witsandnuts

Tag: Expat Living

• An expat’s advice to herself and other expats out there

  Posted at 5:16 pm by witsandnuts, on November 13, 2016

  Probably one of the most unique and stunning Starbucks outlets that you will find in the whole planet is in Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai, UAE.

  Keep track of your long and short-term goals. The UAE is an excellent country to learn and grow professionally, and on a personal level. At some point it tends to be a fairy tale due to indescribable blessings, temptations, and challenges. Whether you like fairy tales or not, it is up to you to write your own happy ending.

  Being an expat requires a certain amount of humility and assertiveness. Each day, look for opportunities that will make your home country proud of you by bringing integrity and cheer in your own ways. Do not forget where you came from. You are an expat on a mission, and you should have an exit plan – a graceful and respectful one.

  I have been interviewed regarding expat living in the UAE, integrating into a multi-cultural environment, pieces of advice for soon-to-be expats in the UAE and more. Thanks for the feature, Expat.com. Here is the link to the full details of the interview.

  Posted in Blog-o-sphere, UAE, Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged Abu Dhabi, Expat Living, Feature

• How to renew your car registration in Abu Dhabi?

  Posted at 5:45 pm by witsandnuts, on October 20, 2016

  
  Car registration card good for another year and sticker to be attached to the car plate.

  Ho-ho! It is that time of the year when you get the SMS from Abu Dhabi Traffic Police reminding you that your car registration is expiring soon. Usually, you will get this reminder a week before the expiry date. ‘My month’ is every October. I like that every year the renewal process gets more efficient. How is it done exactly?

  1. Pay your fines. I did not have any this year. Yay! That meant I saved on insurance cost. I remember how much I suffered for my stupidity of beating the red light two years ago. Payment of fines can be made online or through the Abu Dhabi Traffic Police Office in Muroor Road. (By the way, ‘muroor’ is the Arabic terminology for ‘traffic’.)

  I suggest that you periodically check online if you have fines. Supposedly, the registered car owner receives an SMS from Abu Dhabi Traffic Police for a traffic violation committed. But what if you did not get the message, by any chance, particularly for those violations which were captured through the camera? Checking your fines online gives you the benefit of reporting to the Abu Dhabi Traffic Police the erroneous fines, if any, and/or availing of the discount if you pay the fine early or within a certain duration. (This depends on the nature of violation.) Some drivers do not bother to check theirs and just do this in time with the registration renewal. What a way to surprise one’s self.

  2. Get a car insurance. I suggest that you ‘window shop’ first to get the most reasonable deal (note: maybe not the best deal, but you know best what you really need). You can get quotes online, e.g. through MoveSouq (not a sponsored post). Of course, the existence of and nature of fines (see step 1) will significantly affect the cost.

  

  Good news! As you queue for the car inspection, you may pay at the kiosk at the same area. Apparently, this added efficiency was introduced in August 2016. Quite convenient. After paying, keep the receipt as you will need it when collecting the result of the vehicle test later.

  3. Have your car inspected by a designated testing center. You may skip this step if your car has not celebrated its 2nd birthday yet. Continue reading →

  Posted in UAE, Uncategorized | 3 Comments | Tagged Abu Dhabi, Expat Living

• UAE’s dos and don’ts

  Posted at 11:12 am by witsandnuts, on February 23, 2011

  

  Two weeks ago I mentioned about being more careful when taking photos in the UAE and I think that I’m being too careful that I did forego my opportunity to visit the International Defense Exhibit the other day (showcasing all sorts of weapons and intimidating security tools), fearing that I won’t be able to control myself and take a photo of something which will probably be detrimental to me. (Yes, I underestimated my risk appetite.) It’s most challenging when we do things which we never thought (or tried to ignore) will harm us. In the UAE, there were a number of cases when the person who filed for rape case gets punished, too, i.e. because of illegal sex (outside marriage) if the person raped is single and illegal drinking (outside licensed premises) if that was a contributory reason that a person was raped.

  This post does not intend to demean anyone, but most of the expats who were caught in the I-should-not-be-punished-if-I-did-it-in-my home-country situations in the UAE are British nationals (or the others are more careful?). Hence, it’s not surprising that the British Embassy has recently issued a booklet titled “UAE Advice for British Nationals” to spread the advice to the British travelers. That’s a commendable initiative and its circulation, even to non-British, will be helpful. In a nutshell, here are the dos and don’ts:

  • Alcohol consumption is allowed only by non-Muslims in licensed restaurants, pubs, clubs, private venues and at home (for residents who have acquired an alcohol license).
  • Drugs are strictly forbidden, even a residual amount.
  • Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal, irrespective of any relationship you may have with your partner in the UK [I’d like to add: any nationality]. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal.
  • The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving.
  • Bouncing a cheque is illegal in the UAE.
  • Dancing is allowed in the privacy of your home or at licensed clubs.
  • Sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public or taking their photos without permission is strictly frowned upon.
  • Offensive language, spitting (remember Tiger Woods’ spitting controversy in Dubai?) and aggressive behaviour (including hand gestures) are viewed very seriously and can result in imprisonment and deportation.
  • Holding hands for married couples is tolerated but kissing and hugging are considered offences against public decency.
  • Smoking is forbidden in government areas, offices and shopping malls.
  • Working without the proper visa is illegal. You cannot partake in any kind of paid employment without first obtaining a work visa.

  Most of the pointers are actually generic facts and must be observed even in other countries. Hence, it should not be an excuse if the other embassies do not issue a booklet like this for their nationals. However, for the grey areas and/or extremely surprising disallowed acts in the UAE, that’s where the information campaign must be strengthened. I opine that the awareness must start from one’s self and should not solely depend on the embassy. When I first came here three years ago, I initially felt that there were so many restrictions. But soon enough I realized that there are laws which are there for the longest time, so no one should be extremely surprised and as we stand by the respect for one’s culture (the best strategy is to put ourselves in the shoes of UAE nationals), to abide became a natural thing just like a habit. When one’s back to his home country, he may want to party all he wants or stay as the “new” him.

  Discouraged to come here? Don’t be. I can vouch that it’s indeed nice being here. 🙂

  (Photo credit)

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  Posted in UAE | 0 Comments | Tagged Expat Living, UAE

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• About witsandnuts

  Marhaba! That's "hello" in Arabic. I am an expatriate based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). I started writing about my adventures and misadventures few months before arriving here at winter of 2008. I have 2 cats and a dog who live harmoniously together. I am also surrounded by kindhearted, crazy, funny and indescribable humans! I was a dormant blogger for almost 3 years because of countless reasonable justifications like watching football, postgraduate studies, sleeping, traveling, caring for the world, and more! :) I am just so happy that I am back! It is never too late to catch up with the people and things we really care about. Feel free to look around.

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