Job Discussion Forums

crocus · Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 79

No, VS - happened! Personal experience!

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

I rather like the urban legend about the British Ambassador's personal freight arriving in Tripoli and being told 'Sir, your grand piano is leaking'. Or was it Riyadh? Or may be Kuwait..............

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

I'm sure Crocus would also concur that there is a gray (grey) area concerning bringing alcohol on campus--where the teachers and students live practically side-by-side.

I suspect that when there are small, private get togethers, spirits may or may not appear--I will not confirm this--call it urban legend.

However, when there is a big get together like the first of the year pot luck social, no spirits are served, which I will confirm. (And that's how it should be given the healthy mix of Muslim/Non-Muslim faculty)

University of Sharjah on campus life in many ways reminds me of compound life in KSA (without the 22 mm cannons at the gates); the drive to Dubai or Ajman is reminiscent of crossing the Causeway to Manama without the hassle of immigration stops.

Maybe this KSA ambience is because University City is adjacent to the Saniyah (Industrial area) which is always thick with loitering bachelors, bachelor-type cafeterias, labor camps and a skazillion small shops.

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

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I thought I posted this comment, but it's not here. Old age...

When I lived in Sharjah the only people I knew who ended up having their car searched were non-Emirati Muslims. On those occasions, they were pulled over for speeding and other violations and just happened to have a trunk full of alcohol from the Ajman Booze Souk.

Colleagues of mine, however, were actually followed by CID after a drunken night in Dubai. They took a taxi home and upon arriving stumbled out of the car(I'm assuming CID just happened to be there when they fell out of the car). A few minutes later there was a knock on the door from CID. Lots of good cop/bad cop "You've offended my partner" (though they were both Muslim), and so on. No charges filed, but they got a stern warning.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

You can transport liqour from any Emirate to Sharjah (if you're resident in Sharjah) so long as you have a Sharjah alcohol permit. You can use the permit in any of the other emirates including Dubai to purchase booze legally. The Sharjah permit is for presentation to the police should you be stopped or involved in a traffic accident. Technically, you're supposed to have one if you imbibe at any hotel as well but that isn't usually enforced unless you cause a disturbance.

As for the bump and bribe request, yes it has happened. However, this is why you make friends with students who are with the police force Laughing

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

U of S has a small administration staff. Perhaps they will issue the license but you might also be flagged in someone's mind.

Again, as for U of S--a very decent place to work, but do try to fly below radar.
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umzakaria · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 58

There are many colours of islam,there are many prejudices both inside and outside the religion.What is important?To worship one God and follow the teachings of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
To try to keep this on-topic.I am studying for an MA in TESOL and linguistics,I have a BSc hons degree (biology),a crappy online TEFL certificate and some teaching experience (not much!) what would I need to up my anti to be considered for tertiary teaching in the UAE?Any constructive info appreciated!

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

UM:
An MA in Tesol will open many a door in the UAE.

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

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

ckhl · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 214 Location: SE Asia

The Barracuda is a full fledged liquor mart. You'd be amazed. The wine selection is very good indeed. What's more, there's no tax. It's cheaper than in Canada and most states in the USA.

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

...and less than half UK prices. The Barracuda is a great place to spend an hour or so. It has a fantastic selection of beers, wines and spirits. Prices are cheaper than Ajman. I think a litre of Gordons gin is Dhs45 compared to Dhs55 in Ajman. It's about half way between Um Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah on the coast road. I've often wondered about having a very boozy beach barbecue there and then spending the night in one of their hotel rooms.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

There's lots of great info in here. Keifer, what are the basic requirements for the foundation teachers in terms of experience? I saw you mentioned earlier that MA TESOL is preferred (or some related degree), but how many years of experience? I think you said the average wage was around 15,000/month. I'm just curious how many years one must have under the belt for that. Thanks!