A few (girly) questions about living in Dubai...

[BLM]

Ok so I'm now counting down the days till I move to Dubai, less than three weeks to go!

But I have just a few little questions that I need to clear up before I come out. Hopefully one of you nice ladies can help me?

1. Doctors - easy enough to find a good female doctor for girl issues?
2. Contraceptive pill - easy enough to get? Is it free like in the UK or do you have to pay for it?
3. Beauticians - can you get a brazilian wax in Dubai?
4. The beach - can you wear a bikini on public beaches or do I need to buy some long board shorts?
5. Has anyone seen the 'Aussie Miracle' hair care products in Dubai?
6. Can you use Instant Messenger and Facebook in Dubai? I heard they banned Youtube...


Thanks in advance!

[cairogal]

Originally Posted by BLM

Ok so I'm now counting down the days till I move to Dubai, less than three weeks to go!

But I have just a few little questions that I need to clear up before I come out. Hopefully one of you nice ladies can help me?

1. Doctors - easy enough to find a good female doctor for girl issues?
2. Contraceptive pill - easy enough to get? Is it free like in the UK or do you have to pay for it?
3. Beauticians - can you get a brazilian wax in Dubai?
4. The beach - can you wear a bikini on public beaches or do I need to buy some long board shorts?
5. Has anyone seen the 'Aussie Miracle' hair care products in Dubai?
6. Can you use Instant Messenger and Facebook in Dubai? I heard they banned Youtube...


Thanks in advance!

I found that recommendations from friends will lead to go doctors. I used to visit a clinic in Jumeirah w/ all British doctors and staff. I don't mean to say that doctors of other nationalities won't be good. My experience in the region w/ OBGYNs has led me to believe that some doctors are better at not imparting their prejudice than others when it comes to exams. In the Arab world if you are not married then you typically do not see an OBGYN for regular check ups. I'm not sure if my GP is still there, but if you'd like her name I'll post it.

The pill is very easy to get and dead cheap. You'll want to bring your pack so the pharamacist can match it. Some brands are more expensive than others.

Brazilian wax is available everywhere. Arab women typically remove all their body hair once/month. ALL OF IT.

A bikini is fine on the beach. No thongs or topless sunbathing. You'll find that you are more comfortable on one beach than another. I recall visiting Mumzar Beach park years ago, and though we were with 3 male friends, we were still ogled. Contrast that w/ various beaches along the Jumeirah strip where you'll see lots of women dressed like you. I believe the police have cracked down on the guys who visit the beach just to look. Not all of the UAE is as liberal as Dubai, so there's no harm in bringing those shorts. Bear in mind that it's best to observe local modesty getting to/from the beach. Cover your shoulders, wear something that goes below the knee, etc.

Is Aussie Miracle in a purple bottle?

Facebook and Messenger are up and running last i heard (many friends in the UAE are on FacebooK), but I'll let current residents comment on that.

[Pasanada]

Hi BML,

I move to Dubai in 2 weeks time. I hope your move goes well and you enjoy Dubai!

J xx

[alli]

Great thread, I wanted to know the answers too! Cheers

[Elphaba]

Hello & welcome

There are lots of good female doctors. Let me know if you want a referral.

The contraceptive pill is available over the counter and you pay for it. These things are not subsidised, especially as only married people are supposed to have sex here!

There are loads of beauticians, salons & spas. You will be spoilt for choice.

No problem with bikinis on hotel & main beaches in Dubai. Other places are more conservative,bit as others have said it is a case of you being a) comfortable and b) appropriate.

Facebook has not been banned. The only thing you will find is that certain links on there are not available. You'll soon get used to the standard banned site notice!


I trust you have decent accommodation sorted? Where will you be living?

Please keep asking questions.

[BLM]

Thankyou all! REALLY helpful advice and a MAJOR relief!

Cairogal and Elphaba - yes please on the doctor referrals. We are not married yet (engaged) but I do need a doctor for my ovary issues. I have managed to get a year's worth of prescription for my pill here in the UK but I'm not quite ready for kids...do you have to prove you're married for gyny doctor appts?

Cairogal - Aussie Miracle is in a cream bottle with a little purple kangaroo on it. Lots of natural ingrediants. Really good for fighting humidity frizz. I can always get it shipped from home

Pasananda - good luck with your move! let me know how you get on

Elphaba - we have arranged a one-month rental in a hotel apartment on Sheik Zayed Road. But I know you are the real estate guru so just as soon as I've landed, I will be messaging you I would like to live around Bur Dubai I think.

Thanks ladies x

[Elphaba]

For a doctor I suggest you start with a lovely GP- Dr Liz Elderfield (she's from down under too!). The has just moved to the Infinity Clinic, see link

Infinity Health Clinic , Dubai, United Arab Emirates



I am not an estate agent, but I can refer you to decent companies & offer a bit of advice.

[Pasanada]

Originally Posted by BLM

Pasananda - good luck with your move! let me know how you get on

If I find the time when I arrive in Dubai, I'll set up my own blog (friends in Spain want to know how I'm getting on!) so will give you the link.

Good luck to you too and give me a shout when you're over!

[alli]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

For a doctor I suggest you start with a lovely GP- Dr Liz Elderfield (she's from down under too!). The has just moved to the Infinity Clinic, see link

Infinity Health Clinic , Dubai, United Arab Emirates



I am not an estate agent, but I can refer you to decent companies & offer a bit of advice.

Thank you so much, when I come over I'll give this lady a ring. I might also hit you up for rental advice too, once we are there