VictoriaM | ExpatWoman.com
 

VictoriaM

VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 12:35
Suzy that sounds like the ideal long-term approach. However, time is not on our side as our lease runs out in a few weeks. I doubt we can organize and sort all this in the time available. It took the owner a few weeks simply to amend the draft compound rules! And have been arguing about these things with them for a couple of months now. Nor am I sure the owner would agree to a meeting. After all, there was no meeting between management and owner regarding the rules. Perhaps he doesn't do meetings because he doesn't speak English.... At the same time, I am sure the rules do not reflect a consensus view (may be the view of those who shout loudest but are actually a minority?), so a community meeting would be a sensible approach.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 11:52
The Russian, that's not the way they do things in our compound. I have tried to get the manager to come and discuss with us but she doesn't show up! Its very poor management. She says she will come tonight so we will see if she actually makes an appearance. But she is pretty much washing her hands of the situation by referring us on to the landlord's family. She says there's nothing more she can do. The rules are not what she suggested, so she clearly has little control or influence, and when I read them out to her she also said they were incorrect! A particular English phrase involving breweries comes to mind.....
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 11:32
One owner,Emirati speaks no English. I/we deal with the manager, who does. I just discussed thingswith the management lady. What has happened is this. The manager drew up proposed rules due to the large number of complaints about all sorts,including the staff. Gave these to the owner and family, who adopted 2 of them and made up some more rules of their own. So the manager and owner do not agree and the manage r says there is no more she can do. We now have to speak to an English speaking member of the landlords family! What a farce!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 09:39
Agree Oopsidaisy, it has become unpleasant, stressful and time consuming. Although it doesn't seem to bother some other neighbours - the ones who have said they will ignore the rules. The compound is heaving with children, I reckon around 40 little kids in all, in an area hemmed in by schools, so very attractive to young families. Perhaps the old families or couples should move instead! Silvstet, we can try and find other places to play, but if the other kids are still playing football or whatever in the same place then ours are going to want to join in! Either everyone obeys the rules or no one will. All a bit of a mess really. Starting to think finding somewhere new for same price might be the way forward. Expanding search to cheaper areas like Silicon Oasis and the Villa...Ranches still too expensive.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 09:12
Silvstet, the short answer is I don't! I don't want to live in an environment where there is disagreement, hostility and problems. Life is to short in my opinion to live with such unpleasantness. BUT (and its a very big but) my husband, who holds the purse strings, does not want to move for financial and convenience reasons. A new place Would most likely cost more and moving costs money in itself. He wants to stick his head in the sand and ignore it all! But he is happily tucked away in the office all day away from it all lwhilst I am in the compound all day dealing with the complaints and upsets! So I am trying to find another solution.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 08:41
Gorobattie, the new rules are not in the lease - they are brand new and our lease is 11 months old. Whether or not they will be added to our lease when renewed is the question.... My understanding from a previous thread is that compound rules are very different to the binding conditions in the lease. Nothing about facilities in the lease, sadly.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 08:23
Oopsidaisy, no that wouldn't be very social at all, I agree. My normal response to rules is to comply! But neighbours have already said the rules are so excessive they are just going to ignore them, hence my question about whether we can safely do that or not. I don't really feel comfortable doing so, but don't see what alternative we have - our kids will have nowhere to play! To clarify, we have not complained about anything contained in the rules. We complained about the compound staff complaining to us or other residents about football playing for example. Our expectation was that the staff would be told not to tell the kids off. Instead we got an unexpected set of rules ( a response to various things, not just our email) . The rules are not widely supported. There are lots of families with small children and these rules will severely restrict their enjoyment of the compound facilities. I believe the complaints are coming from the few residents with grown up children.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2015 - 21:39
Thanks Kit - that's just the sort of information we needed. We had a feeling we shouldn't respond here in the way we would in the UK (ietake it seriously). Anyone know if such rules are likely to be built into our new contract? I could check,but don't want to give them any ideas!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2015 - 21:29
Keep hearing rumours about lockdown drills at DDs school, but nothing has actually taken place yet, nor have we seen any communication from the school about it yet.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2015 - 11:36
They will have a battle on their hands trying to stop all the boys playing football, so the disputes will just continue.... The area they are designating makes little sense: its paved (ouch!), and by the compound gates where cars come in and out!! Not sure that will work.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2015 - 11:34
Thanks Izzy for reiterating that point? How do you happen to know that by the way? And what point is there in community rules if this is the case??
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 22:48
I had an inkling it was 2 months notice Chilli. They get lots of people asking if there are villas free (area surrounded by schools), so renting at a higher price shouldnt be a problem. However, DH has decided he still doesn't want to move though - would obviously take a bit more than what are, I guess, relatively minor annoyances in the grand scheme of things. So we'll be leaving it for a year, unless even more restrictive compound rules emerge! Chili, you clearly agree with some of the other ladies that community terms are not contractual terms? How then are they enforced if this is so?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 17:15
Well it seems these compound 'conditions' will have something unacceptable in them (a tip off, not seen full text). Football on the grass is to be banned but allowed on a concreted area - not great. Ladies, you say these conditions are not the same as the actual contract, so we can't claim its a change of terms and they need to give us 90 days' notice?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 20:16
It's all relative SIlvstet! Our rent is only reasonable compared to the silly rents LLs are asking now.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 19:13
Pursue as in bother staying SIlvstet? Financially tough to move as I mentioned earlier, that's the only reason for staying.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 18:37
SIlvstet, puts us in an impossible position then doesn't it?! Perhaps we need to say to them that if there is something unacceptable in the 'conditions', as they are calling them, when they are released, then we will have to move and negotiate then. They can get more rent, so possibly won't be too bothered! Depends whether I can make myself understood to the guy in the office though! And understand his response (maybe. A bigger challenge!).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 17:43
We do not talk directly to our LL but via an incomprehensible Indian guy in the management office. I have had no joy trying to discuss with him before - his English is not good enough! Also, as i explained we cannot make any decision yet until we know what the new compound 'conditions' are. No one can tell me how long it will take or respond to the fact that the clock is ticking for us and we need to know!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 17:30
Sorry ladies, just to clarify, as I may not have been clear. I did not ask them to set compound rules. This is simply how they seem to have reacted to the issues we have been facing in the compound, as set out in my letter. There could be other complaints/issues and the LL has finally decided its time to impose some regulations to make things easier for us all to get along. My complaint was about the staff, not about residents. I understand we should give the LL 3 months' notice if we don't want to renew, that is in our lease. Howver, we are unable to make a decision on this whilst new compound rules are being drawn up, as it may make it highly undesirable for us to live there (eg if the kids are not allowed to play football on the grass anymore). My question is, does our legal position with regards to notice periods change given that the landlord is altering the rules of the game? Artemis, you are right that we are not hugely happy here anymore, so ultimately a move is on the cards. Plus the location will no longer be convenient from September when DD changes schools. But we dont want to go just yet on purely financial grounds: rental prices, whilst falling, are still higher than they were 2'years ago when we moved in. Moving would cost us more in rent plus all those moving expenses. We think rents may well fall further, so now is a bad time to lock ourselves into a high rent. Our position is we will move if the new 'conditions' are so unattractive as to outweigh the financial concerns of moving. But that is something we cannot ale action on until we see these new rules!! And in the meantime the clock is ticking on our notice period! Is there a chance the LL could be flexible and either waive the full notice period or allow us to stay on a month by month basis to give him the 3 months notice?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 14:24
Izzy, im not sure whether it would actually be considered changing the contract? They are only introducing rules as to how the compound is used. What do you reckon?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2015 - 17:37
Yes they certainly do! I think it's quite common here. One of my cats has allergies of a so far unidentifiable nature and also scratches so hard she ends up with bleeding patches. The vet said they can do an awful lot of damage very quickly once they start scratching. Unfortunately I can't really help on what to do about it as we've been struggling too for ages. She's had lots of steroid shots to stop the itching, but they are not good long term, so we now have another vet trying tablets called Atopica. Looked like it was working at first but has deteriorated again, so now upping the dosage. You could ask for that I guess. Our first vet didn't mention it as an option. Other than that we are using a hypoallergenic diet as some of these allergies can be food related. Mind you that's not working either! Partly as its so hard to keep them away from all other food all the time. Where is it on the cats body? Our cat has it on her sides, but also had it on face and ears, where it is likely to be food related apparently. The vet also said it can be a sensitivity to many things (grr) not just one, but if you get one under control the cat may be ale to tolerate others. It is a VERY hard thing to resolve it seems. Much easier for dogs as they can have baths easily.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2015 - 17:29
This should make you feel better annorman. I had the Exact same experience in the exact same garage and got ripped off way more than that! Well done for negotiating hard. I felt too uncomfortable and didn't even try, just wanted to get out of there and sure I paid twice what you did. DH not happy at all, especially as we had no idea we even needed new tyres, so it wasn't on the agenda or in the budget. Sounds like you may have got a good deal. Well done! The rescue guy told me that garage had the best prices. Whether or not they do, they are certainly taking advantage of expat women falling into their hands to do some very hard selling! A warning to all you other ladies.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2015 - 17:29
Jennyfer, MOE.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 17:03
Buddha, do you find the kids ever get on with their homework if left at school, or whilst on the bus? I really can't see our daughter doing that, but live in hope!! And on a similar subject, is the homework reasonable in quantity (meaning not too much rather than the opposite!), so perfectly doable despite all the time they must spend on the bus?! Hoping for a reduction in homework next year as I understand our primary gets quite a lot (4 pieces a week, some quite time consuming).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 23:31
Champs We havent heard about some yet, but certainly a few acceptances so far. If you're still not sure what to do, then something is clearly holding you back. In that sort of situation i often think the best thing to do is do nothing. Your kids have only just changed schools as it is and may not welcome another move. Kids can and do get in to the most sought after secondaries from a wide range of primaries.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 22:44
Well I haven't reached Feefmick (maybe she's left??) but I've certainly managed to reach some other very helpful DESC mums. Thanks so much for all the helpful information. I've warned DH that he may be facing an even earlier start than we expected - he's got 7 months to adjust to the idea. What time does the school finish in the afternoon and does it have that early Thursday finish? The bus system sounds very flexible, which is great news. i will email the bus coordinator and try and get some more information about the routes and timings. I'm sure I saw the routes somewhere (school website?) but can't find them now. Thanks for the reassurance on the range of ECAs available (and free!). It all sounds so different to what we are used to. Didn't think of large numbers of students being in Silicon Oasis, but it makes sense now I think about it - didn't Emirates staff start getting priority for seats at DESS a few years ago? What about the Ranches - is that another common place to live for DESC? I always thought there were quite a lot of DESS kids there... Champs, not sure on numbers yet, but very few seemed to apply this year. I'm only aware of a handful, and looking good with acceptances so far. Did you make a decision by the way?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 16:27
Hi Buddha, Thanks for the very helpful information. I had heard that about the late bus not stopping everywhere. Presumably that just means having to drive to pick up from wherever it drops off, so not really a major issue. It just depends on whether they have late buses to all areas I guess. We're in Umm Suqeim. And also whether they run every day? Interesting to hear the older ones don't do as much sport. I thought they'd do more if anything! That is one of our reasons for choosing DESC. Perhaps the older kids simply don't have the time, especially with all that bus travel. At least it makes it easier for transportation and time management though. You say morning training is unusual because they register at 7.35. Eek I didn't know that either! No wonder bus pick up has to be so early. Do they finish at 3.30? We have the same thing at our primary re taking kids to matches. However, I thought things were different in secondary, so Its a shame to hear we still have to go and pick them up! Oh well, better to know now and not have unrealistic expectations. Is there a concentration of DESC kids in any one housing area from what you see? I thought maybe Ranches or Villa. Just wondering how realistic it is to remain at quite a distance from the school. Do people move nearer or just put up with the journey for such a good school. Good to hear you echo Lolacats's comments on another thread - what an endorsement.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 13:23
Hi Feefmick, DD will be going to DESC in September, hurray! When I was mulling over a possible move to DESS a while back I remember you saying you had sporty daughters at DESS/DESC? Could I ask if training is usually before school or after school and how it affects buses/pick up? We live quite a way from DESC and were planning on using the school bus in the afternoon, we'd probably take her in the morning. We know people who do this and live as far, or further, away, but they don't have kids doing sport every day. I know there are late buses but I think the routes/stops are reduced? At present DD is doing sport every day and loves it, so we want to make sure she can do the same at DESC without it becoming unmanageable.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 11:43
So glad you jumped in with that LOlacat. We feel very, very privileged. Good that you say the community spirit is strong too. I though it might be hard for us newbies to the school to get involved, especially as there is less/no mingling of mums at school gates as in primary. I would like to get involved in FDESC partly for that reason.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 11:38
Yes DESS students have priority at DESC, but there is still a good number of places for external students. Entry by assessment and student profile. JPS has first priority at JC, with very few places left, as CHewit says, for non GEMS students. Pretty much impossible without a sibling there already, in which case you jump the queue. You cannot apply early. Applications for DC and DESC were not being accepted till around October the year before. It is a totally different ball game to primary school entry. Application, assessment, result, all happens within a few months.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 10:33
Ha ha, do you mean Kings Cowboy? Very big school and open already.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 10:00
And Safa Community School and Kings Al Barsha very close on Umm SUqeim St. Victory Heights not far either. To be honest you could probably get to most schools in 20 minutes from there - it's getting out of the Ranches that takes the time, not the actual journey! But there is now a decent choice in that area so may not be necessary to go further afield.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 18:10
AFAIK (just asked a friend with a daughter there) they do come from far and wide. I guess because its so sought after. There are not many good options in Dubai. Our experience of Safa is limited to visiting the original school and getting an offer 2 years ago. why dont you post asking for feedback on Safa Community School specifically? Safa is well regarded. Our impression of it was that it seemed like a very gentle, nurturing school that doesn't push the kids. I'm not sure how that would work in secondary when they do have to knuckle down to some extent. But i can see how you would like it for a shy child coming new to Dubai with all the upheaval. DESC is also inclusive and seems (from what ive heard from other parents) to cater well to all ability levels. It is not a high pressure academic hothouse, but enables all to thrive. Well that's the theory anyway! So we think it sounds gentle too, but I imagine it is bigger than Safa yes.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 15:43
Hi Tulip, Yes DESC is very sought after, increasingly so as time goes on (its only 9 years old, so had to establish a reputation to match the primary). The primary is very well established, oldest school in Dubai and very well regarded. DESC now has an outstanding KHDA rating (though its debatable whether that means much). DESC is pretty hard to get into these days (thou not as hard as DC). I've no idea how many applied this year, but they told me the ratio is usually about 4 applicants to each place. That was early on in the application process last year. Consider yourselves very lucky! Which other schools are you waiting on? DC is an unknown till end of the month.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 15:16
Has only just found out. She is THRILLED! She calls it her dream school! So happy for her.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 13:02
Thanks goodness!! DD got into DESC!! Best news ever. After our big gamble not taking the 'strategic' place at DESS in y4...it's all worked out OK in the end. Good luck to anyone else awaiting an email/call.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 February 2015 - 15:32
Agree Izzy, Maus are super affectionate and friendly, very different to our fluffier British DSH cats who can't bear being picked up! I have a gorgeous female Mau stray looking for a forever home. Just finished her jabs/spay so all set to go. Will give unlimited cuddles and purrs to a lucky owner!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 19:08
i second Vienna Vets on Al Thanya, or Umm Suqeim Veterinary Centre (moving back to its old premises on Al Wasl Road soon). But it depends which side of town you are.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 19:03
I just met the puppies too Dxbrun. They are gorgeous. Am still in shock that anyone could do such a thing to a living creature - quite horrific. Thank goodness they are in the best hands now and experiencing some human compassion at last.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 10:41
I recently rescued a white medium/long haired cat and took it to Vienna vets. It's probably the one dxbrun is referring to. Snowdrop (as they named her) is not Perisan, but she is still fluffy! I think she's a young cat, not a kitten - she had recently had kittens. But she is not very big. She was already microchipped and has now been spayed (and presumably vaccinated). She is a lovely friendly cat with people, and very calm. Scared of our other cats, so quite timid and would do well on her own I reckon. A young kitten on its own would be bored and wreck your home! I agree that you may be better off with a slightly older cat (or 2 kittens to keep each other company If you must have kittens). 38 smiles is having a garage sale at Vienne Vet, Al Thanya St, Umm Suqeim 2 on Saturday, and you would be able to meet her and some other cats then.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 10:36
Got that Champs - will call/text. Sorry, DD has a match so am picking up early today.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 21:27
Nope
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 20:06
Yes Champs, please do.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 09:31
Champs, people do all sorts. Some tutor from year 5, some for only a few weeks. Some don't tutor at all but may use papers at home to practice (some schools have them on their websites) or do nothing. Really depends. Ive met people whosemkids have got in without tutoring so its not necessarily essential (dont know what they did a home to prepare though) but seems pretty common. Then again, I've also met people whose very bright kids possibly should have got in, didn't tutor and didn't pass, so perhaps could have benefited. The huge benefit of tutoring is the tutors should have much more of an idea of what is required than we do. Also, if my DD is anything to go by. some kids are just much better learning in a more formal environment than at home with mum and dad. So it depends how your child learns best too. Sorry to be so vague!! But there really is no general rule.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 09:21
I bought one in Tavola. They had two different types. Bought the more sophisticated one, and it works well on some veg, particularly courgette. Thanks for reminding me to get it out and use it again - had forgotten all about it!!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2015 - 18:22
DC and JC
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 13:58
No to both your questions LOlacat. I will talk to DM but need to meet a work deadline first! The area is UMm Suqeim.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 11:30
Sorry ladies, i appreciate the tip, but i have no desire to get caught up with the local police (and no time, work to do). Will make a formal complaint to the 'management', if you can call it that, and mention police. I think they, and the watchmen, would be pleased to see the back of us tbh!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 10:22
Artemis, as I said above, I've already complained to ma To management. They are very ineffectual and take no action bat telling them off. It doesn't stop them. I will however make a more formal complaint. Other cats in our compound Are kept in a lot of the time and don't really wander, as the watchmen delight in telling me! They don't see why we can't do the same. No idea about other people In the vicinity - mostly locals.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 07:44
These guys have us over a barrel. We need them for maintenance (frequently - old villas!). We have always been painfully aware that we need to keep them sweet to get decent service. Yes they wield a lot of power. He hasn't actually done anything. Cant believe the police would be interested ina mere threat. I have already complained to the 'management' office about the comments these guys have made regarding acid and poison. It wasn't taken hugely seriously, so just a response that they shouldn't say that and I believe a telling off as they kindly reported as much to my maid! As I said, no management really so they get away with everything!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 21:24
Incredible place. Loved everything about it. We went for a significant birthday celebration and had a memorable time. The in-villa barbecue is also fabulous, candles all around your private pool and terrace, waited on hand and foot. Very romantic (well apart from the child in tow!). Dying to go back, but need to save up!
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose