Beruflich Dokumente
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Induction Handbook
CONTENTS
CEO Messages
Overview
Where to Live
Household Bills
11
Banking
12
Transportation
14
16
House Staff
18
Visas
19
21
Kids Entertainment
22
Online Information
24
Shopping Malls
25
Tourist Attractions
26
27
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Relocating to the Middle East can often prove demanding, costly and very time consuming. Processes and
procedures are found to be very different to most other countries, and finding yourself in a strange place
with little support and local knowledge can not only be stressful for you, but also have an impact on your
familys happiness and wellbeing... thats why choosing the right relocation company is paramount.
RelocateMe provides an extensive personal relocation service for expat families and business executives.
We recognise each person has their own specific requirements, and thats why our relocation package options
have been carefully designed to provide you with our full support on every aspect of your domestic relocation.
As well as much more, we offer assistance with housing, schools & education, visas, healthcare,
departure services, trade services and business relocation advice.
So whatever you want to know about your Middle East Relocation... just get in touch!
Financial
Human Resources
Legal
Marketing
Sales
Supply Chain
Dubai is a
magnificent
city. Its diversity
attracts people
from all over the
world looking
for exciting new
opportunities.
Victoria Moss
Chief Executive Officer
RelocateME
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
www.relocateme.ae
We want to help
make those first
few months as
simple as possible
for you.
Toby Simpson
Managing Director
The Gulf Recruitment Group
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
www.relocateme.ae
Overview
Located in the heart of the Middle East, the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to more than 150
nationalities. The formation of the UAE came after
the discovery of huge oil reserve in Abu Dhabi in
1958. The UAE is considered the second richest
Arab country with fewer than 10% of the worlds
proven oil reserves and the fourth largest natural
gas reserves.
Location
The United Arab Emirates is situated on the eastern
side of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia
and the Sultanate of Oman. The country comprises
seven emirates Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah,
Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Abu
Dhabi is by far the largest emirate, occupying over
80% of the country with the emirate of Dubai
the second largest, although they have similar
populations.
Ras al-Khaimah
Umm al Quain
Ajman
Sharjah
Dubai
Qatar
Fujairah
Abu Dhabi
United Arab
Emirates
Oman
Saudi Arabia
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Overview
DUBAI CLIMATE
Dubai has a subtropical and arid climate. Sunny
blues skies and high temperatures can be expected
most of the year. Rain falls on an average of only
25 days per year, mainly in winter (December
to March). It rarely rains very heavily or for long
periods.
Temperatures range from a low of around 10c
(50f) in winter to a high of 48c (118f) in summer.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
24.0
(75)
25.4
(78)
28.2
(83)
32.9
(91)
37.6
(100)
39.5
(103)
40.8
(105)
41.3
(106)
38.9
(102)
35.4
(96)
30.5
(87)
26.2
(79)
14.3
(58)
15.4
(60)
17.6
(64)
20.8
(69)
24.6
(76)
27.2
(81)
29.9
(86)
30.2
(86)
27.5
(82)
23.9
(75)
19.9
(68)
16.3
(61)
Rain mm (inches)
15.6
(0.6)
25.0
(1)
21.0
(0.8)
07.0
(0.3)
00.4
(0)
00.0
(0)
00.8
(0)
00.0 (0)
00.0
(0)
01.2
(0)
02.7
(0.1)
14.9
(0.6)
CULTURE
The UAE has managed to establish a healthy
balance between western influences and eastern
traditions. The country has continued to uphold
its strong cultural roots while at the same time
continuing to become progressively modern and
cosmopolitan, reinforcing an open-minded and
liberal outlook.
When you first arrive you may find aspects of
the local culture seem strange to you. Take
time to observe and understand before you
pass judgment; youll soon realize that the many
different nationalities living here make it a
sometimes frustrating but ultimately fascinating
city.
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Overview
RELIGION
Islam is more than just a religion; it is a way of
life that governs even mundane everyday events,
from what to wear to what to eat and drink.
Therefore, the culture and heritage of the UAE is
closely linked to its religion. However, the UAE
is tolerant and welcoming; foreigners are free
to practice their own religion, alcohol is served
in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women
face little discrimination and, contrary to the
policies of neighbouring Saudi Arabia, are able to
drive and walk around unescorted and with hair
uncovered.
LANGUAGE
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. However,
English, Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu, Tagalog, Russian and
Farsi are commonly spoken.
Arabic is the official business language, but English is
so widely used that you could conduct business here
for years without learning a single world of Arabic.
Most road signs, shop signs and restaurant menus
are in both languages. The further out of town you
go, the more you will find just Arabic, both spoken
and on street and shop signs.
CURRENCY
The United Arab Emirates currency is called the
Dirham. Arab Emirate Dirham (Dhs or AED) 100
Fils = 1 Dirhams. The UAE dirham is pegged to the
US Dollar, with a constant conversion rate of 3.67.
It is important to be aware that there are no
restrictions on import or export of currency in the
UAE.
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FEMALE ATTIRE
While beachwear is fine on the beach, you should dress a little more
conservatively when out and about in public places. If in doubt, ensuring that
your shoulders and knees are covered is a safe bet. The said, when out at bars
and clubs in the evening, a little more exposure is considered acceptable. A
pashmina is always useful for the journey home or in case the air conditioning is
strong.
No kissing in public
Avoid pants
above knees
No drinking alcohol
in public
No drugs allowed
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Business meetings in the region will usually start with introductions and small
talk before anyone actually gets down to business. Business cards are always
exchanged and you should treat them with respect as an extension of the
person who gives one to you. Punctuality to meetings is important and arriving
late is considered to be very bad manner. However, it is important not to
assume that your meeting will start at the scheduled time or that once started
it will not be interrupted.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Dubai is full of snap-worthy sights and
normal tourist photography is fine. However,
it is courteous to seek permission before
photographing people, particularly women and
children. As a general rule of thumb, photos of
official, government and military buildings should
not be taken.
MEETING PEOPLE
Long handshakes, kisses and warm greetings are common when
meeting people in the Middle East. Its normal to shake hands with
people when you are introduced to them, although if you are meeting
someone of the opposite sex, be aware that a handshake may not
always be welcome. Its best to take your cue from the other person
and not offer your hand unless they first offer theirs. Its polite to send
greetings to a persons family, but can be considered rude to enquire
directly about someones wife, sister or daughter. You may see men
greeting each other with a nose kiss; this is a customary greeting in the
Gulf region but is only used between close friends and associates and
you should not attempt to greet someone in this way.
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GOING OUT
Dubai has a good variety of nightlife and
alcohol is widely available in hotel bars,
pubs and clubs. However, it is important
to remember that you are in a Muslim
country and any drunken or lewd behavior is
considered very disrespectful and can also
lead to police action in the form of a fine,
arrest and/or detention.
Where to live
Whether you are looking to rent a room or buy a villa, the following information will help point you in the right direction.
APART-HOTELS
BUYING
If buying a property is the option for you,
acquire the services of a professional. The
below are good/reputable house hunting
firms to contact.
RENTING
The most common way to rent an
apartment/villa/room in Dubai is to search
the website Dubizzle
www.dubizzle.com Here you will find
every location, every size and every
budget is catered for.
APART-HOTEL
LOCATION
WEBSITE
Tecom, Al Barsha
www.comfortinnha.com
Discovery Garden,
Jebel Ali
www.grandmidwest.com/
GrandMidwest_Express.html
Media City
www.grandmidwest.com/
GrandMidwest_Tower.html
Bur Dubai
www.grandmidwest.com/
GrandMidwest_Burdubai.html
Bur Dubai
www.goldensandsdubai.com
Company
Telephone
number
Website
Better Homes
www.bhomes.com
Cluttons
www.cluttons.com/dubai
Coldwell Banker
www.coldwellbanker-ae.com
Hamptons
www.hamptons.ae
House Hunters
www.househuntersdubai.com
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
www.relocateme.ae
aye
d
eik
hZ
Sh
Emirates Rd.
E311
Rd
To Abu Dhabi
E1
1
Discovery Gardens,
The Gardens &
The Lost City
Jumeirah
Village
Tecom &
The Greens
Global Village
E311
Emirates Rd
.
Business
Bay
E11
Jumeirah
Sheikh Zayed Rd.
ma
St
.
D54
Deira
Du
Acade
mic C
ity
Rd.
International
City
DragonMart
Complex
Bur Dubai
Rd
Academic
City
na
Ma
Dubai Silicon
Oasis
Nadd Al
Shiba (4)
Burj Khalifa
Town
& Old Tow
DIFC
tta
Arabian Ranches
Al Barsha
Umm Sequeim
The World
4
E4
Motor City
Victory Heights
& Sport City
Jumeirah Islands,
The Lakes,
Emirates Hills,
The Springs,
Meadows &
Jumeirah Lake
Towers
JBR
in
www.relocateme.ae
To Al
A
|
Ha
E66
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
iba
D6
Mirdif
To Sharjah
Dubai International
Airport
WHERE TO LIVE
Al Barsha: In the middle of Dubai next to Emirates Mall is AlBarsha, with office blocks and residential apartment blocks.
Jumeirah: This area runs from the middle of Dubai to the end
by the Flag pole, lots of expat compounds will be found here
with villa accommodation offered.
AVERAGE Current Rental Prices - july 2012 (All prices quoted in AED)
One Bed
APT.
Location
Two Bed
APT.
Three Bed
APT.
Marina
70k
90k
130k
60k
85k
110k
The Greens
65k
90k
120k
TECOM
55k
75k
90k
Downtown
70k
110k
200k
Business Bay
60k
85k
110k
Palm Jumeriah
90k
110k
160k
Mirdif
45k
65k
95k
Villa 3 bed
Villa 4 bed
380k
450k
95k
130k
Springs/Meadows
140k
250k
Arabian Ranches
155k
280k
Jumeirah Islands
350k
Emirates Hills
700k
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10
WHERE TO LIVE
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11
Household Bills
ELECTRICITY, WATER & AIR CONDITIONING - DEWA
Electricity and Water are through DEWA www.dewa.gov.ae. Estate agencies can
normally organise this for you for a small additional charge.
MOBILE PHONES
Etisalat and DU are also the only 2 providers in the region for mobile phone
packages. Most commonly used is pay as you go, followed by post paid
packages.
Pay as you go
Acquiring a Sim is easy and can be done at any of the Etisalat or Du kiosks or
shops, located in all major malls and business centres. You can buy top ups
from petrol stations, supermarkets and Etisalat and Du direct. There are many
places to purchase re-charge cards.
Post Paid
You will need your passport and visa copy to open up a post paid account with
either Etisalat or Du. Many packages will offer phones at reduced prices or
free. There are a variety of packages ranging from 29AED a month +, offering
inclusive minutes, text bundles, data etc.
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www.relocateme.ae
12
Banking
The UAE has a thriving banking industry with a wide variety of banks to choose from. The UAE Central
Bank has a well developed regulatory framework and banks in the UAE are generally seen globally as very
safe and predictable, with broad and modern banking facilities. The banking market did suffer significantly
in the downturn, but banks are generally well capitalised and during the Arab Spring were usually the first
port of call for foreign capital seeking a safe haven in the storm.
CREDIT CARDS
Interest rates on credit cards in the UAE are
extortionate at anywhere between 2.5% to
3.5% per month (34.5% to 51% APR), so should
not be used for borrowing, but simply as
payment mechanisms. Due to the huge profit
made on these cards the reward points can be
quite rewarding.
Options Include:
uu
uu
uu
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
www.relocateme.ae
Documents needed to
open a bank account
uu
Passport
uu
Visa
uu
uu
13
BANKING
Lloyds TSB
An extension of the well-known British bank and popular with many British
expats. It also offers offshore banking services as standard, but has recently
been taken over in the Middle East by HSBC so changes may be on the horizon.
Awards: Ethos Consultancy Best International Bank 2011
Emirates NBD
The biggest bank in the region, formed by the merger of Emirates Bank and
National Bank of Dubai. It has worked hard at integrating the two banks and
creating a world-class global banking service. Recent management changes
have also been seen as positive. They have a strong branch network and a good
range of banking services and products with good pricing.
Awards: Ethos Consultancy Best Large Bank
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14
TRANSPORTATION
RENTING OR BUYING A CAR
Driving is on the right and the vast majority of cars are automatic.
It is illegal to drive a car without a UAE driving license if you entered the
country on an employment visa or have a residence visa.
You need to be a resident to purchase and insure a vehicle. Insurance is
generally 4-5% of the car value.
If you want to drive immediately, you can get a hire/lease car, just ensure you
have your home country driving license (the photo version).
www.budget-uae.com
www.thriftyuae.com
www.discountcardubai.com
The usual international rental agencies all have offices here and there are
also a number of local companies. Do shop around.
DRIVING LICENSE
You will require a residents visa to get a full Dubai license. You can get
issued these at any RTA in Dubai.
Not all countrys driving licences are recognised in Dubai. If yours is not
eligible for conversion, you will need to take a minimum of 20 lessons (exact
number dependent on how long youve had your home countrys license) and
a test.
www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/HowToGuide/DispForm.aspx?ID=3
Documents needed
uu
Passport
uu
Visa
uu
Company
Branches
Telephone
number
Website
10 branches
www.alahlidubai.ae
18 branches
www.bdc.ae
13 branches
www.dubaidrivingcenter.net
www.edi-uae.com
14 branches
www.gmdc.ae
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15
TRANSPORTATION
DUBAI TAXIS
Taxis are plentiful, regulated and relatively cheap.
DUBAI METRO
Overland train system that runs from Jebel Ali to Dubai Airport. You
can buy red/blue/silver/gold cards or pay as you go, prices vary from
2AED to 11AED.
www.dubaimetro.eu
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16
USEFUL WEBSITES
uu
uu
NURSERIES IN DUBAI
Institute
GRADES
CURRICULUM
PRICE P/A
(aed) *
21,900 - 40,275
Website
Blossom Nursery
Nursery
UK
Nursery
UK
www.theblossomnursery.com
Building Blocks
Nursery
UK
22,000 - 40,000
www.building-blocks.ae
Nursery
UK/French/German
17,800 - 34,600
www.childrensgarden.ae
Nursery
UK/NZ
13,500 - 28,500
www.crystalvalleynursery.com
Nursery
UK
25,000 - 40,000
www.emiratesbritishnursery.com
www.britishorchardnursery.com
Institute
GRADES
CURRICULUM
PRICE P/A
(aed) *
Website
K-12
US/Canadian/Arabic
12,020 - 20,120
www.aisch.net
K-12
US
45,000 - 70,720
www.asdubai.org
K-12
Australian
K-12
US
30,000 - 70,790
www.bradentonprepdubai.com
K-12
UK
13,456 - 18,270
www.gemscis-garhoud.com
Choueifat Dubai
K-12
Choueifat/UK/US
15,000 - 29,700
www.iscuae-sabis.net
K-12
Indian
8,100 - 11,340
www.dpsdubai.com/DPSDubai
Dubai College
Secondary
UK
60,318 - 68,304
www.dubaicollege.org
K-12
UK
35,400 - 53,100
www.dubaibritishschool.ae
Primary
UK
32,880
www.dessdxb.com
Secondary
UK
59,080 - 63,500
www.dessdxb.com
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
www.relocateme.ae
www.ais.ae/index.cfm
17
Institute
GRADES
CURRICULUM
PRICE P/A
(aed) *
Website
K-12
UK
22,050 - 65,400
www.eischools.ae/Meadows
K-12
UK/US
28,841 - 61,116
www.eischools.ae/jumeirah
K-12
UK/US
53,000 - 92,000
www.gemsworldacademy-dubai.
com
Primary
UK
26,220 - 35,210
www.horizonschooldubai.com
Primary
UK
33,300
www.jebelalischool.org
K-12
UK
28,791 - 70,746
www.jessdubai.com
Jumeirah College
Secondary
UK
48,024 - 60,030
www.gemsjc.com
Primary
UK
30,920 - 38,976
www.jpsdubai.com
Primary
UK
28,791 - 36,087
www.jess.sch.ae
K-12
International
50,000 - 65,000
www.jbschool.ae
Primary
Indian
12,750 - 20,400
www.jssisdubai.com
Primary
UK
30,682 - 46,690
www.kingsdubai.com
Primary
French
15,000 - 22,000
www.lfidb.net
Primary
French
17,200 - 20,700
K-12
French
17,400 - 25,000
www.llfp.com/site/llfp.htm
K-12
UK/US
25,000 - 70,000
www.rafflesis.com/main
K-12
UK
35,000 - 70,000
www.risdubai.com
Repton School
K-12
UK
42,500 - 90,000
www.reptondubai.org
Safa School
Primary
UK
20,832 - 30,912
www.safaschooldubai.com
K-12
Arabic/US
16,240 - 40,600
www.saisuae.com
K-12
UK
33,249 - 72,335
www.
wellingtoninternationalschool.com
Primary
UK
34,510 - 43,500
www.gemswps.com
K-12
Indian/UK
9,104 - 20,307
www.thewinchesterschool.com
UNIVERSITIES IN DUBAI
Institute
GRADES
CURRICULUM
PRICE P/A
(aed) *
Website
University of Wollongong
University
Australia
www.uowdubai.ac.ae
University
US
www.aud.edu
University
UK
www.hw.ac.uk/dubai.htm
University
University
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
www.dubai.murdoch.edu.au
UK
www.relocateme.ae
www.mdx.ac
18
House Staff
NANNIES / MAIDS
It is popular in Dubai to have live in maids/nannies to take care of
household chores and assist with childcare. Please note bachelors and
single women are not permitted to hire maids. It is usually the job of the
male within the family unit to sponsor the maid but females are also able
to.
It is easy to find maids already living in Dubai or you can relocate them
from Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Phillipines.
uu
Maids passport
uu
uu
uu
uu
uu
uu
uu
Be sure you have guidelines in place for what you wish them to do,
working days (usually 5 or 6 a week) hours anywhere between 6am-8pm
is normal with breaks throughout the day.
You must sponsor them and obtain a visa for them. You do this at the
Immigration office in Bur Dubai. This is a relatively easy process if you
have all the correct documentation otherwise it can be a lot of going
back and forth.
A salary must be agreed between yourselves and your maid and a
contract will be drawn up by Immigration, which both parties must sign.
DRIVERS
Many households
also employ drivers
(sometimes live in, with
visas process as above)
whose duties range
from driving to and from
work, out at weekends,
kids to clubs etc as well
as washing and general
maintenance of car.
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VISAS
To reside permanently in Dubai you require a visa, whether it is an employment or spousal visa.
EMPLOYMENT VISA
An Employment Visa is provided by
your employer. They are responsible for
processing all documentation and it is a
relatively pain-free process.
Documents Required
uu
Original passport
uu
8 x Passport photos
uu
SPOUSAL VISAS
If you have children and a wife/husband, you
are responsible for sponsoring this process,
which can be done once you have received
your own employment visa.
Go to the Immigration Department Building in
Bur Dubai. You must get all the forms typed in
the typing centre just outside the Immigration
Department. Adults will need a medical, also,
before a visa is issued.
A list of locations that can be visited for your
medical can be found at:
www.dha.gov.ae/EN/ServiceCatalogue/
eServices/MedicalFitness/Pages/
MedicalFitnessCenters.aspx
www.thegulfrecruitmentgroup.com
Documents Required
uu
uu
Child/Wife/Husband Passport
uu
Attested Marriage
Certificate/Birth Certificate
(for children only)
uu
4 x passport photos
uu
uu
Tenancy contract
uu
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20
VISAS
ATTESTED DOCUMENTS
If you have education certificates/marriage
certificates/birth certificates, it is mandatory to
get them attested in your home country before
travelling to Dubai. Without these you will not be
able to sponsor your family. Without an attested
education certificate (the highest qualification you
have) you will not be able to receive a job title of
Manager level and above on your visa.
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21
Telephone
number
Institute
Website
www.ehl.ae/PageContent.aspx?pageid=357&groupid=10
www.ehl.ae/PageContent.aspx?pageid=332&groupid=10
Welcare Hospital
www.ehl.ae/WH/default.aspx
www.ehl.ae/thecityhospital/default.aspx
www.ehl.ae/WelcareClinicMirdif/default.aspx
www.ehl.ae/PageContent.aspx?pageid=359&groupid=10
Meadows Clinic
www.ehl.ae/PageContent.aspx?pageid=358&groupid=10
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22
KIDS Entertainment
The list is endless - Below are a few favourites. For more ideas go to the
Time Out link:
www.timeoutdubai.com/kids/search/all-locations/551-activity-centre
Kidzania
Location: Dubai Mall
KidZania is an award-winning childrens edutainment concept, located in The
Dubai Mall. An 80,000 sqft interactive mini-city, KidZania combines play with
learning through a fun and innovative approach.
www.kidzania.ae/home.php
Magic Planet
Location: Mall of Emirates
Magic Planet is the largest indoor family entertainment centre in Dubai.
www.malloftheemirates.com/moe/En/MainMenu/ENTERTAINMENT/
MagicPlanet/tabid/83/Default.aspx
Magic Planet
Location: Mirdiff City Centre
Magic Planet is a destination where everyone is obsessed with fun. With lots
of rides, game and attractions Magic Planet is the perfect place to spend a funfilled day the entire family will enjoy.
www.theplaymania.com/gallery/magic-planet-mirdif-city-center
Sega World
Location: Dubai Mall
Explore five zones of entertainment for all ages at the first SEGA Republic
indoor theme park in the region. Enjoy 9 heart-stopping attractions and 250
amusement games spread over 2 levels of adrenaline and adventure.
www.thedubaimall.com/en/entertainment/entertainment-section/segarepublic-entertainment.html
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23
KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
Mini Monsters
Location: Sheik Zayed Road
Mini Monsters is a fun place for the entire family! The indoor play area has the
largest slide in the UAE and offers different themed play frames, party zones
and toddler zones for younger children. There is a caf where parents socialize
and meet with friends while the kids play.
www.minimonsters.ae
Favourite Things
Location: Dubai Marina Mall
Favourite Things Mother & Child is an innovative concept that puts a fresh face
on childrens edutainment and motherhood. Its a place where children can play,
while parents can either join in or relax, shop, meet friends and do all those
things they never have time to do.
www.favouritethings.com/4/the-play-area
Global Village
Location: Global Village, on emirates 311 Rd
An outdoor theme park off Emirates Road, open between November and
March, it offers cultural entertainment along with an international shopping
experience. Fairground rides, authentic handicrafts and merchandise from
different countries await you at the many national pavilions in Global Village.
www.globalvillage.ae
Mushrif Park
Location: mIRDIF
The park is set in 124 hectares and boasts many features including, swimming
pools, fountain and lakes, childrens play areas, train, camel and pony rides. A
special feature is the International Garden Area exhibiting miniature houses
from different countries. It is on Al Awir Road, past the Dubai International
Airport.
www.dubaicity.com/what_to_do_in_dubai/Park_dubai_mushrif.htm
Safa Park
Location: SAFA
Never did a name of any park in Dubai apply to its actual location, as does the
name of Al Safa Park. The complete serenity surrounding the park confirms
the rightness of the name. The park was opened in 1975 on one side of Sheikh
Zayed Road on a 64 hectares area.
www.dubaicity.com/what_to_do_in_dubai/Park_dubai_Al_safa.htm
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24
Online Information
EXPAT WOMEN
ExpatWoman is a privately owned site, launched in 2000 as a free service for women moving to, and living in
the region. It has helped tens of thousands of families relocate and happily settle into a new life in Dubai. The
site offers comprehensive city profiles, a monthly updated online magazine with daily updated news as comes
into us, and a variety of additional services including free Classified Ads, job listings, recipes, property listings
and a very busy events schedule offering some 500+ activities per annum across the region.
Joining this site, your email address will be added to the mailing list(s) of your choice, and we will keep you
updated with site news and activities. We are careful regarding the numbers of posts sent out to readers, and
we dont sell our mailing list.
ExpatWoman hosts several forum (fora!) as a service for readers to exchange advice with others interested in
life here. Whether youre looking for the opinions on schools or housing, or whether to bring your fridge will
your daughter be able to continue with dance lessons ? However big or small the query, thousands of people
look at these boards over the course of a month and somebody will be happy to help you.
www.expatwoman.com/dubai
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25
Shopping Malls
SUPERMARLETS
Grocery shopping in the major supermarkets is comparable to European
and North American cities. Some goods will be more expensive, some less,
but essentially there is not a huge difference for any financial calculations.
Waitrose, Spinneys and Choitrams all provide lots of western items and
pork products. Carrefour, LuLu and Al Maya sometimes work out a little
cheaper on certain items such as fruit and meat but do not always offer
pork produce.
Shopping Malls
Mall of the Emirates
www.malloftheemirates.com/moe/Default.
aspx
Dubai Mall
www.thedubaimall.com/en
Dubai Marina Mall
www.dubaimarinamall.com
Ibn Battuta Mall
www.ibnbattutamall.com
TAILORS
Location: Satwa
If you want a tailor made suit/skirt/dress, make your way to the area
in Dubai called Satwa. There you will find an abundance of tailors and
material shops. Just take along an outfit you want copied, or peruse the
next catalogue, and they will make you same same.
This can sometimes be hit and miss so go with recommendations whenever
you can. There are also tailors all over Dubai - prices vary as does quality.
Oasis Center
www.oasiscentremall.com/english/index.html
Wafi Mall
www.wafi.com
Mirdiff City Centre
www.mirdifcitycentre.com/mcc/Default.aspx
NIGHT MARKET
Location: Deira, Karama, festival promenade, marina walk
During the winter months Dubai comes alive at night with a variety of
markets, complete with souvenirs, clothing and entertainment. Naif market
in Deira and the Karama market operate all year round.
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26
Tourist Attractions
MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN DUBAI
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Social Life
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Go up the tallest building, Burj Khalifa (book online for cheaper tickets)
www.burjkhalifa.ae
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Watch the musical fountains outside the Dubai Mall at the Souk Al
Bahar from 6pm 10pm
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Visit the Souk al Bahar whilst at Dubai Mall, and the willy wonka style
sweet shop and the aquarium
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Have ice cream at the ice cream shop at the Atlantis hotel (either
called Marble Slab or cold stone) it is amazing and they usually throw
the ice cream around which is pretty fun to see
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Ski or just watch the skiers at the ski slope in the mall
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Visit the Madinat Jumeirah, its filled with lovely restaurants and little
shops, has a river where you can go on little gondolas. If you like Thai
food, eat at Pai Thai (you have to get a boat to the restaurant, very
cool). Tel: +971 (0)4 366 6730
www.timeoutdubai.com/restaurants/reviews/1439-p=ai-thai
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www.timeoutdubai.com
Visit the Jumeirah Beach Residence The Walk filled with restaurants,
the beach shops, nice and chilled. Visit Mai Tai in Trader Vics
www.tradervics.com/locations/locations.html
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Go for drinks at the Radisson Harbour Hotel in the Marina on the 54th
floor at the Observatory happy hour between 7-10pm
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Drinks at the Grosvenor Hotel 44th floor bar is good for views too,
also in the Marina
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27
Basic Arabic
Provided below are a few phrases that will give you the basics. Locals and
Arabs in general will be particularly impressed that you have at least made
an effort to learn their language, and will score you some brownie points in
a business situation. We have deliberately tried to spell the worlds to help
you pronounce them correctly.
GREETINGS
GREETING
RESPONSE
Basic Words
ENGLISH
Arabic
Pronounced
Yes
Naam
No
La
Be my guest/my
pleasure
Itfudul
Please
Min fudluck
Whats up? Or
whats the matter?
Shoofi Mafi?
What?
Shoo?
What is this?
Shoo hada?
No problem
Mafi mushkilah
Later
Baadin
Now
Dilwaati
Ilyoum
Today
Tomorrow
Bukra
Hello
Marhabbah
Hello
Marhabbteen
Ashoofook bukra
Good morning
Sabah al khair
Good morning
Sabah al noor
Jebli shai
I dont know
Ma adhri
Good afternoon/evening
Massah al khair
Good afternoon/evening
Masah al noor
Maa-i-khussni
Im lost!
Adatu tareeqi!
Youre welcome
Aafwaan
Taala/ taalay
(female) maee!
Welcome
Ahlan wa sahlan
Welcome to you
Ahlan beek (to a male)
Ahlan beech (to a female)
Ahlan beekum (to a group)
(This is usually used in
introductions)
I want to know
Areed areef
Mumken asaduq
Straight
Sida
Left
Yasar
Right
Yameen
I have
Andi
Excuse me
Affwaan
Yeah/ok
Aywa
Perfect
Tamaam
Its normal
Aadhi
Call me/talk to me
Kallemni
Of course
Tabaan
How much
Kam
Everything
Kull
Goodbye
Maasalaamah
Fi aman allah or
Maasalaamah
If Allah wishes
Inshallah
Example: Used in numerous
contexts. Youll send me the report
tomorrow? Inshallah.
Congratulations
Mabrook
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BASIC ARABIC
QUESTIONS
QUESTION
RESPONSE
Red
ahmar
Ismi .
My name is ..
I speak English
Atakullum inglieezi
Yellow
asfar
Green
akhdar
Im from
Ana min
England ingliterra
USA Umreeka
Australia Oostraaalia
UAE Al imaraaat
Orange
Blue
bortoqali
azraq
Purple
banafsaji
Brown
bonni
White
abyad
Grey
ramadi
Black
aswad
NUMBERS
NUMBER
Pronounced
sefr
wahid
ithnan
thalatha
arbaa
khamsa
sitta
saba
8
9
tisa
ashra
20
ishrun
1000
thamaniya
10
100
SYMBOL
mia
alf
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CONTACT
Relocateme
Level 14, Boulevard Plaza Tower 1
Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
P.O. Box 334155
Dubai, UAE
Mob: +971 (0)55 885 0626
Tel: +971 (0)4 455 8612
Fax: +971 (0)4 455 8556
Email: victoria@relocatemiddleeast.com
Website: www.relocateme.ae