Relocating to Dubai
Dec 16th 2004, 3:10 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
Relocating to Dubai
Hi there,
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Dec 16th 2004, 3:16 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 927
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by lorch
Hi there,
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Good luck. Sorry, no comment from me on that, I might get shot. :scared:
Dec 16th 2004, 3:22 pm
#3
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Welcome to the site, if you haven't already done so, check out the faq's for more of an insite into the middle east, and DXB in particular.
Dec 16th 2004, 3:29 pm
#4
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 10,998
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by lorch
Hi there,
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Hi Sarah and welcome.
I have only been here since July, so have limited knowledge myself. However, I feel quite safe here, mind you I have just arrived from Jakarta!!! The schools are great, no idea about surf LOL. Shops are great, M&S, Debenhams, Next, Esprit, Top Shop etc. Usual banks...no NatWest, it's piss useless anyway for expats. Gyms 1000's, transport....well mine is good
No cultural shock, it's just like living in the UK...oh well except that education isn't 3rd world and healthcare is far superior but you will probably commit suicide at the sheer expence of it. Sorry private joke for PT
Take the plunge, life is a risk, you will enjoy the adventure.
Merry Christmas Jools....sent you some karma, don't ask it's just a welcome gift from me. It will all become clear with time LOL
Dec 17th 2004, 8:10 am
#5
Premium Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Abu Dhabi soon
Posts: 4,123
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Hello and welcome,
Dubai is what u make it.....
everyone's friendly, there is a different way of doing business here which is a little culture shock but u soon get used to it.
Give it a try
TS
Dubai is what u make it.....
everyone's friendly, there is a different way of doing business here which is a little culture shock but u soon get used to it.
Give it a try
TS
Dec 17th 2004, 10:25 am
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 948
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by lorch
Hi there,
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Dubai is brilliant for her, we live in a gated community so she can safely play with her friends outside without any worries from us.The driving is absolutely horrendous, there is no driving etiquette out here!!! I have been followed by many male drivers simply because they think I am attractive and try to get my number!! Usually if you pretend to call the police you are all right though and they run away!
Shops are lovely, I get all the ones in London here so it's all quite good, and there is so much to do over the weekend, usually a trip down to Fujairah for me for photography, and we regularly visit nearby countries during holidays
Ask any more questions, I am a bank of information
Dec 17th 2004, 10:38 am
#7
semarang
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: sand dune
Posts: 7,763
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by DubaiExpat
Dubai is stunning, you will love it. It is such a safe little place, although I don't let the little one out late I would not be as worried for her life as I would back in the UK Dubai is brilliant for her, we live in a gated community so she can safely play with her friends outside without any worries from us.
The driving is absolutely horrendous, there is no driving etiquette out here!!! I have been followed by many male drivers simply because they think I am attractive and try to get my number!! Usually if you pretend to call the police you are all right though and they run away!
Shops are lovely, I get all the ones in London here so it's all quite good, and there is so much to do over the weekend, usually a trip down to Fujairah for me for photography, and we regularly visit nearby countries during holidays
Ask any more questions, I am a bank of information
Dubai is brilliant for her, we live in a gated community so she can safely play with her friends outside without any worries from us.The driving is absolutely horrendous, there is no driving etiquette out here!!! I have been followed by many male drivers simply because they think I am attractive and try to get my number!! Usually if you pretend to call the police you are all right though and they run away!
Shops are lovely, I get all the ones in London here so it's all quite good, and there is so much to do over the weekend, usually a trip down to Fujairah for me for photography, and we regularly visit nearby countries during holidays
Ask any more questions, I am a bank of information
Dec 17th 2004, 12:43 pm
#8
Premium Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Abu Dhabi soon
Posts: 4,123
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by novita77
Me think u must be very attractive and pretty...being followed by many males drivers
Dec 17th 2004, 3:29 pm
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: The Lakes, Dubai
Posts: 581
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by lorch
Hi there,
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Dec 17th 2004, 5:22 pm
#10
**** it we'll do it live
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Dubai
Posts: 7,892
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by lorch
Hi there,
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
hi and welcome, its all good here apart from the driving, but it is doable you just need to have eyes on all sides of your head. re surfers there is a website i cant remember the add. but try searching for "surfers in dubai", was a bit here today as a storm was in the region yesterday about 1-2 foot but breaking v quickly and v close inshore, i know some folk out here do surf but tend to drive for a couple of hours for it.
shiva
Dec 18th 2004, 9:56 am
#11
The Oracle
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 7,220
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by lorch
Hi there,
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
Im a single, newly qualified 31 year old teacher. In the next couple of days i find out if ive been accepted for a teaching job in Dubai. At the moment im unemployed due to us brits recruiting too many teachers, not enough jobs - so im pretty skint and the Dubai package looks v.attractive, im quite excited but nervous too. I would love to hear peoples opinions on living in Dubai, especially if youre a woman, but everyones opinion is welcome. Im expecting a big culture shock and would love to hear about some of the things which are cool and what will freak me out - I might sound a bit naive but how "safe" is it out there? what are the shops,banks, gyms, transport etc like? are the locals generally friendly and does Dubai get any surf???
Love to hear from any of you
Sarah
The FAQ's shud sort out most of ur q's. As for the lifestyle, i will have to say this.....Dubai is the most westernised and open minded state in the entire ME region. It is a haven for commerce, leisure, tourism and westerners.
Safety shudnt be too much of a problem.... I always say this to people.... just dont do anything u wudnt do at home and u will b fine. Even walking around the citys streets at 3 am is perfectly safe. U will love it here.
Dec 18th 2004, 10:00 am
#12
Up in the air
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: I'm global baby!!!!!!
Posts: 7,263
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by Face81
Hi and welcome to the forum Sarah.
The FAQ's shud sort out most of ur q's. As for the lifestyle, i will have to say this.....Dubai is the most westernised and open minded state in the entire ME region. It is a haven for commerce, leisure, tourism and westerners.
Safety shudnt be too much of a problem.... I always say this to people.... just dont do anything u wudnt do at home and u will b fine. Even walking around the citys streets at 3 am is perfectly safe. U will love it here.
The FAQ's shud sort out most of ur q's. As for the lifestyle, i will have to say this.....Dubai is the most westernised and open minded state in the entire ME region. It is a haven for commerce, leisure, tourism and westerners.
Safety shudnt be too much of a problem.... I always say this to people.... just dont do anything u wudnt do at home and u will b fine. Even walking around the citys streets at 3 am is perfectly safe. U will love it here.
The biggest headache is accomodation. I was very jammy to find the place i did.
Dec 18th 2004, 10:18 am
#13
The Oracle
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 7,220
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by Jammy_Dodgers
The biggest headache is accomodation. I was very jammy to find the place i did.
Dec 18th 2004, 10:27 am
#14
Up in the air
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: I'm global baby!!!!!!
Posts: 7,263
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by Face81
And u shud be clever enough to hang on to wot u have got. Tis ideal for ur needs. really. dont let that go. 4get that stuff around Junction 5..... ur place is 100 times better.
Fly Emirates.....
Dec 18th 2004, 10:44 am
#15
The Oracle
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 7,220
Re: Relocating to Dubai
Originally Posted by Jammy_Dodgers
Thanks, I am getting rather fond of the place. Just need the plasma TV and xbox shipped over and ill be sorted....oh...and binoculars. The view across the road is great !!
Fly Emirates.....
Fly Emirates.....
Plasma screen will be gr8 though. U will need a camouflaged tent on the balcony when using those binoculars so u arent spotted. Visibility is gr8 during the winter as well. lol