Dubai - we've taken the plunge.....

[Starmummy]

Well DH gave a verbal yes to a new job in Dubai. Subject to security clearance, references etc and working his non negotiable notice we shall be in Dubai by Feb half tem. Gulp.
I'm already behind with my asignment for uni, (was due in today, still have 1500 words to go). I was distracted by looking to see if I could continue my studies in Dubai and it looks like it might be possible.
I feel so shell shocked that I dont know where to begin. I have no idea what to do first. I know about planning a new school and getting accomodation to suit nearby. But how do you pack up a home, does anybody have any ideas or should I get a relocator to do it?
Have told DS, he is very excited, all those thoughts of sunshine, swimming, sailing and skiing. However I am now waiting for him to come crashing back to earth about leaving his friends. At the moment all he wants is a big leaving party. LOL me too!

Any help on the moving process in general regarding relocating would be really gladly received. Also any more specific info re Dubai and schools, where to live etc would be fab.
Thanks

I lived in Dubai a few years ago, and I think the whole process we had to go through may have relaxed a little by now.
Both DH and myself worked for the ruling family of Dubai (in their horseracing operation), so I don't know how relevant my experience of re-location may be to you as we were very well taken care of. There was quite alot to organise as you are required to hold a Dubai drivers' licence (which requires eye tests, etc) and blood tests to show you are clear of infectious disease before you can be granted residential status. It was all organised on our behalf and we just had to keep all the (numerous!) appointments. Note also that you need a special pass to buy alcohol which allocates you a maximimum amount of your salary for the purchase of off-licence alocohol (you may not exceed your limit). Of course, since I lived and worked in Dubai it has expanded greatly, so as I said, I don't know how relevant my experiences are these days. As for living, Jumeirah was where the majority of people I worked with lived (nice, spacious villas, not far from the beach or the city) The city centre is pretty crowded, so wouldn't really choose there. New apartments with great facilities being built within a couple of blocks of the Sheikh Zayed Road (where I lived), but rather noisy. Schools are excellent, but quite costly (around £1400 a term when I was there). Very small classes and very international but taught UK curriculum. Jumeirah Primary School (JPS) and Jumeirah College Primary Section (JCPS) particular favourites. (DD1 attended JCPS and far exceeded herself during that time. LOADS of homework though!!!)

Are you taking everything or putting some stuff into storage ? ime you have to be the one to organise it, perhaps using different coloured post-its/pens, even if you have packers in . Also you may find there is paperwork for customs, restrictions on type of goods you can import etc which is easier if the packers/transporters handle it.

Have you had a familiarisation trip to get a feel for the schools and localities ? Perhaps you coudl meet a relocation agent to discuss your requirements (assuming this is funded by the company) and arrange to view a shortlist.

Thanks both of you for your advice. Unfortunatly the company is a start up (although extremely well funded) so they havent got the money for a relocation agent, nor a reconnissance trip! We will have to fund these ourselves. I think we need to visit nearer the time, probaly January to make sure schools and house etc are relevant and not the oh well we'll see when you get here. I do realise we should have gone before he accepted but it took such a long time we thought he wasnt in the frame for the job and now its all come together urgently and because its nearly Christmas flights are exorbitant or non existent.
I suspect we will put some stuff into storage and yes I know the packers will need a lot of assistance. Colour coding sounds like a great idea.
So many questions, my head is swimming. DH rang at lunchtime from shopping in Debenhams to ask about the dress code as he was buying a new suit in the sale. Lol as I told him that wasnt on my list of prorities.

Congratulations! Very exciting. This site might be useful to you - www.expatwoman.com/

I live in Bahrain so haven't used it much, but it could be a good place to start.

I know from friends that rental accomodation prices are skyrocketing and competition for school places is fierce, so suggest that you do some homework sooner rather than later - might even be an idea to get DS registered for school now - you usually have to pay a deposit, but would be well worth it IMO. I have DS registered for school here in Bahrain and he is not due to start till Sept 2008 and we are not even sure that we will still be here then, but we've done it just in case.

Good luck!

Thanks Expatmama. I have been lurking on expatwoman for sometime getting advice and stuff. I havent posted yet but have just been reading up on schools, where to live etc. I spoke to 4 schools yesterday, I was up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday . Three of them have space in year six, I was really amazed at that. Having said that I def prefer 2 of them rather than the third. As for houses I look at gulf news classfieds everyday to keep an eye on things. We will probably go out in January when DH actually goes to start work. Too late really but if we go now he will have to take leave and that means he wont be able to finish as early and they need him desperately (apparently). lol.
Anyway DS knows now and is very excited. So thats a good start. anyway I'm off to finish my assignment, I had to beg for a week's extension and its now due in on Wednesday am. Gulp.