Possible move to Dubai, possibly quite soon. Anyone out there with good advice on areas for families, schools, life in general?

[Desertrunner]

DP (about to be DH) is in final stages of interview for a senior role in Dubai. Assuming he gets it, I believe I will be a quick turnaround so potentially we would be over there in July. Therefore I have been researching schools, areas etc and so far potentially can get the kids into Repton, with a view to living at Arabian Ranches or Villa Project. Anyone done this, and can give some advice? I know schooling can be a huge issue (with 3 kids this is my primary concern). Have been on expat woman etc and opinions seem to vary wildly so am looking for UK based ladies views if anyone can comment? Thanks

[PancakesAndMapleSyrup]

Not sure re the rules but check out whether you can drive on your uk licence too or need a local one.

[turgiday]

Roseforme - Of course there is trafficking in every country. But some countries have a much much worse human rights record than others. i suggest you read up about it as what happens in Dubai is indeed slavery.

[OldFarticus]

Re: driving licence, you can only use UK licence on a tourist visa. Once you become a resident you will need to swap to a UAE one. Easy to get and no need for a driving test, just a dead easy vision test.

[OldFarticus]

What always amuses me in these "slavery" debates is how everyone talks about Dubai as though it's a separate country as opposed to one of seven emirates. No labour camps in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah then?

[OldFarticus]

That should have said "easy to get if you have a UK licence". They did make my Russian friend take her test again IIRC.

[ToffeeMoon]

I love it when an OP tells posters what they can and can't say.

oldfarticus all the emirates are horrible places, full of people with their fingers in their ears trilling "It's hot and sunny and we're not paying taxes' please don't tell me anything nasty about it...la, la,la."

[Fideline987654321]

Nope OldF they don't but even if they did, 'the neighbours do it too' is hardly an ethical defence.

[turgiday]

Yes there are labour camps there oldfarticus. I do understand that. And if the OP was going to live in one of those places, I would have said exactly the same.

If MN had existed during the time of apartheid in South Africa, we would have had exactly the same kind of posts e.g. SA isn't the only place with racism, etc.

If you live in Dubai, you are directly benefitting from the slavery of others. If you are "comfortable" with that, then I have a pretty low opnion of you.

[Roseformeplease]

Agreed. And, I repeat, that is why I prefer not to live there. However, my information was based on the experiences if my single, younger sister.

As for taxis, she has been assaulted twice when travelling alone in taxis, both times at night. I would, therefore, be cautious . That is not to say you can't be assaulted (both times attempted rape) in London or Edinburgh. What is different is the attitude of the police.

[Misterdesert]

Read about the trafficking of Europeans into the east end of london first, tidy you're own home before trying to clean others

[Misterdesert]

If you can't give practical advice, get off! Tories on kaftans!!

[Misterdesert]

Lol, in kaftans!!

[Fideline987654321]

Mister you do understand the difference between state-sponsored human rights abuses and crimes committed by private individuals don't you?

I'm not even going to try to decode the "Tories in Kaftans" remark. Bizarre

[Misterdesert]

Fideline, this thread is for advice not right on numpties, just do one, and do your own threat, OP needs advice, not shite!

[Fideline987654321]

Erm threads don't work like that Mister. They are open to anyone who wants to post.

I myself, would have abandoned the thread some time ago if everyone had returned to the practicalities of emigrating, but they haven't. Idiotic (and offensive) assertions like your own could be believed by some readers if they are not challenged.

If posters on this thread stick to practical issues re emigrating and expat life I promise not to post again. If they continue to minimise, deny, trivialise and defend the human rights abuses that are endemic in UAE, however, I am afraid I feel duty bound to counteract that with the truth. Sorry if you find that boring.

[Desertrunner]

OldFarticus - thanks for your comment, and info on schooling, travel and taxis. Good to hear you like living in Dubai.

[Sleepyhoglet]

The OP should be allowed to try a new life and decide for herself whether she likes it. Good luck. Definitely worth seizing an opportunity if you can

[turgiday]

Sleepyhoglet - Sure if all you care about is yourself and your family, that is the way to go. Some of us actually care about how the people round about us are treated.

And yes some adults are trafficked into the UK and treated as slaves. It is illegal in this country, and the police will take action. In Dubai it is commonplace for labourers to be treated as de facto slaves, and the authorities are quite happy to let this situation occur.

[Desertrunner]

Sleepyhoglet - Thanks for your positive comments.

[JoandMax]

So I'm not going to get into the debate going on, suffice to say despite what you read things are improving here and a lot of expats are doing a huge amount to improve the lives of workers here. There are constant changes to their advantage, enforcing of better hours and conditions, compulsory for employers to provide health insurance etc. Its not perfect, there are still major issues but its going in the right direction but won't change overnight. You also have to remember 50 years Dubai and UAE was basically one road and a few buildings, it's still a developing country and this includes physical and moral development. There are numerous ways to become involved in local charities for proving better food, clothing and equipment for workers here and the majority of my friends do this.

Desertrunner - I travel in taxis on my own all the time, can't say it's ever worried me.....

Regarding relocation, we shipped everything and had a serviced apartment for the first month until our stuff arrived - this was part of our relocation deal and we also got a lump sum to help with cars/deposits and all the setups bits. We also had a relocation agent who sorted all our visas and paperwork, driving licences - again as part of our package.

PM me if you want to ask anything else and we would love to meet up when you get here! I'm in Springs so only 10/15 minutes from the Ranches x

[trulymadlydeeply]

I often get taxis by myself and have never had a problem, although some of my gorgeous students have.
We also found that it was more expensive to do a grocery shop in France than it is to do it here We spent 900AED this morning for a family of 5 (3 teens) including packed lunches. Eating out is a major expense if you go in for that, and drinking is hugely pricey, but it's a choice whether you whole-heartedly embrace the expat life style. We don't - we have kids and live quite frugally, we don't have a maid and we are able to save, so it's fine.

Victory Heights school has very good press, so worth a look but no secondary school. JESS caters for Emirates pilots on the whole, so very few places available, although it's always worth a look and an ask.

I WOULD check your package - if school fees aren't covered you'll pay up to 240K AED per year to educate 3 children. For most people. housing allowance, school contribution and medical insurance comes as standard, but companies vary and they may prey on your UAE naivety.

[Desertrunner]

Thanks Jo and Truly. Good points and great info.
Jo - Would love to meet up if ( hopefully) we get out to Dubai in the summer. Should know for sure in the next couple of wks so will PM you.

[Desertrunner]

Oh and just a random question- DP used to live in Australia and has experienced a number of nasty beasties including red back spiders, snakes, and scorpions....how likely are we to encounter these living in Dubai? He knows how to deal with these but I DON'T! Is this a valid concern? How common is it to have these in your house/garden? I understand that camping or tracking in the desert will mean seeing them for sure but was hoping they avoid built up areas???

[JoandMax]

We're been camping and have never seen anything more exciting than a big beetle or cockroach!! I think you can occasionally get a tiny scorpion around but it's very uncommon..... Certainly a lot fewer in houses than Australia so I wouldn't worry on that front.

[Desertrunner]

Oh that's good then!