Getting ready for our move to the UAE: tips/advice?

cwilde Active member

Member since 19 April 2012

cwildeActive member30 June 2012 17:35:22

Hi all,

So my wife and I are in our last month before we move from Toronto, Canada to Abu Dhabi, UAE. We're pretty excited, but nervous and anxious as we're leaving our lives behind, and don't really know what to expect once we land!

As I've stated in many other threads, we have our accommodations covered, which is great knowing we won't have to go through the housing process!

SO, any tips or advice from people who have made the move from their respective countries? Anything that you would suggest we buy and bring over; perhaps something that's not available within the UAE, or that you really miss having?

Anything that you would advise keeping an eye out for, or to be prepared for when we arrive? Or maybe something you had wished you had done at the time to make the process of moving that much easier?

I'm like a sponge right now; any advice you guys have would be helpful.. As usual, thanks for the help!

- Caylen

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jazzy851 ViP

Member since 15 July 2011

jazzy851ViP30 June 2012 21:38:18

1487

or to be prepared for when we arrive?

Be prepared for the extreme Gulf heat! - So don't forget to pack your shades and summer wear

Also when you arrive it may be the month of Ramadan. Well in Bahrain, the eateries are closed to observe/respect Ramadan, I'm sure it will be the same across the Gulf. They open in the evenings when the fast is broken.

The good thing about the heat, its starts cooling off around September onwards..

Hope this helps and Welcome to the Gulf, in advance

Jaz

cwilde Active member

Member since 19 April 2012

cwildeActive member03 July 2012 14:10:19

That's awesome; thanks for the tips guys!

Slingbox definitely sounds like a must. Is it a physical unit, or just software I'll have to download onto dual computers?

Sandman6 ViP

Member since 17 May 2009

Rocking in the free world

Sandman6ViP03 July 2012 18:37:19

1863

[Moderated: pls manage your language]

jazzy851 ViP

Member since 15 July 2011

jazzy851ViP03 July 2012 21:05:06

1487

[Moderated: pls manage your language]

cwilde Active member

Member since 19 April 2012

cwildeActive member04 July 2012 13:48:34

JRW wrote:
The Slingbox is a physical unit, small box (similar size to a portable dvd player or such).
Not sure where in the Canada/US stock but in the UK its the likes of the large PC megastores or large department stores.
slingbox.com
If you are buying, however, I would suggest you go for the mid-top of the range models as the basic one isn't compatible.

I'm on it! I"ll take a look around, but I think I'll only be able to pick one up online.. I really appreciate it though.. I don't know what I'd do without my hockey, and I have a feeling the Emirati don't exactly have a strong admiration of the sport lol

ANything else to expect when moving in perhaps? I know our accommodations will be provided, but I think we'll need to have all the utilities set up.. Is it a real pain in the a**? After I left the UK I remember thinking I NEVER wanted to hear anyone utter the words "Sky TV" to me again!

Ninoushka Active member

Member since 04 July 2012

NinoushkaActive member05 July 2012 05:42:34

I find most of the things I need in the U.A.E., except pet supplies. So if you have a cat or dog or bird or whatever , or plan to adopt one (the U.A.E. have a bunch of abandoned animals that are waiting for a new family), plan accordingly and try to get your supplies in your home country and take them with you. Food is available, but there is very little choice in terms of toys, scratching posts for cats, etc.
Additionally I just started an Expat.com with really practical advice: you can check the address in my profile or PM me for more details. I'm definitely planning on posting more articles this week!