We are moving to Dubai this summer. We have lived in Saudi Arabia and have visited Dubai so we are somewhat familiar with the area but do have some questions.
My husbands company is in Sharjah. Can anyone give me an idea as to housing within 15 miles of there? Jumierah? We would be looking for a minimum of 4 bedrooms and would prefer being on or close to the ocean or at minimum access to a pool on property. I believe the Palm Islands are going to be too far for his commute, is that correct? When renting in Dubai, what are the requirements as far as the length of the lease, is rent paid up front for a year or paid month by month? Same for utilities? We'll have the usual expat package, including rent, car, tuition and have a good handle on the amounts needed.

We have one child who will be in 11th grade next spring, are any of the "American" schools within that area? And is there typically a wait list or can we expect that he will be able to attend on time? Can anyone give me some insight about the various american international schools overall? Another daughter is going to be a freshman in college and will be with is in Dubai until next Springs semester, is there a university also in that area? If we decide to bring our flat screen TV with us, will we be able to use it with the right power converters? Will we have a choice of furnished and unfurnished housing options? If furnished does that include linens and kitchen items?
We will have a driver and 2 cars, so no issues getting around as needed. We prefer not to have our housekeeper live with us, is it difficult to find someone who can live off premises?

Thank you in advance for your replies.
Cara