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

Thanks for that EduardoBarcelona.
I'm sure the Ranches Ladies would be equally delighted to meet you. You sound so charming!

Eduardo Glad you're not one to leap to judgement or anything. How would you know? They are a great bunch of friendly ladies who do their best to integrate newcomers and help those less fortunate in the community. I know because many of them are personal friends of mine.

Maybe not everyone's cup of tea on a regular basis but getting to know people in a foreign country is very different from being at home in the UK.

They would welcome you however unpleasantly you come across.

Looks fricken horrendous? Not a nice way to describe your close personal friends. Very odd.

Are you getting posters mixed up Desert?

Ah yes I did. Thanks! Thought that was a very odd comment if those were people you knew and your friends. Obviously cooking dinner whilst breaking up 3 kids arguments and mumsnetting at the same time doesn't mix! I need wine and an early night!

And I have to say I think they sound like a really nice, friendly group of ladies and if I make it to Dubai I hope to meet some of them. So thank you for the information Mateysmum.

Lol at Desert. Perceived wisdom is you accept all invitations for the first 6 months and then filter accordingly. And the good news is wine is readily available although you need an alcoholic licence. The bad news is it's expensive. For example a bottle of Oyster Bay is 78 dhs plus 30% tax! Work on 6 dhs to GBP approx.

There are some really good groups on Facebook too - for living areas, British mums etc and they're a wealth of knowledge and I've made some good friends through them.

Wine is quite expensive although not too bad if buy in cases, spirits are very cheap though if you do a booze run to a place called Barracuda (about 1-1.5 hours up the coast), you don't need a licence to buy there either. There's a water park nearby so we usually do that for the kids then stock up for us, everyones a winner!!

Ah.. fond memories of Barracuda!

Just be aware, although you can get alcohol without a licence, your DH should get one, or if you are found to have or have been drinking alcohol you can be in trouble.

Agree with ISthiscorrect re accepting invites. After 6 months you will never again want to answer the questions "where are you from" and what does your husband do".

I love it Mateysmum!!

Yes, forgot to say even though you can buy it without a licence you should get one - DH has one but they wouldn't let me buy without him in A&E which is stupid prices anyway so if I'm on my own Barracuda is good.

I try so hard not to ask those questions when I meet someone new but they always come out eventually.....

Health insurance! this is a biggie, go through the plan with a tooth comb as health care if you have to pay for it can get expensive very quickly!

Thanks everyone for the info!
I may have to curb my wine sloshing at those prices lol! And thanks re health insurance, will definitely investigate that properly.

I found the 7 days and Social Circles pages good for information while I was out there. you may wish to look up the local Hash House Harriers chapter (kinda running/social club) you find all around the world.

RE the healthcare family friends had a baby go into special care and the costs were going to go over their insurance limit and they were making drastic plans for how to be able to fund it, though sadly the baby didn't make it. :(

Hi BreakingDad.
Thanks for that. Sorry to hear about your friends baby.
Very useful info though to bear in mind.

Lived in Dubai for six years and adore it. Nothing could persuade me to move back to the uk.

I agree with thinking of living in jumeirzh or um suqeim. The ranches and the like have their merits but they're a bit stepford wife for me....

Thanks Kelly.
Lovely to hear all this positivity from people settled and happy in Dubai. Considering such a huge life change is scary especially with kids to consider, so positive feedback and advice is really good to hear.
By way of update DP is having another phone interview tomo in Dubai following great feedback from his presentstion with a view to flying out in the next few days. All very positive and we are getting very excited! Trying not to be still very excited. Deep breaths and hand holding required!

Kelly - do you have kids in Dubai? Any advice on potential school options? Are there more facilities etc in um Sequiem and jumeirah areas for kids and families than in the ranches and similar? If we go to Dubai my children are likely to go to Repton or Gems Wellington at silicon oasis as they are the ones so far that seem to have places in my kids years. Is that still easily reachable do you think ?

Typed long message and lost it, gah! Heaps to do in jumeirah, it's beautiful and ten mins from beach. Silicon oasis about a 25 minute drive.

DD is 8 months and we are just registering her at a school nearby.

I am thrilled that I am raising a child here. They grow up without seeing race or colour, are so open minded. Telegraph does some great expat blogs and the Dubai one is brilliant.

my.telegraph.co.uk/expat/annabelkantaria/10154249/expaticus-bratticus-a-dying-breed/

Dubai is small. Ultimately it doesn't matter where you live, its all drive-able, its really just how far you would drive normally. We have lived both in the expat enclaves and in Umm Suqeim, just like Jumeirah but further down the beach. When you ask is there plenty of things to do, can you be more specific about what you would want in walking distance and what you would want in driving distance. That would help. Most communities have parks and pools. Compounds usually have a pool and gym, free standing house, get one near a park and the beach.

DP just off phone from the second to last stage Dubai interview and has just been told he is the preferred candidate. One more meeting to go and hopefully the offer will be made.
Oh. My. God. So excited!
Sorry cant be more coherent at present. Will be back later with some sensible comments and questions!

Oh and spookily my 7 yr old said this morning 'mummy can we move house? Somewhere sunny? I don't like it here its too cold and rainy!!!' We haven't mentioned it to the kids yet so I was quite freaked out although she has done weird psychic type things in the past .... Taking that as a good sign!

Op - have you considered JPS and JC (depending on the ages of your DC). Both are highly rated and in Jumeirah. There are compound houses nearby, both on and off Al Wasl road. It is near the beach and everything tbh.

Sam - was hoping to have all 3 together at the same school as I have 2 at primary and 1 at secondary. Will look into it some more now we think it is probably, definitely happening!

Sam - was hoping to have all 3 together at the same school as I have 2 at primary and 1 at secondary. Will look into it some more now we think it is probably, definitely happening!

JPS is virtually opposite JC on the same road so perfect for primary/secondary. JC is the feeder for JPS in any case. They both made "outstanding" on latest Ofsted reviews ( or UAE equivalent). There were only five or six I think in this classification, will try and find it for you. I have known children that have done well at JC. Also English College is just around the corner and is rated highly also. You don't have to look at just one school for your three with this option - just a bit of advice :)

here is the link of the schools

gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1326230!/infoDup%5B0%5D/uploadInfo/fileUpload/infoFile/SCHOOL-RATING.pdf