Flagrant violation of the rules is not only deemed offensive, it can land you in hot water with the authorities, ranging from warnings or fines issued by the police to a spell in jail.

• Don’t dance, sing or be intoxicated in public at any time. Most major nightclubs will close for Ramadan. Bars and pubs will generally remain open but will only serve alcohol after dark. Similarly, liquor stores will only sell after dark. There is also no live music and nothing above quiet background music in bars and pubs.
• Don’t play loud music at any time in your car, on the beach or even at home. You can play music; just make sure it can’t be heard outside your car or home and use headphones on the beach.
• Don’t wear revealing or tight fitting clothes in public, modesty is key during Ramadan. This includes when you are heading for a night out.
• Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public during the hours of sunrise to sunset. This includes while you are driving as well as public places such as malls, cinemas or offices.
• Don’t swear in public. Blasphemy is frowned upon at the best of times, but during the Holy Month of Ramadan it’s particularly offensive.

• Do say “Ramadan Kareem” to your Muslim friends and colleagues.
• Do smoke, drink and eat in the privacy of your home, hotel room or office. If you work in a shared or open plan office simply designate a room where the door can be closed. The point here is to be respectful to those colleagues that are fasting.
• Do be aware that office hours will change which will in turn affect traffic patterns. Peak traffic will occur earlier than normal, 7am – 9am and 1pm – 3pm. An additional rush hour occurs at 8pm – midnight.
• Do avoid driving close to sunset. It can be hazardous during this time as the roads fill with people rushing to break the fast at Iftar celebrations. Remember many drivers will not have had anything to eat or drink all day so exercise caution.
• Do dress conservatively. Avoid going to public places like shopping centers and parks wearing shorts, mini-skirts or sleeveless outfits. This law is applicable all year round, but during Ramadan sensitivities are heightened.
• Do make reservations for dinner. Most of the cities shopping malls and public places will become hives of activity after sunset lasting until late at night. This also means that restaurants and hotels will be crowded so if you plan to eat out book ahead.
• Do give to the poor and help the needy. Ramadan is renown for its charitable nature. You don’t have to spend the earth – small gestures go a long way.
• Do make the most of the community spirit and sumptuous food to be found in the Iftar tents at the city’s hotels. It’s a great opportunity to relax, play games and experience some traditional Arabic cuisine and entertainment.

If you’re yet to experience a cultural Iftar at SMCCU then do yourself a favour. Fantastic if you’re new to Dubai or have family or friends visiting.

The Fête de la Musique will allow the expression of all styles of music in a cheerful atmosphere,and will be representative of the cultural diversity of the UAE. The various acts and artists present a wide diversity of instruments, traditions and sounds. It helps popularize musical practice for all people of different ages. This is likely to be one of the most varied and colorful musical events of the season.

What is included in the Programme?

• Twenty four hour emergency telephone support to your maid; a dedicated Pet Carer will be assigned to your maid for any urgent “pet” assistance including visits if required to check on your pet if your maid has serious concerns.
• Visits every 5 days from your dedicated Pet Carer for “pet checks.”
• Available transport/Pet Carer for Emergency Veterinary Visits.

Additional Add-on service to above:
Walkeez Support – if you have a stronger dog or your maid is not confident to walk your dog, our Walkeez Support service is available as an extra add on.

*Maid must be sponsored by the Pet Owner and living in.

For full information, charges and terms & conditions click here

Backstage

There will be 2 evenings of short plays for this season. Each evening will have multiple plays ranging from 10 mins to 1 hour in length. While there will be well-known scripts that will be put up during these evenings, we are also looking for original scripts that could be put up as well. As usual, Backstage will keep its aim of trying to encourage new talent during our short play season. Therefore, no prior experience is required to either write or director the short plays.

In case you are a writer:
Please forward your original scripts, name and contact details to info@backstagedubai.com by June 30th at the very latest. They will then go ahead and review all submitted scripts to select a few which could be put up at one of our evenings for this season; or potentially be put on hold until future short play evenings as well. Please remember that all play submissions must range from 10 mins to 1 hour in length.

In case you are a director:
Please forward your name and contact details to info@backstagedubai.com by June 25th at the very latest. In case you already have any play in mind that would like to direct, please include the name of the play in that email as well. Please remember that all play submissions must range from 10 mins to 1 hour in length.

They will be communicating further details regarding dates, next steps, etc. to the interested directors and writers once we receive all submissions. If you have any questions relating to the short play season, please email info@backstagedubai.com.

]]> http://www.expatechodubai.com/clubs/calling-all-writers-directors/feed/ 0 http://www.expatechodubai.com/new-to-dubai/hidden-costs-of-moving-to-dubai/ http://www.expatechodubai.com/new-to-dubai/hidden-costs-of-moving-to-dubai/#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:16:14 +0000 Louise http://www.expatechodubai.com/?p=243068 When moving to Dubai it is advisable to negotiate your relocation package carefully and really investigate all the hidden costs of setting up home in Dubai before signing on the dotted line.

The thought of constant sunshine and a tax-free salary maybe very attractive to people looking at jobs in Dubai however the salary will soon disappear if you don’t take into account  all costs not just rent and a flashy new car.

Here are some of the cost to help you negotiate the perfect package.

Agency Fee

Real Estate Agent Fee 5% of rental value of property

Deposit on property

5% of the rent value for one year for unfurnished
10%  furnished.

EJARI Registration

AED 195

DEWA (electricity & water) Deposit

Apartment
AED 1000 (deposit – refund on leaving)
AED 110 (connection, non refundable)

Villa
AED 2000 (deposit – refund on leaving)
AED 110 (connection, non refundable)

5 Bedroom Villa
AED 2000 (deposit – refund on leaving)
AED 210 (connection, non refundable)

Telephone, Internet, TV

Etisalat
Installation payment AED 180, + monthly package fee AED 259-539

Du
AED 200 initial payment, AED 200 advance payment if paying by cash, AED 150 deposit per decoder, + monthly package fee AED 199-509

ID Card

AED 170 (obtaining ID is a part of residence permit – it is done at the same time with medical test)

Sponsor of Housemaid

Entry Permit Application (inside country) – AED 790
Change of Visa Status (Local Amendment) – AED 610
Residency Permit Application – AED 5130 (Normal Processing) OR 5230 (urgent processing)‎
Medical Check: Normal (3-5 days): 310 AED plus 50 AED vaccination fee
Urgent (48 hours): 420 AED plus 50 AED vaccination fee
Urgent: (24 hours): 520 AED plus 50 AED vaccination fee
VIP (4 hours): 740 AED plus 50 AED vaccination fee
Emirates ID: AED 170 ( for 1yr) 370 for 3yrs

Driving License

Eye Test AED110
Transfer AED 400

Salik Tag (tag to be placed on car to pay for the toll system on Dubai roads)

The cost of SALIK subscription is AED 100, including AED 50 for cost of tag and 50 for the prepaid toll balance will be added into Salik account.