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Category Archives: Life in Abu Dhabi

Maternity Leave

08 Aug

My tummy at 6 months...

As mentioned in my previous post, I felt like my life was going through a 180 degrees spin after realizing that I was pregnant as there were so many changes happening physically, emotionally and financially. My priorities in life are suddenly changed.

Anyway, I decided to take an extended leave because I want to deliver here in Philippines. I am quite anxious considering it is my first baby. So, my Mum’s presence during this milestone will make a significant difference.

Gladly, my employer agreed for extended leave. I availed my remaining vacation days for 2011 and I took also advance vacations days. On top of that, I am covered for 45 days paid maternity leave as per the law in UAE.

It is indeed quite a long leave from work.

The challenge is at work because we have limited staff. Fortunately, it was all sorted out before I left but I decided to continue checking my office emails at home to lessen somehow the work burden I left to my colleagues.

Well, wish me luck as I open this new chapter in my life.

 
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Posted by on August 8, 2011 in Employment, Family, Life in Abu Dhabi

 

Abu Dhabi Parking Timing during Ramadan

06 Aug

My colleague was calculating her approximate expenses for Ramadan. Confused, I asked what was the calculation all about. She was quite concerned because during Ramadan it means that she will shell out more money for the parking tickets.

Honestly, it really didn’t occur in my mind but she is right. The paid parking during Ramadan is from 9 am until 4 pm and from 10:30 pm until 2:30 am. Since our office ends at 3pm, it means that we have to pay 4 hours parking fee instead of the usual parking fee of 3 hours during the normal days.

If it is not Ramadan, the paid parking is from 8am to 9pm and since our office finishes at 6pm, we are paying only 3 hours. Oftentimes we go home at past six, so on average we are spending AED 4 for standard parking and AED 6 for premium parking for two hours.

Honestly, the amount is immaterial if it is calculated only on daily basis. However, end of the day when you sum up the parking fee expenditures, it is still a good amount of money.

Like my situation, I am spending an average of AED 9 per day for parking and that is only for the parking fee paid after office hours. Then on Saturdays as I do not have work I am paying AED 15 for the full day parking fee.

It means that I am shelling out an average of AED 240 per month and approximately AED 2,800 by end of the year.

See, after all it is not a bad amount, right? With that amount of AED 2,800, I can already purchase an airline ticket for Abu Dhabi – Manila – Abu Dhabi (except on high season like December).

 
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Posted by on August 6, 2011 in Driving, Finances, Frugal Tips, Life in Abu Dhabi

 

First Day of Ramadan

01 Aug

Ramadan has a significant impact not only to our fasting brothers but even to non-Muslims. It changes our daily life routine. Of course, there is our utmost respect for the local traditions here and to our fasting friends and colleagues.

Thus in the office we tend to avoid taking coffee or tea breaks however if caffeine is badly needed to boost the day’s energy, then we sneak and find some empty office area to sip a cup of coffee.

For my colleagues who smoke, the first day of Ramadan is quite a big challenge. The question I commonly heard is, “Where can we smoke?” as smoking in public areas is not allowed too during this Holy Month.

Also, not only that, the hard part too is finding an open restaurant to eat during lunch. I used to go out for lunch and eat outside. Now, all the restaurants and fast foods are open only in the evening at 7pm. Today I was starving and the restaurant where I usually eat during lunch is open only for take away but not for dine in. Eventually I had no choice but go home and cook a quick meal for lunch.

With the Ramadan too, timings from the offices to the malls are being adjusted. So at work, you rush to finish or catch up any urgent matters with your clients as their office closes at 2pm or 3pm. Though the working time in the office is shorter, you cannot also hang out in the malls as they open only in the evening either from 7pm or 8pm until late night

Anyway, it is just for the first few days. After that, we learn to adapt with the new temporary lifestyle.

 
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Posted by on August 1, 2011 in Life in Abu Dhabi

 

Abu Dhabi Parking Fines

30 Jul

Photo Credit: www.realbollywood.com

I feel bad for this month because I received a total of AED 700 parking fines on numerous occasions. It is akin to throwing this amount for nothing. Honestly, it was my fault except for the latest fine of AED 200 last week. According to the ticket fine, I was penalized for not having a parking ticket.

Well, luckily I didn’t delete my sms because I knew that I paid my parking fee through my mobile for two hours before I parked my car. Gladly, the confirmation I received via sms was still in my phone. Imagine, I received the sms confirmation at 18:54 hrs and the ticket fine was made at 18:58 hrs.

So, I called the toll free number of Mawaqif (a division of Department of Transport that does the parking management in Abu Dhabi) to inquire on how to complain about my ticket fine. Unfortunately, the only way is to visit their customer service in any of the Mawaqif offices and to my dismay, I came to know that it will take one month to process any complaints.

I didn’t get the time to visit their office this week but for sure I will pass by next week. Let’s see what will happen.. I am really hoping that it is not one month process. That’s quite long, don’t you think so?

 
6 Comments

Posted by on July 30, 2011 in Driving, Finances, Life in Abu Dhabi, Transpo

 

Ramadan 2011

28 Jul

Few more days and it is Ramadan again…. It will commence either this coming Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. It depends on the sighting of the moon but one thing for sure.. We should be reminded of the do and don’ts during this period. I have written earlier few blog posts regarding Ramadan. You can click here to read more about it.

Starting Ramadan our office timing will change. It will be 8:30am – 3:30pm for non-Muslims and from 8:30am to 2:30am for Muslims. Yes, working hours will be shorter and based on my experience every Ramadan, office work seems to be less busy compared to normal days.

Anyway, Ramadan Kareem in advance to everyone..

 
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Posted by on July 28, 2011 in Life in Abu Dhabi, Ramadan

 

Generous Recipient of Second Hand Books

10 Jul

This is quite an overdue post really. I should have posted this earlier but anyway it is better to be late than never.

Earlier this year I posted about second hand books then in mid May I received a message from a guy who happened to stumble on my blog. At first, I had an impression that he was looking for a buyer of second hand books but as we exchanged emails I came to know that he was giving it away.

It was not a lot of books around 15 pieces, a collection of fantasy series of Steven Erikson and some fiction books.

Days later, we agreed to meet in a petrol station so he could hand over the books. I met him for few minutes and perhaps had the chance to talk only for 2 minutes. I came to know that he was leaving the country for good and wanted to give the books.

Honestly, I was really overwhelmed by his kindness and generosity. I appreciated his effort to call me and carry the box of books to my car.

As I really didn’t have the chance to know him better, I wish him to know how thankful I was. It was not only about the books but the effort he made to give out those books to me.

A million thanks Frans!

 

P.S  Just to let you know that I am still a willing recipient of books in case you want to get rid of it soon… LOL!

 
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Posted by on July 10, 2011 in Books, Life in Abu Dhabi

 

Recommended Accommodation Arrangement for New Comers in Abu Dhabi

05 Jul
Photo Credit: www.abudhabicity.olx.ae

Photo Credit: www.abudhabicity.olx.ae

A Canadian who is expected to come for work in Abu Dhabi in the next few weeks contacted me through my blog and asked for information regarding accommodation and the general cost of living in UAE. Also, a colleague of mine who recently joined our team is on the lookout for accommodation.

I think accommodation is a major challenge when moving to a new country or place specially if it is your first time and you know no one in the city. Some considerate companies do provide temporary housing to their newly recruit employees ranging from 2 weeks to one month.

However, others leave that obligation on your shoulder.

Each of us has different preference when it comes to accommodation. You may prefer to live in the heart of the city bearing the congestion for the purpose of convenience while others wish to stay away from the city to enjoy spacious house, lawn or parking area.

For fresh comers in Abu Dhabi who are not provided with temporary accommodation, I personally suggest to opt for hotel apartments for a month at least until you get acquainted with the city and there are various hotel apartments in the city which offer affordable monthly rates.

The reason I am recommending this arrangement is because Abu Dhabi is expanding. Residential areas are spread out ranging from the flats located in the city and villas that are mostly situated outside the city proper like Khalifa City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mussaffa, among others. And take note, rentals in these areas are cheaper compared to the one in the cities.

Also, renting villas and apartments are usually based annually and generally it requires advance full payment or 3-4 checks advance payments.  So before you settle in your new house or flat for a certain period of time, then I think it is best to have the feel of the city and your new office first to make the right choice.

 
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Posted by on July 5, 2011 in Accommodation, Life in Abu Dhabi

 

Jaywalking in Abu Dhabi

20 Jun

Two weeks back I heard my flatmate whining about her jaywalking fine. I was surprised because it was a firsthand case I heard of.

Anyway, my flatmate was caught in Hamdan Street and to her astonishment she was caught by a CID (Criminal Investigation Department – a division of Police Service here in UAE) who usually wear a plain clothes with unmarked cars. It means you cannot identify them that they are from CID division until they approach you.

The fine is AED 200 but after settling it in the Police Station, she was asked to pay half of it.

Since then, I am more careful in crossing the streets of Abu Dhabi.

 
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Posted by on June 20, 2011 in Life in Abu Dhabi

 

Where to buy Maternity Clothes in Abu Dhabi?

28 May

It is quite a challenging task to find maternity working clothes here in Abu Dhabi. Although you will find some casual clothes for pregnant women, maternity office clothes are hard to find.

So after asking few of my pregnant friends, I came up with the following shops that sell maternity clothes.

H&M (Abu Dhabi Mall): I highly recommend this shop. I like the designs and so far this is the only shop I visited that has more options of working clothes for pregnant women.

Studio Style (Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre): Good selection for casual maternity clothes and prices are reasonable.

9 months (Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre): I accidentally discovered this maternity shop in the ground floor. It is just a small shop and their products are made from Turkey.

Max (Al Mariah Mall): Located in the ground floor, they have selection of casual maternity clothes at very affordable prices though designs are very limited.

MotherCare (Marina Mall): This was the first shop I visited. Quite costly and they have limited options only.

If you know any shops for maternity clothes, please let me know!

 
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Posted by on May 28, 2011 in Life in Abu Dhabi, Shopping, Shops

 

My Life’s 180 Degrees Spin

25 May

Only a month ago that I discovered I am pregnant of 4 months and 2 weeks. Almost a month passed but still I am grasping and digesting the thought that there is a baby in my growing tummy.

So since the discovery, my life spins to 180 degrees angle. Everything is new and a lot needs to change. New wardrobe. Food in take. Vitamins. Milk. and so on…

Hence, do not be surprised that in my future blog posts I will tackle about pregnancy.

 
7 Comments

Posted by on May 25, 2011 in Life in Abu Dhabi

 
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