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Is it normal practice that the town shuts down on friday or is it just during ramadan? I've been trying to call around for apartments and cars and can't get an answer from any business.

hcaleman wrote:Is it normal practice that the town shuts down on friday or is it just during ramadan? I've been trying to call around for apartments and cars and can't get an answer from any business.

You must be quite new in town.

Most Business establishments do not open on Friday as it is considered the weekend.

Yeah, just moved here last weekend. Trying to start looking for a place to live and a car. Guess I can't count on being productive on my weekends. Businesses like this closed on the weekend just baffles me.

hcaleman wrote:Yeah, just moved here last weekend. Trying to start looking for a place to live and a car. Guess I can't count on being productive on my weekends. Businesses like this closed on the weekend just baffles me.

Some of us need to rest a little after a hard day at the office

ha. The idea of car salespeople not trying to stalk people when they have the post free time. I guess thats why everything is open so late. Do things open on Saturday, or same deal?

I am confuused by this!!

If the general population of Dubai work Sunday - Thursday and have Friday and Saturday as their weekend..... why are the showrooms not open when the public are available to shop!!

Just think how much more money these businesses would make if they were open when... it is convenient for the consummer to buy!!

Or am I just being crazy!!

You're obviously crazy.

Think we have just stubbled upon a 'crazy' business opportunity!!

An Estate Agency and Car showroom that opens when the customer has the time to buy!!

Is anyone likely to make a decision about buying a car or home.... after work?? Ummmmm!!

The only thing I ever want to do after work is get a drink and take my noose off (or loosen it at the very least).

This really screwed my grand plans for the day, damn it. Emirates mall all shut down on friday as wel?

hcaleman wrote:ha. The idea of car salespeople not trying to stalk people when they have the post free time. I guess thats why everything is open so late. Do things open on Saturday, or same deal?

You will find Car showrooms open in the afternoon or possibly evening due to Ramadan.

Shopping malls etc will be open, and there are some car dealers on SZR open as well, Honda is open on Fridays I'm sure others are as well.

All car places, etc are open on Saturday.

i'm not sure the exact Friday Ramadhan hours for MOE but I think it is something like 2pm - 3am, things open a bit later and stay open later during Ramadhan for shopping centers

The plus is yesterday at 10:30pm I was able to pay my phone bill at the Etisalat office yes sadly I have no life.

Oooo etisalat. Sounds fun. Actually I need to head to an etisalat office, I can't figure out how to set up push email on my phone or even get a connection to the web via the thing no matter what I do.

do you remember the big hoo-har when the uk wanted to open on sunday for business. everyone said no no, day of rest etc. then after the controversy, it has now become another saturday with alot of business and money made.

except here, of course, they take their holy days ALOT more seriously!

hcaleman wrote:Oooo etisalat. Sounds fun. Actually I need to head to an etisalat office, I can't figure out how to set up push email on my phone or even get a connection to the web via the thing no matter what I do.

Hehe, good luck with that.

let me guess, push email not supported by their archaic network?

Malls are open on Fridays and Saturdays. But food stores only open during iftaar, around 6PMish. And yes, some car dealers are open on Fridays.

more annoyances. Called around to try and rent a car for a week or two so I can have some independent transport. Can't do it without my passport. Don't have my passport though since my company submitted it for the visa process last week.

Ugh. I'm tired of taking taxis everywhere, I hate taxis. It's not like I can say, hey driver just take me for a spin so I can look around. Can't wait to finalize all this relocation stuff and just get settled already.

hcaleman wrote:more annoyances. Called around to try and rent a car for a week or two so I can have some independent transport. Can't do it without my passport. Don't have my passport though since my company submitted it for the visa process last week.

Ugh. I'm tired of taking taxis everywhere, I hate taxis. It's not like I can say, hey driver just take me for a spin so I can look around. Can't wait to finalize all this relocation stuff and just get settled already.

Do you like anything so far?

City is nice from everything I've seen, just wish my HR department thought some of these practicalities over before rushing me here.

I think I need to go skiing to work off some energy.

hcaleman wrote:City is nice from everything I've seen, just wish my HR department thought some of these practicalities over before rushing me here.

I think I need to go skiing to work off some energy.

Well we all have to go through it, just relax and enjoy the ride.

Yeah, guess I'm just anxious to get out an explore. I always do that when I'm in a new place, drive around for hours in any which direction just getting a map in my head and get a feel for things.

hcaleman you can hire a private driver for the day and drive around in a luxurious lexus. Just call a limo company - should cost around 200Aed for a couple of hours

PS that was not meant to sound sarcastic

scarlet wrote:PS that was not meant to sound sarcastic

And there was me thinking you were serious

a taxi for half a day is only around 200/250dhs as well

During ramadan they will all open up around Iftar time, once people have broken their fast, then the malls are open till at least midnight.

During ramadan they will all open up around Iftar time, once people have broken their fast, then the malls are open till at least midnight.

speaking of ramadan, any iftar spots to recommend, or would that be taboo (i'm honestly clueless)? I have yet to really try to venture into one and have not really had any regional food yet (well, lebanese). There are actually only one or two muslims in my office here, don't want to seem like a patronizing tourist with a "hey can you take me to your arabic celebration" type comment.

hcaleman wrote:more annoyances. Called around to try and rent a car for a week or two so I can have some independent transport. Can't do it without my passport. Don't have my passport though since my company submitted it for the visa process last week.

Ugh. I'm tired of taking taxis everywhere, I hate taxis. It's not like I can say, hey driver just take me for a spin so I can look around. Can't wait to finalize all this relocation stuff and just get settled already.

We just organised a rental for a friend before she decides to buy and we did not need a passport....try Asia Car Rentals at the airport.