian community in Dubai? I am asking as we are moving from Italy and would like to make some Italian friends here. It will also make us practice Italian so we do not forget! Grazie milleThanks, I'll give that a go!
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Latest post on 28 July 2014 - 14:48
I came across a few, but only 1 replied: "Breath & Health" (Yang style): http://www.breathandhealth.net/ I tried it and it was pretty good. Others that I emailed, but did not reply: (a) Master John Duval: (tried emailing but never received a reply, [email protected]) BUT, just came across this registration form and have just completed it (it's really long-winded though) - http://form.jotform.com/form/13394907302 (b) Chen Qiang, [email protected] This is a new one, not seen this before: http://www.expat-blog.com/en/classified/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/124-tai-chi-classes/179695-tai-chi-and-chigong-old-yang-style.html, email: [email protected] If you hear anything let me know, or perhaps if there are enough of us we can ask the teacher to come to us to do classes?! I am in Springs (near JLT).
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 16:57
I would suggest you look for a school first and then accommodation! Getting into schools here is a real headache. Having said that, we had a really pleasant experience with Nord Anglia school. A bit of a risk as it is opening this year, but they are part of a "chain" so there should be no problem. We managed to get a place, despite applying late. They are really kind and helpful too! Send Sally an email or give them a call. Good luck!
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 16:49
Thanks (and apologies for the terrible spelling in the original thread :-) ).
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Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 18:32
Does anyone know which shop(s) to go to for beds and matresses? Also the ones that can tilt up, as well as the standard flat platform. Thanks!
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Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 17:04
Spook take a look at this page http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_home_garden_maids_in_dubai_8822.aspx it will answer a lot of your questions. :)Thanks! I have had a look through, but could not find any agency names. I can find loads on the internet, but have no real idea of which are good and which are not..... The rules and regulations section is interesting, but does not really explain what obligations relating to the hiring of a maid are. I have no idea what I am obliged/should to pay/provide other than the salary!! It would be very helpful if a list exisits that states what these are.