Dubai American AcademyInformation for New Hires

Please note that the following information comes from Dubai American Academy (DAA) faculty and staff, and is intended for the use of new teachers joining DAA. The opinions provided in this document are NOT the official recommendations of DAA or the school administration. All personal comments are highlighted in blue and italicized.

People provide these suggestions in order to make your transition to Dubai as smooth and painless as possible. Also, keep in mind that what works for one person and family may not be the best for everyone. Happy reading and we’ll see you in August!

School AddressThe easiest address for receiving packages and mail is the school address.Postal Address:Dubai American AcademyPO Box 32762Dubai, UAE

School locationThe school and most teachers’ housing is located next to The Mall of The Emirates (MOE) in the area known as Al Barsha 1. DAA is about 20kms south of the airport. The physical address is:Dubai American AcademyNext to Mall of the Emirates and Lulu’s HypermarketAl BarshaDubai, UAEPh: +971 4 347 9222

Upon arrival you may wish to get copies of your house keys made immediately. You can keys made in most malls and in Lulu’s Hypermarket, and it usually costs about 20 AED which is a little over $5 US.

Numbers to KnowThe Country Code for United Arab Emirates is +971.Du 04 369 9155 Police 999 Toll free emergency 800 4888Etisalat 04 222 8111 Ambulance 998 Toll free emerg. SMS 4444Dubai airport 04 224 5555 Enquiries 181It is always advisable to register with your embassy for security and travel updates. Check theirwebsites for further details.Embassies (others are listed in the Residents Guide)Australian 04 321 2444British 04 309 4444Canadian 04 314 5555USA 04 311 6000

Paperwork – Before Leaving Home See the information sent from the DAA administration regarding paperwork and procedures. Keep all receipts (attestation, shipping, anything related to getting Get paperwork in ASAP. The visa process can take a long time. Bring extra copies of your degree, birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, criminal checks, marriage certificates, teaching certification, etc. When you’re ready to leave Dubai for another international location, you’ll be glad you have these. BRING LOTS OF PASSPORT PHOTOS. Every thing you apply for (drivers license, bank account, Visa, liquor license) takes 3 or more passport photos. Read IB curriculum documents early, especially if you have never taught it before.

Emirati Customs and TraditionsSee the Dubai Code of Conduct for detailed information and read the Clothing and Alcohol sections of this guide for additional information.

Alcohol Use in the UAEThere is ZERO tolerance for drunken driving in the UAE. If you drink and drive you run the risk of being jailed and deported. Consumption of alcohol (any amount) is against the law when driving.

Arriving in Dubai: Stop at the duty free shop on your way to collect your luggage. Don’t let Marhaba service whisk you past the shop; it’s immediately after customs. Purchase liquor before you reach the baggage claim area. The limit for alcohol is now 5 bottles per person.

Once you have received your residency visa you may apply for a liquor license. Alcohol can thenbe purchased legally. There is a store located outside the Mall of the Emirates (MOE) entranceor you can drive to Barracuda*(located an hour away in another Emirate). Legally you musthave a liquor license when transporting alcohol in your car, although some people will make the trip to Barracuda without a license but are open to SERIOUS penalties if caught Alcoholic drinks can be bought at bars and restaurants associated with most hotels.*Many people drive to Barracuda because the Dubai government approved stores charge a high tax on alcohol, but note that there is a risk.

AnimalsPest Control: 042638731ABC Vet clinic: 1800 ABC 123The Veterinary Hospital http://www.vet-hosp.com; http://www.vet-hosp.comAl Safa Veterinary Clinic on Al Wasl Rd. 04 3483799

Banks and Bank AccountsBefore you arrive in Dubai DAA will send you a document called Responsibilities As a New Hire, which details some of things you must do, including getting a Dubai bank account so that your salary can be deposited. Once you arrive in Dubai begin the paperwork to obtain a local bank account.

Most banks will open an account before your Residence Visa process is complete. Upon arrival

in Dubai obtain a No Objection Letter from the DAA Account’s Department (if you already have your Residence Visa) or from the Superintendents’ Office (if your visa is still in process). Select a bank, possibly from the list below.

Note: While most banks have a branch or counter at MOE (Mall of the Emirates) to obtain cash, some will only have an ATM machine. You may need to travel to the bank itself in order to set up the initial account and then after that you can withdraw money at the Mall. Ask at the MOE customer service desk for ATM locations.HSBC‐ has most international banking facilities and services including online banking andtelegraphic transfers. Make sure you bring the BSB numbers and routing numbers of theaccounts so that you can arrange for money transfers. There is one type of account which allows you onefree transfer per month so make sure you ask about it when you sign up. There is a smallbranch in the MOE that will open accounts for you but they will not deal with cash.Lloyds of London – some disagreement about this one:”Don’t use Lloyd’s bank. There isn’t a decent bank that I’ve heard of in all Dubai. Horror stories all around!” versus “ Lloyd's Bank ‐Al Wasl across from Safa Park was voted best International BankEmirates NBD‐ 24 free international transfers a year, good loans for cars, etc. ATM at MOE, but no counter. Masreq bank – no information availableUAE XChange - Transferring to a US account: The counter is on the first floor of LuLu’s Hypermarket will transfer cash for 60 Dirhams )US$15.) We have transferred large amounts ($10,000 US) for the flat fee. You can fill out the paperwork once and then present a card after that which makes it easy. To transfer: 1) Get Dirhams from ATM, or when you first arrive in Dubai the school will pay you in Dirhams (cash).2) Take the Dirhams to the XChange and complete the paperwork. You will need your passport each time you transfer funds.

ClothingAlthough Dubai is reasonably western on many fronts, it is still important to respect local customs and dress. When venturing out it is suggested to wear slightly more conservative clothing, particularly for women. This may mean shoulders and knees covered. You may be able to get by without having shoulders covered in some localities. Shorts, dresses and skirts should again be worn with the conservative culture in mind. Malls and many hotels are more liberal in regards to dress, although the government is making more of an effort to ensure modest clothing is worn in many public places. For example, see through spaghetti straps and very short skirts and low-cut tops are frowned upon in many public places. If in doubt …. go modest! Bring some warmer clothes as winter in Dubai may seem chilly once you are acclimatized. Air conditioning is common in many buildings and some people find it uncomfortably cold. Dry cleaning is available, although a few people have had some bad experiences. Some find it expensive. Recommendation: Deepas (tailor in Satwa): 043494434

If you need larger size (16 or above in women sizes) in clothing or shoes (9 and above; 39 and above European women’s sizes) then you will have difficulty finding attire in Dubai. Be sure and bring what you need for the year.

CurrencyDubai uses the Dirham, which is the currency of the United Arab Emirates. The Dirham is

pegged to the US$ and is $1 = 3.67AED. There are money exchange counters at the airport and you can exchange money upon arrival. Check the commission and rate before exchanging. Also check the amount of money issued before you leave the money exchange.. ATM’s are found in all shopping malls, with the closest ones to DAA next door in Lulu’s. Dirhams are given but money can be withdrawn from overseas accounts. All major credit cards are readily accepted. Money exchanges can be found in all shopping malls.

Flying Into/Out of DubaiQueues for customs can be long at the airport, so consider getting an eGate card. The eGate Card, issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (DNRD), in association with the Department of Civil Aviation, allows passengers quicker access through the immigration process at Dubai Airport. The cost is 200 AED per card. http://www.dubai.ae/en.portal?topic,Article_000551,1,&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=home

Driving in DubaiYou will be unable to officially purchase a car until you have your residency visa, although it is possible to make financial arrangements prior to that. If you intend to drive in Dubai, bring a valid license from your home country and an International Driver’s License.I have used a Canadian license without an International Driver’s License to both rent a car and to drive the rental until my Dubai license was completed. You will be provided with most of the documentation you require once you arrive so you canproceed with obtaining a Dubai license once you have your residency visa. You will be unable toown a car until you have a Dubai Driver’s License. Before your residency comes through youshould be able to use an international driver’s license to rent a car. You must obtain a *Salik pass to travel on the toll roads. (It is like an Easy Pass in the US) You can apply and recharge it at the gas station.*Salik, meaning open or clear, is Dubai’s new electronic toll collection system was launched in July 2007, which emphasizes the system’s congestion management objectives as well as the choice of technology for the toll system. Salik utilizes the latest technology to achieve free flow operation with no toll booths, no toll collectors, and no impact to traffic flow, allowing vehicles to move freely through the tolling point at highway speeds. Each time you pass through a Salik tolling point, the toll of AED 4 will be deducted from your prepaid toll account using advanced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. www.salik.aeCar rentalHertz‐ ph: 04 282 4422– least expensive car rental with a GEMS/teacher discount; offers GEMSemployees 25% discount,United – 04 347 5666Thrifty ‐ Yaris for 6 months presently 1600AED per month for a 2008/09 model, 1800 if your credit carddoesn’t cover the insurance.Holiday Auto – 043415730. We hired our car through them. At the time (last year) it seemed like the cheapest deal around.Diamond Lease – 04 343 4330 If you are renting just for a short time there are several very close to DAA so that you can walk to pick up the car and drop it off. (A new one two blocks south

and east of Al Adiyat and another a block or so south of the Kempinski Hotel. Auto repairs and dealersSheik Zayed Rd – there are many new and used car dealers along SZR. If you search around youcan find good deals. 4x4 Motors, Al Futtaim Auto Mall, Off Road Motors to name a few.Recommended for car repair: Rick 050-858-3995Best car dealers for customer service and English speaking salesmen (European) House of Cars, they don’t just have expensive cars, I bought a Peugeot 206 CC for 25K. Also their workshop is excellent too.TaxisUsually readily available at the malls. For those living near DAA can generally walk out to the road and catch one easily. Drivers don’t always know where places are so know some landmarksnear where you want to go (MOE, name of a big hotel, etc.). Taxis all look the same but can be distinguished by the colour of their roof.  If you lose something in a taxi, call the RTA* and the first question they will ask you is what was the roof colour.  *RTA is Road & Transport Authority  www.rta.ae  (taxis, driving license & registration, traffic fines, etc.) Mailing Address:Roads & Transport AuthorityP. O. Box: 118899Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTel. :+971 4 2844444 (working hours from 7.30 to 14.30 only)Fax :+971 4 2065555The Call Center: Free Line: 8009090 (working 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week)Don’t bother learning the route numbers (311 etc.) because the taxi drivers don’t know those.Learning the area name is much more useful (Al Barsha, the Greens).Excellent Taxi service (airport ect.) Shabib Taxi‐050‐252‐3318Dubai Taxi 4208 0808Metro and BussesThe Metro train and bus service connects various parts of Dubai.  The Mall of the Emirates station is a 15 minute stroll from the school.  Tickets and rechargeable cards are purchased at the Metro stations and at many of the bus stops.  The RTA website provides information on bus and metro transportation:http://www.rta.ae/ and provides maps of Dubai.

The Metro is clean, comfortable, and inexpensive. Consider getting the Gold card as that section is less crowded and seating is often available.

ElectricityElectrical voltage in Dubai is 220/240V. Most outlets require a 3 prong plug similar to the UKplug. Power boards and point adaptors can be easily purchased at most supermarkets andhardware stores. All US electrical items will require power voltage adaptors. All electricalappliances can be purchased in Dubai.North American applicances are 120V. DO NOT buy a convertor in North America as inexpensive convertors are available in Dubai, or buy 220V. appliances here. If you do bring North American appliances then you may want to bring a power bar/strip from your home country for multiple devices, as the plug configuration is different in Dubai. Most electronic devices (battery chargers, computers etc.) are built to handle 100-220 V and 50-60 Hz current so for them you do not need a transformer but you just need a cheap adapter.

Gas (Stoves)Most stoves are gas stoves, although some have electric plates as well as gas. Depending onyour apartment, gas tanks can be purchased or your apartment can be connected to the gasmains in your building.At the moment gas connection in Al Adiyat (across from DAA) is complicated, but we are hoping it will be easier by the beginning of the school year. At the moment it is as follows ‐Once you arrive and need to connect your gas the following will be more relevant.“If you live in Al Adiyat and want to get gas connected you need to phone Lootah BC Gas (800‐5224 or 04 297 7741), register with them and get their bank account details. Then you need to go to a Dubai Islamic Bank ATM, not an actual branch of the bank because they aren’t as easy to come by and finding a person there is like finding hen’s teeth. You can find their ATMs in the Mall of the Emirates. At the ATM you will find an option to make a deposit into a bank account. Make your deposit into the Lootah BC Gas account and keep the deposit receipt. You then need to fax (04 297 7742) this receipt along with your details to Lootah and once they have registered that you have made you deposit they will call you, Insha’Allah, to organize coming around to connect your gas. This may take a bit of time and you may need to call them several times to remind them that you do in fact exist, but all things going well they will connect you in a few days.” Gas Lootah: 800 5224

Grocery ShoppingWhat to BringCoffee and tea are readily available in all shapes and forms, but if you really must have one specific brand, you may want to bring it with you. For example, there is no Tim Horton’s here (sorry Canadians).Supermarkets in DubaiLulu’s Hypermarket – next door to the school. Sells household items, cheap clothing, and as well food. Probably the least expensive major supermarket in Dubai. Good selection ofMeat, fruit and vegetables. The best one-stop shop (grocery’s, appliances, etc.) much less busy then Carrefour. Lulu’s is cheaper (for most, but not all items) and much more pleasant to shop.Carrefour – located in the Mall of The Emirates – about 300‐400m from school. A FrenchHypermarket that is more expensive than Lulu’s for many products, but can be cheaper for afew products. Good fresh seafood market. Good selection of meat, fruit and vegetables.Avoid at all costs unless getting a cell phone; has more stuff than Lulu’s but is usually packed. Carrefour is in a giant mall with many other options.Spinneys – located at various places around Dubai. Pork and ham products are available.Overall prices are more expensive than both Lulu’s and Carrefour.Choithrams‐ located at various places around Dubai – there is one located in the Greens forthose living there. Good bread, meat, fruit and vegetables. Usually as expensive asSpinneys if not slightly more so.Other supermarkets include – Park N Shop (best bacon) and Geant (in Ibn Battuta nearest to Discovery Gardens)Most food items are available in Dubai.Safestway on Sheik Zayed Road has lots of American food. If you stock up, it can be expensive, but it’s worth it sometimes!Dubai Co-Op by Safa Park. Very cheap vegetables and other food. Can be busy, but excellent

prices. It’s like a Wal Mart. “Things I have yet to find in Dubai – ketchup chips, Miracle Whip, LaGrille steak/chicken/vegetable spices. Bring these if you love them.”Chili powder – they have only HOT, SPICY chili powder, not the kind we use to put in chili.You can find black beans at the Choithrams in the Greens and the bottom shelf of the bean aisleat LuLu’s.

Hairdressers, Barbers and SalonsTime Out magazine lists many hair, nail and massage salons. Those listed below are staffrecommendations.Hair CareSome people find that that the water in Dubai, because of the desalination process,  causes hair to fall out.  The solution is a hair conditioning unit for the shower which purifies the water.  These are sold at Ge’ant (Iban Batuta Mall) and Lu Lu’s Hypermarket. Hair SalonsIf you use a name salon or primarily western salon, expect to pay high prices. It is notuncommon to pay 200AED (US$55) for a cut and pay extra for the blow dry. Color will oftencost between 150 AED for roots to over 300 (US$80+) for full color. Highlights will also costabout the same. Make sure you bring the name and number of the color you use. Possibly alsobring color for the first time until you find someone that stocks it.After trying 3 different salons, I finally found a good hairdresser that I was happy with: Pastelson Al Wasl. Uses L’Oreal colors. Good cut and color.It took me almost 2 years to find a good, also more reasonable hair salon. For 2 years I’ve been going to “The Hair Corridor” on Al Wasl in the Park N’ Shop Shopping Centre, telephone number: 04 3945622, Debbie, Angie or Lee. Uses Schwarzkopf colors.Profiles at Harvey Nichols good for beauty, haircuts too short however; haven’t found a decenthairdresser yet.Cheap Hair Salon – Roots Al Barsha‐close to school and Beach Road 043444040. Use Katie. I have had excellent cuts, color and highlights from her, consistently. She is from Australia so she speaks and understands English clearly.Hairdresser ‐ Danny’s at the Metropolitan HotelBeauty Lounge 04 341 2118 (down the road from MOE, near the ABC Vet Clinic)NailsEast Elegance Beauty Salon, Al Barsha: 044205384 – 2nd street parallel to LuLu, Good salondeals that’s close to school.Nail Spa‐Ibn Battuta MallNail Beautique on Al Wasl for both manicure and pedicureMassageBody and mind across the road from school – good for various types of massage and cheaperthan most hotel salons. Separate men’s and ladies’ salons.Body & Mind Massage (Thai) Al Barsha – behind Al‐Adiyat bldg. 043470590Feet First on Beach Road 04 349 4334– not very quiet sometimes but quite cheap. They do a nice reflexology.

Health Care List of suggested health care items to bring

• high UV sunscreen, although you can buy good sunscreens here but they are relativelyexpensive• specific medications• glasses/prescriptions• certain women’s sanitary products and brands are available but you may wish to bringyour own preferred items.•Some people have their eye exams in their home country and purchase glasses and contact lenses prior to arriving in Dubai.

There is inconsistent information regarding purchase of the contraceptive pill. You can currently buy the pill over the counter in many pharmacies, however, there is concern that this may not continue to be the case for single women. It can be prescribed for ‘medical’ reasons i.e. acne, heavy, painful flow, etc.

Therefore it is recommended you bring into the country what you require, however, beaware that certain medications are illegal – specifically those containing codeine. Forspecific medications that you bring with you, you should have a signed letter from yourdoctor at home stating the medication required.• NyQuil, Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine – can’t get it here• You can get contact solution, tampons very easily from many different store.•Trojan and Sheik brand condoms are not available here. You may wish to bring some along.• Over the counter and prescription sleep medications are also not allowed or available for purchase so bring them but be advised they are illegal as far as I understand (I bring a bottle of Tylenol PM with me, of course at my own risk).Doctors/hospitalsAmerican Hospital 04 336 7777Welcare Hospital 04 282 7788MedcareDoctors: American hospital, personal, individualized attention, but expensive sideGreat children’s doctor‐ Dr. Loubser at Infinity clinic‐04‐394‐8994 (On Al Wasl across from Park n Shopexplain that yo u pay the first 50 drs, then the rest is covered later. If you use another hospital not on thelist you have to submit a claim form and receipts.For a family doctor, I like Dr David Kirkpatrick, at the Al Zara Medical Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. He is British/New Zealand. In my opinion he is never rushed to get to his next patient. Obviously his English is excellent.When in doubt make the trip out to American Hospital (although you still may not receive the quality ofcare you are used to at home even here)Best OB/GYN: Dr. Paramajit Luthra – I”ve been with her 11 years. She’s at MedCare Hospital04 4079 255Fantastic pediatrician: Dr. Kahn at Cooper Health on Al Wasl – 04 348 6344. Does not acceptany insurance though, but some reimbursement is possible.Natural health : Dubai Herbal: 04 335 1200Child therapist: Dr. Reema 04 365 8578 based at Knowledge VillageThe Infinity Clinic on Al Wasl (across from Park n Shop) has a fabulous pediatrician Dr.Loubserand an excellent female doctor Dr. Elderfield. The phone# is 04‐3948994Dental

Dr. Thomas in Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic on Al Wasl Road, opposite the Post Office. . This is the best place for surgical dental procedures as well.Dr Ashee Rajabali BDS DPDS (Bris,UK), the Dental Centre, Al Razi Bldg, 4019, Block F,Dubai Healthcare City.Dr Roland Cunyet, Dentist 7 Dental Practice, on Beach Road, Seven Dental Centre - Jumeirah 3 Beach Road - Dubai. Tel.: (971) 4 395 21 77 Mob. : (971) 50 398 907. Excellent. Less expensive

than e.g. Dr Michaels. All equipment is state of the art; x‐rays are instantaneous and sent to a pc!

EyesOptometrists and opticians are available at many of the larger medical centers and mostshopping malls have an optical shop with eye testing. London Eye Clinic now have branches inDubai.Excellent ophthalmologist – Gulf Eye Centre, Suite 615, Fairmont Hotel, 329-1977;Comprehensive vision/eye examinations: 600DHS approximately. Also available: contact lens fitting, lasix surgery, etc.I have my children’s eyes checked every summer in the US. There aren’t REAL eye doctors in Dubai except at hospitals. Eye doctor at American Hospital charges about 800 dh for a full exam with prescription if necessary.

InsuranceMedical – the school uses Al Khazna Insurance Company P.S.C.Toll Free 8002311; Tel (+971) 2 6940700Fax (+971) 2 6766227; Email: claimscenter@nas.aeSome teachers choose to insure their household goods.

Keeping in TouchMobile phonesGet a cell phone immediately (very few people have landlines). Communication outside the UAEis sometimes difficult without one and you will want to rely on it until you decide to get a landline AFTER visa approval (which may take six months). Rates drop after 9pm.Talk with the people in your building before getting a cell phone because some carriers (Etisalatvs Du) work better in certain areas. Also, Du charges per second used while Etisalat rounds tothe minute. Students use Etisalat because (according to them) it is cheaper and has betterservice. Carrefour and Jumbo Electronics are good places to buy a phone in MOE. Dual band will only work in the UAE, but is cheap. Triband phones are slightly more expensive, but you can bring them back home. Quadband can be used anywhere. You can also use Skype in Dubai (see Home Computers section). To get a mobile phone you need photo ID; bring photo copies of your passport (possibly other ID will work). There is a photocopy place across from Carrefour but I believe Jumbo will make the copies for you. It will be easiest if you just bring photocopies of your passport with you.TelephonesTo connect landlines and Internet, specific documentation will be required. Most of this will beprovided by the school in a package you receive on arrival. Much of this cannot be completed

until your residency visa is completed. Depending on where you live there are two serviceproviders:1. Du – there is a Du counter at Mall of the Emirates. Bills can be paid here as wellas you are able to sign up for Internet, phone connection and TV cable use. Cellphone recharge cards are easily available at phone shops, supermarkets and Ducounters and branches.2. Etisalat – there is an Etisalat counter at MOE. Cell phone recharge cards can bebought at Etisalat counters and branches as well as most supermarkets.3. Magic Jack – a computer attachment and system which allows you to call from Dubai using a number based in your home area. i.e. I have a number in Virginia which I use to call my Father and older children in Virginia. I am charged Virginia local rates. Look it up on line.InternetSee above for telephone connections (you may have to wait until your get your visa and otherdocumentation). Many areas of the school are wireless as are most Starbucks cafes in Dubai. Many shopping malls have wifi. Home Computers Hotspot Shield is free software that allows you to secure your connection while searching wifi and also allows you to download from website not usually available from outside the U.S. Skype is a great way to keep in touch so you might want to download it/set up an account (and show family members how to use it) before you come to Dubai. Skype may not be usable in some buildings and Skype to landlines is generally blocked. Be sure to download Skype and Hotspot Shield before leaving for Dubai as the sites are blocked in the UAE: www. hotspotshield .com ; www.skype.com Al Adiyat Building (apartments across from the school) is an Etisalat building so they are the only Internet provider you can use there. It is really straight forward to get set up. Make sure that you have the letter of no objection from DAA, a copy of your passport’s details and UAE visa pages with a school stamp just in case, and the form from Etisalat for applying for Internet which you can get and complete down at the Etisalat desk in MOE. The form will ask you for a landline telephone number in the building. Just ask at the security desk for their office number. Once you have filled in all the details take the form to the Etisalat service desk in the Mall of the Emirates on the ground floor by Ski Dubai, in Virgin Records and also in Carrefour. They will register you on the spot if you have everything in order and someone will call you within 48 hours usually to come to your apartment and set your modem up. TheDubai Red‐Tape book does detail what you need as does the form from Etisalat. To save repeated trips to the Mall make sure you have everything you need to register.TelevisionMost people buy their TV and DVD players locally as they are readily available and reasonably priced.  Some people prefer to ship their own TV and DVD players. Make sure they will work with 220V and the Phase Alternating Line (PAL) System. Local channels are available. TV series and new release movies are available and you can download your favorite programs via  ITunes and Torrents. Digital satellite receiver – for approximately 300 dhs you can buy a satellite “free to air” receiver and get 200 channels and only pay once. Cable is expensive and not worth it in my opinion. (Many of these channels are not in English, but you can get news, comedy and drama free to air.)

Orbit/Showtime: older programming with some new movies. You can signup at MOE at the Orbit/Showtime counter. Expect to pay up to $80 US a month depending on the package you want.

Maps and Books about DubaiExplorer publishes a Total Residents Guide to Dubai. Well worth purchasing. It coverseverything from hotels to restaurants to getting around and weekend getaway suggestions. The DAA libraries hold a wide variety of guides and history books to the UAE that can be checked out.A very informative website – DUBAI EXPLORER. http://www.liveworkexplore.com/dubai – itreally covers just about everything.Expatwoman.com is a great website for questions about Dubai‐ where to buy, where to go,doctor/dentist recommendations, child care etc. You can search for information or post questions on their information board.*Entertainer – 2 for 1 coupons for hundreds of great restaurants and entertainment, available at Carrfour and most bookstores. It costs about 300 AED which is about $82 US, and even though you’ll only have four months to use it (expires at the end of December) it will pay for itself within days. http://www.awadubai.org/dubaifaqs.html* Well worth the moneyPrint a map of your apartment from Google Earth and carry it with you so you can show cabbieswhere you live. TimeOut tickets: 800 4669Good deals in used cars, furniture and just about anything else you wish to buy.www.souq.com and www.dubizzle.com .Don’t buy other books if you don’t have to – you aren’t going to pay to have them shipped when you move again. Use the school library. Unlimited checkouts of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books from pre-k up, travel books, magazines and a collection of DVD’s.

Nannies, MaidsYou may not choose to have household help (maid is about 30 dhs/hour) but there are manypeople looking for such work. It is best to get someone who has been recommended by othersand check references and previous salary before interviewing. Faculty members that are leavingwill be looking to find suitable employment for their employees before the end of June so lookout as they are often the best ones. Be sure you are familiar with the legalities in this country for hiring a live in, full time maid. There are laws governing this and you must be their sponsor.• The school provides a crèche facility for children’s teachers. This is a room which hasbeen given over by the school to the parents of children who are not of school age, age. Those children attending pre kinder classes are allowed to join the crèche for the afternoon session, when they have finished school at 12.00.• It is open from 7am‐4pm.• As a parent you then have to organize someone to be with your child during the day. Youwould pay this person a salary, and the welfare of your child would be their responsibility.• You are responsible for providing the food/clothing/cot/nappies, etc. for your child. It isnot a crèche that provides regular and organized activities. • Although the school provides the physical space and general cleaning, DAA does not ‘run’ the crèche. Parents need to work together to ensure the room is maintained and stocked with

suitable activities/toys/materials etc. Activities are organized at the nannies’ discretion, and the children have access to the school playground when it is not in use.• This year there were around 9 children who attended the crèche on a regular basis.• You are required start work right away, so for peace of mind – the quicker this is organized,the easier it is for everyone to settle into life and work in Dubai.

Places of WorshipDifferent Christian religious denominations hold church services regularly in Dubai. These areoften held on Fridays. They include Baptist, Catholic and Methodist services, LDS, nondenominational.. See Residents Guide for contact numbers.

Restaurants and Fast Food OutletsThere are many good restaurants in Dubai, and you may find that you are eating out quite often. Be sure to check into the Entertainer guide (see Maps and Books about Dubai section).Time Out magazines list many restaurant deals – ie weekly specials and brunches. They alsopublish an Eating Out Guide.Madinat Jumeriah – excellent restaurants, bars and environmentWagamama’s (casual, inexpensive, fast, tasty, 2 for 1 in the Entertainer)Pierchic (located in the Madinat Jumeriah, upscale, best view of Dubai shoreline, voted mostromantic restaurant in Dubai 2006 & 2007)Inferno (located in the Dubai Marina, great atmosphere, European feel)Italian: Don Corleone at the Metropolitan Hotel Sheikh Zayed RoadIndian: Sharjahan also at Metropolitan Hotel; Pavilion (on Kuwait Street)Chinese: Summer Palace again at Metropolitan HotelEx Pat pubs: Red Lion, Metropolitan Hotel SZR ok bar foodDhow and Anchor, Jumeriah Beach Hotel – Excellent happy hour presently 6 – 7 dailyBidibondi, Palm Jumeriah – sensible prices, food okJebal Ali Club, Jebal Ali – cheapest bar in Dubai I expect! 24 AED per pint of beerSky View Bar, Burj Al Arab – expensive but great viewsFriday Brunch: Dusit Hotel SZR, Good Brunch two prices, one for hose beverages, the second with ChampagneTakeout – Thai Wok (near school) 0501136715 ; Sumo 043914141; China Garden 04 340039; 800Pizza 043416101; Dominoes Pizza 043740600; Hardees 600 569000

ShoppingThere is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Dubai, and many of your favorite stores can be found here:Shopping Malls – Mall of The Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Dubai Mall, Festival City, Mercato, Dubai Outlet Mall, Mirdiff City Centre. There is an International Shopping Festival held every year and most stores are greatly discounted. Avoid malls in the evening, unless you like crowds. Markets/souqs include Dragon Mart, Gold Souq, Spice Souq, Al Bastakiya, Covent Garden. Friday morning/early afternoon is the best time to explore the city since everyone is in church/mosque. MOE has Crate & Barrel; Mirdiff has Pottery Barn. Bargains – Dubai Outlet Mall. Good prices, great after the Dubai sales, which end in February.

Dubai Alain Road. Approx 25 minutes from the school. Carpets – Carrefour (best prices), or wait until the International Shopping Festival at GlobalVillage and go to the Afghan tent.Crockery and Cutlery – IKEA, Marks and Spencers, Home Centre and Debenhams all have theseitems. For cheaper items try Dragon Mart.Children’s clothes and shoes – malls everywhere with all name brands. Cheaper clothingavailable at Dragon Mart.Adult clothing and shoe stores‐ malls everywhere with all name brandsElectrical goods – Dragon Mart, Jumbos, Jackies Electronics, Sharaf DG, Carrefours, GeantFurniture Stores – IKEA, Home Centre, Marina, homewares stores in Al Quoz, The OneIkea has good quality, inexpensive items for settling in. (Festival City)Linen – IKEA, Marks and Spencers, Debenhams, Dragon Mart, cheaper and poorer qualitysheets available at Lulu’s. Most adult beds provided are UAE queen size – most queen sizebedding should fit but to be safe it may be better to bring king size.Bring pillow with case, bed sheets, and shower curtain (I think they only leave the rod).If coming from UK bed linen will be too small. I brought king-size sheets that were waytoo small!Sporting Goods – Studio R, Go Sports, Adidas, Nike, Nike Golf, Saucony, RipCurl all have stores in the major malls. If you prefer a specific brand of running shoes you may want to bring them with you as shoes can be expensive when not on sale. New Balance difficult to get. Swim suits can be expensive and difficult to come by.Studio R – quality sports clothes for a low cost (located in the Dubai Outlet Mall)Soft Furnishings‐ IKEA, Debenhams, Marks and Spencers, Marina, The OneHardware – ACE Hardware at various locations around Dubai.Plant Street (located in Satwa; go down Al Wasl Road into Jumeirah 1‐ turn right at the lights beside Iranian Hospital) A great place to buy plants for home/school. It’s much cheaper than what you see inthe stores and the plants are all very healthy/ lots of selection. Also The Garden Center off Sheikh Zayed Road has a large selection of plants and pots but can be very expensive.

Sports, Recreation, LeisureGeneral Sports‐ Beach volleyball, touch football, ultimate Frisbee, rugby, netball, ice hockey, softball all have clubs and teams that train and compete. Ski Dubai at The Mall of The Emirates for indoor skiing. Safa Park is the best place to jog/run, grass fields and a 4 km track around the outside for joggers.Sporting Teams and Events – www.duplays.comFootball (Soccer) – DWFA - Dubai Women’s Football (soccer) Association; www.dubaiwfa.comGolf ‐ there are many courses around Dubai (grass for those coming from Kuwait!). TheEntertainer has buy one, get one free 18 hole vouchers for different courses.Gym –Fitness First gym: www.fitnessfirstme.comZen Yoga – www.yoga.aeGeneral Events‐ check Time Out magazine and web site www.timeoutdubai.comMusic Events‐ Timeout.com advertises bands and artists playing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi;Cold Play, Queen and Andreas Bocelli are some to have played recently.

Community Theatre and Arts –Dubai Community Theater & Arts Center at MOE (DUTAC);  www.ductac.org French & Arabic Courses – www.ductac.orgFor Children‐ Wild Wadi, Aqualand and Aqua Venture water parks. Dreamland, DubaiDolphinarium, Magic Planet, Ski Dubai (Bring a hat and gloves if you’re planning on skiing as they don’t provide these). Junior hockey, rugby and soccer are available.Global Village is a shopping extravanza that runs from November until the beginning of March and features goods from all over the world. It is very popular with tourists and residents. Get there at 4 when the gates open; leave when it gets crowded.BeachesUmm Sequiem Beach - nice, close, free, and has great views of the Burj Al ArabJumeirah Beach Park – good place for families; nice spot on beach with shaded areasBathing suits….they are CRAZY expensive here, so I would recommend stocking up on those before you arrive. Arabian Nights – excellent desert safari (dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, bellydancing, buffet dinner), for a reasonable price. Look in the Entertainer Guide for a 2 for coupon).Gyms and Sporting FacilitiesThe school has a small gym with machines and free weights that many people usebefore and after school. The school also has 2 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a 400msynthetic running track and a gymnasium that can be used when not being used forschool sports. Most of the apartment buildings also have small work-out rooms (freeweights, treadmills, bikes). Most of the large hotels have fitness clubs that you can payto join.For two years, we’ve had a Pilates instructor offer classes 2x per week in the elementary library. We’ve also started a Zumba class on Sundays after school since March. Media City Fitness First: 044243999The Zen Yoga studios are great for classes. They're located in the Springs, Media City and theVillage Mall. http://www.yoga.ae/Gym memberships are expensive here so be prepared to invest a lot in your health!

Travel AgenciesThese are some travel agencies and airlines that people use to book their flights.Trans Arabian travel 04 335 0777Dnata Mall of the Emirates 04 316 6666Al Rostamani Mall of the Emirates 04 341 0995Emirates 04 343 9999 www.emirates.comAir Arabia 06 508 8888 (Sharjah) www.airarabia.comEtihad Airlines 02 505 8000 (Abu Dhabi)Etihad shuttle bus (from Crown Plaza to Abu Dhabi) 04321647

WaterIn most apartments tap water is safe to drink but slightly chlorinated. Most people however willdrink bottled or filtered water. Jugs are 8 – 10 Dirhams for 4 gallons (about 20 liters) anddelivered to your door. The doormen in your apartment block will usually have a contact forwater delivery.

Washing MachinesA washing machine will be provided in your apartment. Most are front loaders and machine specific powders can be bought at all supermarkets. Not all apartments have balconies so many people will need to purchase drying racks.

Useful WebsitesDubizzle – www.dubizzle.comTimeOut Dubai – www. timeoutdubai .com Meetup Dubai – www.meetup.comExpat Woman – www. expatwoman .com