Questions I

Yes they do and Westerners in particular must be careful. Dubai, despite looking very Western as a city is still governened by Islamic laws and cultural norms. Many people turn up here on holiday and "just let it all hang out" and it gets them into trouble. Read about the place, learn what is appropriate and what is not, before you come here.

Tourists and residents have got into trouble for public drunkenness, wearing "indecent" clothing, (swimsuits away from the beach , spaghetti type strap tops for women, short shorts for men in shopping malls etc) or overly affectionate shows in public such as kissing and fondling in a restaurant and the top of the list ( for me) sex on a public beach , though I feel this would be not tolerated in many countries.

If in doubt, dress conservatively , make sure you wear tops that cover your shoulders and upper arms and if you wear shorts make sure that they are about knee length. These rules cover both men and women. I've been here a while and I don't think that is too much to ask.

Yes,YES YES jobs on offer ( particularly in construction) and housing sales have definitely contacted , loans are much harder to obtain. People who bought properties with the plan to on sell them are in big trouble, but we will have to wait and see how big a problem this becomes over the next few months ( I suspect it will be a huge problem) . The stock markets here and in Abu Dhabi are well down also. This means Job opportunities for spouses are shrinking . Abu Dhabi in contrast is well covered holding nearly the biggest Sovereign Wealth Fund in the world. It's construction and other areas are developing rapidly.

This has been asked a lot lately. We were told to take care during the war by our various consulates and embassies, some (NZ) told people to leave, but basically I feel quite safe. I'm here with my wife and two daughters and they are at work and school . If we felt that they were in any way threatened we would leave.

Athens is about as close to Baghdad as we are, and you don't see the Greeks panicking do you. It is just because the UAE is in "The Middle East".

VERY .You get used to it, but it was a bit of a shock when we first arrived in early August. For the first week or two it was all such a dream that it didn't seem too bad, but after that I can remember opening the door first thing in the morning and constantly being surprised because the air never felt fresh. You know how you're used to that brisk feeling in the mornings? (well, we certainly were). From July to October the most difficult thing really is the humidity. The heat is intense, not less than 40 and often closer to 50 during the day time, but everything is air conditioned. The thing I found most difficult was the fact that our children spent almost all that first summer inside. Since then we've joined a club which has a chilled swimming pool, and we've learnt how to deal with the temperature a little better, but it is restrictive.

Winters, on the other hand, are a dream. Between December and March we enjoy days of about 25 or 26 and the nights cool down to about 15 - 18 or so, after you have lived here a while you feel the cold at night e.g. my wife Trish wears a wrap at night if we go out. It probably won't get a great deal cooler than this, and it is sunny and clear and delightful, if that's the sort of weather you like.

I'm visiting Dubai in July for a couple of days. Is a desert trip worth it or what else could I do?

Do you have any idea how hot 45-50c+ is because that is what it will be in late July here

That is what you may have to consider re a desert trip even though they are late in the day in air conditioned 4 wheel drives

If you go ahead the most well known group to book it with is Arabian Adventures http://travel.theemiratesnetwork.com/to_do/dubai_desert_safari.php the cost is about Dhs 250 and they will pick you up from your hotel around 1500 on the day of the drive. Besides the ride through the dunes ( You need to like roller coaster type rides as it gets wild, DO NOT sit in the very back of the 4 wheel drive) there is dinner , the traditional henna hand painting for ladies, belly dancing , camel rides etc. You can book online. It returns around 0930.

An alternative might be if you only have one day. In the morning get in a taxi and wander through the Jumeirah Beach hotel and then the souk in the Madinat Jumeirah Resort . Madinat is a hotel shopping complex constructed in the old style and is wonderful, but air conditioned as are all shopping malls here. (There is a shuttle bus between the two) The other mall to see (which is close to Madinat, 5 minutes in a taxi) is the Mall of the Emirates with the Indoor skiing, which is terrific. If you ski they provide everything for 2 hours of fun for Dhs 150. There is something strange though about skiing in -10c when it is so hot outside.

If you don’t go to the desert, catching a Abra across the creek late in the afternoon is an experience also for Dhs 1 or you can hire one to cruise along the creek for about 30 mins for Dhs 40-60. A walk along the wharfage area of the creek is very eye opening, but really only around 0600 in the morning when it is not too hot. The traditional Gold souk near the Creek is not air conditioned so in July if you want gold go to The Gold and Diamond park which is on the road to Abu Dhabi. The “Damas” shop in both has a very good reputation.

The quality is very good in most schools , but as your child/ren have to attend private schools here ( the public system is not an option as you are not allowed to use public schools as an expat.) the problem is getting your children into the private school of your choice. This has become easier since the 2005/06 academic year with the establishment of more schools.

You are strongly recommended to contact the schools of your choice as soon as you have received your contract package – delay in doing so will probably mean that you cannot get your child/ren) into school. Many of the schools accept a limited number of students each year. Between the end of June and the end of August it is often difficult ( I'd say "impossible" is a better word...Leigh) to contact the school administration.

· Note carefully the range of fees within the school; in some schools they increase considerably in the higher grades.

· Check if there is a waiting list for the grades that you want. Some schools show preferences to students from certain countries and drop other applicants down the waiting lists. This particularly applies to JESS and DESS who prefer UK students and sometimes the American School of Dubai, whose curriculum is USA based.

· Make sure that the curriculum is compatible with your child’s past/future schooling. Find out if the school offers the British or American system; does it teach the International Baccalaureate? For example, changing from the Australian to the British system might mean going back at least one grade. Canadians may find that children who were in grade 1 in Canada may be placed in KG/reception in the UAE.

· For upper levels in high school, investigate program and subject area compatibilities.

· Make sure that you follow up on admission information requirements exactly as requested by the schools prior to your arrival. Failure to do so may result in a delay in gaining admission.

· Note that the school year is September through June; arrival from the Australia/New Zealand/ South African regions late in the academic year may cause difficulties related to correct placement. People coming from the Southern hemisphere are advised to have a Principal’s letter declaring that their child has completed a particular level unless they want their child to repeat that level. For example if they are in year 9 now in Aust they will start it again here in Sept unless you fudge the letter saying they have completed it. The letter is a Ministry Of Ed requirement (i.e. Bureaucratic) not the actual schools, so maybe bring two for each child and cover your bases. One that say they have completed and one says that they were doing the year. The choice on which to produce is based on how you feel they will cope, both academically and socially. Most schools will test them here to find their levels, so warn your children.

It was until the Global Financial Crisis, now it is tougher, and will depend on qualifications

My wife has worked almost all the time since we came,. She has worked both full time in one of the most challenging jobs she ever had and when the girls were young ,part-time , which she was lucky to find, as there are not the same sorts of part-time opportunities as you would expect to find in Australia. In terms of finding employment, you won't necessarily find that you're discriminated against because you're female. Advertising and employment laws here are quite different in any case, and if the company wants to employ a man, they just say so in their advertisements or they say things like tri lingual speaker English, French and Arabic (which means they want only a Lebanese person). By the same token, lots of places (especially Primary/High schools looking for teachers) want to employ women who will be on their husband's sponsorship, as they don't have to pay sponsorship fees or provide a ticket home or a housing allowance.

Heath care jobs ( esp Nursing) seem to be always in abundance but I'm not an expert on these.

Your really aren't restricted from doing any sort of job, and it will just be a matter of finding something which suits in terms of hours, pay scale (a tricky business) and your children.

You will see the whole gamut of clothing worn here, from local women covered from head to toe, to ladies who dress in the very skimpiest of clothes. Depending on where you will be going, you will be able to decide if it feels comfortable to wear sleeveless clothes or not. For instance, my work at the moment is where the vast majority of employees are either locals or other Arab Muslims. Therefore, I take care to wear long sleeves, almost always and only use skirts that are below the knee and generally very unrevealing clothes. I suspect I'm probably more careful than I need to be, but I'd rather not give offense where it's not necessary.

You do find that during Ramadan it is asked that non-Muslims be a bit more generally sensitive to Muslim attitudes and requirements. For instance, nobody is allowed to eat or drink in public during the fasting hours, but you do get used to it. Eventually. Most work places have a room which is for the exclusive use of non-Muslims who need to have a drink or something to eat.

Q. Do converters work well with kitchen appliances, like crockpots, waffle makers, microwave ovens, etc.? Mine are U.S. appliances and if I come I want to know if my kitchen things will work. I have collected a few things that I don't see in the stores anymore and would like to know if I should bring them with me. Many on your site seem to think bringing more of their things like these are a good idea. Thanks.

Whether you are male of female there are no restrictions on working in the UAE if you are divorced. Your main hassle will be child care, like it can be anywhere, as you do not have immediate family support ( e.g. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles etc) when you come here. See childcare and maids.

Family living conditions, the housing ( we have 3 YOUNG children), what kind of housing is usually provided to young families?

For HCT staff a probably a 3 bedroom villa , some people take a large apartment, but as the kids grow they need more social interaction and they often move to a villa . See housing on my site. Villas cost you more in regard to Electricity and Water, as well as garden maintenance naturally.

Nannies, I would like to hire a nanny for my children, are they easy to find, expensive,etc.

We have had an Indian lady working with us for nearly 15 years . There are plenty looking for jobs, but we have been lucky as she is great. Some people have trouble and I don't know if it is them or the Maid/Nanny. It could be the mix. Some people treat the maids like slaves and this leads to problems, sometimes the maids are useless. Our maid has 3 kids of her own so was experienced with children, she cooks, cleans and does all we need. Our priority was the girls' welfare especially when they were younger so if she didn't do the other things some maids did we were not worried. She is great with them. We have always treated her well and she is wonderful.

My husband/wife works in the financial industry (banking, financial advisor), is it generally easy for people (Canadians) to find jobs once there or should it be set up before hand?

Once he/she is here is best though all the major banks/bigger companies are here. You'd probably want to be in Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, so he/she could get work. Attested copies of all qualifications are needed. Employment agencies such as Kershaw Leonard should be contacted once you are in the Emirates or just before you come here as you will have to be here for interviews.

Financially, is it very expensive to live in the UAE or is it easy to save some money( while living somewhat comfortably).

You will not save money in the first year, it costs to set up. Costs mmmm Milk is Dhs 10 for two litres, Bread about Dhs 5-6 for a loaf baked on the premises or cheaper if packaged, Coke is Dhs 1 for a can and Dhs 24 for a case of 24, a Happy Meal at MacDonald's is Dhs 10, local vegetables are cheap, Breakfast Cereals are expensive Kellogg's Cornflakes Dhs 18 for 750g ,Flora Margarine Dhs 7, Shampoo Dhs 13, Deodorant Dhs 12 OMO Dhs 45-50 for 4.5 kgs Peanut Butter Dhs 7.50 for a jar, Eggs Dhs 4.00 for half a dozen ( sorry testing the full run of my memory here, I'm probably close though.) Imported food ( partic USA products) is generally more expensive, Second hand cars can usually be picked up reasonably. Unless you get a housing allowance that covers the type of housing you would reasonably expect don't come.

I'm biased to Dubai as it is the biggest with more to do, We felt it offered much more for our family. When we came our daughters were 2 and 4 . Sally went straight to school and Rose went to a nursery. My wife Trish wanted a job and found one. Other cities are smaller Abu Dhabi is about half Dubai's size. Sharjah the same, Ras al Kamiah, Al Ain and Fujairah are small. This is up to you . All are far more conservative than Dubai. In an interview situation you could say I want to be in a larger/smaller city it's your preference. If any of you children are of school age is you need to contact the schools ASAP. HCT contributes to school fees as long as your child turns 5 in their first year, The contribution covers the early years but as I have found I'm putting in more and more as my daughters have got older and their fees higher. You have to pay for nurseries yourself and they are VERY expensive for 5 days a week.

If I was offered a job, is there a lot to do before I arrive (paperwork, passports, letters of reference, set up banking info., etc).

Yes see notarised documents section of my site .Attested copies of everything are needed. Make sure your Driver's licences have a long time left on them (more than 6 months or they will not convert them over here). If you don't drive, learn in your country and not here. It is a necessity here and they have hard to pass tests. I'd also set up a bank account with someone like Citibank, HSBC or another international bank that has links here, just so money transfer home is easier. Make sure your Passport has at least 12 months validity on it.

Is it easy to join fitness clubs yes , golf courses ( expensive to play but fantastic championship level courses) , find beaches and parks, go swimming, all the family things from home, etc. Yes, yes, but from May to October it is very hot. Many compounds with villas and nearly all apartment blocks have pools as well as gyms

What is the average price of hiring and renting a car (weekly / monthly), the car can be the smallest, least expensive please i.e. Renault.

You can get a small car e.g. Toyota Echo, Nissan Sunny, Peugeot 207 for about Dhs 1500-1600 a month, everything (CDW) included. It can even be organised through DWC when you get here. This has been the consistent rate for a long time.

Would you happen to know what the average monthly cost of running a 2-bed flat would be, the cost relating to utilities.

I asked people who live in apartments like this. Utilities, depend on the building, but in an apartment it can vary from Dhs 250- 400 monthly. It really depends on how much you use the A/C. In summer A/C is essential, but as it cools down many people do not use it. So the bills are higher in summer and lower in winter.

Where can I get secondhand reading matter in English?

House of Prose in Jumeirah Plaza ( The Pink One) In Beach Road, Jumeirah. They sell and buy back for 50% of their price. There is another bookshop in "Plant St" ( the expat's name for the road) Satwa . It is called Book World

If you use a "Kindle" you can still get all the books you want , but you must download to your computer rather than wirelessly.

Is the traffic that bad?

Yes, particularly if you have to drive in from Sharjah in the morning. Constant road works cause problems in various parts of the city all the time, but the city is growing so fast that is just part of life here. Since the World Financial Crisis has hit , traffic has dropped off as people have left the UAE.

Will I have to have a car?

Basically, Yes. Public transport consists of buses only and they take a long time between places, Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap, but Dubai is a car city. If you intend to drink take a taxi.

Dubai's metro is being developed now .It will be functioning in Sept 09.If you are a non driver you could ask to be housed near the college if that suits.

Remember when you apply, you are interviewed for the HCT system not just a particular college or city. These can be discussed but it is a System interview. Note, that for a non driver, colleges like the Sharjah Colleges and Dubai Men's are a long way out of the cities and DWC is on the Sharjah edge of Dubai. The smaller cities in size Fujairah, Ras Al Kaimah and Al Ain might suit you more.

Is there a general Dubai frequently asked questions site?

Yes here is the link http://www.dubaifaqs.com/ which has an extensive list covering nearly everything

Can you tell me which furniture/electrical stores are around Dubai , so that I can check out their web sites prior to coming.

These vary greatly depending on what people are after. To be quite honest if you are going into an apartment which has major appliances in it then the only thing you must buy in the first few days are the beds and bedding you need after that you can take your time and I advise you to do so. I remember sitting on plastic chairs and eating off the kids little table for a week after we moved in . At the time our TV sat on the box it was delivered in for weeks. You may have to buy a fridge or a washing machine but it depends on what is in the apartment. you will if in a Villa . Nowadays, there are many shopping malls with furniture ( this depends on your taste, Home Centre, IKEA, Marlin, The One but too numerous to mention) and electrical stores ( Jumbo, Sharif, Jackies) to choose from. Personally the stuff( beds sofas, tables we got from Home centre has been good over the years , though we do have furniture from many other stores. IKEA has “Ikea “ furniture and beds and if that is your taste ok , I don’t like self assembly so I mainly avoid it. Hypermarkets like Carrefour and Geant also have appliances etc. Furniture delivery again varies from store to store but usually NOT immediately, beds can take time so be ready for this.

Dubai/Oman stopovers Cheap accommodation

Basic Info

Here is some basic info on hotels and transport for anyone planning a trip to Dubai and Oman side trip.

Dubai airport bus (No 401) Dr 2.60 to Deira Gold Souk. Try and pick up bus route map from info office at airport. The Gold Souk area is where cheapest of Dubai's not so cheap hotels are. Priced by stars, thus one star about 200 Dr, 2-star 250-300, 3-star 350-400 Dr. Can try for discount, especially if staying a few nights. The Youth Hostel is by far cheapest at 60 Dr (incl breakfast) members, 75 non members. If you can get one, singles are about 175. As mentioned many times bookings mean little (they want fax confirmation, etc). The main drawback, besides a crowded dorm, is its a fair way out, and in peak hour can take over hour to get in or out. In fact, getting in at peak hour most busses are already full and will not stop. Its 300 metres from Lulu Hypermart (which has 23 Dr all you can eat lunch and dinners, plus internet place).

Plenty to see in Dubai. Try the Big Bus (get on and off over 24 hour period) for 150 Dr.

Day trip to Abu Dhabi. Good bus (15 Dr) every 40 minutes from main Dubai bus station (get the Abra water taxi across the Creek - 1 Dr)
A day trip is enough for Abu Dhabi.

OMAN: To find where the bus leaves from. In the street outside Al Manhal Stationary office (sells the tickets at 50 Dr one way, 90 Dr return). almost next to Ponderosa/Caravan restaurant, which is next to the car park at end of the well known DNATA building, which is near the Clock Tower.. Bus leaves about 0700-0730 but check as this can change.

Free to enter into Oman if you flew into Dubai.

Arrives early afternoon at Ruwi Bus Station, the main station for Muscat. Muttrah town is over the hill (about 3km, Taxi about 1 Omani ryal). About 5 cheapish hotels along the Corniche near the Muttrah fish market The Naseem Hotel was 12 OR single and 17 OR double.
Muscat is a few kms further on, but no hotels.

Day trip to Nizwa. Bus leaves at 0800, 1.80 OR. Another one about 1400 but a bit late for day trip. Check where to pick up return bus - I missed it, but able to get share taxi (mini bus) for 1 OR, but it leaves you 40 odd kms out of Muscat = another share taxi.

Return bus to Dubai, from memory was about 1400 hours. These buses leave on time, so don't be late.

The Population

In Dubai Nationals/Emiratis only make up about 8% of the population and in the UAE as a whole it is about 18-20% Dubai has about 1.5 million people.

Males out number females 3:1, but mainly because of the thousands of labourers mainly from India and Pakistan on the huge building/ development sites, the new metro and roads. In the areas western people work it is more balanced.

Life in Dubai

Thanks to GABS for this information:

I saw this on another post it is accurate... Leigh

Electricity/water or DEWA bills are probably around the AED1500 average, for a villa. Increases in Summer and decreases in Winter.

Rental around AED 120 000 to 150 000 for a villa per annum-based on three bedroom. Four bedroom add another AED30 000 to 50 000.

Cable-full selection of TV stations around the 250 to 300 AED per month.

Cars, inexpensive, check www.gulfnews.com classifieds and also look up accommodation in here. Petrol is inexpensive.

All packages should include medical-dental is often not included.

Living standard is high-you can get anything. Great place for kids and safe.. I have three kids. Standard of education is good-excellent and medical/dental is also good- excellent.

Other costs

Groceries

If you are interested in the COL here in Dubai here are a few indicators from my shopping list:
1 litre milk DH5
1 loaf white bread DH3 to DH7
2 litre juice DH10
24 cheese slice DH10.50
1 litre of cream DH 12
Australian Lamb chops DH 28 per kg
Australian beef mince DH 18 per kg
Chicken breast fillets DH26 to DH30 per kg
Australian Rib eye steak DH 32 per kg
2 litre tub Baskin Robbins ice cream DH30
1.2 kg fresh whole chicken around DH15
30 fresh eggs DH12
watermelon Dh2.90 per kg
bananas Dh3 per kg
carrots Dh3 per kg
apples around Dh4-6
ya/ nashi pears Dh2 to DH3 per kg
Potatoes DH1.75 kg
Eggplant DH2.25 kg
Pasta Sauce Dh10 per 750g jar
Dried pasta DH 2.15 (500g bag)
Tomatoes DH2.25 kg
Pawpaw/papaya DH5.95kg
Strawberries DH 5.50 250g punnet
Bananas DH 2.95
Arabic bread large Dh 2 small Dh 1
Croissants box of 6 Dh8
Cheese Kraft DH8 per 250g block
Sausages DH28 per kg
5kg short grain white rice DH11

Fish seems to be cheap and around the DH30 per kg up but Hammour is especially nice and considered to be a "local" fish. Overall fruit and veg varies in price according to the season and also according to it's origin.

Eating out
Local bakeries and small restaurants without Drinks are cheap as are fast food places like KFC, Hardees, McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut which all deliver. If you eat at Hotels some have buffets plus all you can drink ( INCLUDING Drinks) for LESS than DH150 per person and these are really nice places.

MacDonald's cost of living index
Value meal (drink, chips, burger) DH14
Kid's meal DH10

Publications
Get hold of a Dubai Explorer, The Connector free book and What's On and Time Out magazines.

Cards that give me something

Wafi City advantage card
Air miles card
McGrudy's card ( bookstore)
Privilege Card (centrepoint etc)

Coupons

Book stores have an Entertainer books full of coupons for restaurants, eateries and activities i.e. Ski Dubai, Arabian nights tours in Dubai-they have a 3 book offer out at the moment-I think the last one is for spas and stuff-loads of two for one offers.

Activities

carting
fishing
flying
football
horse riding
kite surfing
dune bashing
sailing
golf
diving(www.7seasdivers.com ,www.alboomdiving.com ,www.diversdown.tk , www.emiratesdiving.com , www.jumeirahinternational.com etc)
shooting
(Jebel Ali Shooting Club 8836555, www.jebelali-international.com and Ras Al Khaimah Shooting Club, 07 2363622, and Hatta Fort Hotel 8523211, www.jebelali-international.com)

Cars
Hire of small car around DH1300 to DH1800 per month
Petrol around DH6 per gallon

Electricity
Your DEWA bill will shock you. Families expect bills over DH1300 per month. Apartments are much less
Electricity is 220-240V, plugs are three prong square.
.

Also things to do:

Do the shopping bit-the malls are a treat for the eyes esp. little kids- Mall of the Emirates has magic planet and ski Dubai, Ibn Battuta is a visual beauty, leave the kids in Wafi City playing games, roller blading etc while you shop and then go to Wafi Gourmet for the best ice cream and something to eat, visit an Oud shop and check it out. The race course (horses) is just amazing to see (two tracks and a golf course ), dune bashing, go to the pictures, go for a dinner cruise on a dhow, take an Abra along the creek, go to Wild Wadi, walk around the souks -the gold souk is dazzling, have threading on your eyebrows (ouch!! ), do the spa bit, have a manicure and pedicure get henna done on your hands, walk around the Madinat Jumeirah and eat alfresco, try shisha, walk around Satwa, go to Karama for bargains, go to Dragonmart for more bargains, go ice skating (Al Nasir leisureland or I heard the Hyatt is good plus you can do a decadent chocolate buffet after!!), hot air ballooning, take the Big Bus tour or the Wonder Bus- duck that does the land and creek tour leaving from the Burjuman, creekside park has a cable car, do a Mosque tour, go to the Dubai Zoo-walking distance from the Mercato shopping mall-some people criticise this place but the animals are well cared for and the gorilla and its mate are awesome, visit heritage sites like the Bastakiya, Heritage and Diving Village etc(www.dubaitourism.ae), stuff your own bear at the bear factory and dress him/her in traditional dress and take a camel ride on the beach.
At the beach you can swim, kite surf, snorkel, build a sand castle have a bbq/picnic, go on a quad bike, jet ski, go to Jumeirah Beach which gives the Burj as a backdrop.
You can learn Arabic, get lost in your car driving, go to a different Emirate (sometimes unintentionally), go to a Wadi, go carting, sky dive, hot air ballooning, play snooker, go sand boarding, sailing (Dubai Offshore Sailing Club www.dosc.org tel: 04-3941669,Fun Sports www.funsport-dubai.com tel 04-3995976, Jebel Ali Sailing Club www.jebelalisailingclub.com 04-3995444), shooting (Jebel Ali Shooting Club 8836555, www.jebelali-international.com and Ras Al Khaimah Shooting Club, 07 2363622, and Hatta Fort Hotel 8523211, www.jebelali-international.com), roller blade at the park, go for a picnic/bbq at the park, try a shawarma, go to Al Reef and have the best cheese bread eva,go paintballing, take a helicopter or plane tour, join a motor cross/motorcycle club, go diving (Al Boom Diving - Aqua Centre P.O. Box 30439 Dubai, tel: (971) 4 3422993 Fax: (971) 4 3422995 email: abdiving@emirates.net.ae), play golf, go fishing, take a dhow charter, visit a museum, go to Children's city, go clubbing and pubbing, go to an art gallery, watch cable and read Dubai Forums.
Try http://www.turnertraveldubai.com/Dubai-att/tourist-att.asp.
Buy Time Out and What's on in Dubai magazines and a Dubai Explorer.

Phone calls

Local calls within the UAE are free. International are expensive to certain countries India, Sth Africa and Egypt for example, but cheaper to Europe the USA and Australia/NZ .

Skype is banned by Etisalat ( local telecom provider) " for cultural reasons", which they never will disclose. People are complaining in the newspapers against this at the moment, but it is getting nowhere.

Many people use MS Messenger etc to contact home using PC to PC, rather than PC to Phone.

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims around the World, when all Muslims in good health are required to perform special duties. As part of their observances during this month, Muslims do not eat, drink, or smoke from sunrise to sunset.

Non-Muslims are not required to fast but are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in public. At the Higher Colleges, no food or drink is displayed or eaten in public. The doors to the staff kitchen, staff room and dining areas are closed and you must be sure to shut the door behind you if you enter these areas.

Non-Muslims should not be tempted to eat, drink, or smoke in public, even in their cars, during Ramadan. It is a punishable offence. If you have a small child, it is acceptable for the child to eat or drink in a car, (similar exceptions apply to pregnant women); however, to avoid unwanted derision and possible questioning by police authorities you should be somewhere private before consuming water or food. During the Holy Month, dress code should be respected and swimming in public beaches should be avoided.

Muslims during the Holy Month of Ramadan like to strengthen social bonds with family, friends and neighbours, and they like to visit each other and share the happiness of Ramadan.

Many of your Muslim neighbours, colleagues, and students may seem tired during this month, a result of waking before dawn to eat, fasting all day, and then staying up until very late into the evening to feast.

The Holy Month of Ramadan is followed by a holiday, usually of three days' duration, called Eid Al-Fitr, or just "Eid." The exact start of Ramadan and Eid is determined by the phases of the moon, but there will be notices on television and in the newspapers. The Higher Colleges are closed during Eid. In 2005 Ramadan will start in the UAE on Oct 3. The start of Ramadan moves forward about 10 days each year ,so in 2006 it will start on approximately Sept 23.

http://www.zu.ac.ae/employment/html/faq.html

The following article comes from the TESOL site

http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/sec_document.asp?CID=845&DID=4693 is the page link

Career Networking: What would it be like to live and work in the United Arab Emirates?

The idea of living and working in a country other than the one you currently live in may be both exciting and overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you search for a job? What information should you include on your resume or CV? How much should you expect the job to pay? How will you know whether the job will pay enough to cover your expenses when you don’t know how much things cost in that country?

This article is part of an occasional series of career networking articles constructed from interviews with employers who have advertised jobs with TESOL. The information in each article reflects one small group of employers’ views of living and working as an English language teacher in a particular country. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are not indicative of all employers or all experiences. The employers’ views in this series are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TESOL.

Career networking is a valuable benefit of TESOL membership. Although the information in this article reflects the view of only one employer, it may help you decide if the United Arab Emirates is a potential destination for your next dream job. If you like what you hear, but would like to hear other opinions, come to TESOL’s annual Job MarketPlace, where you can network with recruiters and job seekers who can share their insights and help you get started.

Adrienne Reynolds from United Arab Emirates University, Aamena Khan from Higher Colleges of Technology, and Bryan Gilroy from Zayed University co hosted a session on living and working in the United Arab Emirates during TESOL’s 39th annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States. Together, they provided the following insights:

What kind of information do people normally include on a CV or résumé for a job in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

There is really no specific, recommended format for résumés and CVs. One thing that many people don’t know about the Emirates is that about 80% of the population is expatriate. Institutions are accustomed to seeing résumés and CVs from all over the world, so they are pretty flexible as to the format. It is common for institutions to have a separate application procedure as well, which requests any necessary information that might not have been included on the applicants’ résumés or CVs.

How are ESOL jobs in the UAE compensated, and how are salaries quoted?

The salaries in the UAE are quoted in terms of monthly income BUT we have 13 salaries a year because there is a bonus of one month's salary for every year of service. This bonus is paid as an end-of-employment gratuity--in other words, the extra month's salary is not paid at the end of every year.

One thing that many people do not realize is that their salary is not subject to income taxes, which can take a substantial piece of teachers’ paychecks in their home countries. This, combined with the many benefits most jobs in the Emirates provide, means that English language teachers can often have a much higher standard of living than they may have had in their home countries.

When comparing jobs, it is important for applicants to look at the whole package. A salary that might be a struggle to live on in applicants’ home countries goes much further when you don’t have to pay taxes or housing expenses. Utilities are much less expensive in the Emirates than many other places as well. If you look at your monthly income, then realize that you will take home that full amount and will have very few monthly expenses beyond a telephone, mobile phone, and satellite television, if you choose to have those things, you will likely find that the salary goes a very long way.

What kinds of benefits do ESOL jobs in the UAE usually include?

Jobs typically include housing and may include a furniture allowance that applicants can use to either ship their furniture or purchase furniture when they arrive. The housing is generally spacious flats or even villas. Applicants should be aware, however, that the furniture allowance may have to be reimbursed to the institution if a teacher fails to complete his or her teaching contract.

Jobs typically include generous vacation time and airline tickets to a teacher’s country of origin or an airline ticket allowance that can be applied to tickets to other places. Jobs also typically include health care for the teacher and may include health care for the teacher’s spouse and dependent children. Children’s education subsidies may be included as well.

What is the typical academic schedule in the UAE?

There are two semesters per year, with a winter break and a summer break. There may be an abbreviated schedule during Ramadan as well.

What are housing costs like in the UAE?

Housing is typically included with the jobs, so paying rent is not normally a concern for teachers. Utilities are very affordable on teachers’ salaries. One thing to be aware of is that kitchens in unfurnished units may not be outfitted with appliances, but used appliances are readily available because the large expatriate community is always in flux. Furniture is very inexpensive, with furniture imported from Asia readily available. IKEA is in the UAE, too.

What surprises people who are new to the UAE? What do they like or dislike?

People are surprised by the international and very cosmopolitan nature of the Emirates. The architecture, high-rise luxury hotels and apartments, and high-end shopping malls and restaurants contribute to a Riviera-like atmosphere.

You can find food from all over the world: American, Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Mexican, and Thai. Most of the major international franchises are available, including Starbucks, T.G.I. Friday’s, Chili’s, Pizzario Uno, and Fuddrucker’s. Most of the major fast food franchises are here as well, including Burger King, Cinnabon, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hardee’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Quizno’s, Subway, and TCBY. There is also excellent fine dining as well as very chic nightclubs. Going out is an important part of the culture here.

The shopping, especially in Dubai, is excellent. Most of the major designers’ lines are available here. There are dozens of shopping malls with familiar franchise stores. Gold jewelry is far less expensive than it is in much of the rest of the world. Best of all, there is no sales tax!

Although the UAE is a Muslim country, the large expatriate community means that many products that are not available in other Muslim countries are available here to non-Muslims. Drinks is available and there are pubs and bars. Large international supermarkets make food from all over the world available as well.

The warm climate means that outdoor sports are popular throughout the Emirates. Golf and tennis are popular, as are water sports like boating, diving, snorkeling, and surfing. You might find a few sports that are new to you as well, including camel racing and Wadi bashing (driving four-wheel drive vehicles in dry riverbeds in the desert). Amusement parks and water parks are available as well.

One major advantage to living in the Emirates is the close proximity to excellent travel destinations. Africa, south and southeast Asia, and Europe are all easy flights from the Emirates.

One thing people sometimes dislike about the Emirates is that the summers can be extremely hot. This is usually combated with air conditioning that is often extremely cold. People might find that they need a sweater to wear inside of shopping malls and public buildings.

Do you have any special advice for someone considering working as an ESOL professional in The United Arab Emirates?

One thing that is important to be aware of is that public demeanor is very important. Although the large expatriate community means that some things may be tolerated more in the Emirates than in other Muslim countries, it is also understood that these things should be kept as private as possible. For example, although Drinking is permitted, public drunkenness is not, and driving while drunk is an extremely serious offense.

Living and working in the Emirates is what you choose to make it. If you want to experience another culture, there is not only Arab culture here, but also a wealth of cultures from around the world due to the large number of expatriates. At the same time, you can live and work here without giving up as much of your home lifestyle as you might have to in other countries.

We have travelled before and we have experience expatriate life in Kuala Lumpur for 3 years about 8yrs ago, we were a member of the Malaysian, Australian, New Zealand Assoc. there and thought that there must be something similar in Dubai. We are leaving in January and really don't know where to start. I have 3 children but 2 of them are attending school here in Sydney Australia. Yr 3 age 9 and Yr6 age 11, eldest is 20yr old.

Could you recommend a good British International school and where would be the best area to rent. I thought of going through a relocation agency but if there is anyone out there that could help me get started I would love all the help I can get.

There are Australian associations here ANZA, Aust Bus in the Gulf, contacts are on my site at http://dwc.hct.ac.ae/expatinfo/weblinksredubai.htm. For other nationalities there are corresponding associations.

Schools See http://dwc.hct.ac.ae/expatinfo/schools.htm Try Jumeirah Primary School/ Jumeirah College they are next to each other and thus easier if both your children could go to. The English college now has Primary and Secondary levels and Horizon has agreements to feed to other Secondary colleges, all have good reputations , Dubai college is British Curriculum and secondary only., but has an excellent reputation.

Rent will depend on your rental allowance as prices have gone through the roof here. It is here you might need to work with a relocation firm or your company. Talk about this with them now!! You do not want to be on the Sharjah side of the Dubai creek as all the schools are the other side. All the schools I mentioned are in the Jumeirah/ Umm Sequim area but if you get accommodation in the newer areas towards Abu Dhabi( See Housing Map Page) there are new schools with British Curriculums in Arabian Ranches , the Springs the Meadows areas. Dubai college runs buses from there also.

Questions I've been asked a lot