UmmSofia

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Latest post on 31 October 2016 - 17:26

Thank you UmmSofia, I will make sure to do that just in case. In regards of the price I have done lots of research and most of the spa's and health centers charge around 500 AED whereas the herbal centers charge 100 AED for Consultation and 50 AED/ per cup wich comes to approx. 350 AED. The natural medicine men/ women don't give you a price but advise you to pay as you wish. I suppose this is the authentic way as it's a traditional treatment but of course it's different if you do it in a renowned center. I am still undecided which one to go for. I am tempted to do it the oldschool way but of course I need to be sure of hygiene. Will keep you posted for sure! @Zuhairah yes, my grandmother used to do it for her neighbours and never charged a penny. But unfortunately, times have changed and everyone has to pay rent. Personally I wouldn't mind even paying if it was a little more because I think it is a really important treatment to expel toxins and not many people know how to do it. I would go for the most recommended person I could find, if they are that good, they will absolutely take hygiene as a priority. They have to know what they are doing in order to perform this. The gentleman that did the treatment for my brothers took all kinds of equipment with him to make sure the area they sat on was clean and he sterelised the cups very well in front of them and then applied some kind of disinfecting substance (I don't remember what it was honestly) following the treatment. He also took care not to place too many cups. Some people really go over board and too many cups can become dangerous.

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Latest post on 31 October 2016 - 10:59

@Zuhairah - I would love to know how it goes. If it is done properly it is not supposed to hurt. You may feel dizzy or tired following the treatment, I think it would be wise if someone else drives you and I would take some dates to give you some energy, just in case. @Sourskittleashnut - How did you find the treatment? How much is expensive? My brothers paid just under 500 aed to have the treatment at home (I think the gentleman was also a qualified medical professional) I heard at the centres in Sharjah charge per cup from what I have heard but I don't remember how much. I was considering having it done in London but the prices were around £250.00

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Latest post on 31 October 2016 - 09:25

Hi Zuhairah, My brothers had it done last year and they said it was amazing. I saw the photos - unbelievable what came out. One of them suffered from severe shoulder pain for years and it really really helped relieve the pain. There was a gentleman that was recommended that provides treatment at home, for men only. There is however a few centres in Sharjah. Unfortunately, I don't have the numbers. If you do have it done, please come back and tell us how it went. The ladies in my family all want to do it too. Good luck!

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Latest post on 28 October 2016 - 22:20

You're most welcome. If you are applying from London, you need to keep an eye on the Guardian Newspaper online job section. They do post Dubai based positions from time to time. Look under location, Middle East https://jobs.theguardian.com/

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Latest post on 27 October 2016 - 09:36

Hi there, Here are some of the more known agencies: Azrek BAC Charter House Clarendon Parker Hays Kershaw Leonard Michael Page Mira Consultancy Nelson Park Advisors MSC Headhunting SOS Recruitment Job Sites: www.monster.com/jobs/q-bahrain-jobs.aspx www.gulftalent.com/bahrain/jobs www.gulfconnexions.com You should also contact companies directly, network as much as you can, attend exhibitions, create google alerts to send you e-mail updates on the companies and industry you would like for. It is a full time job to find a full time job over here. Good luck.

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Latest post on 27 October 2016 - 09:30

Thanks a lot for the information UmmSofia. However, I am looking for US channels, will this work for US channels too. Hi Umm Nuh, I think they have some, there is a list of channels on their website, over 200 I believe. I don't watch TV so I am no longer acquainted with whats what on TV.

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Latest post on 27 October 2016 - 09:25

Good morning, I went to a wedding that where they gave out a CD of their wedding soundtrack had a photograph of bridge and groom on the front and monogram on the back. Another wedding had sweet little key chains with the names and wedding date engraved

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Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 00:24

You guys can try Virgin Media that has both Android & Apple apps that allow you to watch over 200 UK channels from anywhere http://store.virginmedia.com/discover/tv/on-the-go/tv-anywhere.html

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Latest post on 25 October 2016 - 10:03

Hi rusamerican86, Some of the most fun we had over the years included: Cooking workshops at Atelier Des Chefs, exploring art galleries in Bastakiya, Overnight desert safaris, Hot Air balloon ride, Seawings plane tour of Dubai, Painting sessions at Jam Jar Dubai, Musandam boat trip, Bateaux dubai dinner, horse riding in Mushrif Park, Go Karting in Motor City, Sky Diving, spa holiday at Zighy Bay, Oman, Full moon desert drumming, photography workshops, volunteering (www.volunteerinuae.com) attending events and exhibitions, weekend trips to neighbouring countries, take an abra to old Dubai explore restaurants in Deira, We are really looking forward to checking out the Dubai Opera soon and the Safari Park when it opens next year. Whoa! You guys really know how to entertain yourselves. Awesome activities! Thank you very much! That was over many years rusamerican86, the older we get the less we want to go out :)

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Latest post on 25 October 2016 - 10:00

You should keep your eye on Dubai car auctions, you can find really great deals. Auction houses near Al Aweer and Ras al Khor areas

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Latest post on 25 October 2016 - 09:57

Finding a job that allows you to work from home is really tough around here. You can always freelance or create your own business from home. I know a lot of ladies are doing that but I am not sure if they have a license or not. This is one of the most affordable ways to get a license via Fujairah Creative City Freezone www.creativecity.ae/apply.html Some of the home run businesses I have come across are: catering, Virtual Personal Assistant services, candle making, Arabic perfume blending, scrapbooking, photography, make up & henna, reiki, dress making

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Latest post on 24 October 2016 - 14:19

One of the best dentists in UAE is Dr. Hussam Khalaf at Al Qasr Medical Centre, Corniche Rd, Sharjah T. 06 554 9533 I cannot recommend him enough and his prices are much more reasonable than the dentists in Dubai. He is very professional and gentle in his work. I take all my family to him even those from overseas. I am a big woss when it comes to dentists and he is the only one that didn't hurt me during any treatment or did I have any pain following any treatments, including extractions, root canals. He has clients that come all the way from Abu Dhabi to see him.

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Latest post on 24 October 2016 - 14:11

Nathalie Haddad is awesome and really sweet. She helped me personally after trying to gain weight for a few years. She used to be based at the French Medical Centre in the Village Mall, Jumeirah She is the owner of www.right-bite.com & www.nathalies.ae

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Latest post on 24 October 2016 - 14:03

www.tavolashop.com/ae or www.lakeland.ae

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Latest post on 24 October 2016 - 14:00

Hi hfyk2012, I don't understand your question. You want to look for a job from home or you want to find you a job that allows you to work from home? Thanks

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Latest post on 23 October 2016 - 14:00

There are so many venues nowadays, all depends on budget. One really lovely venue that is very charming and looks lovely in the evening is the XVA Gallery & Hotel in Bastakiya www.xvahotel.com, still one of the most affordable places for a wedding.

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Latest post on 23 October 2016 - 13:36

Hi labello861, I get my stationary done in London at https://www.instagram.com/grosvenorstationerycompany/ they have really nice designs and I just love the calligraphy and the envelopes! Some great printers I have previously used in the UAE are Veesham Priting Press in Dubai and Pioneer Printing Press in Ajman. Good luck!

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Latest post on 23 October 2016 - 12:52

Hi labello861, A couple of gifts I had made which were really appreciated were: 1. I had a Personal Monogram Designed by www.natoof.com and had a wax seal stamp made 2. I bought a noble title from www.highlandtitles.com for a family member giving them the right to use Lord of Glencoe 3. I had some personal stationary designed (letterheads & envelopes)

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Latest post on 23 October 2016 - 12:43

Hi rusamerican86, Some of the most fun we had over the years included: Cooking workshops at Atelier Des Chefs, exploring art galleries in Bastakiya, Overnight desert safaris, Hot Air balloon ride, Seawings plane tour of Dubai, Painting sessions at Jam Jar Dubai, Musandam boat trip, Bateaux dubai dinner, horse riding in Mushrif Park, Go Karting in Motor City, Sky Diving, spa holiday at Zighy Bay, Oman, Full moon desert drumming, photography workshops, volunteering (www.volunteerinuae.com) attending events and exhibitions, weekend trips to neighbouring countries, take an abra to old Dubai explore restaurants in Deira, We are really looking forward to checking out the Dubai Opera soon and the Safari Park when it opens next year.

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Latest post on 20 October 2016 - 16:11

The other day was meeting couple of new women over a coffee event and hear many women bragging about it. The way they were explaining how bad the "normal" stuff in the super market it, the Bon grass fed meat or Bon organic chicken, or the chemicals from non organic shampoos or tooth paste or even shoes can kill you.....I am left speechless , lol I understand processed food is not good, but prices of greens vs organic greens, meat verses organic meat, more likely people who can't afford to pay these prices should die quickly :thinking: Shoes? :) that's a new one. I have to look that up. I wouldn't brush that off as ridiculous though. Maybe the lady knows something that we do not. I am definitely for Organic products and I do agree with the fluoride in tooth paste being toxic. There is nothing like good old salt water, bicarb or organic coconut oil pulling. Even the FDA now is demanding that every tube of tooth paste has a poison warning on it. http://fluoridealert.org/issues/dental-products/toothpastes/ Dangers of Fluoride: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/11/dr-bill-osmunson-on-fluoride.aspx http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/how-safe-is-fluoride/

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Latest post on 20 October 2016 - 15:59

Hi ladies, I use the entertainer a lot...especially for meals and never have an issue. If I go for a massage with a friend and use the voucher then, never an issue either! But yesterday I went by myself for my 'free' massage, I paid two weeks ago and got my voucher stamped them but Yesterday I found the receptionists to be very off with me when i wanted to use it...one even said, "I trust you have enjoyed your massage because you are going to be using your free entertainer!!!!" Perhaps it was because I wasn't paying anything on the day because I was just using it myself? Has anyone else had this issue....I feel kind of put off using it just myself again!!! Hi Cruiseaddict, You should have spoken to the manager/owner. I don't think the staff have the right to be rude to any customers with a voucher or not. She obviously doesn't understand Marketing or Customer Services. I think it is important to draw attention to such matters without being rude but out of principle. I would be put off too but she is in the wrong not you.

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Latest post on 20 October 2016 - 15:49

I have heard from Doctors that I know that flu shot can cause neurlogical disorders, autism and other fatal illnesses. Please read below and read more about the dangers Here is an interview with the great Dr. Edward Group http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/dr-group-interview-alex-jones-truth-about-the-flu-shot/ David Icke talks about the flu shot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9cJhQUlU1c http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-153722/Mercury-flu-vaccine-linked-autism.html

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Latest post on 20 October 2016 - 15:43

If you look up Masterchef USA or Australia on Youtube they do show how to make macarons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3PRKN6l4dQ its towards the end of the episode Good luck

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Latest post on 19 October 2016 - 23:47

Sweet romantic novels - A Portrait in Sepia by Isabelle Allende & Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres

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Latest post on 15 October 2016 - 23:42

This seems to be the case in Europe too, not just here. It's getting really competitive. Also don't forget that recruiters are overwhelmed with CVs, it's essential to send something that stands out from the pack. They literally take seconds to make a decision whether to call someone in for an interview or not by the appearance of the CV. If anyone needs help in revamping their CV/Resume, I have been creating and redesigning CVs for a very long time. I am doing it for free for the next month so if anyone is interested let me know.

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Latest post on 13 October 2016 - 20:01

Dunno if this is the right thread to ask this Q ... We have this another toilet pot in our new apartment. Don't know what is that for ... One the main toilet commode and one more next to it... Any one knows what's that for? The other one has no flush tank only a tap @ nihonjin - If it has a tap, I will assume that it is a bidet? ( also used for washing after using the toilet )

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Latest post on 13 October 2016 - 19:54

Can anyone please recommend any deo brands easily available here that are free of the nasties mentioned above? thank you! The Organic Pharmacy have lovely spray deo in a glass bottle (a bit expensive) http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/health-beauty/body/deodorant There is a branch on Al Wasl Rd Mall

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Latest post on 13 October 2016 - 14:53

www.silkor.com they are really nice and really professional

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Latest post on 13 October 2016 - 14:50

Hi Flower321, I am sorry that you have gone through this. I went through something similar myself about ten years ago and last year it resurfaced out of the blue. I suggest that you go to the Collections Department in your bank and demand a meeting with the highest management that you can get. Many banks apparently do offer discounts, don't rely on the opinions of the members of staff that are calling you on the phone, they are under pressure and some times misinformed themselves. It's very important that you don't avoid the bank, answer all their calls and show good will by turning up and trying to solve the matter but also speak in a confident manner. Don't let them intimidate you. If they see you are weak they will take advantage. That's what happened to me. While other people were getting discounts on their amounts owed I paid everything off and got slapped with an extra 11,000 AED on top in fines that came out of nowhere. I also made a fatal error of not getting a clearance letter or letter of confirmation that the entire loan was paid off and this came back to bite me almost ten years later.

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Latest post on 13 October 2016 - 14:07

I have been reading about this topic recently and thought I should share this radio show episode which is very interesting and I believe vital for any concerned parent to know more about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BuQend3mn8

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Latest post on 13 October 2016 - 14:04

Hi nihonjin, Here is a really great article from Dr. Edward Group (really great Doc) on why we should use Aluminium Free Deo http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/why-you-should-use-aluminum-free-deodorant/ and the health dangers it poses to human health. Also if you are Muslim please be aware that not all deos are halal, some of which supposedly contain pork

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Latest post on 09 October 2016 - 19:43

Hi Whitelilies, This lady - Cyntha Gonzalez was really wonderful www.cynthagonzalez.com Not sure if she still does marriage counselling but it's worth contacting her. Best of luck

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Latest post on 09 October 2016 - 19:40

Hi TSI, Did you also check his eye sight? You should look into some Montessori education books, it's a really wonderful method of Education. Here is some of their philosophy about reading: http://www.montessoriforeveryone.com/Children-Reading_ep_46-1.html Best of luck

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Latest post on 06 October 2016 - 13:11

@Chrissy23 thanks for your kind response. I recommend them too but unfortunately, I cannot afford their prices right now. It is infected and swollen, I am trying to find another alternative. Thank you so much.

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Latest post on 10 April 2016 - 12:18

Hi ladies, My friend owns a UAE-based online cosmetics website and the is having cash flow issues to fund orders since the site works on a 'cash on delivery’ basis - the customer pays only when they receive their package, which means she has to pay for the costs herself and then gets paid later. She has a huge demand in orders but cannot keep up with them, and the site has a great reputation and a huge following. I only came to know because I’m a regular customer and had touched base with her about the products and got to know her over a period of time, and when she told me about this I promised her I’d post on EW for her hoping to help her out, knowing there are other female entreprenurs on here! She wanted some ideas on how to get more cash to fund the orders, and she is willing to sell equity if needed, so if you know anyone who might be interestd in buying a part of the business or you have any ideas on how she can fund her orders, please let me know! On a side note, she doesn’t want to take out a bank business loan though she has a registered business, because she’s Muslim and doesn’t want to deal with interest. Thank you! Greetings, I have a potential investor that has been looking to make a small investment in such a type of business. He also runs a small delivery company, one of the most cost effective in Dubai. How can I can get further details, they are also muslims and also don't work on interest. Many thanks

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Latest post on 05 April 2016 - 12:40

The Healing Zone Academy at the Gold & Diamond Park, Sheikh Zayed Road

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Latest post on 05 April 2016 - 12:38

Mashed potato drenched in butter and sour cream

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Latest post on 05 April 2016 - 12:34

Hi Maril, You will find when you receive your work contract here, that you will see the salary broken down and listed in a way that includes housing, there is a percentage from the total of the salary that is counted as housing allowance. If I am not mistaken most companies do provide annual return tickets to country of origin - that used to be standard practice recognised by the Labour office, maybe this has changed in the last few years, someone who knows more here, can highlight this. I cannot advise you on schools as I didn't get that far yet. But I can tell you after living here for so long I would say that this is doable indeed but you have to do a lot of research on where to live, where to shop, how to shop. Also saving funds for emergencies over here is very important, small surprises can pop out of the blue, ie. traffic fines, medical occurrences that are not covered by insurance. A lot depends on your family, what you like to do, what kind of lifestyle are you seeking? etc.....Best of luck! This is actually an ongoing problem in Dubai for some people who have housing provided by the employer in addition to their salary. I have seen those who work for major companies (whose names I would love to mention) that have their housing paid for separately... YET their contract suggests that half of their actual salary (what goes in the bank as theirs) is "housing allowance." Since end of service gratuity is based on BASIC salary only... it allows the company to get away with claiming half of their employee's actual salary is not really salary (though it is). This allows them to pay only 50% of what is owed to the employee as gratuity at the end of the contract. :( @Lady Lavender - the labour law contract requires that the employer provides a percentage (If I am not mistaken it used to be almost 40% of the total salary toward housing) most people don't realise this until they have a legal problem with their employer. People often don't understand the employment contracts they sign, one with the employer and one with the labour office, this causes all kinds of confusion, not only for those that have housing provided but sometimes even worse for those who don't have housing provided. It's a real shocker when it comes to the end-of-service benefits because all kinds of miscalculations occur. This is why I always advise everyone to keep all their documents and paperwork up-to-date, always have a written statement translated by a VERY reliable English to Arabic translator before going to deal with any governments offices or law firms. @UmmSofia Let me ask propose this to you and you can offer your thoughts. A person gets (for example) a 25,000dirham a month salary (direct deposited) and they also get separately, their housing provided. This housing is paid for by the employer. Would it be legal and acceptable to put on their labour contract that they earn 12,500 "basic salary" and 12,500 "living allowance" which they define as applying towards housing? After all, none of their salary is going towards their housing. That is already covered seperately. Doing it this way means that at the end of their contract the employee gets paid gratuity on only the 12,500/mth even though they earned double that and none of their salary was applied towards housing. I say no. I feel it is a way for an employer to get out of paying 50% of what an employee earned as salary. If I am not mistaken, using my example, the employee should get paid gratuity on all 25,000/mth they earned per month and nothing on what the employer paid for their housing. Am I wrong here? Hello Lady Lavender, Although it doesn't make sense to me until this very day. That is unfortunately pretty much how it works. I had the very unfortunate and humiliating experience of having to go through this on my own before I got married and the 'international' company I was working for pulled a long list of dirty tricks on the small staff that they had because of these contracts. We were so naive at the time, we were not aware of any of these laws and didn't understand the difference in types of contracts or what our rights were. I was being given conflicting information from all kinds of people. It wasn't until the company payed our salaries only every 3-4 months that we as a group decided to go to the labor office and that's when reality struck really really hard. I wish I could outline my entire experience here but I don't want to get in hot water for talking too much, but I can tell you it took me two and half years in the courts, changing law firms a couple of times and a lot of tears to get my end-of-service benefits and was also slapped with a work ban (which I thought was not even possible for European passports holders). What I went through caused me extreme health problems to this very day, from the all the fear, stress and exhaustion that I went through. When I read the other comments the other ladies have posted on here, I really wonder what other people are going through here today. I am moving back to Dubai shortly from another Emirate and even though I know that I will not face those situations again as my husband is a local, I still feel very uneasy. I just had a little one. I didn't reach the nursery and school stage yet but I would listen to these ladies with those experiences, I am and I really thank them for contributing to these threads and raising awareness, in fact I would really love to here from more of them on their experiences. I don't want to scare you, if you decide to move here and it is a lovely lovely place (if your finances are in order), just please come prepared, please do as much research as you can before binding yourself to any contract. I wish you the very best of luck

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Latest post on 04 April 2016 - 13:14

Sorry to jump on this thread, but how easy is it to sell a car here? We're just looking at buying one and I don't want to heavily invest in one if I'm not going to be given a fair price back? Do dealers buy them back here? Thanks In better times depending upon the car it can be quite easy to sell but at the moment a few friends I have are struggling to shift their cars and they change their cars every three years Some dealers do buy them back but at a very very reduced price. I bought mine 7 years ago and am running into the ground as I don't want to buy another newer one, once it starts costing me a fortune to maintain then I may consider a new one Most people I know rarely buy brand new as they depreciate as soon as you drive them out of the showroom Buying has really gone down recently, I think people are tightening their purse strings at the moment. I sold my European cars almost ten years ago and have stuck to buying Japanese ones, I found them more economical to run (with spare parts much easier to find here also) and also easier to sell.

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Latest post on 04 April 2016 - 13:08

One & Only RM & Palm are really lovely. I was surprised with some of the high teas at other more expensive hotels - quite disappointing to say the least. But these two were lovely, can't wait to try Fortnum & Mason, thanks for the recommendation!

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Latest post on 04 April 2016 - 12:54

Can anyone recommend a website to sell my Volkswagen Tiguan R line 2013 model with full options, it is priced at a reasonable price and I have tried everywhere including Auto trader, Dubizzle, facebook selling sites, currently advertised on expatwoman, even tried places like sellmycar.com and the price they offered is just an insult....now running out of ideas!! Hi Skyhighgirl2, I forwarded your link to our friends in the car trade businesses and I am afraid to say that their feedback was precisely the same as these ladies have described. I am really sorry. I once had to sell two of my cars at once at an auction and had the shock of my life at what they sold for - please try to avoid that route if you can. Best of luck!

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Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 17:08

I know some used car traders, what price are you looking for? Can you post any of the links where you advertised?

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Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 13:06

Hi Rosy24, What kind of party is it? Loads of different options around, depending on budget and whether you want alcohol, catering etc etc.... Here are some suggestions: 1. The two places people used to hire years ago for parties were Coral Boutique Villas in Al Barsha www.coralboutiquevillas.com and bungalows in Al Ghantoot at www.goldentulipaljazira.com. I don't know the condition of either today, perhaps someone could give some updates. 2. Ski Chalet - Kempinski MOE - www.kempinski.com/en/dubai/mall-of-the-emirates/rooms-and-suites/ 2. Getaway by the sea - Bin Majid Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Cute chalets for hire 3. For something a little Arabesque - www.arabiannightsvillage.com 4. Glamping party - www.adventure.ae/accommodation/al-bidya-camp/ - this is opening this month 5. Hire a motor home - www.dubaimotorhomerentals.com/motorhome-tours-video/

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Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 12:22

Hi GingerY, Sorry to hear about your troubles. Some friends of mine have just gone through this. Their landlord was also an overseas resident that barely came to the UAE. Firstly, you are going to require a lot of patience, as this may take some time and effort to be resolved. In my friends case they won but have not received anything yet as the landlord is residing overseas, it's more than six months already. I doubt very much that you will be able to claim any further expenses as it was your choice to pursue this and will not be seen as relevant to the deposit that you are seeking. I think that may require you to open a separate case for that. Best of luck!

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Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 12:08

Hi Maril, You will find when you receive your work contract here, that you will see the salary broken down and listed in a way that includes housing, there is a percentage from the total of the salary that is counted as housing allowance. If I am not mistaken most companies do provide annual return tickets to country of origin - that used to be standard practice recognised by the Labour office, maybe this has changed in the last few years, someone who knows more here, can highlight this. I cannot advise you on schools as I didn't get that far yet. But I can tell you after living here for so long I would say that this is doable indeed but you have to do a lot of research on where to live, where to shop, how to shop. Also saving funds for emergencies over here is very important, small surprises can pop out of the blue, ie. traffic fines, medical occurrences that are not covered by insurance. A lot depends on your family, what you like to do, what kind of lifestyle are you seeking? etc.....Best of luck! This is actually an ongoing problem in Dubai for some people who have housing provided by the employer in addition to their salary. I have seen those who work for major companies (whose names I would love to mention) that have their housing paid for separately... YET their contract suggests that half of their actual salary (what goes in the bank as theirs) is "housing allowance." Since end of service gratuity is based on BASIC salary only... it allows the company to get away with claiming half of their employee's actual salary is not really salary (though it is). This allows them to pay only 50% of what is owed to the employee as gratuity at the end of the contract. :( @Lady Lavender - the labour law contract requires that the employer provides a percentage (If I am not mistaken it used to be almost 40% of the total salary toward housing) most people don't realise this until they have a legal problem with their employer. People often don't understand the employment contracts they sign, one with the employer and one with the labour office, this causes all kinds of confusion, not only for those that have housing provided but sometimes even worse for those who don't have housing provided. It's a real shocker when it comes to the end-of-service benefits because all kinds of miscalculations occur. This is why I always advise everyone to keep all their documents and paperwork up-to-date, always have a written statement translated by a VERY reliable English to Arabic translator before going to deal with any governments offices or law firms.

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Latest post on 31 March 2016 - 16:35

Hi there, Sports and Motor City are really lovely communities. Very family oriented but my problem in Motor City is that the walls between apartments were super super thin and our family could hear our neighbours - loud and clear. This was in the apartment areas, the villas seem to be better. Lovely areas to walk in, swimming pools and gym and very safe, nice restaurants and supermarket access. The other area I really loved living in was Al Badia residences near Dubai Festival City, also very family oriented, the apartments were spacious, well built, large bathtubs, walk in wardrobes, good size balconies, lovely neighbours, Golf Club next door, close to the airport. Thanks to this site, I am going to check out Silicone Oasis and JVT as some people seem to have positive feedback on those areas which quite honestly surprised me and I can't wait to see whats out there. Good luck on your quest! I'd go for Silicon Oasis over JVT any day That's good to know, thank you!

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Latest post on 31 March 2016 - 16:02

Hi there, Sports and Motor City are really lovely communities. Very family oriented but my problem in Motor City is that the walls between apartments were super super thin and our family could hear our neighbours - loud and clear. This was in the apartment areas, the villas seem to be better. Lovely areas to walk in, swimming pools and gym and very safe, nice restaurants and supermarket access. The other area I really loved living in was Al Badia residences near Dubai Festival City, also very family oriented, the apartments were spacious, well built, large bathtubs, walk in wardrobes, good size balconies, lovely neighbours, Golf Club next door, close to the airport. Thanks to this site, I am going to check out Silicone Oasis and JVT as some people seem to have positive feedback on those areas which quite honestly surprised me and I can't wait to see whats out there. Good luck on your quest!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 March 2016 - 15:27

Some of the costs depend on the area where you live, ie. areas like Motor City or some towers in the Marina Area, the A/C is not included and I would have to pay a separate bill which was over 700 a month during the summer months, when I had a villa in Jumeirah the DEWA bill would be almost 3,000 AED during the summer. A lot of people have moved to neighbouring Emirates over the years and make a morning commute, the morning traffic has become an absolute nightmare, with people leaving their homes from Ajman at 4:30am and Sharjah 5:30 am. Villas are bigger and much cheaper but that commute arrgggh!!!! You can check these sites to check current prices: www.propertyfinder.ae, www.dubizzle.com When it comes to Satellite TV, there are ways to get around the costs - ie. either invest in a Smart Internet TV, or connect laptop to TV cable and get online tv packages from other countries - If are coming from the UK and have a TV license you can still watch bbc, itv and channel 4 directly from the sites. You can always buy discounted DVDs from the supermarket for the kids. Driving here - you will get used to having to drive quite a bit to get things done around here - petrol is increasing this week - www.thenational.ae/business/energy/uae-petrol-prices-to-rise-more-than-10-per-cent-in-april. Please becareful not to drive on your foreign driving licenses when your visa process starts because you can get yourselves in a legal pickle. When the process begins you will need to drive only on U.A.E licenses. Please please be SUPER careful at getting car loans, so many people got in trouble here because of this. I have found that it is better to buy a second hand car in good condition or ship the one you have in your country of origin, so that you don't have to worry about car payments at the end of the month. As for working part-time as the other ladies pointed out - there is no part time work contracts here, you can either volunteer and do some charity work or need to apply for a special license. There are cheap licenses that you have to renew on an annual basis that will allow you to have a your business and business bank account. A popular method is to go to: www.vz.ae or www.creativezone.ae. Now if you can open a paypal account from where you are before you get here, that can be very useful, as paypal here still has some restrictions at the moment and can only be set up to be used if you have a local credit card in your name. This was a lifesaver for me to make and receive payments. As for beauty treatments - boy have the prices gone up in the last few years, this Hair Academy gives free hair cuts and discounts on hair treatments www.hb-academy.ae, one of the managers there was truly an excellent hairdresser. There are discount deals all over town for beauty, dining and entertainment - you can check out - www.cobone.com, www.kobonaty.com, www.theentertainerme.com Clothes shopping has become expensive here, but I found the sales in the Summer and Winter have been pretty good. There is also an discount/outlet mall www.dubaioutletmall.com, which has been helpful. Another big plus point I found having a UAE visa in my passport is that we are able get our VAT back on shopping in Europe! If you have the patience and the will, there are two markets on the old side of Dubai for fish and vegetables, you can save a lot of money but again traffic and parking....... Good luck!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 March 2016 - 19:18

Hi Maril, You will find when you receive your work contract here, that you will see the salary broken down and listed in a way that includes housing, there is a percentage from the total of the salary that is counted as housing allowance. If I am not mistaken most companies do provide annual return tickets to country of origin - that used to be standard practice recognised by the Labour office, maybe this has changed in the last few years, someone who knows more here, can highlight this. I cannot advise you on schools as I didn't get that far yet. But I can tell you after living here for so long I would say that this is doable indeed but you have to do a lot of research on where to live, where to shop, how to shop. Also saving funds for emergencies over here is very important, small surprises can pop out of the blue, ie. traffic fines, medical occurrences that are not covered by insurance. A lot depends on your family, what you like to do, what kind of lifestyle are you seeking? etc.....Best of luck!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 30 March 2016 - 18:59

Hi Happy Dance, The oatmeal is really soothing, some people grind first, I just mix it with hot water and massage it on, you will feel it tighten the face and yes bits will stick to eyebrows and it is a little messy but there is a really nice result and every time I use it people comment on my skin. I had an obsession with creams since I was a teenager and used to buy the cremes de la mer, clarins, clinique and guerlain etc... but I discovered the dermalogica brand after having a facial here 16 years ago and have stuck to buying their entire collection for my skin type. Being ecstatic with the results I started buying their products as gifts for friends and family member and everyone just loves them. Are they organic? They don t advertise as organic but personally I did not find any other products that had such a positive effect as theirs. I still like to try other products once in a while to see if there is something better out there. There is a new product which I am really eager to try after having read about it called AESOS (Active Energised Organic Skincare ) website: www.aeos.net This is available at the Healing Zone Academy in the Gold & Diamond Park, Sheikh Zayed Road run by a British Lady Anne Cook who is has introduced the products into Dubai and is very knowledgeable about them as well as about skin care in general.

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