Job Discussion Forums

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

vanilla extract.

I get requests from friends every year when I go state-side.

"Real" vanilla extract is not available, since it contains alcohol. They don't sell it in the normal grocery stores for sure --- and I don't think you'll find it in the liquor stores.

Some things you won't easily find in the UAE:
- good pretzels (found occasionally - but not often)
- kosher dill pickles (premium price over there)
- Celestial seasoning tea (our favorite)

My wife swears shampoo and paper goods cost too much over there - so she fills a suitcase with this stuff every year. Amazes the heck out of me, really --- but she says she saves money that way.

Books are expensive over there --- so if you're a reading nut, you might want to pack a few. I'm told Borders is either in Dubai - or is on its way --- but I avoid Dubai at all costs.

MGreen · Joined: 22 May 2007 Posts: 81

Borders at the Mall of the Emirates.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

For those who have mentioned deoderants/antiperspirants... Good old Safestway on Sheikh Zayed in Dubai stocks Arrid Exra-Dry spray! What a luxury, nothing else like it. And other US luxuries. So get that toll sticker on your windshield and race on down there Smile

stoth1972 · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject:

Well, since the OP is a Kiwi, i don't know if she has a hankering for good dill pickles or a decent selection of Mexican food items, but it's true that they're not often available and very pricey.

I think shampoo and conditioner is pricey there, too. The 'cheap' american brands are not so cheap. i must admit-i packed at least a few bottles every time i went home to save a bit.

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

House of Prose has several branches in Dubai and there are also good second-hand book shops in Satwa and Karama. Bookcrossing is becoming more popular too.

smedini · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 178

Why 'don't bring your dog'?

Jreng · Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Posts: 37 Location: uae

[quote="smedini"]Why 'don't bring your dog'?[/quote]
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/07/02/10136406.html
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/07/04/10136748.html

smedini · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 178

OMG...that's terrible! My poor buddy boy will have to have a new family I guess...it's terrible but not like the fate that could possibly meet him if we take him with Sad

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You are going to give away your dog because a stray was abused??? As if strays and even pets aren't abused in other countries?? Most Arabs don't much like dogs and can't understand why anyone would have one in their homes, but this is no more common there than here. This incident could have happened in the US or UK or anywhere. There are sick people everywhere.

Obviously you don't let your dogs run in the streets with the dog packs. I know many people who took their dog and cats with them to the Gulf... use common sense... not one over-the-top incident... to make an intelligent decision.

If you would take the dog anywhere in a plane when you re-locate to a new job, there is no reason at all not to take him with you to the Gulf. Of course, if it is an extremely large dog that is used to being outside all the time, I wouldn't take it - it is way too hot and you wouldn't have a yard.

VS

stoth1972 · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:11 pm Post subject:

The number of animal abuse cases in the UAE have seemingly increased, but more likely is that the media is starting to cover it. Some friends of mine have reported multiple neighbourhood strays being tortured and killed by teenage boys. Oddly enough, in N. America one might use such actions as an indicator of anti-social rage.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Almost as bad is the normal procedure for dealing with the problems of the huge numbers of stray dogs running in packs... the police drive around shooting them. Many of them are not good shots and they are not always good about picking up the bodies.

The Middle East is not a good place to be a feral dog.

VS

stoth1972 · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:48 pm Post subject:

Too true, VS. A few months ago Cairo police went around and just started shooting the strays and leaving the bodies.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Cairo was the worst for not picking them up. This was done regularly in Oman, but the police were better about gathering up the remains... other than the wounded who ran off into the desert.

VS

toughcookie · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 55

Birth control pills are very easily found; there is no need for a prescription and they are much cheaper than in the States. I used to pay $32/month for a pill I can get in the Gulf for $3/month!!! You may have to bring a 3 month supply to be sure and then check out local brands that are often the same as US pills under different names (European brands, I guess). Bring your box to a pharmacy and cross-check with available brands.

I also know a few people who brought their pets to the region. Some of them told me they were howled and stared at a lot while walking their dogs. It sometimes made them very uncomfortable. Dogs are not generally welcomed pets around here...

Hope this helps.
TC