Somethings to know... about Dubes

OK - here , for starters are a few rules about living in Dubai to pay attention to: [hopefully they will help you avoid any delusions!]

- You can drink alcohol in lots of places
- The Emirates don't mind a drink
- There is a famous whorehouse in town in a muslim country
- It does actually get cold here in December/January
- If you scratch a hire car, call 999 and report an accident; otherwise you hire co will charge the earth
- Ask any service-oriented person to confirm what you think they said 3 times minimum
- Leave all your western driving standards behind
- It's not necessarily just locals who are the awful drivers; grumpy, fed-up westerners too!
- A G&T in an average bar will cost over £10, but you can buy cheap whisky bottles for £2.
- There are some very very skimpily dressed ladies wandering about, and they don't get arrested
- Just because that 28374 tonne lorry is in the outside lane does NOT mean he's about to take the next exit
- If you learn how to say a few basics in Arabic your life will be better
- Always carry with you copies of your driving licence, your visa page of passport, your main passport page, your work visa (or letter covering the application of it) with you..
- Apartments are expensive, even now.
- School fees for primary/elementary school will cost you a MINIMUM of 30,000 Dhs per child
- You don't walk in Duba
- Having a 'friday brunch' every friday will mean you'll get fat pretty quickly.
- The standard of food here is very good.
- There is plenty of curry to go around
- The main races you'll notice are: Emirates, British, South African, French, Irish, American, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian (not in that order).
- Yes, it is illegal for unmarried couples to cohabit, but plenty are doing it.
- If you want to know what's going on, get a copy of Time Out.
- As I said; If you don't know already, learn a little about Islam. You should remember that this is a Muslim country, albeit one that makes many allowances for non-Muslims. Show respect for your hosts.
- Be aware that everything takes longer in Ramadan and certain restrictions apply.
- Get various documents notarised before you move to the UAE - marriage certificate, education certificates.
- Voltage is 220/240v. Plugs are UK style 3 pin.
- Summer is VERY hot and it can be chilly in winter, especially in the evenings. Bring a few jumpers.
- Ladies – please consider your attire. Skimpy tops and short skirts are not appropriate for anywhere except a beach, although as i said you WILL see it
- Whilst medical care is good and hospitals sophisticated, you must have good medical insurance as it can be costly. There is no state funded scheme for expats.
- The tap water is safe to drink, although many people prefer the taste of bottled water.
- Bouncing a cheque is illegal and can result in a spell in jail, a fine and possibly even deportation

Toodle pip!