shandolier

I need to come up with a top 10 list of great advice on how to live in Dubai... the kind of thing that beats the system, keeps you ahead of the curve and generally makes life easier! For example, where to go for really good, reasonably priced picture framing (Antiques Warehouse), useful phone numbers, best place to do your ID card, etc. It can be absolutely anything tough so I thought I'd put it out there to you guys as I mostly come here for this kind of advice!

So, what are the latest and best little drops of genius that you have discovered about living here that make your life that little bit easier?

Thanks!

iamthestig

A good picture framing outlet in the TOP TEN list of great advice for Dubai?

And I though KSA was wierd...

lullabelle

i must admit picture framing has never been on my list...

In relation to cheapest booze, help with school admissions, car hire companies that are decent, reputable and honest estate agents, least rip off banks, visa issues sorted, best delivery service, who to call in an emergency etc ... picture framing sort of pales. if i wanted to know about picture framing i'd just ask expatwomwhine.com. Or go to a shop.

Actually, you could always post the same question on expatwomwhine. I'm sure something about maids would make the top ten... I bet you'd find out where your maid could get your pictures framed. Result.

Hello.Kitty

never ask a shop assistant anything - by the time you've wasted 5 minutes of your life explain what you want to an increasingly blank face, if you're lucky, they'll just shrug and say they don't know... if you're unlucky they'll lead you round the shop and proudly show you a completely random object.

Secondly, something that really helps is to turn on your best hunter-gatherer instincts, even keeping lists... what's cheapest and/or available in which supermarket, where the quirky shops are and what they're good for, etc... Never buy groceries blindly, unless you really don't care about wasting your money - for example, I like the Dorset Cereals muesli... 28 aed in Al Maya, 22-26 in C4/Geant/Waitrose, but 18 in Lulus.

Ronnie Biggs

Forget all the above advice - if you have the picture framing side of things covered (great choice in Antiques Warehouse by the way) then what the **** else do you need? I have moved continents twice now and if there's one thing you can never truly be certain of, it's where to get pictures framed in an efficient and cost effective fashion.

Hello.Kitty

like it... maybe better as "ExpatWhine" though (/waves to Sherlock who made the shocking revelation that I post on both forums under the same (sort of) username)

hnd

Get fully comprehensive car insurance and somebody will come and collect your car, take it to be tested, re-registered and return it to your home for no charge. Just make sure your Salik tag is charged, depending upon where you live and where the nearest testing station is.

Get car insurance which covers Oman so you don't have to pay each time you do a visa run or visit Oman.

Get your UAE ID card in RAK. Turn off the Emirates Road where it ends in RAK. Turn right then turn off as though you're going to the RAK Police (about 1km?) but continue up the road before RAK Police to the very end and that's where the EID office is. Very efficient.

Join the Rotana Loyalty Card. Think our last fee was 850dhs for the year. Got a voucher for 250dhs with our new card. The card gives 50% discount for two people on food and, I think, 15% discount on grape or hop related drinks. The card also gives discounts on rooms - well worth looking at. We've more than recouped the cost of card every year we've had it.

kittycat1

Buy champagne at the airport- it's cheaper than anywhere else

Oyibopeppeh

Join Groupon (free to join, no commitments). Most of the offers are pants but every once in a while a good bargain comes up.

csdf

The vast majority of the UAE-based coupon sites seem to offer the same thing: discounts at manicuring / pedicuring / facialist shops. Is there a target market in mind here or are they not very good at finding deals to offer?

Bahtatboy

Have taken advantage of several good deals thru Gonabit and Cobone: Jetskiing, scuba diving, custom-made shirts, suit, sushi buffet, pizzas, massage. You just need to check every day.

Hello.Kitty

have you seen how many beauty salons are competing here?! Honestly, I have 5 within a 50 meter radius of my building!

Anyhow, I've got loads from Gonabit - hotel stays, holidays, shirts, food, spa day, kids classes...

That and The Entertainer (Family and Fine Dining), there's really no need to pay full price for anything!

csdf

Latest offers from Groupon Abu Dhabi:
Gorgeous Beauty Center: Save 71% in Abu Dhabi 7 hours ago
Laila Fine Art: Save 61% in Abu Dhabi 7 hours ago
VIP Cosmetics Trading LLC: Save 59% in Abu Dhabi 7 hours ago
Gorgeous Beauty Center: Save 71% in Abu Dhabi yesterday
Azela Spa Center: Save 59% in Abu Dhabi yesterday

mission

WTF kind of question is this....you might as well ask where can i get the best condoms from

This forum is a great source of entertainment when one as nothing better to do, like i dont right now lol