Zannie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Zannie

Zannie
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 11:13
https://www.stuckonyou.biz/uae/index.asp They sell them here!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 10:30
http://www.meydanhotels.com/babalshams/activities.htm They don't give a price on the website, but if you call them asking for "Day Use Package" info, they may understand more. Or best to drop them an email.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 13:26
Have they given you a reason why it'll take so long? We're in DG, our landlord is Meeras, but managed through Wasl. Personally, I'd contact Meeras if you are the same and ask them. Also I wouldn't give keys back until I've received my deposit.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 10:11
BM it looks lovely! I've emailed them. Thanks for the suggestion.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 09:44
We're thinking we may go there just after Christmas, maybe over New Year. Just wondered if anyone can recommend somewhere first hand with children. We have a 4 & 2 year old.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 12:26
Absolutely a Villa. I mean let's face it, you wouldn't keep a medium sized dog in an apartment would you? Same difference really. What a bizzarre comment to make! Well said AGK, totally agree. Both apartments and Villas other advantages and disadvantages when you have small children. we've been in our apartment just over three years and I don't feel our LO's are missing out not living in a villa. OK, we don't have a pool yet, but plenty of other activities to hand on our doorstep. As I've mentioned, if I could afford it, I would love a bungalow style villa, but we can't and for the time being while the kids are very young, this suits our needs perfectly. When the kids are older, maybe a villa maybe a better option?
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 12:17
Yes, seems to be true. Has been confirmed on the local news channels. Also check this link out: http://www.icoproject.org/
Zannie
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 22:23
bluuggghh!
Zannie
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 22:21
If you're on a tight budget, a Latte and a Croissant at Costa Coffee in the Madinat has a lovely terrace overlooking the Burj. although, maybe a wee bit too warm? (or wet, see thread about potential rain tomorrow?).
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 22:17
BBC Weather website says Sunny and 39 degrees. http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/252 Was looking forward to a heavy shower.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 22:12
Coconut Grove at Rydges Plaza in Satwa. The decor is a bit out there, but lovely views over the city and very reasonable and licensed. They're more South Indian style food (Goan in particular), so have a good choice of fish and seafood on the menu and well as the usual.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 22:10
We're in an apartment and I feel it's great for little ones as no stairs and stair gates to worry about. We used to live in the Springs and I felt the stairs were a potential death trap if you or a child would slip and fall down them. I have a 4 and 2 year old and I don't have to worry about them playing in their rooms, being on the same level. However, we do miss the option of a garden. Personally, I would go for a bungalow style villa if you can, then best of both worlds!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 23:40
Does it have a food section?
Zannie
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 13:59
Who knows? They could fall significantly lower? I personally would expect them too due to the current state of the World economy. Are you looking for long term investment, I.e several years or hoping to flip the property in a year or two? I personally wouldn't buy here for a number of reasons, however, I would look at prices going back to when the Dubai Government first allowed non GCC residents to buy here and assume prices could drop back to the amounts these places were being sold at. Not saying they will, but there is a risk.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 23:13
Lakeside in Thurrock has closed early and friend who works in Debenhams there has been told along with other staff not to come in tomorrow. Not sure if that means the whole centre is closed all day tomorrow?
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 16:54
Definitely Greens over D/G! nice sense of community that you don't find in other areas. Agree definitely, DG is just too far out That depends on where you work. My kids go to the nursery in JBR and I'm there within 10 mins and DH works at DMC, again door to door approx. 20 minutes.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 16:50
Sorry, it's illegal for a aid on someone's else's visa to go part time work. The consequences are very high (massive fines and deportation for the maid). You're best to go through a maid agency.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 16:43
We use Churchwoods too. Fiona, who runs it is fantastic. And our cat loves her. I would highly recommend her. Best to arrange to go and see before you make any decisions, however, I would say she is the best in Dubai. You have the knowledge your cat is very well looked after 24 hours a day and should they need vet care, Fiona is there to oversea everything. She charges approx 70 AED per day, less for a second cat. http://www.churchwoodscathotel.com/
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 20:54
We've also just signed our 4th year at DG. We're in the Contemporary cluster, our building is owned by the developer, Meeras and managed by Wasl. It's very well maintained, we have a great maintenance service and our air con charges are included in our rent. Which has also dropped significantly since we moved in. We really like it there. Yes, the traffic at peak times can be a pain, but it does move, so mostly looks worse than it is sometimes. As for being smell, dirty and full of labourers, I can say we have NEVER experienced any problems with any of these issues. Our cluster seems to be full of families, both western and Asian and everyone is friendly. We're very lucky with our neighbours too. Our kids can play safely in the courtyard area outside and at the play area at the side of our building. As for the shops and restaurants in the Zen clusters, always found it clean and lots of families around. I have never felt threatened or harassed there. I think a lot depends on the cluster you move to and who your landlord is, but I would highly recommend the area to live based on our experience of living there.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 02:22
I would assume the 20% VAT is based on the full £120 amount and the 20% is deducted from that amount, which is £24. Although, I do see what you are showing also. But in my experience, I'm sure the above is the way the VAT is calculated.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 21:50
Thanks Irishbelle. Does China Garden have an online menu? We went for Jasmine Moon in the end. Not great, but good enough if you're hungry enough :) After doing a bit of a forum search we wanted to try Chimes, but they said to deliver to Discovery Gardens it had to be a minimum order of 250 dhs :\: They're only 15 mins down the road!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 00:04
Hi Swils, very sorry to hear about your Dad. When I asked the embassy about emergency passports they said that they can issue them on the spot, but only if you are travelling within 5 days or less and have proof of this (e.g. confirmed flight ticket). They also said that you will need to get an exit permit from the main immigration office, which is next to Bur Dubai police station at the Trade Centre roundabout. I didn't go into the details, but I guess you have to get the emergency passport first and then take that to immigration to get the permit, because they probably need to put the passport number on it or stick it into the passport or something. Definitely call the embassy to confirm before you go down there though. I suspect you'll need to change your flights first anyway, so that you've got the proof of immediate travel.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 20:15
Thanks for the suggestions. Will check them out!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 20:14
I'm really **** about ironing. I'm a complete nightmare on holiday, once checked in hotel, I send DH off to get an iron.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 20:01
Thanks so much girls. I also contacted Suwannee this afternoon by email and she called me half an hour later informing me would oversee my passport being completed and dispatched by Thursday at the latest. So, looks like no need for emergency passport after all and hopefully get my UAE visa renewed before I leave next week. XXX
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 16:33
Good news! Just got a phone call from the email I sent this afternoon. They've confirmed my passport will be sent either tomorrow or Thursday at the latest. Phew! Had a good chat with the lady and she was very helpful. So if anyone is travelling within the next couple of weeks, then it will be worth dropping her a line.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 15:01
Can manage everything else, but the extra large duvets and fitted sheets are a pain in the behind. Haven't used an ironing service since we moved to DG so no idea what companies cover this area. Also want a service which is great and cheap! ;)
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 14:56
I've just emailed the contact listed too. Thought it was worth a try. All I can do is wait now and chase up later this week! Just keep fingers and toys crossed!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 14:09
I've just spoken to the British Consulate here regarding Emergency Passports. They can issue you one within a day ( not Sundays, you can order one and collect on a Monday! But someday service Monday -Thursday 8am - 11am). Although, one thing you will need to do is request an exit form from the UAE Immigration as the emergency passport will obviously not have your residency visa/UAE entry stamp, otherwise you will encounter questions and holdup at the airport when trying to leave. You'll need to take copy of your old passport (if you're renewing), 2x passport photos, flight ticket or proof of travel and police report (you only need this if you have reported your passport lost or stolen with the police here). And the fee.... 625AED! They'll only cancel your passport application in Dusseldorf if hasn't been processed yet. However, just because they've taken your money doesn't mean the passport IS in process, so you'll need to check with them. It's a pain in the @rse, as a lot of running around just before you leave, but seems straight forward and will enable to leave as planned. So don't panic, we're all doing the best we can to hurry our passports along, but this is what we'll need to do if the worst happens and our passport doesnt return in time.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 12:49
I spoke to someone at their helpline late last night. I sent mine beginning of May, and travelling a week tomorrow. The helpline told me there was no problem with my passport and currently 'in process'. I explained our situation and he has put request in to speed up the delivery. However, he informed me to call again on Thursday if passport not received by then, as need to give UK Consulate here 5 days notice to arrange emergency passport if necessary. He sounded confident I would get passport back in time, but to call again for a more definite return date. No point me getting stressed, i've done all I can so far. I'll follow his advice and play by ear.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 08:09
There are a few independent gyms in the large pink buildings (SZR) end. Also there is Fitness First at Ibn Battuta. As mentioned, all the pools are completed, but awaiting to be filled with water. No idea when that will happen!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 20:36
They're in the Gold and Diamond park on the SZR, you can see them from the road. Easy to park. Just head down towards the police traffic place and it's just on the corner as you approach the G & D park.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 18:36
Sounds a nightmare, really glad I was wasn't able to do it after all. Not worth all that hassle for a bit of pocket money.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 16:21
I'm in my 5th wk too and I travel on 15th! Will call them tomorrow. What's the best number to call them on?
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 14:33
There has been few gangs going around stealing at the flea Market, so wondering if that was the problem? I did have a table booked, but had to cancel at the last minute.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 14:21
I don't think the heat will be too bad. We've done this dhow trip twice and the dhow is completely covered and you're in the mountains, so hopefully a little cooler. Also you can cool off in the water. Although, I would add, if you have small children, I personally wouldn't take them. I have a 2 & 4 year old and the boat isn't child friendly for little ones. It would be a nightmare keeping an eye and control over them as I would imagine they would get quite bored. Children from about 6 upwards, I would suggest ia a good age.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 14:16
The Prime Gourmet Butchers voucher is a fantastic deal. Just used mine in there and for 275AED, I've got a mountain of lovely meat. Lamb and Rosemary sausages, wagu steaks, prime rib steaks and Angus burgers. The quality is brilliant and I saved loads. Tempted to get another Time Out and send DH in there for some more!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 10:34
We're staying overnight in London whilst home to show the kids the sights. We've booked a family room at a Premier Inn, only £59 for all of us. They are basic, but clean and central. There are several in London.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 20:20
Which direction are you coming from? Basically the easiest way is to get onto the Marina road that runs along the front of Marina Mall. At the set of traffic lights (before the mall if coming from Ibn Battuta direction, turn left and turn right at the same lights if coming from Dubai direction). drive over the marina bridge and at the lights go straight ahead towards the beach and The Walk. The Rimal towers are on your left as you come down this road. There is an entrance to the underground carpark, but not sure if you can use for Kidsville, but sure it'll be ok. If not, turn left at the bottom of this road (roundabout) along The Walk and you'll see a massive carpark, beach side just after the Hilton Hotel. You can park there and the JBR Rimal towers should be opposite (park the Hilton end). Kidsville is on the upper level.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 20:10
My two LO's love MM, but I try and avoid as much as possible due to the safety issues already addressed. Why oh why have the bathrooms upstairs? Or at least have a sectioned off area downstairs to have baby changing facilities. The stairs are awful and extremely dangerous for children. Oh and why is there no stair guard at the bottom of the staircases? I've seen many, including my own, climbing up these stairs. The back door really needs sorting out. There needs to be a lockable gate to prevent the chance of any child slipping out and getting hurt. Also, they need to restrict numbers. I went on a freebie morning which Dubai Mums host there. It was a nightmare, so, so crowded, it was very hard to keep an eye on your children along with other mothers and maids the place was mobbed. We didn't stay. God help them if a fire or other emergency happened in there. I love the idea, but the place is so badly designed and thought out. When you look at it, they have used every available area to make money. You only have to look at the size of the essential areas, like the toilets to see this. Tiny area set aside, 3 cubicles (badly installed toilets) and one small changing table stuck up one end. Not ideal for the amount of people and children that are using the play facility. Obviously, it's a business and supposed to make money, however, I personally believe they are putting profit over children's safety and essential needs that is required in a place such as this. As for men and women using the cafe without bringing children, agree, they shouldn't be allowed in. I'm guessing the free WiFi is the reason.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 18:18
Few on at the moment. Babyshop, shoemart, splash etc in Mall of the Emirates has a great sale on and Mothercare in Springs Towncentre also have.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 18:13
Brilliant, thanks so much.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 17:45
It will be a problem, as soon as you get your passport back go to immigration with your sponsor and pay the extra to have a new residence visa put in same day, a 30 min job. Cheers, that was the plan. However, the blood test takes 3 days and they require your passport to do this. Otherwise I'd have this done and ready to go ahead with visa as soon as passport returns. I suppose worst case is get blood test done as soon as passport back. DH then can bring my passport back with him from UK to dubai, sort visa and courier it back to me in UK before I fly back here?
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 17:39
Thanks Edna. Will give Amer a call tomorrow. Another option is to go down there are see what they suggest if it looks like we can't get it renewed in time.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 17:22
You can use straight away. You just need to start using it before the 6th august.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 15:58
My passport is currently being renewed and we're travelling home over the summer. There will probably be a slight chance of getting my visa renewed before we go in the timeframe we have, which we plan to do (visa expires in July). However, if there is a holdup and I won't get a chance to renew my visa before I go, will I have problems getting back into Dubai? My visa expires in July whilst I'm home and just assume I can enter back in on a standard visit visa stamp and the sort my visa renewal straight away. My worries are, will I be fined for each day over my expired residential visa until my renewal? I'm assuming not, as I'm out of the country and then on visit visa, but not 100% sure. Also, as I'm entering the UAE on an expired visa on my return, will immigration let me in? I won't have a return ticket at that time and will be on my own with two wee ones, really want to avoid this! I've looked on the UAE/Dubai immigration website, but can't see anything to confirm either way. Would anyone know or been through the same scenario?
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 15:41
You have mail!
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 15:30
@Zannie - what are you selling? I may be interested in sharing a table; i just want a clear out of DVDs / clothes and shoes :) I'll be selling the same pretty much. Clothes, baby stuff (travel cot etc..), shoes, few toys etc.. You haven't got as much room, but better to share as 230AED is a lot to make up on your own. The tables are quite big and you have room at the side and front to display your stuff. I did the one in Safa park earlier this month and cleared 1200AED. so hoping for similar again. Mostly just selling kiddies clothing and toys.
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 13:34
Next one is on 4th June. It's held in Crowne Plaza Ballroom. I've booked a table, so if anyone wants to share and split the 230AED table fee, let me know. zannie 1 at mac dot com <em>edited by Zannie on 15/05/2011</em>
Zannie
506
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 16:22
Just to add, AAA are fine with DH supplying the parts, they just charge him the labour costs. They don't actually make any money on the parts they use (the ones from TE), so they're not missing out of any profit!
 
 
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