Job Discussion Forums

[MsParker]

Well, I've been lurking on the UAE board for a few weeks now, as I've been trying to find a job in Abu Dhabi, and I am now venturing out there with a few questions.

I've been offered a post through CfBT in Madinat Zayed ~ the one out west.

I've looked through a lot of this board and gleaned information about both CfBT and MZ, but nothing that I've found is particularly recent. Even the Google Earth image of MZ is 2 years old.

I would love to hear from anyone who has come to UAE with CfBT or anyone in MZ.... either on the board or through PM. I think it's important to learn as much as you can about where you are planning to teach, and from the ex-pats who are currently there.

Specific questions that I have:

1) We plan to ship a few of our treasures and souvenirs from my current location, including statues, wall-hangings etc. Will the boxes be inspected/opened at customs? I'm worried about my carvings from India and Cambodia that could be considered as "religious icons". We may also be shipping our computer and stereo/speakers. What's the paperwork involved?

2) We have 2 cats coming with us as well. Is there any sort of quarantine period? They will have their rabies certs, and most likely be shipped separately, through a company in Incheon that specializes in pet transport.

Thank you!

P.S. About me: I taught High school English and ESL in Quebec, Canada for many years before coming to Korea, where I have been working in the public school system ~ so, yeah, I am not a hogwanner who thinks that I can move into the UAE with an irrelevant degree and 6 months' experience because, hey, teaching is sooo easy, right? I was an ex-pat Aramco brat in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in the early 80s (dad was an engineer), and am quite excited about coming back to the Middle East. I'm coming to UAE with my soon-to-be husband. He *is* a former hogwanner with an irrelevant degree and 2 years' teaching experience, what are the chances of him finding a job?

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

I'm not an Em-zedder, but fer sure, your cats are gonna hafta be micro-chipped.

[helenl]

If possible, your soon to be husband should be your actual husband when you arrive. Otherwise, you cannot sponsor him and although it is possible to cohabit if you're discrete, if you're dobbed in by a vindictive neighbour it could be more than problematic (arrest/fine/deportation - possibly but not at all likely jail and/or flogging).

Cats will have to be microchipped and rabies shots administered within the previous 30 days (I believe) as well as a vet health check within 10 - 14 days of arrival.

Contact a local kennel/cattery for specifics (Animal Care Centre, British Vet Centre, Dubai Kennels/Cattery, Dubai Vet Practice, etc.) should all be able to assist you.

You will also need a UAE Dept of Agriculture import permit to accompany the animals, it's not something you get when you arrive.

Doubt if customs will be offended by "religious icons" unless they are pornographic - went to the Global Village one year and all the African carvings of women on display were sporting "bikinis" made of torn bits of cloth because someone had complained about the nudity.

[Takahiwai]

Ask away! I work for CfBT in MZ.

[MsParker]

Thank you for all the replies... we've found a few helpful websites for the cat questions, and are just playing the waiting game for CfBT to get back to us with a 100% confirmation.

Fingers are crossed!

[Umm Banat]

For your cats you cannot do better than the American Vet Clinic (AVC) in Abu Dhabi.

[MsParker]

Thank you!

We've been in touch with the American Vet Clinic, but are a bit disappointed to read that CfBT has a "no pets" policy in the accommodation they provide. I'm hoping we'll be able to work something out there...

We'll be arriving in MZ in January if all goes to plan.

We've figured out that some of our art won't make it through the border, so we're not taking anything that we're not sure about - just not worth the risk.

How many of you had photos, CDs, DVDs etc confiscated when you came through to Abu Dhabi? Did they check your computer hard drive too?

[Takahiwai]

Whether you are or aren't allowed pets depends on the accommodation that you end up with. The people who came in 2006 were housed in villas, and therefore could have pets. Those who came afterwards have been housed in an apartment block with a 'no pets' policy. Nevertheless, there are at least two of them who have cats!

[MsParker]

Good to know...