Frugal Expat

An expat's journey in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Archive for the category “Life in Abu Dhabi”

11 Jan 2012

Cultural Difference

I was having a casual chat with my colleague and we were talking about personal relationships. Then suddenly she whispered and asked, “How did you know that he was the right man to marry?”.

I was stunned to hear such question from a 24 years old married woman. Then I looked at her face but I could not find any hint of a joke. Later I realized that she was really serious in asking me that question.

Of course, I gave my usual answer. You will know it in your heart if he is the right man for you.

This is the beauty of working in a multicultural office because you will learn to great extent the beauty and uniqueness of each culture. What seems to be normal in my culture can be sometimes deemed as taboo in other culture.

My colleague has an arranged marriage and never had any boyfriends or never dated other men in her life. Thus, she popped out that question.

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Life in Abu Dhabi and tagged | Leave a Comment
30 Aug 2011
1 Comment

Eid Mubarak!

Photo Credit: www.smsnshayari.com

As today marks the end of Ramadan, I would like to wish Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim friends and colleagues…

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Life in Abu Dhabi, Ramadan and tagged
18 Aug 2011
1 Comment

Abu Dhabi Parking Fine: How to file a complaint?

I wrote earlier that I received a parking fine for not having a parking ticket though I paid my parking dues through the sms option.

So before I left for vacation, I visited the Mawaqif (a division of Department of Transport that does the parking management in Abu Dhabi) Customer Service Center. I explained the issue to the customer service agent then I showed my ticket fine and the sms parking confirmation that I received in my phone.

After that, the agent asked me to complete and submit a complaint form along with the ticket fine. She then reviewed the details in the form and stamped my ticket fine to indicate that they received my complaint.

According to the agent, the feedback of my complaint will be advised after one to two months only through sms. Also, the discount of 25% (which one can avail if the fine is settled within 15 days from the date of issue) is still valid in case my complaint is rejected.

So, let us see…

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Driving, Finances, Life in Abu Dhabi, Reviews and tagged ,
11 Aug 2011
2 Comments

Etihad Airlines Travel Policy for Expectant Mothers

Etihad Airlines is the National Airlines of Abu Dhabi and it is the only airline which has a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Manila. So when I travelled to Philippines last week, I took Etihad Airlines without any second thoughts considering that I was 7 months pregnant.

Before purchasing the airline ticket, I checked the pregnancy policy of the airlines.

Etihad allows expectant mothers to travel up to 36 weeks for single pregnancy and 32 weeks for multiple pregnancy. Travelling from 28 weeks and onwards, the airline will require a medical certificate from your attending physician stating that you are fit to travel, the expected date of delivery, the number of weeks and if it is single or multiple pregnancy.

And most importantly, the medical certificate must be dated within 7 days from the date of departure.

Click here to read more about Etihad Airline’s policy for expectant mothers.

As for my experience, they didn’t ask for my medical certificate during the check-in process and even during the boarding time. My only regret was I opted for a window seat. The passenger beside me was not really feeling well and she was asleep most of the time during our journey. I felt awkward waking her up every time I needed to pee.

It is really recommended to choose a seat close to the washroom. In my opinion the best option is the exit row because it is very spacious. Also, do not forget to consider your baggage as pregnant women are not advised to lift heavy weights.

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Family, Life in Abu Dhabi, Transpo, Travel and tagged , ,
08 Aug 2011
2 Comments

Maternity Leave

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.

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Employment, Family, Life in Abu Dhabi
06 Aug 2011

Abu Dhabi Parking Timing during Ramadan

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).

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Driving, Finances, Frugal Tips, Life in Abu Dhabi | Leave a Comment
01 Aug 2011

First Day of Ramadan

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.

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Life in Abu Dhabi | Leave a Comment
30 Jul 2011
6 Comments

Abu Dhabi Parking Fines

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?

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Driving, Finances, Life in Abu Dhabi, Transpo
28 Jul 2011

Ramadan 2011

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..

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Life in Abu Dhabi, Ramadan | Leave a Comment
10 Jul 2011
2 Comments

Generous Recipient of Second Hand Books

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!

Posted by Frugal Xpat in Books, Life in Abu Dhabi

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