Dubai? With two toddlers? Should we even consider it?

[HettyAmaretti]

DP was called this morning with an offer for a job in Dubai. Details are sketchy, he works away and was only able to call briefly before work, I'll know more later.

This is totally out of the blue and I know as good as nothing about Dubai. But, I'm assuming it'd be insanity to even consider going with two toddlers.

Anyone got any advice or experience?

NBB - Your friend is in a very similar situation to me - yes paying to go on the list is what I've experienced - and so far I'm still waiting for a place with a month to go - but I figure that I've done my best and something will come up.

Second the comments about Expatwoman - it's great and I've learned so much from just reading through posts abut schools and places to live.

Mumofstan where do you have your name down? And where abouts do you live? Def hold your nerve places do come available. It pays to be nice and call in to the registrar on a regular not quite stalking basis. lots of movement now the schools are back.

I am off to a meeting tomorrow about some new schools opening in DXB, no idea how many, where or what curriculum but I will come back and inform if you would like.

Hello

Thanks for your messages (sorry for group reply but am sat marking exams for deadline tomorrow morning).

Will pass on info re Arbian Ranches and school lists.

If you know of any particuarly great schools please let me know

Night all

I am back from my meeting. OK so there is a new school opening in September 2011 in Silicon Oasis, about 10km from Arabian Ranches. This school will be called GEMS Wellington Academy. It will be on exactly the same principle and have the same branding, market sector aim as Wellington International School (WIS). Registrations are open and they are taking from FS1 to year 9, national curriculum. Fees for FS1 are 31,000 AED per year up to 62,000 for year 9. This is less than WIS and other schools. Registrars name is Achini Medagoda email [email protected]. Tel no +971 (0)4 288 4508.
Hope that helps and good luck with places. Of course when you are in GEMs you can transfer later if a place in your preferred school becomes available.
Any questions just ask.

I lived in Dubai in 2001/02 when we just had DD1 (aged 6-7) and it has changed an awful lot since then.
Firstly - you are at no disadvantage at all being a woman, quite the contrary. I had a great job, healthcare, huge apartment, Company car and fuel, DD1 in school (fees paid). I could go shopping alone at 10pm, park in the underground car park and not worry about who might be watching me - I felt completely and totally safe all the time. I was treated like an important person wherever i went and DD1 was highly indulged by complete strangers (Sheikh Mohammed tickled her under the chin as he walked by at the races).
It is quite full-on and far from perfect, but there is a great quality of life and it is very family-friendly. We are going out for Feb half term as DD1 hasn't been back since we left and DD2 is dying to visit.
DD1 attended JCPS school in Jumeirah and there were only 8 children in her class (from 8 different countries!) and she was streets ahead when we returned to the UK. Mind you, I did work for the ruling family so I didn't even need to apply for a school, a place was just waiting when we got there and fees were taken care of, so I don't know how much they were normally. I would never discourage anyone with a family from a stint there, quality of life (for all of us) was excellent and loads to do and lots of lovely people to do it with.

How very exciting! Have no personal experience of Dubai, but i'm replying because we're about to move to Qatar (Doha) with a 8 and 4 yo. We're doing school apps now - well DH is, he's out there, we're still in the UK.

Saudi Arabia is the only place i'd not move to - there women can't drive, need chaparones etc and westerners seem very segregated from the locals. Don't get Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE confused with the much more fundamentalist Saudi Arabia.

We're all looking forward our upcoming adventure. The package you're on is key - a full expat renumeration package included allowances that almost if not entirely covers the cost of living out there. In Doha our housing, school tuition fees, car, entertainment, health insurance and travel (4 flybacks for the whole family a yr) is covered by the company. And of course all renumeration is tax free.

Hi IDKWIC - and sorry for not getting back sooner - almighty few days at work and sorting stuff, and thanks so much for the info on the new school - I'll seriously consider it.

We're down at: Repton, 2 Gems schools, Safa, Star and hopefully DESS. Totally buy your 'not quite stalking' approach - don;t want them to be tutting about me being too persistant....I suspect as time goes on without any place I might get a bit more stressed and stalker like!

Still, I'm really excited about moving and am off on a recce there in the next few weeks which will give me the chance to look at houses and schools.

marvellous place, do it, you will love it

Any news HettyA? or any more questions ;-)

Kiwinyc expatwoman can help with Doha as well, put a call out for DanLou, she lived in Dubai and moved to Doha a few motnhs ago. She used to run playgroup sessions and is well up on whats what.

mumofstan - any news? same applies any questions I am happy to help.

Hi I DKWIC - good to hear from you and thanks for the kind offer of advice.

No news on the schools, alas! Still waiting to hear anything and I am now resigning myself to being his teacher for a few months - but then that's not such a bad prospect cos I'll spend loads of time with him (work full time currently).

Only a month or so til we go now, so getting excited, but also stressing about the sheer amount of stuff I have to do.

Wondering where to live, as of course, the school location ought to have some bearing on that....

Off to DXB for a few days in the next week or so to check it out (first ever time there). Can't wait.

Hi IDKWIC - thanks for the pointer to DanLou!

For the record, it seems to be very tricky to get any places in Reception yr in Doha. Its easier for older children, it seems that our 8yr, going into yr4 is likely to get a place for Sept this yr, and our younger going into Yr 1, will get priority on the waitlists because she will have her sibling in the school.

But its definitely a waiting game for Reception age children who don't have an older sibling. The Brit curriculum schools do also give priority to children with Brit passports.

Have lived in Middle East most of my life and love it.Am in Bahrain at the mo,lots of my friends have moved to Dubai from Bahrain recently.All have chilren and all love it.Lots to do,great life style.I would go in a flash.

I'm in Dubai too and agree it's a good place to bring up kids. The first thing you need to do is get your toddlers names down for schools. All the good schools have waitlists and JESS Arabian Ranches lists for FS1 are full and closed for the next 2 years.
Definitely use expatwoman.com as your main point of info, there is tons of info on there about schools and areas to live.
You MUST make sure you clue yourself up on the cost of set up and living in Dubai before DH accepts a salary and benefits package. You should avoid loans/debts here if humanly possible. You will need a good accomodation allowance, and please note, most rents have to be paid a year up front, or now more landlords will accept 2 cheques. But as you may well pay 130-250k dirhams for rent that can be a huge chunk if you haev to pay it out yourselves. School fees are not cheap, so you need to check what the company will contribute. Also you will need 2 cars and although they are much cheaper than the UK, you will still have to splash out.
Water and electricity can also be expensive and have to be paid monthly. You will also need private health insurance and DH's employer must provide this - but again, check the details to make sure you have adequate cover.
We have lived here happily for 7 years, I have a large villa and a live in maid - it's a very pleasant and easy life - not perfect, but the sun shines every day, most facilities are of a high standard. We have many UK and international stores - even M & S and Waitrose!
Certainly don't write off the opportunity. Don't believe everything you read in the Daily Mail!

I realise I am a year behind on the last post on this thread, but I would love to hear how the people who were due out there last year are getting on!! I am in a similar position now, with my husband going out there just after half term, and we are joining him after school year is finished.
Going through all the same traumas with school waiting lists etc! Hope to find a nice house on Arabian Ranches, although will have to rely on my husband to choose! But I guess this depends on schools.
I have a 2 year old, a 5 year old and a just 9 year old. Busy getting shipping quotes etc for our stuff and hoping to rent our UK house out!
Would love to hear from anyone with any more hints, although I have loved reading the posts thank you!x