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

Oh my friend is leaving her current school to go to Kings Al Barsha. She works in education, not as a teacher. If it's in anyway as good as the existing Kings it will be outstanding. ;-)

OP, I don't know if it's relevant but I'm assuming your 3 children aren't your DP's; I know you'll be married before you go but do you know if the children not being his will affect anything?

I've no idea on the rules regarding this but the marriage ones are so strict it got me thinking.

Sorry, just done what I should have done before I posted the above and a Googled it- it seems, if your DP isn't the father you'll need a 'letter of no objection' from the father and then need to get that attested.

I know you said your divorce was messy- might this be a problem?

Hi
Wedding is booked anyway regardless of the job offer, and we don't anticipate any probs re the kids. But thanks anyway Bear.
I too have been researching and we have had good legal advice on various matters.
Isthiscorrect - thanks, I think kings looks great. Not due to open til mid sept tho? Does your friend know if it is likely to open on time or is it behind schedule? The pics on the website show a total building site!

That's good.

Fingers crossed for the interview.

Thanks Bear

I'm not sure I will ask over the weekend. To be honest they were late in opening the senior school that is on the same site as original school (umm suqeim, next to Aswaaq supermarket). However the students used the junior school site for a few weeks. Tbh in Dubai they just throw numbers at it to get it sorted.

Ah ok thanks Isthiscorrect .
I guess they will lose an awful lot in fees if it is late so it's in their best interests to get it finished fast!

Various opinions are that all will be on time. However on occasion inshallah was used (get used to this, it's a cop out phrase), it means at the will of Allah (pbuh) (praise be upon him). You will also get used to that ;-)
But back to school yep it's looking good.

Brilliant thanks!
Flights and hotel all booked, itinerary for day of interviews all confirmed!
Waaaaaah!

Excited? Much? Moi?

Sorry if I've missed this, are you coming too during the interviews?

I was thinking of you today...the weather is a bit cooler today, really windy, a beautiful warm breeze. I walked through the square to my office, palm trees waving, burj khalifa (worlds tallest building) shimmering in the sunshine, blue sky, birds singing....I thought how lucky I am to live here and was remembering my excitement when I first arrived.

I'm so excited for you!

Oh it was a beautiful day today, just a tad breezy later this afternoon think horizontal palm trees but beautiful all the same. Forget the nay sayers, its a lovely place.

Kelly - no unfortunately I am not coming but have just been printing his e tickets and hotel reservations for him and googling the hotel (looks lovely) and got myself far too excited! Wish I was coming tho. Maybe soon.....

Sounds like a gorgeous day. Sunday and Monday sound like they are due to be scorching !!!

DP is in Dubai today for his final interviews! So we should know soonish I hope if we are going or not - I've told him he has the power of the dubai mumsnet ladies behind him so hopefully that will help??!

I think you should brace yourself as I am sure he has got the job, usually it is a formality flying out there for the final interview and a "look see" to make sure he really wants to live there before everyone is flown out and settled. Kings school will be great as it is near Media City, you could live in the Springs area or The Ranches! Good Luck!

Sam - thank you - I like your confidence! I am literally bouncing off the walls here not knowing what's going on! He is currently supposed to be at lunch with them .....
Will update if and when I have an answer.
Waaaaaaaaah!

Fingers crossed. I thought of your dh this morning when I got in the car for work at 7am and it said 31 degrees. Beautiful.

So exciting! I've been having a little think about you every day.

Walked across the metro bridge to the office today, over the 12 lane highway. Skyscrapers were gleaming and it made my heart sing!

Any updates?! I can't bear the suspense!

What Kelly said. Tell us please ;-)

Hi
His interviews went well and then they gave him a driver afterwards to drive him around arabian ranches, springs etc to look at housing.
So now we wait....will update when we know!
Thanks for the support x

Oooh exciting!
Sounds good, it seems like a good sign to me. If he had bombed then surely they'd just send him back to enjoy the hotel?

Hairy legs - hope you're right. He really loved it when he was there, but the waiting to hear is horrible!

Good news I think.. But please don't live in Springs, very small houses IMHO.