We have arrived!
Discussion
Sorry for the heading which suggests it has been something you have all been waiting for.
Landed yesterday with wife and two kids in tow and we are being put up for a month at the marina. Went outside...rather hot!!
Will be running around today trying to sort out phones, exchange of licence and getting the basics but am looking forward to meeting up with fellow PHers
Cheers
James
Landed yesterday with wife and two kids in tow and we are being put up for a month at the marina. Went outside...rather hot!!
Will be running around today trying to sort out phones, exchange of licence and getting the basics but am looking forward to meeting up with fellow PHers
Cheers
James
Thanks all!
Had the first joy this morning - went to the licence place near Mall of the Emirates to swap the licence. Got the eye test done, a bunch of copies of passport and licence and off I go.
I was told that I had a resident visa (I have a physical copy of the employment visa) but nope, apparently this has to appear in the passport! Will need to speak to the PRO chap at work when I start on Monday to see what is what with that.
Managed to get pay as you go SIM cards from DU so now have a local number.
We are in the Dubai Marina View hotel so still getting bearings on what and who is close by. Took the Metro this morning to MOE and this afternoon, grabbed some shopping at Carrefour....only to see a line about an hour long for taxis!
Wife and I had purple fingers and trying to keep the two little ones in line as we trudged back to the Metro (which is very good, at least based on Sydney transport).
The biggest shock - we can buy Australian meat cheaper here in Dubai than we could back in Sydney! Food is far cheaper than Sydney :-)
Once we sort out a car will do some trial runs for the school and work but I think we will say up this way/Motor City way if we can.
Had the first joy this morning - went to the licence place near Mall of the Emirates to swap the licence. Got the eye test done, a bunch of copies of passport and licence and off I go.
I was told that I had a resident visa (I have a physical copy of the employment visa) but nope, apparently this has to appear in the passport! Will need to speak to the PRO chap at work when I start on Monday to see what is what with that.
Managed to get pay as you go SIM cards from DU so now have a local number.
We are in the Dubai Marina View hotel so still getting bearings on what and who is close by. Took the Metro this morning to MOE and this afternoon, grabbed some shopping at Carrefour....only to see a line about an hour long for taxis!
Wife and I had purple fingers and trying to keep the two little ones in line as we trudged back to the Metro (which is very good, at least based on Sydney transport).
The biggest shock - we can buy Australian meat cheaper here in Dubai than we could back in Sydney! Food is far cheaper than Sydney :-)
Once we sort out a car will do some trial runs for the school and work but I think we will say up this way/Motor City way if we can.
Thanks! Rented a car yesterday (the mighty Camry!) then an epic battle to get to Just Kidding for car seats. Lots of detours and long ways around to eventually get there. Two near misses (an sl500 pulled out of a side street and, half out, decided to stop as you do...in two lane peak hours traffic)
Got car seats for the little ones and bonus of koshari from the egyptian restaurant a few doors down and a successful night....till I put a foot long scratch in the side skirt parking the car at the hotel!! Agggggh.
Just going to drive around today to see different areas and get other bits and pieces so once that is out of the way, hopefully vs line up drinks in the next week to say hello
Cheers
James
Got car seats for the little ones and bonus of koshari from the egyptian restaurant a few doors down and a successful night....till I put a foot long scratch in the side skirt parking the car at the hotel!! Agggggh.
Just going to drive around today to see different areas and get other bits and pieces so once that is out of the way, hopefully vs line up drinks in the next week to say hello
Cheers
James
IanUAE said:
Which school will the kids be going to? This will play a part in determine where you live. Oh and I currently live in MotorCity.
Our little girl starts at gems metropole in motor city in September so Motor City is on the short list. We will,most likely be staying down this end of Dubai. The marina is very nice!my mate just got a 3 bed / 3 bath in jbr for 130k. its huge! actually more a 4bed as the maids room is a proper size with window. low floor [he has 2 kids] but beach view with 2 parking spaces, total bargain imo and its got me thinking about upsizing from my 2 bedder. plaza level is green and always full of kids playing, we finally have the community gym open, we've 4 pools and a stones throw from the beach. hard to look past it for value and location.
king disaster in the Marina for me, had to go to a mates at Park Island the other week, what a ballache.now and again, i agree. however one plus of the new tramline is that traffic is far less than it used to be. takes me no longer than 25mins to get to work [jebel ali port] or home again, both at rush hour times. once the line is complete and the bridges reopen it'll be fine.
thing is, once you're home, there's really no need to go anywhere. i'd much rather be here than somewhere further out with less traffic but no bars, restaurants, or taxis
thing is, once you're home, there's really no need to go anywhere. i'd much rather be here than somewhere further out with less traffic but no bars, restaurants, or taxis
Hi all. Busy day yesterday and did a detailed post from my mobile but then it refused to submit it! Anyways....
Places to Live
We did a few hours driving around and covered the back of Jumeriah Lakes Towers; Jumeriah Lakes (nice!); Meadows; Springs; Jumeriah Triangle, skirted the edge of Jumeriah Circle; Green Community and Motor City. We did not see any interiors but more a case of driving around, which was also useful for orientation.
The school is literally over a fence at Motor City so that would be very convenient for her. We saw the outside of the Fox Hill apartments with the huge balconies which would be a plus.
So far, taking everything into consideration, Marina is in first place and Motor City in second place. We will have to look at places in more detail now.
Shirt - that place sounds amazing. Was it 230 though??
Driving
Am getting used to an average of 2-3km detour to get back to the where I need to go, or to get to an onramp or change of direction (!). Bit stressful to say the least what with undertaking and overtaking cars and just the general mayhem of how people drive. Coupled with trying to read signs, watch 360 degrees and the ever present need to avoid an impact of any sort and I need a good lie down :-) Aircon not working so had to get rental company to sent out someone to have a look. We are at a fairly easy to find hotel but it took them 4 phone calls, speaking to reception, speaking to the car park security guard and nearly an hour for him to get to me from the Dubai Marina Mall. He suspects a leak somewhere so will see how it goes today then it will be returned...complete with scratch.
After the two hours in the car park last evening for the aircon debacle, I settle down to wait for the police for the scratch on the car. They arrive an hour later - one was pleasant enough, the other on a complete power trip. Get a pink sheet (it was my fault so no issue with that) but no fine or points. For a scratch.
I feel like I have been here for years even though not even a week!
That being said, all this is part and parcel of relocating overseas (which we have done twice) and we love it here so far.
I start at the grindstone tomorrow so perhaps we can arrange a meetup in the evening later during the week if anyone is interested?
Cheers
Places to Live
We did a few hours driving around and covered the back of Jumeriah Lakes Towers; Jumeriah Lakes (nice!); Meadows; Springs; Jumeriah Triangle, skirted the edge of Jumeriah Circle; Green Community and Motor City. We did not see any interiors but more a case of driving around, which was also useful for orientation.
The school is literally over a fence at Motor City so that would be very convenient for her. We saw the outside of the Fox Hill apartments with the huge balconies which would be a plus.
So far, taking everything into consideration, Marina is in first place and Motor City in second place. We will have to look at places in more detail now.
Shirt - that place sounds amazing. Was it 230 though??
Driving
Am getting used to an average of 2-3km detour to get back to the where I need to go, or to get to an onramp or change of direction (!). Bit stressful to say the least what with undertaking and overtaking cars and just the general mayhem of how people drive. Coupled with trying to read signs, watch 360 degrees and the ever present need to avoid an impact of any sort and I need a good lie down :-) Aircon not working so had to get rental company to sent out someone to have a look. We are at a fairly easy to find hotel but it took them 4 phone calls, speaking to reception, speaking to the car park security guard and nearly an hour for him to get to me from the Dubai Marina Mall. He suspects a leak somewhere so will see how it goes today then it will be returned...complete with scratch.
After the two hours in the car park last evening for the aircon debacle, I settle down to wait for the police for the scratch on the car. They arrive an hour later - one was pleasant enough, the other on a complete power trip. Get a pink sheet (it was my fault so no issue with that) but no fine or points. For a scratch.
I feel like I have been here for years even though not even a week!
That being said, all this is part and parcel of relocating overseas (which we have done twice) and we love it here so far.
I start at the grindstone tomorrow so perhaps we can arrange a meetup in the evening later during the week if anyone is interested?
Cheers
Phil,
Could you pass on more details on your mates 3 bedroom / bathroom place as I need to move out of my current apartment in the next 6 weeks.
James,
I am currently in MotorCity Terraced Apartments, 1st floor, 3 bedroom / bathroom, huge balcony, lake view and the are going for about AED 200,000 and it is all of 2 minutes from your daughter school.
Could you pass on more details on your mates 3 bedroom / bathroom place as I need to move out of my current apartment in the next 6 weeks.
James,
I am currently in MotorCity Terraced Apartments, 1st floor, 3 bedroom / bathroom, huge balcony, lake view and the are going for about AED 200,000 and it is all of 2 minutes from your daughter school.
XB70 said:
Hi all. Busy day yesterday and did a detailed post from my mobile but then it refused to submit it! Anyways....
Places to Live
We did a few hours driving around and covered the back of Jumeriah Lakes Towers; Jumeriah Lakes (nice!); Meadows; Springs; Jumeriah Triangle, skirted the edge of Jumeriah Circle; Green Community and Motor City. We did not see any interiors but more a case of driving around, which was also useful for orientation.
The school is literally over a fence at Motor City so that would be very convenient for her. We saw the outside of the Fox Hill apartments with the huge balconies which would be a plus.
So far, taking everything into consideration, Marina is in first place and Motor City in second place. We will have to look at places in more detail now.
Shirt - that place sounds amazing. Was it 230 though??
Driving
Am getting used to an average of 2-3km detour to get back to the where I need to go, or to get to an onramp or change of direction (!). Bit stressful to say the least what with undertaking and overtaking cars and just the general mayhem of how people drive. Coupled with trying to read signs, watch 360 degrees and the ever present need to avoid an impact of any sort and I need a good lie down :-) Aircon not working so had to get rental company to sent out someone to have a look. We are at a fairly easy to find hotel but it took them 4 phone calls, speaking to reception, speaking to the car park security guard and nearly an hour for him to get to me from the Dubai Marina Mall. He suspects a leak somewhere so will see how it goes today then it will be returned...complete with scratch.
After the two hours in the car park last evening for the aircon debacle, I settle down to wait for the police for the scratch on the car. They arrive an hour later - one was pleasant enough, the other on a complete power trip. Get a pink sheet (it was my fault so no issue with that) but no fine or points. For a scratch.
I feel like I have been here for years even though not even a week!
That being said, all this is part and parcel of relocating overseas (which we have done twice) and we love it here so far.
I start at the grindstone tomorrow so perhaps we can arrange a meetup in the evening later during the week if anyone is interested?
Cheers
Welcome matey,Places to Live
We did a few hours driving around and covered the back of Jumeriah Lakes Towers; Jumeriah Lakes (nice!); Meadows; Springs; Jumeriah Triangle, skirted the edge of Jumeriah Circle; Green Community and Motor City. We did not see any interiors but more a case of driving around, which was also useful for orientation.
The school is literally over a fence at Motor City so that would be very convenient for her. We saw the outside of the Fox Hill apartments with the huge balconies which would be a plus.
So far, taking everything into consideration, Marina is in first place and Motor City in second place. We will have to look at places in more detail now.
Shirt - that place sounds amazing. Was it 230 though??
Driving
Am getting used to an average of 2-3km detour to get back to the where I need to go, or to get to an onramp or change of direction (!). Bit stressful to say the least what with undertaking and overtaking cars and just the general mayhem of how people drive. Coupled with trying to read signs, watch 360 degrees and the ever present need to avoid an impact of any sort and I need a good lie down :-) Aircon not working so had to get rental company to sent out someone to have a look. We are at a fairly easy to find hotel but it took them 4 phone calls, speaking to reception, speaking to the car park security guard and nearly an hour for him to get to me from the Dubai Marina Mall. He suspects a leak somewhere so will see how it goes today then it will be returned...complete with scratch.
After the two hours in the car park last evening for the aircon debacle, I settle down to wait for the police for the scratch on the car. They arrive an hour later - one was pleasant enough, the other on a complete power trip. Get a pink sheet (it was my fault so no issue with that) but no fine or points. For a scratch.
I feel like I have been here for years even though not even a week!
That being said, all this is part and parcel of relocating overseas (which we have done twice) and we love it here so far.
I start at the grindstone tomorrow so perhaps we can arrange a meetup in the evening later during the week if anyone is interested?
Cheers
Sounds like Dubai is introducing itself in it's normal way.
Best of luck with other stuff - it really is quite daft.
most police get annoyed at being called out for minor things. i would too as whilst the green/red slip thing is great for proper accidents it is a waste of everyone's time and money for scuffs and scrapes.
for finding your way around, there is no substitute for doing as you have. there is no logic to dubai's roads and even veterans mess up on occasion. you'll never get used to it otherwise though, so keep getting lost!
my mate's place is 130k not 230, i pay 100 for a 2 bed, 1400sqft. i will ask who his landlord is and also have a look through dubizzle. i know i'm paying way under market rent so maybe he just got a fantastic deal.
big tip for decent rent deals is to speak to the agents about recently completed buildings. for example a year ago you could get a 2 bed villa in jvt for 95k as the whole development was empty, same ones are 180k now. madness.
for finding your way around, there is no substitute for doing as you have. there is no logic to dubai's roads and even veterans mess up on occasion. you'll never get used to it otherwise though, so keep getting lost!
my mate's place is 130k not 230, i pay 100 for a 2 bed, 1400sqft. i will ask who his landlord is and also have a look through dubizzle. i know i'm paying way under market rent so maybe he just got a fantastic deal.
big tip for decent rent deals is to speak to the agents about recently completed buildings. for example a year ago you could get a 2 bed villa in jvt for 95k as the whole development was empty, same ones are 180k now. madness.
shirt said:
most police get annoyed at being called out for minor things. i would too as whilst the green/red slip thing is great for proper accidents it is a waste of everyone's time and money for scuffs and scrapes.
for finding your way around, there is no substitute for doing as you have. there is no logic to dubai's roads and even veterans mess up on occasion. you'll never get used to it otherwise though, so keep getting lost!
my mate's place is 130k not 230, i pay 100 for a 2 bed, 1400sqft. i will ask who his landlord is and also have a look through dubizzle. i know i'm paying way under market rent so maybe he just got a fantastic deal.
big tip for decent rent deals is to speak to the agents about recently completed buildings. for example a year ago you could get a 2 bed villa in jvt for 95k as the whole development was empty, same ones are 180k now. madness.
Agree completely on the police but rental company were adamant about it unfortunately.for finding your way around, there is no substitute for doing as you have. there is no logic to dubai's roads and even veterans mess up on occasion. you'll never get used to it otherwise though, so keep getting lost!
my mate's place is 130k not 230, i pay 100 for a 2 bed, 1400sqft. i will ask who his landlord is and also have a look through dubizzle. i know i'm paying way under market rent so maybe he just got a fantastic deal.
big tip for decent rent deals is to speak to the agents about recently completed buildings. for example a year ago you could get a 2 bed villa in jvt for 95k as the whole development was empty, same ones are 180k now. madness.
That is a stunning price that your friend got - would be very keen to know more details or what building given the size (even if we have to pay more)
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