Being an expat in a foreign country involves a steep learning curve (that much you can expect) and sure, Dubai will leave you scratching your head more than once when you first arrive. But it is also true that you have many aha! moments to look forward to, the kind that will lead you to revel in your own resourcefulness. So whilst you should proceed with the quiet confidence that you will inevitably adjust to your new life with the wisdom of time and aided (of course) by the essential reading on Expat Echo Dubai, we know there are just somethings you’d rather ask someone and know immediately!

Alot can be said for getting a recommendation from a friend, it saves you having to read it somewhere or googling away for hours – better yet, its tried and tested. We get asked many questions, none more so perhaps than our very own Ask Louise and while we occasionally get thrown the odd curve ball it seems that more often than not expats new to Dubai all want to know the same things. Come to think of it, these were the very questions we asked people when we first arrived too. So think of this as friendly advice, some useful numbers from one expat to another to help you in your first few weeks…

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Need a Cleaner? – Try Molly Maids

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Need a Hand when it comes to anything handy? – Try Jim Will Fix It

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Need a Hair Dresser? – Try Version Française

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Need Electrical Gadgets? – Try Carrefour

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Need a 24hr Doctor? – Try 24×7 Walk in Clinic

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Need an ER/A&E? – Try Medcare Hospital

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Need a Mani/Pedi? – Try Nail Beautique

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Need Curtains & Re-Upholstery? – Try Ganesh Naik

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Need Specialty Foods? – Try Organic Foods & Cafe

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Need an Emergency Vet? – Try Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic

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Need a Dentist? – Try Drs. Nicolas & Asp

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Need a Barber? – Try Adress Saloon

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Need a Driver? – Try Saferdriver

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Don’t forget, there’s a whole section of Expat Echo Dubai dedicated to those New to Dubai, so once things do settle down abit and you find a quiet moment the articles there are well worth checking out!