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helenl
Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202
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Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject: |
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You will be stared at, uncomfortably so, if you choose to wear sleeveless tops and shorts. As others have said,you may be propositioned or even followed - that's an extreme case, but you have to remember, a lot of the labourers from the subcontinent have been here for years with very little in the way of female "companionship" if any.
Also, what they have learned about Western women is often confined to porn or soft port movies, and the more scantily dressed you are, the more likely they are to stare. It would be very unusual, however, for anyone to try to touch you as the penalties are so severe.
If you plan on working here, be aware (as someone else as pointed out,) that not only your students but their families will soon know who you and your family are. In my experience, complaints generally come from family members (usually brothers) about how the female members of their family are treated and what they are "exposed" to. If you're teaching segregated classes (all female) you'll be under both school and public scrutiny. Best to err on the side of caution. |
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nicki254
Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 13
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Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:49 pm Post subject: |
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ok thanks for all the responses on the dress code, no problem, I will be wary of what I wear.
Can I get some help with bringing over my domestic helper to Al Ain. I'm having difficulty finding out the procedure for Al Ain specifically as it says on many websites that different Emirates have different rules. I have heard that I will need to pay �1000 security bond or something and that we need to be resident in the country for 6 weeks before we can even bring our helper out with us..... anyone know if this is true? Any first hand experience?
Thanks for the Allied Pickford recommendation, I'm going to check them out.
Also, what's all this talk about AAESS having some problems? Surely all schools go through ups and downs.... why is it the talk of the town? Did something major happen recently?
thanks! |
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MrScaramanga
Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 221
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Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Nicki,
Even though all that has been said about dress code is generally true in Al Ain, I would like to add that things have considerably relaxed in the last few years (4 or 5 or so). It is still true that mini-skirts and shorts are out, but short sleeves and capri pants are definitely in. You do not have to cover down to your ankles and wrists to feel comfortable out and about in the malls and shopping areas. I would definitely recommend wearing something a lot more conservative than the above if going to the camel souk or areas where you know there are a lot of bachelors/laborers.
As to bringing in your nanny, Al Ain is located in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Therefore, whatever information you get that applies to Abu Dhabi applies to Al Ain aswell.
Hope this helps.
MrS |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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MrScaramanga wrote: |
Even though all that has been said about dress code is generally true in Al Ain, I would like to add that things have considerably relaxed in the last few years (4 or 5 or so). It is still true that mini-skirts and shorts are out, but short sleeves and capri pants are definitely in. |
I think the difference is that there are more women who are disrespectful and clueless (or just arrogant). The culture itself has NOT become more accepting. There have never been any laws about how an expat woman dresses (outside of Saudi Arabia and Iran). But the reality is that the more skin you show, the more likely that you will be looked upon as and treated as a hooker and confirm to the non-Westerners that all foreign women are no better than prostitutes.
Don't go by what you see people wear. Go by what is respectful to the culture that pays your salary. I don't want to belabor the point, but I think it is important.
BTW... loose capris are fine, but I would wear a long top which covers the bum. Same with trousers...
VS |
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MrScaramanga
Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 221
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Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:45 pm Post subject: |
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Even the dress code for Emirati girls is changing somewhat aswell: you still see young Emirati women wearing black shehlas (Sp?), but you also see more and more of them wearing brightly colored, patterned, fancy designer scarves. Just 5 years ago, that was unheard of, especially outside of larger cities like Dubai.
In my personal - limited as it may be - experience, it seems that locals are not so bothered by short sleeves and shorter pants at all any more, even in Al Ain. Things are getting "looser" and the women I know are quite comfortable wearing the afore-mentioned article of clothing. It appears that what is considered culturally-disrespectful is changing with time...
Just my 2 cents. |
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nicki254
Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 13
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Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:38 am Post subject: |
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wow, everyone is so passionate about the dress code! I think I got the idea, i'll err on the side of caution, thanks everyone.
Ok, don't slate me, this could be a ridiculously silly question but i'll ask it anyway.
How does society feel about breastfeeding? I'll have an infant with me and have always breastfed in restaurants, cafes and even while walking with a sling on. Is it a big NO-NO? I did hear somewhere that most arab women breastfeed so maybe it's accepted? Or are there breastfeeding rooms in all areas? It just occured to me and I thought YIKES... after all the talk of dress code now I wanna flash my boobs! |
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mishmumkin
Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929
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Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:53 am Post subject: |
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It's a big no-no. Even if you did this around only women it would be odd. Showing your bare breast/semi bare breast around women you didn't know would not be favoured (I'm not so sure it would be well received done in front of an Emirati friend). You could still do it discreetly in public toilets. When I think of public toilets in malls, there are often a couple chairs or a sofa. |
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Iamherebecause
Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 427 Location: . . . such quantities of sand . . .
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Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:00 pm Post subject: |
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I've seen European women breastfeeding in the more informal parts of hotels (poolside, coffeeshop but not the pricier restaurants) but the only place I have seen Arab women breastfeeding is in the Dr's waiting room. With an abaya and shayla they are very discreet. Elsewhere in the Arab world (Jordan, North Africa) women seem to breastfeed discreetly in public more than they do here. |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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I have to say that in my years in the Gulf, I never saw anyone breastfeeding in public. But, I did see seating in mall toilets that suggested that they could be used for such.
In Cairo, one sees it on the streets in the neighborhoods all the time, but it is the Baladi vendors selling fruits and veggies. These are country women, so it is obviously a class thing. (not to mention that it is the only place that they have)
VS |
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NadiaK
Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206
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Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject: |
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Breastfeeding is encouraged in Islamic teaching until the age of two, and this is a pro-breastfeeding society. I have seen many women (including local women) breastfeed in public, and I have breastfed in many a public area here without so much as a second glance from anyone else. However, you *will* need to be discreet and not flash any boobage.
There are breastfeeding rooms in the big malls in Dubai - I don't know about Al Ain, though. I'd certainly feel comfortable and confident that I wasn't offending anyone breastfeeding in one of the coffee shops in Al Ain, say.
For more information, you might want to join the UAE breastfeeding support group on Yahoo - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/breastfeedingqa/ . |
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nicki254
Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 13
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:56 am Post subject: |
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Nadia, are you from the UAE? Nadia is an arabic name right? Thanks for the message.
As I breastfed both my other kids, my youngest until he was 13 months, the idea of having to duck into toilets every 3 hours doesn't sound too appealing. It's nice to hear that they encourage breastfeeding in the UAE! I'm always discreet, and usually use a muslin cloth for extra coverage, i think after 2 kids I could do it with my eyes closed
I just wanted to make sure that if I was feeding discreetly that I wouldn't have someone tell me to leave the premises.... that would be so embarrassing!!!
Thanks! |
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nellie5
Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 7
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Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 5:25 am Post subject: |
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A couple things to keep in mind about Al Ain, I have lived here for a little over five years and feel the dress code is becoming a little more relaxed than what some have posted. I have seen expats here wearing shorts, tank tops and skirts shorter than the knee. Keep in mind though that this dress code does get stares and whispers from more conservative dressers here.
Al Ain is calmer than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but this is also starting to change and not in a positive way. Many people who cannot afford housing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are moving to Al Ain in droves and taking their rude behaviors with them. This is also causing a housing shortage in some areas and some areas that were once considered "expat" are turning into bachelor havens.
About your dog, I brought my dog from overseas and then rescued one from here. People here are unbelievable when it comes to dogs. My husband and I walk our dogs almost every night and we are always barked at by both children and adults. I also had an incident of a child throwing at rock at me and hitting the back of my head. Be careful where you pick your neighborhood if you bring your dog. We are moving to a more isolated place in Al Ain because of children throwing rocks, bottles, and any trash they can over our villa wall
Saving here is becoming more difficult because of the rise of inflation. With the dirham pegged to the dollar, saving here is not what it used to be. Both my husband and I work and we notice that we are not saving as much as we did a few years ago.
I don't believe in flower coating anything and hope this blunt observation of Al Ain helps you get adjusted. |
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nicki254
Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 13
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Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:28 am Post subject: |
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Hi Nellie,
Thanks for that, i seem to keep getting conflicting responses, it's a bit confusing. I guess it is everyone interpretting things differently. Anyway, I'm a little concerned with the money as I won't be working for the first 6-8 months we're there as I will have a newborn when we arrive. From someone who has lived there for many yars can you tell me if a family of 4 (with a helper) can survive comfortably on 10k+, with housing provided, school covered for kids, health insurance and tickets home yearly for whole family?
I will have to look into the area we're moving to as we haven't been told that yet.
Thanks |
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773
Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213
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Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:37 am Post subject: |
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nellie5 wrote: |
About your dog, I brought my dog from overseas and then rescued one from here. People here are unbelievable when it comes to dogs. My husband and I walk our dogs almost every night and we are always barked at by both children and adults. I also had an incident of a child throwing at rock at me and hitting the back of my head. Be careful where you pick your neighborhood if you bring your dog. We are moving to a more isolated place in Al Ain because of children throwing rocks, bottles, and any trash they can over our villa wall. |
nellie5, where in town do you live? I have never heard of anyone being treated this way!!! You should definitely move!!! It was awful to read about how you have been treated.
I have a coworker who actually complains that walking her dog is a feat because of all of the positive attention the dog receives...she says she is constantly stopping so that kids can pet him and play with him.
My students (adults) usually say that they like dogs, and some even have dogs, but they would never keep their dog in the house. Some of my students have outdoor doghouses for their dogs. |
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adorabilly
Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah
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Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Nicki
on a salary of 10k a month you can live very nicely. Especially since your housing, and kids schooling is paid.
Depending on the size of your villa and how much you run your A/C, your utilities could run up to 1500 durham a month (during the summer, and as low as 200 to 300 a month in the winter).
You can easily feed a family of 4 (especially with young kids) on 2000- 2500 durham a month
If you buy a car/rent one for a while you can usually get it for around 1000 durham a month (budget up to 2,000 a month)
Gas for the car should run you less than 500 durham a month
Cell phone of 200 durham a month (100 a month, on two phones so you can stay in touch)
high speed internet is about 250 durham a month
Then you need to budget your live in house keeper... (I believe there is a legal limit to how little you can pay them.. not sure don't have one)
so it is possible to live easily on about 5,000 durham a month (and less if you are really frugal).
But it is also possible to spend all of that 10,000 a month, really easily (if you include a gardner, maid, pool keeper, and joining different clubs.) |
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