Moving to Dubai in 2 weeks

[funkyant]

Hey guys and girls.

I've just accepted a job as a resident DJ/ Visual Artist in the new Armani Prive Nightclub in Burj Khalifa. Currently live in Sydney, Australia. It's all happening lightning fast, and I'll be gracing your shores within 2 weeks. They're putting me up in Discovery gardens.

Lots of useful info here. I've done a fair bit of research, but I still have a few questions, if you don't mind?


What kind of music is on the radio/ in the clubs/ etc?

It's going to take a few weeks for my residency to go through (coming in on a stamp). Where can I get a prepaid phone sim that will work with my iPhone? What are the data rates like?

Any tips on prepaid internet?

Should I setup an Aussie VPN?

This may seem a silly question, but there's lots on cultural dress codes for women, but do any apply to men? Are singlets, shorts and thongs (flip flops) ok to walk around town in (true Aussie attire)?

Should I pay to ship my PC (not laptop) over, or should I just buy one here? Armani may pay the freight. Any websites to give me an indication on prices of technology over there?

What are the clothing prices like? Can I find western style clothing that isn't ridiculous designer prices?

I'm trying to decide whether to pack my luggage with clothes or technology - lol

Where should I go to meet other like minded people?

That's all for now

Ant.

[Andy Capp]

Originally Posted by funkyant

Hey guys and girls.

I've just accepted a job as a resident DJ/ Visual Artist in the new Armani Prive Nightclub in Burj Khalifa. Currently live in Sydney, Australia. It's all happening lightning fast, and I'll be gracing your shores within 2 weeks. They're putting me up in Discovery gardens.
Lucky you, I guarantee you'll hate it!
Lots of useful info here. I've done a fair bit of research, but I still have a few questions, if you don't mind?


What kind of music is on the radio/ in the clubs/ etc?
All sorts from 70s to latest, a rather eclectic mix all in all, the standard of DJing on the radio is a bit bad mind you!
It's going to take a few weeks for my residency to go through (coming in on a stamp). Where can I get a prepaid phone sim that will work with my iPhone? What are the data rates like?
Yes you can, look at Welcome to Etisalat and du for data rates etc. Sims are easy to buy.
Any tips on prepaid internet?
Don't think they do it in appartments, not entirely sure though
Should I setup an Aussie VPN?
Yes, download the software before you come though - just in case - and put it on a memory stick
This may seem a silly question, but there's lots on cultural dress codes for women, but do any apply to men? Are singlets, shorts and thongs (flip flops) ok to walk around town in (true Aussie attire)?
Well you'll be obviously Aussie, just don't go wearing speedos and you'll be fine, shorts around the knees and flip-flops are OK usually
Should I pay to ship my PC (not laptop) over, or should I just buy one here? Armani may pay the freight. Any websites to give me an indication on prices of technology over there?
Try sharaf DG and Jackies electronics, there are others too, but can't remember them
What are the clothing prices like? Can I find western style clothing that isn't ridiculous designer prices?
Yes you can, but it's usually last seasons garb, not usually this seasons - and it's not cheap.
I'm trying to decide whether to pack my luggage with clothes or technology - lol
Send an extra box as cargo - cheaper in the long run
Where should I go to meet other like minded people?
Depends on what you mean by like minded people, just be aware it'll take a bit of getting used too - and I guess Aussie Legands is a good place to start...
That's all for now

Ant.

Well after that reply, you gonna put me on the guest list for the opening night party????

[Elphaba]

Some answers:

Music radio is fairly mainstream. Google for stations based here.

I think yo get get a sim card at the airport, but there are stands in all the shopping malls as well as being available at the telecoms providers offices (Etisalat or Du).

Singlets are really beach attire here & not suitable in shopping malls, cafes etc. Shorts should be down to the knee.

All Western clothing available (we're terribly modern!) but pricier than in Australia.

Bring your laptop - it's hand luggage, so has no bearing on what goes in your case.

Like-minded people? What is 'like-minded' for you?

-

[funkyant]

Thanks for the replies!

Andy, I'm hoping there was some sarcasm in your first comment!

Is there no wireless prepaid internet? Like a 3G sim?

I'm pretty sure I'll have a door list at the club - don't know how it's all gonna work yet?

I guess I need to participate in the forums more before you know what like minded means

[Elphaba]

You're a DJ, so guessing you aren't into the heavy rock scene, but you are an Aussie so must like to drink.

-

[Andy Capp]

Nope, no sarcasm - see what Jynxgirl has to say about discovery gardens... In fact the Gardens is OK, but disco is a bit like a 1950s communist block.

I've only been to Sydney for a few days - stayed in the Rocks and went out in Kings Cross - interesting place!

[Andy Capp]

Oh, and weren't you the ressie at Lady Lux????

I seem to recall....

[Felixtoo2]

The club scene here is pretty good and it won`t take you long to meet up with the same kinda people, try 360 at Jumeirah beach Hotel on a Friday you can register for Audiotonic at platinumlist.ae . Lot`s of Aussies here too and being a DJ is gonna be a guarantee that people take your number too get on the LIST lol.
Bring as much of your own stuff as Armani will pay for cos the selection of reasonably priced trendy gear is pretty small. You`ll need a car to get around in and that will cost you about 1100-1300 a month for something newish with four wheels that wouldn`t pull the skin off a rice pudding. You`ll be in Disco Grdns, ironically, which is beside IBN Battuta Mall and you`ll get a sim card there no probs.
Download Skype and a good VPN before you come, if you have a top of the range desktop bring it, if it needs updating get rid and buy a good laptop in OZ, it may be tax free here but it ain`t cheap.

Welcome to the Madhouse!!

[Mr Rossi]

Clubs - commercial RnB and hip hop are big favourites with some house and trance. With the bigger commercial clubs it's not unusual for one or two DJ's to go through all 4 genres in one night.

There are smaller clubs that play more generic, underground dance music all night eg vocal house like MAW or minimal/techno, deep house etc. Loads of known visiting DJ's playing all the time too. Check out either Time Out or Infusion magazine or Platinum List Dubai online for listings.

Another thing, I would recommend not bringing anymore than a suitcase for the first few months until you have got a feel for the place and that your job is "secure" as can be out here. Leave the PC and stereo at home for now and buy a small Acer laptop (or similar) for emails etc.

[funkyant]

Originally Posted by Andy Capp

Oh, and weren't you the ressie at Lady Lux????

I seem to recall....

How the heck would you know that?? But yes.