Job Discussion Forums

[txmsk]

Well it looks like I might be coming to the UAE after all.

However, I'll need to get some lighter clothing. What are the prices like down there for button up shirts and khaki pants? I noticed there are international stores like Gap, Marks & Spencer, etc. - any idea on prices at those places?

I should ask this, too - can teachers wear short sleeve shirts, or are longer ones preferred? How about shoes, what do people/teachers wear in when the weather is in the 40's (C)?

I could get some summer clothes here in Moscow, but I have a feeling prices might be a tad lower in the UAE.

Just for comparisons, last I checked... a pair of jeans from Marks & Spencer was around $35-40, a pack of socks goes for around $25, and a shirt for about $20-25.

Thanks!

[adorabilly]

Tx.

All of the big named stores are here in the UAE. So the prices are comparable.

And you can get tailored clothing really cheap.

[MsParker]

The clothing question is a good one - as I had the same questions before coming over.

As a woman, long skirts and long sleeves are pretty much required. I've started wearing an abaya to work (optional, according to where you work).

The great thing, though, is that long skirts and shirts are easy to find here - since everyone has to wear them.

Aircons are on 24/7, so long sleeves are not that much of an issue.

As for prices.... if you're shopping at Chanel, you'll be paying higher prices than if you're off to the sale rack at Xanaka or Splash!

[seven seas]

txmsk- don't bother buying anything from GAP/M&S.

The smaller shops will be cheaper, and will have the same stuff (probably made in the same factory).

[txmsk]

Smaller shops - that's what I was thinking. Although how would a new foreigner like me know where those are?! Hopefully some of you guys here can point those out for me. I'll be in either Abu Dhabi or Al Ayn.

If it's anything like Istanbul, it'll be obvious I suppose. Istanbul had some great clothing for the price - good quality, too. A shirt I have that I bought a couple of years ago is still in great shape.

[seven seas]

In Abu Dhabi, head to Hamdan Centre.

You will be able to buy enough clothes to keep you going for a while.

I was gonna say "try not to look like a newbie" but you've been through that .....

[uaeobserver]

Just walk to the tailor shop --- there's a lot to pick from in-town!

Quality, hand-sewn shirts run about 60-75 AED (well - they did when I was there).

Hand made (not just hand trimmed) 100% worsted wool suits run between 800 - 2000 AED.

There's a lot of tailors near Al Mariah Center (the fabric souk is there, too).

If you must purchase western brands, Marks & Spencer and Woolworths are both in-town. Niche stores (Debenhams, Timberland, etc) are in-town, too. If you already know your size --- try ordering online, and shipping to an ARAMEX mailbox.

They're 20-25 percent more than they'd be back home.

[spicegirl]

There are loads of shops in Al Ain, too, now. M+S and BHS prices, for example, are slightly higher than in the UK, but then it depends on how many clothes you're buying. Carrefour sells a mixture of rubbish and reasonable quality clothes, as does Megamart. Splash is also quite well priced. There are also quite a few men's shops in the 3 malls: many of these shops look expensive on the outside, but they seem to have permanent sales on, with very reasonable prices. Basically, I'd buy the clothes here - that way you can see what you're going to need.

[helenl]

Try your local Sana Shop as well, they often have name brand clothing at knock down prices (Hey, if it costs more that 35 dirhams, I have to think long and hard before I'll buy it).

That said, on the ladies side, you can find Liz Claiborne - in the men's - Tommy Hilfiger, Dockers and very nice long sleeved cotton shirts.

However, it is a hit or miss type of operation. They get seconds, ends of lines and last years "styles" (and also a lot of cr@p) but if you're willing to visit a couple of times a month you might find a few steals. The men's section is often easier to breeze through quickly as there isn't the "variety" one finds in the ladies and childrens sections.

I have also bought very good towels and comforters there at very good prices. Again, you have to visit fairly often, but once you know the layout of the store, you can be in and out quite quickly

[txmsk]

Hand sewn shirts, sounds good. Anyone that can point me in the right direction? If someone wants to play guide for a day, I can probably treat them to something - Russian chocolates by the kilo perhaps??

[arabianknight]

If they are Alenka chocolates, then you might have yourself a deal

[txmsk]

I think I can bring some of those actually

[uaeobserver]

There's really amazing bargains on Hamdan Street in AD --- almost too good to be true......

[Iamherebecause]

Some employers have a written dress code for men. At UAEU for men it's trousers (not jeans) with a belt; smart shirt and tie; socks and formal shoes. But UGRU is the only bit of UAEU which insists on the code.

The shoe thing is the worst; many men wear smart sandals not shoes (and yes they wear them with socks). Short sleeved shirts are fine unless you have tattoos in which case you should keep them covered at work.

[ItsJustMe]