Moving from Canada to Dubai

mcd1203 · #1 (**permalink**) 25th November 2008, 06:21 AM

My husband went over early November and is currently in Ajman. We were told its a temporary location and are to be moved to RAK. He said he's still waiting on his visa. I suppose to go over mid December with our son (1 year old). I'm a teacher in Canada. I do have a brother in Dubai but with him being single and no kids its hard to find out some info from him.

A few questions for people:
What is Ajman and RAK like? (My husband hasn't had much of a chance to go around and see things)

Where to go for doctors etc, especially for our baby?

Where to go for nannies/daycare? Would it be better to get a nanny?

Are there schools in either area that I'd be able to get on teaching with? tutoring?

How easy is it for the women in those areas? Places to walk to? What to dress like?

Elphaba · #2 (**permalink**) 25th November 2008, 06:36 AM

Hello

Firstly, Ajman and Ras al Khaimah (RAK) are not in Dubai - they are separate Emirates. I presume your husband is working in RAK or Ajman.

They are quieter Emirates with far fewer amenities. Both are more conservative than Dubai. Andy Capp or Sgilli3 will be better placed to provide you with info.

You are unlikely to find any qualified nannies. You would be able to employ a maid, but they are not the same thing at all.

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DesertStranded · #3 (**permalink**) 25th November 2008, 06:42 AM

You can wear western clothing here so long as it isn't skimpy.
Most people hire a live-in maid/nanny for their kids.
I don't know about those areas but there are British pre-schools in Dubai so I'm assuming RAK and Ajman would have them too.
Going for a walk is nice in the winter here but most of the year not so much.

Andy Capp · #4 (**permalink**) 25th November 2008, 07:35 AM

As I've already stated I am biased, don't know much about RAK, but love Ajman, it's so much more relaxing than Dubai.

There are a number of hospitals (mostly private - make sure you have a good healthcare provider (see Elphaba for further details)). You can get qualified Nannies in Dubai, you just have to find them, and they're more expensive than "maids", but what price a child?

As for schools, I really don't know, not needed to look for that, but knowing how many western ex-pats there are there, I'd be surprised if there's many, look at that rip off education group, sorry that fine schooling organisation GEMS, they might have something.

With regard to clothing, in Ajman it's very liberal, whilst we don't condone the thong and bra top look, you really wont have a problem.

Finally if your hubby fancies a beer one evening, pm me and I'll drop you my mobile number, I'll introduce him to quite a few of the other pissed up old farts, sorry respectable hard working individuals....

#5 (**permalink**) 29th November 2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertStranded

Most people hire a live-in maid/nanny for their kids.

I really do not recommend that, although it employees a person looking for job, but I do not support a stranger helping to raise your own child. Not to scare you or anything but last month a maid was sent to jail for killing a baby of a her employer.

With regards to RAK or Ajman, I don't know, Im quite sure you will be very bored quickly. Im from Ottawa, Canada and I'm quite bored of Dubai, so it's a major culture change as well as an environmental change (climate, surroundings and so on...)

-Joey

mcd1203 · #6 (**permalink**) 29th November 2008, 06:59 PM

Thanks for the info.

JoeyDee.... regarding your statement about a stranger raising your child. You must realize that there are many situations where you don't have a choice. If we stayed in Canada it would be the same thing although instead of having a nanny coming into our home we would have to send our child to a dayhome/daycare where there are at least 5 other children. And as for the maid being sent to jail... unfortunately that sad situation can happen anywhere.

Andy Capp... you said that qualified nannies were expensive. From what we were told by my husband's boss they would cover a certain amount per year for nanny/daycare. Also we're use to paying a minimum of $700 CDN/month which is about 2000 Dirhams a month.

Elphaba · #7 (**permalink**) 30th November 2008, 06:01 AM

To clarify - maids are not nannies. They are not trained to look after children, so you cannot expect the same level of care or responsibility. That is why they are so much cheaper then hiring a proper nanny.

You wouldn't get a proper nanny for just AED 2,000 a month. That is little more than many live-in maids are paid.

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