Hi im new here maybe moving to Al Ain with two small children

Hi Lisa and welcome to Expat.com
Did you have a chance to check out earlier discussion on the Emirates forum?
It's there that you'll have a general view of all the questions that have been asked be it on Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Al Ain forums. You might already get a lot of infos there.
There is one particular member who has written a few topics on life in UAE and I thought this one is usefull: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=36463
Then there is also the Guide of expat life in UAE to consult for informations.
Personally, I don't know Al Ain (just past through a few times that's all).
What I can tell you is that, yes it's very hot but also very humid in UAE now! it's summer, so...
And as far as I know there are very good hospitals and doctors in UAE (don't know in Al Ain though). A great variety of nationalities amongst doctors.
If you come here with your family, it is most advisable that you get married see the article of Mila_777 referenced above.
So I'll leave to others to give you their 2 cents worth too.
Cheers and good luck in this new venture!
Arlette

If he is a decent and kind man, perhaps this is a good time to legalize the union.  It is illegal to be living as man and wife in the UAE without a valid marriage certificate. 

It may also be important for your medical services and certainly for medical insurance.  With little ones, there are always trips to the doctor, vaccinations, stitches, etc.

The UAE has very good hospitals and doctors. Many are expats because few students in the UAE want to spend the required years to become a physician.  Perhaps this will change.

Good luck in the marriage department and the move.

Hi,

I'm John and will be moving to Al Ain end of August - I'm a psyc nurse and will be working at Al Ai n hospital. I have never been to Al Ain before but I have done my research so might be able to offer some advice. First the climate - right now around 50c it does get cooler - bit like the English Summer but rain is rare. You need high factor sun block and I have had experience of young children while owrking in Egypt - lot sof water - typically 7 ltrs per day for an adult so youcan guess what a child would need and lots of shade - no long periods in the sun for the kids please. Just sensible precautions - wear something on the head irrespective of dress code. I am told Al Ain is very appealing to Europeans - malls, 3 English pubs if youlike that sort of thing - I was todl very ealry on that you can get traditional English fish and chips but why bother when there is so much else to try ! Imunisations - please see your GP before you go - Hep B&C is a must and top up your Tetanus if it has not been done in the past 5 years. Driving  - yes you can and I was advised to gett an International liscence which you can get from any main post office in England.

Hope this helps and see the housing site on this network - the agency is good - run by an American lady and very friendly with sound advice.

Do write and we can all help each other - when do you move - what will your husband be doing for work ?

Keep well,

John

John,

Good advice.  I'll be certain to pack the sun screen. For wee ones it is especially important. 

The link attached is about hepatitis and the different strains.  Are types B and type C those that are prevalent in the Gulf? 

see: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/hepc/f/hep_faq3.htm