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I'm the new girl! I moved here 3 months ago from the UK and live in the Mirdif area. Having a brilliant time so far; lovely places to eat and drink and a wonderful lifestyle! I came here as my husband got a job. I'm now working occasionally, but from home. I've met quite a few people (but mostly men through my husband!). What I'd really like to know, is if anyone can suggest any clubs etc, that I could join to make new friends? Don't mean to sound like a Billy-no-mates, but, I'm so used to having my friends on the door step at home! It's a bit difficult here, as so far, I've only been out with my husband's colleagues, but their wives, if they have one, stay at home with the children! We, unfortunately, are not blessed with children- you can see why I'm finding it hard to meet some "drinking partners!"
Any suggestions folks? Any experiences or venues that may be handy for me?

Thanks that's really helpfull!!!

happymonday wrote:Thanks that's really helpfull!!!

happymonday wrote:I'm the new girl! I moved here 3 months ago from the UK and live in the Mirdif area. Having a brilliant time so far; lovely places to eat and drink and a wonderful lifestyle! I came here as my husband got a job. I'm now working occasionally, but from home. I've met quite a few people (but mostly men through my husband!). What I'd really like to know, is if anyone can suggest any clubs etc, that I could join to make new friends? Don't mean to sound like a Billy-no-mates, but, I'm so used to having my friends on the door step at home! It's a bit difficult here, as so far, I've only been out with my husband's colleagues, but their wives, if they have one, stay at home with the children! We, unfortunately, are not blessed with children- you can see why I'm finding it hard to meet some "drinking partners!"
Any suggestions folks? Any experiences or venues that may be handy for me?

Hi HappyMonday - I cannot really help you, but maybe you could advise my wife and I. She has got a job out in Dubai for one of the large companies in the Middle East and moves out at the beginning of September (week commencing 10th).

She has a flat to start with, but we are hoping to fing a property in Mirdif ourselves, can you give us any advice about the area etc? We would like to try to find something from October onwards.

What are the properties like and what are the costs?

Like you we do not have any children, but have been out to Dubai on many occasions - have you tried the Irish Village - it used to be frequented by lots of expats?

Hope that this helps and maybe you could advise us

Hi Peter. Not sure what the rules are about posting other sites on here, so won't risk upsetting anyone, but if you type Mirdif rent properties and words along those lines into a well known search engine, you should get an idea. We rent ours for 120 thousand DHS yearly, but that was after knocking them down due to various problems (which we now regret- do watch out for the menace of pigeons!!!). We saw a lovely place up the road for 140 the other day (it was still being finished and it was open to look round, so just thought we'd be nosey), however, although such bargains are about, going rates seem to be a bit higher.
It's a nice area though, with the advantage of Uptown Shopping centre close by, and Festival City just 10 mins away- so I'm pleased that we chose this area.
Funny you should mention the Irish Village- we officially decided to make that out local a few weeks back. Unfortunately, hubby works nights at the moment, so we don't really get to be in there in the midst of full swing type evenings!
Hope that's a bit helpful!

Thanks for your help - my wife comes out week commencing 10 September, we already have a 2 bed apartment that her company as sorted out and we can use until she has the full documentation. I imagine that I will come out for 1 week - possibly 3rd or 4th week to have a look at some properties with her. then return to UK for another couple of weeks whilst we sort stuff out here. I will possibly be coming over to Dubal full time mid to end of October unless we can sort things earlier.

I have noticed on some other postings that other web addresses have been added - the new property that you mentioned sounds interesting any other info you can pass on would be appreciated.

We know Dubai quite well as we came there 15 years ago for the first time, my wife worked over there for many years (as a visitor for one week at a time), we then came out 5 years ago and then again in May of this year and we have really seen the place develop. We remember looking at a property 15 years ago on the road to Jumariah when it was just a single track - what a change now though. The new underground looks good though and it is interesting to see how the shopping as developed.

Hope that we can all keep in touch and any advice or help that you could give would be gratefully appreciated.

We actually got the Landlord's number off a post in the street, but will ask my husband if he still has it in his phone. It was beautiful- 3 bedrooms- if I recall 2 were en suite. Lovely shared back garden but unfortunately no pool (selling point for me!). I'll have a rummage on google when I have more time as I didn't bookmark any sites- was just looking out of interest the other day. Will keep you posted anyhow! Good luck with sorting things in the mean time. It's a trauma, but worth it in the long run!!

try expatwoman.com( i guess thats the site). from what i know women on the forum meet on a regular basis for various activities.

cheers,

J

Thanks again happymonday - your help is gratefully accepted - hope to hear again soon