Al Ain City Welcome Guide 2019

WELCOME GUIDE AL AIN

A city like no other

33. Listing: Car Rental Companies

35. Perspective Why you should already be playing womens Rugby

37. Advice on Finding a Home in Al Ain

40. Choosing a Bank Don’t rush into what will be a very big decision.

42. Listing: Banks 43. Listing: Hospitals

47. Schools Guide – Finding your Kids the best Fit

Cover images credit Mariam Al Dhaheri @mo_aldhaheri 52. Listing: Nursery Schools

53. Listing: Supermarkets and Malls

54. WILLS – What you must know Ignoring it won’t make it go away.

DISCLAIMER

While every effort has been made to ensure information contained herein in correct, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions either express or implied and we advise all readers to check with the various government entities regarding procedures.

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The city abounds in picturesque forts. One of the UAE’s most historic buildings, Al Jahili Fort was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves and is home to a permanent exhibition of the work of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger and his 1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert.

ABOUT AL AIN

T O U R I S M

Part of the Abu Dhabi Emirate and just a one and a half hour drive from Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain is one of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city abounds in picturesque forts. One of the UAE’s most historic buildings, Al Jahili Fort was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves and is home to a permanent exhibition of the work of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger and his 1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert. The redeveloped Al Qattara Fort is now home to a brilliant arts centre and gallery, offering hundreds of modern exhibits within its walls and with spaces for a variety of workshops – from pottery and painting to music and calligraphy.

Get to grips with our culture and heritage with a visit to the city’s museums. With three main sections - archaeology, ethnography and gifts, Al Ain National Museum lets you explore various aspects of UAE life, including Bedouin jewellery and traditional musical instrument collections. The former home of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Palace Museum houses a large collection of material about the rul-

ing family. Visitors can tour the private rooms and gardens once occupied by the ‘Father of the Nation’.

For stunning views of the city, drive, take a cab or, if you have the stamina, cycle to the top of Jebel Hafeet – a rocky height dominating the city - via a winding highway. Rising 1,240 metres, this is the emirate’s highest peak, and UAE’s second.

Other attractions include the Al Ain oasis with its cool, shady walkways and a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system, and the camel market - one of the last few remaining. This date palm oasis has been recognised by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for its importance as a repository of genetic resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Families should head to Al Ain Zoo – home to over 4,000 animals, and enjoy giraffe feeding, camel riding and ‘Elezba’ petting zoo. There are plenty of green public spaces for picnics and also playgrounds, a cafeteria and a train tour of the wildlife area. For a fun day out, try the renovated Hili Fun-City, the Gulf’s oldest theme park, which now offers one of the cheapest days out, with entry no more than AED 40 (US$ 11).

Watersports lovers need to try Wadi Adventure, the region’s only man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surf facility built in the foothills of the majestic Jebel Hafeet. The park’s 3.3 metre man-made surf wave is the world’s largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking channel network is the world’s longest. For a taste of the fast track, head to Al Ain Raceway and burn rubber at its 1.6 km go-karting track - Arabia’s largest.

For stunning views of the city, drive, take a cab or, if you have the stamina, cycle to the top of Jebel Hafeet – a rocky height dominating the city - via a winding highway. Rising 1,240 metres, this is the emirate’s highest peak, and UAE’s second.

Text Credit - Visit Abu Dhabi

CULTURE & CUSTOMS U A

E

Emirati culture is rooted in a strong tradition of hospitality and you will find the local people extremely welcoming.

Now that you have decided to call our beautiful Garden City home, we have outlined some handy tips and advice on how to best interact across the cultural divide without offending anyone.

With over 200 different nationalities present in Al Ain you will never be able to please everyone, so our guide will help you defer to the norms of the country in general.

Emirati culture is rooted in a strong tradition of hospitality and you will find the local people extremely welcoming. Often greetings will seem long and drawn out by Western standards. People will enquire after your family and your health and you should do the same. Men should not extend a hand to Emirati women and refrain from touching them in any way. It is a ladies’ choice whether or not she will shake your hand so let the greeting by controlled by her.

Likewise a lady should not go to hug or kiss a man upon greeting. Other no-no’s would be accepting or offering anything with your left hand - especially food. You should also stand when someone enters the room. Do not get offended if your meeting is interrupted by someone else entering the room or even find someone coming to sit down next to you at the customer service desk at the bank. This is accepted practice even though by some standards this would be entirely unacceptable. If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation always act in a polite and respectful manner.

Use of profanity and finger gestures is strictly forbidden. Swearing at a passing motorist, calling someone an idiot or commenting in a negative slanderous way on whatsapp or social media can all be offences punishable by jail time, fine, depor-

tation or all. As the saying goes - if you wouldn’t say it to your Grandmother then don’t say it.

Often during meetings you will be served Arabic coffee. Served in small cups, it is polite to accept at least one. When you are finished, shake the cup gently from side to side before handing it back to the server. This will indicate that you do not want a refill.

Be sure to always dress in a respectful manner. Revealing clothes are a no no. Malls have strict dress code policies and you need to adhere to these. Arms and legs should be covered with tank tops and mini skirts saved for the beach not Saturday morning at the shops. Overt displays of public affection are also strictly forbidden.

Taking photos of people (especially women) is also forbidden so take care when you are posting those selfies from your day out.

Being a Muslim country, alcohol is strictly prohibited and being drunk in public will get you arrested. There are designated areas for those wishing to imbibe such as the local hotels and clubs. Please note that by law expatiates should obtain an alcohol licence if they are going to be consuming alcohol. You can find more information here: 800 5353 (Sunday – Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 pm) or info@ auhsl.ae

Religion is a massive part of Emirati culture and customs and visitors should be highly respectful of it. Many of the customs seen in the UAE are derived or identical to customs in Islam and visitors should always show regard to the religion. This is done by dressing appropriately when visiting mosques, not eating during Ramadan fasting hours, respecting prayer times and showing admiration and respect for this interesting religion.

The official weekend in the UAE is on Friday and Saturday. Some smaller private companies only close on Friday. Government offices open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 3.00 p.m. Private offices tend to keep longer hours. During Ramadan, working hours shorten by two to three hours.

Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely used in business transactions in the UAE.

Above all do not expect the UAE to be the same as the country that you come from. It is a different country with a different culture, customs, climate and language. You will assimilate much faster if you embrace things as they are and let go of your perception of what you think they should be. Remember: different does not equal wrong. Al Ain is a wonderfully welcoming safe secure environment where you can choose to thrive and have a fantastic life.

2019 is the UAE Year of Tolerance - But what does that mean?

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has proclaimed the year 2019 to be the “The Year of Tolerance” in the UAE, highlighting the UAE as a global capital for tolerance, and emphasizing tolerance as a universal concept and a sustainable institutional endeavour through legislation and policies aimed at entrenching the values of tolerance, dialogue, coexistence and openness to different cultures, especially amongst youth, which will reflect positively on society as a whole.

The Year of Tolerance embodies the approach adopted by the UAE since its establishment to be a bridge of communication between the people of the world and their various cultures, in an environment of openness and respect that rejects extremism and promotes coexistence.

MISSION

To highlight the impact of tolerance, and to expand the scope and opportunities for communication and dialogue.

VISION

Devoting efforts to building a tolerant society that believes in the importance of human communication.

OBJECTIVES

1. To establish values of tolerance, communication and coexistence in society.

2. Introducing the UAE model of tolerance to the world to become part of community virtues.

3. Enabling tolerance in society through policies and legislation.

4. Openness to other human cultures.

Tolerance is the embodiment of the values of the people of the UAE. A nationwide survey has identified these four aspects of tolerance, defining a shared cultural language for tolerance in the UAE.

FRAMEWORK

The general framework of the Year of Tolerance revolves around 7 main pillars that seek to entrench the values of tolerance and openness to cultures and peoples as a general community approach that involves all segments of society and to establish a sustainable institutional framework across the UAE. https://www.theyearoftolerance.ae/en

Express your knowledge of Al Ghaf tree in the "My National Tree" competition and win valuable prize

• Target Group: 6 - 12 years.

• The child will shoot a 60-second video talking about Al Ghaf tree and its benefits.

• The participant can’t submit more than one video.

• The video should not contain any written text, such as the time and date of the video and signature of the videographer.

• The video should not be a copied or reproduced one or any element is added from the work of others.

• The participant must follow Children’s City page on Instagram & Facebook.

• The participant must publish video on his personal account (Instagram or Facebook) and put mention @childrencitydxb and put hashtag #my_nationaltree_childrencity.

• The Children's City has the right to photograph winners and publish posts through Social Media channels.

• The participant has the right to choose one of the channels to publish the video or use parents' social media channels to submit children's entries.

• All contest winners only will be offered a certificate of participation from Children’s City.

• Children’s City has the right to refuse any participation that does not comply with the specifications & rules.

Speed limit: the speed shown on traffic signs in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi are the maximum allowed speed. So if the sign says 60km, travelling at 61km will attract a fine. The maximum allowed speed between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi is 160km but you should take care to heed the traffic signs for when the speed limit changes.

GETTING AROUND

T R A N S P O R T

GETTING MOBILE

One of the most important decisions you will have to make for your time here is how you will choose to get around both within and outside the city. For most expatriates buying or renting a car is the cheapest long term option.

The time you intend to stay here, activities you will do, estimated mileage and monthly income will determine the best option for you. For example, knowing you will have a high weekly or monthly mileage might make a rental car more attractive, while wanting to explore the Emirates and surrounding countries may mean that your own 4x4 is the way to go. People on a short term contract may elect to buy second hand, while others looking to drive the luxury car they always dreamed of may buy or lease directly from one of the dealers.

DRIVERS LICENCE

Since you will be living in Al Ain - your residence visa will be for the Abu Dhabi Emirate and therefore you will need to apply for an Abu Dhabi Drivers Licence. Once you have been issued with a residence visa your home country licence will not be recognized so make sure you convert your licence before getting behind the wheel.

For some countries you convert your existing licence without too much trouble. These include:

to 3 per 100,000 as per Vision 2021.

Ministerial Resolution No. 177 of 2017 regarding issuing and renewing a driver’s licence

The resolution sets stipulations for issuing and renewing drivers’ licences as the following:

For those who are 21 years of age and above

Initially, the driver’s licence is valid for 2 years for citizens, GCC nationals and other nationalities

After renewal, the driver’s licence is valid for 10 years for citizens and GCC nationals and for 5 years for other nationalities.

For those below 21 years of age

Initially, the driver’s licence is valid for one year for citizens, GCC nationals and other nationalities.

Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 regarding traffic control rules

The resolution covers many safety and control aspects.

If you have a valid licence on the list above then you can start the conversion process by visiting a typing office. These are located all over the city and generally anyone will be able to point you in the right direction.

Step 2 is an eye test. A visit to Bawadi Mall will mean you can undergo your eye test and pay your fees all in one go. Documents are Emirates ID, passport and passport copy, driving licence, translation of licence and 2 passport photos.

Abu Dhabi officials additionally ask foreign driving licences be translated into Arabic, regardless of the country issuing it. The fees for the conversion are about AED 800 for everything including the translation and eye test.

Those who have a foreign licence but are not on the list of accredited countries need not despair. They are given one chance to undergo a knowledge test and road test and if they pass on the first, they will receive a UAE licence. If they fail, however, they will have to undergo at least eight lessons (advanced level training) at a driving school and then come back for the test.

KNOW THE LAW

The UAE’s amended federal traffic law came into effect on 1 July 2017. The new regulations aim to further protect the lives of road users and reduce traffic casualties from about 6 per 100,000 people

Mandatory seat belts for all

All passengers in a car are required to wear seat belts including those sitting in the rear seat, failing which the driver of the vehicle will be fined AED 400 and slapped with four black points.

Children up to four years of age must be provided with a child safety seat. Violators will be fined AED 400 and slapped with four black points.

The front seat passenger should also be at least 145 cm tall and not younger than 10 years old.

Reckless driving

Reckless driving will incur a fine of AED 2,000, 23 black points and impounding of the vehicle for a period of 60 days. The same punishment and fine will apply to drivers who endanger the lives of others.

Other violations cover: blocking traffic, jumping red signals, sudden swerving and driving without a number plate.

Driving under the influence

Drivers caught under the influence of drugs and or alcohol will have their licence suspended for one year, starting from the day of the verdict. Court will decide the fine and/or jail term. Please note the UAE has a zero tolerance policy so one glass is one too many.

Traffic

Motorcycle riders and motorists who ignore traffic lights will be fined AED 1, 000 and incur a penalty of 12 points and their vehicles will be seized for a month.

Distractions

Using phones while driving or any other distractions will be attract AED 400 fine and four black points.

Driver’s behaviour

Violations include:

• throwing garbage

• not leaving safe distance between vehicles

• overtaking on the hard shoulder

• crowding around accident sites

• using quad-bike on road

• jaywalking

• violating technical and safety issues

• failing to fasten seat belts

• using expired tires

• driving without insurance/car registration

• driving noisy vehicle

• transporting passengers illegally

Speeding

Those exceeding the speed limit by 80 kmph will be fined AED 3,000, slapped with 23 black points and have their car impounded for 60 days.

Please note - the speed shown on traffic signs in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi are the maximum allowed speed. So if the sign says 60km, travelling at 61km will attract a fine. The maximum allowed speed between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi is 160km but you should take care to heed the traffic signs for when the speed limit changes.

Drivers caught under the influence of drugs and or alcohol will have their licence suspended for one year, starting from the day of the verdict. Court will decide the fine and/or jail term. Please note the UAE has a zero tolerance policy.

Never overtake a school bus when it is stopped and its flashing lights are on.

SCHOOL BUSES

When a school bus stops, there is a possibility that children, especially the smaller ones, may run across the road without any warning.

• You must stop completely if the flashing amber lights of a school bus are turned on.

• Stop at least 20 metres away from the bus and only move when the bus moves or the lights have stopped flashing.

• Never overtake a school bus when its flashing lights are on.

• Do not suddenly speed up or apply brakes near a school bus.

• You must slow down or stop if necessary to allow the school buses or public buses to make stops when needed.

• You must not impede them or drive between them and the footpath (Article 66, UAE Federal Traffic Law, Number 21, 1995).

• You must slow down when passing schools (Article 39, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995).

DRIVING THROUGH ROUND ABOUTS

A roundabout is a circular intersection designed to ensure smoother and efficient flow of traffic for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. However, failure to yield, give way and lack of lane discipline are leading causes of accidents at roundabouts.

• You must reduce your speed while approaching a roundabout, and move to an appropriate lane as per your planned direction.

• Always watch for all road users and be ready to stop.

• Before entering a roundabout, you must yield to traffic already in the roundabout that comes from your immediate left.

• Enter the roundabout to your right (at counter clockwise direction) only when there is sufficient gap in traffic.

• To go straight, always enter from the middle or right most lane and keep driving in the same lane until you exit; turn on the right indicator as soon as you enter the roundabout.

• To turn left or make a U-turn always enter from the left most lane and keep driving in the same lane until exit;

• turn on the right indicator after you have passed the second exit.

• To go right, always use the right most lane.

• When exiting a roundabout please turn on the right-turning indicator.

• Before entering a roundabout it is mandatory to take the correct/appropriate lane to avoid accidents due to lane changing.

PARKING

You must not park a vehicle:

• At places where there is no permission to park.

• At pedestrian crossings, on the footpath, on bridges, viaducts or in tunnels.

• Next to curves, on crests of hills or next to solid centre lines which cannot be crossed.

• Where it will impede any traffic signals, signs or road markings.

• In front of the entrance of houses, parking areas, petrol stations, hospitals, emergency stations, fire stations, police stations, military areas, schools or educational institutions.

• Places where it can block stationary vehicles.

• Residential areas (if driving a heavy vehicle or heavy mechanical vehicle) unless they are used for construction.

• 15 metres from intersections or in front of public transport stations

PAID PARKING (MAWAQIF)

In order to address the growing demand for parking and to prevent the misuse of limited parking spaces, the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport has implemented a sustainable parking management solution called MAWAQiF. MAWAQiF manages and regulates parking services in the Abu Dhabi Emirate.

• A sign indicating paid parking zones and the paid parking hours are put up at the entrance of all parking areas.

• Parking areas are classified into two categories—Premium and Standard parking.

• The Standard parking areas are identified by the turquoise and black curb stones, and the Premium parking areas by the turquoise and white curb stones. A sign board is also

• posted at each parking location that provides the following information:

-This is a paid parking area.

-The yellow and black curb stones mean ‘No parking for 24 hours’, which means this is a no parking zone.

- Standard parking zone.

- Premium parking zone.

- Paid parking hours are from 8 am to midnight, - after which parking is free in the parking zone.

- Maximum Stay (Standard parking) 24 hours

- Maximum Stay (Premium parking) 4 hours

- Standard parking Fee AED 2 per hour or AED 15 per day

- Premium parking Fee AED 3 per hour

• Parking is free on Fridays and on public holidays and for people with special needs permit.

• Illegally parked vehicles will be fined. Penalty for illegal parking ranges from AED 100 to AED 1,000 — depending on the severity of the

• violation. A detailed list of the penalties can be found on MAWAQiF’s website (www. mawaqif.ae).

Customers can call the MAWAQiF Call Centre 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on 800 3009 or email MAWAQiF@dot.abudhabi.ae.

MAWAQIF PAYMENT METHODS

• CASH

• MAWAQiF Prepaid cards: You can also use prepaid cards to make payments at parking meters.

You can choose between cards for AED 50 and cards for AED 100.

Cards are available at MAWAQiF Custom er Service Centres.

• m-MAWAQiF:

The MAWAQiF mobile service, called m-MAWAQiF, allows drivers to pay their parking fees via mobile phones. After registering their Etisalat or du mobile numbers online, drivers can top-up their accounts by a secure online credit card payment. They can use these funds on their account by sending an SMS in a predefined format to the number 3009. Drivers will receive their permit via SMS. m-MAWAQiF also sends a reminder message 10 minutes before the expiry of the permit. Drivers can extend their permit for another hour by simply sending ‘E’ via SMS to the number 3009. Drivers can also make a payment directly through SMS without the need for pre-registration.

• Payment through credit card: Master and Visa Card. To pay for parking at the parking machines, simply insert the card and follow the instructions on the screen.

DRIVING IN BAD WEATHER

Bad weather conditions such as fog and sandstorms reduces visibility and sometimes makes the road slippery thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Al Ain can witness some viscious storms with high winds (Shamal) and lashing rain. These storms can come out of nowhere and do incredible damage so travelling during a shamal should be avoided. Roads and especially roundabout flood quickly so you should take care when entering any water logged part on the roads. In winter there are frequent bouts of very thick fog - especially on the road between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. Below are some guidelines to help keep you safe on the roads.

• If possible, postpone your trip until the weather conditions improve.

• Try and start your trip earlier to drive calmly in bad weather.

• While entering a fog-affected area, reduce your speed gradually.

• If the fog is too dense, pull completely off the road and turn on hazard (emergency) lights while your vehicle is parked safely.

• Always use low beam headlights; turn on fog lights if available to increase visibility.

• Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility

• Do not overtake or change lanes unnecessarily.

• Do not stop in moving traffic. You could become the first link in a chain reaction accident.

• Do not speed up suddenly, even if the fog seems to be clearing.

Do not turn on hazard (emergency) lights while driving in fog; hazard lights should only be used when the vehicle is stopped for emergency purposes.

EMERGENCY VEHICLES

An emergency vehicle (ambulance, police vehicle and fire engine) always have priority when their sirens or flashing lights are on.

• When an emergency vehicle (ambulance, police vehicle and fire engine) is approaching you from any direction and is sounding a siren, you must yield the right of way by:

- Immediately moving clear of any intersection.

- Driving as closely as possible to the right curb or edge of the two-way roadway.

- Pulling right or left to the nearest curb on one-way streets.

- Stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed and checking that no other emergency vehicles are approaching.

• Never follow within 150 metres of any emergency vehicle that has its siren or lights on.

You must give way to emergency vehicles, which have either a siren or flashing lights on, by keeping to the right side of the road, reducing speed and stopping if necessary

DID YOU KNOW?

Al Ain has its very own cycle track.

Located on the opposite side of the road to Souq Extra it is a great place to hit the road on foot or by bike with the whole family.

CYCLISTS

G U I D A N C E

Use Appropriate Routes/Tracks while Riding a Bicycle.

Cycling is a healthy, affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The government of Abu Dhabi has provided infrastructure facilities to promote and encourage cycling as a mode of transport.

Guidance

• Always wear a cycle helmet while riding a bicycle.

• Use appropriate clothes, for example, light-coloured or bright clothing during daylight and at night

• reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands).

• Ride away from traffic, for example, use the cycle routes/tracks, if available.

• Look all around before moving away from the curb, turning or manoeuvring.

• Look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, potholes and parked vehicles.

• Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened or pedestrians stepping into your path.

Safe Rules

• Do not cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red.

• Do not ride a bicycle at night without having a white front light, red rear light and/or red rear reflector on your bicycle.

• Do not hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer while riding a bicycle.

• Do not ride close to or behind another vehicle.

Kam Hada? how much is this?

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

T R A N S P O R T

The Dubai Al Ain bus runs every 30 mins starting from 5am. Buses are equipped with air-conditioning and wifi and have separate (although no barrier is present) areas for men and women.

Guidance for Public Transport Users

The Abu Dhabi Government has deployed a modern, comfortable and reliable public transportation service in Abu Dhabi with brand new, worldclass and special needs-accessible buses operating in the city and its suburbs, Al Ain and the Western Region. In Abu Dhabi city, the bus service runs round the clock every day, and its reasonable fares make it affordable and comfortable.

Bus Routes and Tickets.

• Comprehensive network maps with all bus routes and timetables are

• provided on the Ojra website (www.ojra.ae).

• Passengers can purchase a Ojra Card issued by the Department of

• Transport directly at the bus station or any Red Crescent kiosk located

• in malls and other locations in Abu Dhabi.

Types of Ojra Bus Fare Cards

Ojra Weekly Card: The Ojra Weekly Card allows unlimited bus travel for one week inside the city of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia. The Weekly Card costs AED 30 and is activated on the day of purchase.

Ojra Monthly Card: The Ojra Monthly Card allows unlimited bus travel on local bus services in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia for one month from the date of purchase. It is available at a nominal charge of AED 80.

Ojra Senior Citizen Card: All senior citizens above the age of 60 can avail of the Ojra Senior Citizen Card for free. It can be used for unlimited lifetime travel on all bus services.

Ojra Special Needs Card: A Special Needs card is offered to special needs individuals which entitles them to unlimited, free travel on all public buses. It is subject to a case to case approval prior to issue.

Ojra Students Pass: This pass is offered to all students at a fixed annual rate which entitles them to travel unlimited on local bus services.

At bus stops, never cross in front of a bus

Types of bus services:

• Local services: Services inside cities and in the suburbs.

• Regional services: Services between major cities and suburbs or only between suburbs or between regions crossing major cities

• or suburbs.

• Intercity services: Services between major cities with either no stops or limited stops.

Types of buses:

City Bus: This has less seating but more standing capacity and is used in local services and some regional services for short distance transportation.

What is DARB?

DARB is an interactive map that helps you plan your trip by providing information you may require about your itinerary whether by Air, Land or Sea, throughout the Abu Dhabi Emirate including driving directions, car travel maps, bus travel maps, bus terminals, the nearest point of interest (ATM or hospital, etc.).

You can log on to www.darb.ae/darb for further details

Regional Bus: This has full seating capacity and is used in regional and intercity services for long distance travelling. T A X I S E R V I C E S

Guidance for Taxi Users

Abu Dhabi public taxis are silver in colour with a yellow rooftop light; the pink rooftop light taxis introduced in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain cities are driven by women and meant solely for women and children younger than 10 years old. Abu Dhabi taxis are distinguished by its safety features where all taxis are linked and monitored electronically through GPS, which enables the Centre to track and locate all taxis electronically when needed.

Taxi speeds are monitored and drivers cannot exceed 80 km/h within the city or 120 km/h on highways.

Abu Dhabi taxis can be obtained either by hailing it down at the side of the road or by booking through the TransAD call centre at 600 53 53 53 at any time or in front of the main shopping malls in the Emirate.

Taxis that travel long distances including from one Emirate to another are available at the main bus station.

Fares in all Abu Dhabi taxis are determined by the metre system installed in taxis.

Passenger rights include:

• Deciding on the route.

• Viewing the taxi metre.

• Refusing multiple hiring.

• Having the air conditioning on.

• Refusing to pay additional amounts or tip.

• Registering a complaint about any of the taxis by calling 600 53 53 53.

Passenger responsibilities include:

• Paying the correct fare, including any tolls and booking fees that apply.

• Wearing a seat belt at all times.

• Not eating, drinking or smoking in the taxi.

• Not asking the driver to stop where it is illegal or unsafe to do so.

Safe Rules

• Smoking, eating or drinking is prohibited in all taxis.

• Animals are banned in all taxis.

• It is mandatory for passengers to ensure that any children under 12 months are secured in an approved child restraint.

P E D E S T R I A N S

Always Cross Roads at Designated Places

Pedestrians and cyclists constitute a major portion of road users. Pedestrians are provided with designated routes and crossing facilities to ensure their safety and smooth flow of traffic. Generally, pedestrians have the right of way, unless they cross roads at non-designated areas. Crossing roads from non-designated areas can increase the likelihood of accidents.

• Always use designated crosswalks or traffic lights, flashing yellow lights, bridges, or tunnels. If a designated area is not available, then ensure that you only cross the road when traffic comes to a complete stop.

• Always stop, look to both sides for oncoming traffic before walking.

• At a traffic light, please press push buttons when available and cross only when the pedestrian signal is green. Do not cross when the pedestrian signal is either a flashing green or steady orange or red.

• Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways.

• However, turning vehicles at intersections must give way to pedestrians.

Traffic Laws/Rules

• Do not cross the road in the middle of the block or between parked cars.

• Do not start crossing once the “Do Not Walk” signal begins to flash or once the light has turned yellow.

• Never cross the road when the pedestrian signal is red.

• Pedestrians caught crossing a road from a non-designated area will be fined AED 200 (Fine# 147, Unified, Federal Traffic Law, 2008).

IN CASE OF ACCIDENT

A D V I C E

If you are involved in an accident you must do the following:

If in an accident where both vehicles can be driven, they should be moved to the side of the road to avoid holding up traffic.

• Do not move a victim unless the situation demands so.

• Be careful not to aggravate the injury. For example, moving a victim can cause more harm if they have a spinal or neck injury or are bleeding excessively.

• If anyone is hurt and requires an ambulance, dial 999 and an operator will assist you.

• Only administer first aid if you are qualified to do so.

• Notify the police immediately, and be honest when providing accident details.

• If in an accident where both vehicles can be driven, they should be moved to the side of the road to avoid holding up traffic.

• The traffic police will arrive, evaluate the crash and fill out the Accident Form.

• A copy of the Accident Form will be given to both individuals involved in the crash. You will need to take the form to your insurance company to proceed with vehicle repair.

When there are injuries involved please excercise extreme care.

• Do not move a victim unless the situation demands so.

• Be careful not to aggravate the injury. For example, moving a victim can cause more harm if they have a spinal or neck injury or are bleeding excessively.

• If anyone is hurt and requires an ambulance, dial 999 and an operator will assist you.

• Only administer first aid if you are qualified to do so.

• Notify the police immediately, and be honest when providing accident details.

• If in an accident where both vehicles can be driven, they should be moved to the side of the road to avoid holding up traffic.

• The traffic police will arrive, evaluate the crash and fill out the Accident Form.

• A copy of the Accident Form will be given to both individuals involved in the crash. You will need to take the form to your insurance company to proceed with vehicle repair.

Guidance in Case of Vehicle Breakdown

Road Service Patrol is a new service launched by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport in coordination with Abu Dhabi Police. The service is free of charge and can be reached 24 hours a day on the toll free number 999. This service includes following:

• Towing cars in case of auto failure from the main road and moving them to safer locations to ensure the safety of drivers and the smooth flow of traffic.

• Offering services such as changing tyres, identifying flat battery, jumpstarting and topping up fuel and coolant if needed, to enable vehicles to reach the closest petrol station in the vicinity.

• Providing first aid to accident victims and assisting the police and other related parties involved.

• In case your vehicle breaks down you must:

• Move the vehicle off the road to make sure your vehicle is not a hazard to other road users.

• Turn on hazard lights to warn approaching drivers.

• Get out of the vehicle and stand well away from the carriageway.

• If it is dark, keep your parking lights/side lights on Call 999 to access Road Service Petrol.

• You must use either spotlights or a three dimensional warning triangle when parking at night, if the road is not equipped with streetlights or the visibility is poor (Article 64, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995).

Reference: The Official Road User Code of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Taking videos or pictures of accidents for distribution either privately or on social media is not allowed.

999

999 in case of emergency

Call

LISTING

Car Dealerships & Services

EASTERN MOTORS

Brands: Mercedes, Jeep, Fiat, Michelin, Bosch

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 715 7474

Eastern Motors is the automotive member of Al Fahim Group and is the authorized dealer in the city of Al Ain for all of the group’s automotive brands. The Eastern Motors portfolio compromises of leading car manufacturers from across the world. Among some of the brands available at Eastern Motors are a selection of MercedesBenz, Jeep, Fiat cars as well as Michelin tyres, TYREPLUS and Bosch Power Tools and Automotive Parts, all under one roof.

PREMIER MOTORS

Brands: FORD

Sanaiya Al Ain

Sales: 03-7222234

Service: 03-7224999

. ABU DHABI MOTORS

Brands: BMW & MINI

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 722 2240

BIN HAMOODA

Brands: Chevrolet & GMC

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 722 1555

Al MASAOOD

Brands: Nissan, Infiniti, Renault

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 722 2220

AL FUTTAIM

Brands: Toyota

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 800 23668677

KIA & HYUNDAI

Brands: KIA

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 721 1300

JUMA AL MAJID

Brands: HYUNDAI

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 721 6666

AL HABTOOR

Brands: MITSUBISHI

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 703 4604

ALI & SONS

Brands: Porche, VW, Audi

Sanaiya Al Ain

Phone: 03 713 1666

Car Rental Companies

AVIS RENT A CAR

Phone: 03 768 7262

EUROPCAR

Phone: 03 721 0180

DANA RENT A CAR

Phone: 03 7219192

AL WAROOD RENT A CAR

Phone: 03 7662677

GHANTOOT RENT A CAR

Phone: 03 7515392

PERSPECTIVE

by Hannah Hall

Women’s rugby is a sport notorious for being physical and leaving players with bruises, scratches and, sometimes, a high number of injuries. Off the field though, the rugby atmosphere is unique in its camaraderie both within and with other teams.

And if you ever thought that women’s rugby was made up of a group of large, masculine women who run around a field unremorsefully hitting each other, I can tell you right now that neither of those is true. Women’s rugby is just like any other sports team, made up of a group of strong individuals who sign up to play one of the hardest sports in the world, and love every minute of it.

Everyone who plays can agree that there is nothing better. But, just in case you need some more convincing, here are some of the many reasons why you should hang out with some of the girls from Al Ain Ladies Rugby and even try a training session or two – I can assure you, you will be hooked!

IT’S EMPOWERING

Playing rugby makes you fast, agile, and strong. It’s physically and mentally straining, but recognising the ability to push yourself to the limit is an incredible accomplishment.

It’s a contact sport, scary at first but you go on the field and you feel powerful. You feel like you have total control of your body, of your mind, and of the game. There is nothing like the feeling of tackling someone, running with the ball, or scoring a try.

IT’S FOR EVERYONE

There is a spot for any person on a team, regardless of shape or size. Front row players are solid and powerful. Locks are strong and back lines are quick, resilient, and have unbelievable endurance.

YOU WILL SEE HOW STRONG YOU REALLY ARE Rugby players know how strong and capable they are. Learning how to tackle teaches us that no matter your size, you can take anyone down with the right technique. Tackling low and wrapping your arms around the opposing player will take them down, no matter how big they may be.

PART OF A FAMILY AND A TEAM

Even if you standing on the side line, you are as much a part of the cohesive team unit as the people physically throwing their bodies on the line on the pitch. It’s the intense appreciation, love, trust, and support for each other on and off the field that binds the team together.

Al Ain Ladies are proudly sponsored by Volkswagon Al Ain represented by Ali & Sons, for the 2019/2020 season.

Follow Al Ain Ladies Rugby on Facebook at @Al Ain Ladies Rugby and on Instagram at @ aaaladiesrugby. To find out more about training sessions, contact Al Ain Rugby Club on 03 702 6431.

Bilafiyaa bon apetit

FINDING A HOME

A D V I C E

If your housing is not arranged by your company, finding a place to stay can be daunting. It is a very easy and simple process though. Find an agent online or recommended by someone you trust.

Make sure you check the TAMM website to see if there are any new regulations before you rent a property.

A few areas that may be different to other countries include having to pay your rental agent a predetermined amount in commission. This is usually 5% of the total rental price. As a precaution, never pay the rental amount over to the agent. This should always only be paid to the owner. Once you have found a suitable new home, you will need to go to the Municipality with your agent to get a Tawtheeq. This registered contract protects both yourself and the landlord in the event of dispute. You will need this contract to open your electricity account. Be sure to consider the price of water and electricity before you splash out on a huge property.

GAS STOVES

A lot of properties are only set up for the use of a gas stove and do not have 3 phase wiring for an electric stove. Whether you have to use gas or choose a gas stove over an electric one, you will need to get a regulator from selected ADNOC garages. The last ADNOC on the right hand side of the road situated just before the bridge at the intersection of the Bawadi Mall and Radisson Blu roads sells gas regulators. You can choose to get a gas cylinder at the same ADNOC or you can get one from the roving gas trucks. You will be alerted that they are near by the ringing of their bell. Gas from trucks is cheaper and has the added bonus of the driver carrying the cylinder inside your home. This is especially helpful for ladies (or men) who don’t want to carry a gas cylinder up the stairs.

CHOOSING A BANK

A D V I C E

Choosing a bank

There is an array of banking options in the UAE, both international and local, with personal finance experts recommending using a financial comparison site to check eligibility criteria, interest rates, fees and charges for bank accounts, loans and credit cards.

Ambareen Musa, founder and chief executive of comparison platform Souqalmal.com, says new arrivals to the UAE should also read up on Islamic banking terms such as profit rates, as all residents - Muslim and non-Muslim alikehave access to both conventional and Islamic banking products.

Ms Musa also recommends comparing remittance services if you intend to send money home, and keeping your home bank account active, although you may need to convert it to a non-resident account to allow inward remittances.

Ask friends and colleagues who they bank with, says Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com, and choose a bigger, local bank or a major international bank to “reduce the risk of banking problems”. You may also want to consider having accounts with two different banks in case one freezes your account when you later switch jobs, he says.

New arrivals to the UAE should also read up on Islamic banking terms such as profit rates, as all residents - Muslim and non-Muslim alike - have access to both conventional and Islamic banking products.

Suzanne Locke THE NATIONAL

If you already have an account with a bank offshore, picking the same bank in the UAE will make transfers faster, says wealth and wellness planner Rasheda Khatun Khan. She also advises signing up with the financial institution your employer banks with - it will help if you later need to borrow money.

Current account

Opening that all-important current account is key to get your life financially started in the Emirates. HSBC will set up an account for customers before they arrive “to make their transition as smooth as possible”, says Marwan Hadi, head of retail banking and wealth management for the UAE. Non-checking accounts - without a chequebook - are set up for new customers whose residency is in progress: a personal banking current account for salaries under Dh15,000 per month, Advance for Dh15,000Dh49,999 and Premier for higher salaries. Mr Hadi says it is a “10-minute account opening journey” with a debit card delivered within 24 hours. “Full account benefits”, including a chequebook, are added after the bank receives a copy of the customer’s Emirates ID.

Emirates NBD’s Suvo Sarkar, senior executive vice president, head of retail banking and wealth management, says the bank works with “select” employers on a pilot for new-to-UAE payroll customers to open a current account on their first day of employment, even before their residence visa is processed.

CBI’s head of retail banking products, Upendra Balchandani, says a full checking account with a chequebook requires account-holders to be UAE residents but the bank can open a savings account for non-residents with a debit card and internet and mobile banking.

Credit cards and loans

Debt is “readily available” for those that want it, says Stuart Ritchie, director of financial planning at AES International, with “a number” of banks and financial institutions “happy to lend”. “It is important that debt is managed and used as part of a well-considered strategy,” he warns.

Customers can apply for a credit card or loan “once they have an Emirates ID in hand”, says HSBC’s Mr Hadi. The first month’s salary payment needs to have been banked to apply for a personal loan, but customers looking for a car or home loan can apply before then, he says. Emirates NBD customers can apply for a credit card, personal or car loan as soon

as their first salary is banked.

CBI has a “unique” credit card programme allowing new UAE arrivals to apply immediately upon arrival for a credit card, says Mr Balchandani; however, an Emirates ID and visa are still required before a card can be approved. A minimum length of service of six months is required for loan or mortgage applications.

Ms Khatun Khan warns securing a loan to pay the rent is a “common pitfall” for new arrivals who then get into a “cycle of debt”. Rent is a really big outlay, she says, so some borrow to cover it – but the loan takes two years to pay off so next time the rent is due, “you’re short again”.

Offshore banking

Follow the “ABC rule of expat banking”, says Sam Instone, chief executive of financial advisory AES International. “If you are from country A and you live in country B, you should bank in country C.” An offshore account protects accrued capital, offers services designed for expatriates, acts as a “perfect platform” for wealth management and gives peace of mind, he says,

HSBC’s expat offshore banking services are “built around expats’ international lifestyle”, says the bank’s Mr Hadi, and offer currency accounts and foreign exchange services to “make it easier to move money around the world.

“There’s no need to keep more than three to six months of expenses in a UAE bank account,” says Mr Cronin. “Everything else should be moved offshore.” Major international banks provide offshore bank accounts that can be linked to your UAE account, he says, but they may require $50,000 or more. An alternative he suggests is investing in property or stock and bond exchange-traded funds, via an offshore broker.

Credit scoring

The Al Etihad Credit Bureau is in force in the UAE, awarding credit scores for all residents. For new arrivals, however, banks tend to fall back on traditional methods for new arrivals. Mr Hadi says HSBC assess creditworthiness based on the bank’s own score cards and risk criteria (often relating to the customer’s employer) “as there is no credit history available for new customers”. CBI uses credit bureau scores in addition to other risk assessment criteria such as

LISTING Banks

employment type and level of income, Mr Balchandani says.

Be aware that banks will check both your salary but how much disposable income you have, says Ms Khatun Khan, so live within your means. “If you reach 50 per cent of your income to debt ratio, known as your debt burden ratio, banks will not keep loaning you money.”

You will have to build your creditworthiness from scratch in the UAE, Ms Musa of Souqalmal.com points out. But she also advises planning ahead to retain your credit score at home - for instance, by keeping a credit card active - and sticking to the repayment schedule of any unpaid debt you have left behind.

Saving and investing

HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey finds that people moving abroad have more disposable income than when living in their country of origin, says Mr Hadi, giving new arrivals in the UAE “a great opportunity to grow their wealth”. CBI’s Mr Balchandani says long-term saving or investing is something all individuals, “irrespective of age or income bracket”, should “earmark as high priority”.

The tax band you were paying in your home country should be how much you aim to save in the UAE, says Ms Khatun Khan. But start saving straightaway, she says, even if it is just five per cent. “It’s easier to increase than to start, a year down the line.” Keep your end goals in mind, write them down and “keep them somewhere visible – the fridge, your workstation”.

Living expenses should be no more than 70 per cent of income, she says, and it is good practice to keep a month’s salary as cash for miscellaneous expenses.

Putting your money to work and investing 20-50 per cent of your income should mean that a few years in the UAE make a “big difference” to your finances, says Sebastien Aguilar, a Dubai resident who heads the non-profit investment community SimplyFI.org, But he advises new expats not to get over-excited and “inflate their lifestyle too much”. “The number one factor influencing how much wealth the average expat will build is his/ her capacity to save,” he says.

Emirates NBD Phone: 03 766 6555

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank 03 7621386

Arab Bank PLC 03 76411328

Union National Bank

03 7670602

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank 03 7210009

Dubai Islamic Bank 03 7644111

Mashreq Bank 03 79974111

Bank Meli Iran 03 7442362

Bank of Sharjah 03 7517171

Sharjah Islamic Bank 03 7644666

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Standard Charter Bank 03 7654824

Al Hilal Bank 03 7641368

Commercial Bank of Dubai PLC 03 7667800

Habib Bank 03 7641485

Invest Bank 03 7644444

National Bank of Dubai 03 7667800

Noor Bank 800474

Emirates Islamic Bank 03 7659554

Bank of Baroda 03 7659554

First Abu Dhabi Bank 03 7322400

Rak Bank 03 7029000

Based in Al Ain, Tony Ashton is a financial planner with over 21 years’ experience in advising international expats on financial matters.

Tony’s specialities includes financial planning, retirement and education fee planning, estate planning as well as succession and Inheritance tax planning and life insurance and critical illness protection.

He can be contacted on 050 7953305 or by email on tony.ashton@cfsgroup.com

Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital

Al Ain City, Khalifa street

P.O. Box 14444, Al Ain UAE

Call center: 8002000

Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital

Civic Center, Al Jimi Area, PO Box 222766, Al Ain, UAE

T +971 3 7051500

Call Center: 8002000

Mediclinic Bawadi

health packages for men and women of all ages.

Same building as Union National Bank, next to Bawadi Mall

Zaid Bin Sultan Street, Al Khrair

best possible health with a wide variety of (dependent on your age and the type of health specialists.

Al Ain, UAE

P.O. Box 14444

Call Center: 800 2000

Tawam 03 7677444*

Government Hospital

Al Ain Hospital 03 702 2000*

Government Hospital

NMC Speciality Hospital 03 755 5999

Oasis Hospital 03 713 1111

Emirates International Hospital 03 763 7777

Ain Al Khaleej Hospital 03 713 3333

Universal Hospital 03 799 0000

Al Ain Ladies Club

Choose a unique escape to a realm of relaxation, luxury, health, shopping, food and fitness with Al Ain Ladies Club. The club embodies a variety of services that meet every lady's needs and essentials.

Meet our club instructors who have high standards of excellence in sports and handle anatomy, training programs, health screening, fitness and swimming assessments.

Seek the best Fitness Membership Package by reaching out to us on 037670003 or email us on reception@aalc.ae

Since our customers are our number one priority we constantly have to be innovative in order to meet their requirements; therefore, in 2019 we started integrating with external online shopping platforms to ease the shopping experience to our valuable customers, as well as opening some of our branches 24 hours a day. We also provide a pork section for non Muslims to satisfy their desires in the UAE.

Located near Tawam Hospital 03 767 6040 24 Hours

CARREFOUR

https://www.carrefouruae.com/

LULU

https://www.luluhypermarket. com

SPINNEYS 03 767 3000

CHOITRAMS 03 765 6798

SCHOOLS GUIDE

Putting your mind at rest - understanding how private school standards are monitored and constantly improved

Al Ain has had some wonderful new educational opportunities coming on-line in recent years and world class schooling is now available to residents of the garden city.

In order to ensure that exceptional standards are maintained, the Department of Education conducts annual inspections and delivers a grading school accordingly. This information is published so that parents and prospective parents can see exactly how their school is faring. Schools below a certain level can be shut down completely.

This evaluation and inspection program is known as Irtiqaa and the following information comes from the ADEK website:

Following the strategy of the State to improve the education system and enhance student potential, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has launched the ‘Irtiqaa’ Inspection program to assess the performance of private schools in Abu Dhabi and give the recommendations needed to improve their performance. This will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the strengths and weaknesses of each school, as well as improvement plans that will include workshops to help low achieving schools, identified by ‘Irtiqaa’, to enhance the quality of their education and reach the level required by the criteria of the program.

‘Irtiqaa’ is a comprehensive evaluation system that measures the quality of education in private schools in Abu Dhabi. This is performed by authorized inspectors who are hired and trained by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge in order to inspect and evaluate schools according to international standards and provide follow-up to ensure that they have reached the desired criteria.

To ensure the sustainability of the program and the continuous oversight of private schools in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge will activate the program

through 3 main areas:

Train UAE national educationalists to become school inspectors accredited by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. Perform periodic visits to inspect and monitor private schools to ensure their commitment to the program standards.

Provide the necessary support to schools and continue to improve the quality of education.

Through ‘Irtiqaa’ program, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge seeks to:

• Measure the performance and quality of the private schools in Abu Dhabi.

• Provide recommendations for improving education quality, management skills and student levels across all schools.

• Motivate school principals and teachers to upgrade their professional performance and direct them to achieve excellence.

• Stimulate and support the development process in every school to ensure the wellbeing of students.

• Secure a safe and healthy school environment for students.

• Improve the quality and efficiency of private schools in Abu Dhabi, in line with the strategic objectives of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.

Evaluating School Performance

According to ‘Irtiqaa’, private schools are evaluated as follows:

• Inspectors shall spend approximately 4 days in each school to determine its overall effectiveness based on self-evaluation as well as performance standards identified in the inspection program.

• Inspection reports, clarifying both the strengths and areas for improvement, are sent out to schools after the evaluation process is completed to help it develop effective plans for improvement.

• The evaluation process includes briefing parents objectively about the performance level of each school in order to enable them to make informed decisions concerning their children’s education.

• The school evaluation program helps determine the effectiveness of the education

system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The information provided enables the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge to develop evidence-based policies and programs designed to further support and improve the quality and effectiveness of the system as a whole.

• In addition to the periodic evaluation carried out by inspectors from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, schools are also assessed by international experts once every two years. This evaluation is based on five basic criteria as shown below:

• Quality of students’ achievement.

• Quality of personal and social development as well as innovation skills of the students.

• Quality of teaching and assessment.

• Quality of curriculum.

• Quality of student safety and wellbeing, as well as the guidance and support provided to them.

• Quality of school leadership and management.

International evaluators use a scale comprising six quality levels, as shown in the table below:

OUTSTANDING

Quality of performance substantially exceeds the expectation of the UAE

VERY GOOD

Quality of performance exceeds the expectation of the UAE

GOOD

Quality of performance meets the expectation of the UAE (This is the expected level for every school in the UAE)

ACCEPTABLE

Quality of performance meets the minimum level of quality required in the UAE (This is the minimum level for every school in the UAE)

WEAK

Quality of performance is below the expectation of the UAE

VERY WEAK

Quality of performance is significantly below the expectation of the UAE

In line with the Department of Education and Knowledge’s efforts to boost competitiveness among private schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Irtiqaa inspection reports are published for the public.

To view an inspection report of any private school, visit the school finder tool available within the ‘Get Education’ journey on TAMM.

Once you load the page, simply search for the s chool you are looking for and view its details, including the government inspection report.

ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS

While each school may have a particular requirement (please check with the school directly), the ADEK website list enrolment requirements in broad terms as follows:

In order to ensure that every student gets an appropriate education, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge adopts specific requirements for student enrolment in private schools in Abu Dhabi based on approved policies and procedures.

Below is a list of the main requirements that need to be taken into account when applying at any private school in Abu Dhabi:

• All students are entitled to apply in any private school regardless of their race, ethnicity or gender.

• Prospective parents/guardians are allowed to visit the school prior to registration.

• Schools shall re-register current students for the following school year if the parent/ guardian so wishes, unless there is a behavioural problem that justify refusal.

• Schools shall admit students with chronic

health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart disease, epilepsy and obesity) and must offer appropriate support as per the student’s needs.

• Interviews and placement tests: Schools must admit students into their kindergarten stage (KG1 or KG2) without requiring the students to sit for any form of tests or interviews.

• Schools may conduct an interview with a student during the mandatory education stage (from first grade until twelfth grade) may require the student to take certain placement tests to give an indication of their performance level(s) to be able to provide proper learning support and not for the purpose of accepting or rejecting a student.

• Required Documents For Registration

• A complete registration form containing full contact details for the student’s parents / guardians and basic student details (full name in both Arabic and English, date and place of birth, nationality, address and par-

ADMISSIONS OPEN

ent/guardian details).

• Emirates ID card.

• Vaccination card / medical record.

• Academic reports for previous years (in case of students transferring from another school within the UAE or from abroad).

• Documents pertaining to individual education plans and relevant assessments, as well as evidence pertaining to gifted and talented students.

• Any additional documents deemed necessary by the school.

* For more information regarding the terms and conditions, see policy 44: Admission, Registration and Distribution.

UNDERSTANDING CURICULLUM

The private school system does not adopt a one size fits all policy and each school ctares to a certain demographic of children who need to be educated in a certain way so they can easilly integrate back into their home country school system should they leave the UAE. The ADEK website lists the curicullum types below:

American Curriculum

American curriculum schools can be specific to a state’s curriculum or be focused on common core state standards. Click for more details about this Curriculum in Abu Dhabi.

Bangladesh Curriculum

The Bangladesh curriculum applied in Abu Dhabi follows the Dhaka Board Curriculum. Click for more details about this Curriculum.

British Curriculum

The English (British) national curriculum is a structure that schools use to make sure teaching and learning are balanced and consistent. Click to learn more about this curriculum.

French Curriculum

The French curriculum focuses on developing independent analytical thinking across broad subject areas. Click for more details about this curriculum in Abu Dhabi.

German Curriculum

Schools applying the German curriculum have the freedom to plan and organize teaching and learning in the way that best meets the needs of their pupils. Click for more details about this curriculum.

IB Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a continuum of international education. The programs encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development. Click for more details about this curriculum. Indian Curriculum

The curriculum adopts an education system that prepares students from classes 1 to 12 for competitive examinations while facilitating entry into the world›s leading universities. Click for more details about this curriculum.

Iranian Curriculum

The education system in Iran is divided into two main levels: primary education and high-school education. All children spend six years of their lives at primary level from age six to 12 and attend high school from age 12 to 18. Click for more details about this curriculum.

Italian Curriculum

Education in the Italian curriculum is compulsory for ten years between the ages of 6 and 16. The last 2 years (14 - 16 years of age) can be undertaken at a state upper secondary school. Click for more details about this curriculum.

Pakistani Curriculum

Compulsory education in this curriculum starts at the age of 5 and end at the age of 16 (Grade 10; the final class of junior secondary education). Materials included in this education system are taught in Urdu.

Philippines Curriculum

The Philippine curriculum is referred to as K -12 enhanced basic education curriculum. It aims to enhance learners’ basic skills, produce more competent citizens and prepare graduates for lifelong learning and employment.

SABIS Curriculum

This education system is specifically designed by SABIS® to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop a solid academic foundation that helps students achieve their full potential.

Using the school finder tool on the TAMM website will help find the school you need. Please note not all curiculums listed are avaible yet in Al Ain.

LISTING Schools

BEACONHOUSE

03 7515671

AL AIN ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL

03 767 8636

Al Ain American School 03 7678636

Brighton college 03 713 3999

Future International School 03 7646888

Global English School 03 7678844

Liwa International School 03 7810444

Aldar Academy 03 7151007

GARDEN CITY SCHOOL

Curriculum: Cambridge/British Curriculum Age Group: 3.8 to 10.8 years.

The school is a Band ‘A’ school in its first Irtiqa’a Inspection and boasts of having a Finnish principal mirroring the pedagogical practices of Finland’s education system. Active learning strategies and technology driven classrooms with good sporting facilities which includes a swimming pool, football pitch, indoor basketball court and play areas for Early Years are key success factors. The School is one of the top three recipients of the “UAE Librarian of the Year, 2019” award and announced by the Crown Prince office as the noteworthy school in its implementation of the Moral Education Programme. Website: gardencityschool.ae

Contact Number: +971 3 780 5775; +971 54 4701889

Manor Hall School

03 781 0891

Belvedere School 03 781 0891

Our Own English School 03 767 9747

Nursery Schools

LITTLE PEARLS

Little Pearls Nursery- established in Al Ain since 2015, is an ADEK and Ministry of Education approved and monitored facility with an excellent rating following the British EYFS curriculum, incorporating aspects of the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approach, Little Pearls set in a lush garden has well equipped indoor and outdoor play areas. Trips and excursions are included in our curriculum. Our dedicated and experienced teachers are qualified EYFS professionals. At Little Pearls, we explore the world we live in through the eyes of children. We celebrate diversity and realize that every child is special, unique, and every child is a miracle.

03 7673544

Little Miracles Nursery- is a Newly opened and wellequipped International preschool, Little Miracles nursery is an award winning, ADEK and Ministry of Education approved and monitored facility with fully trained and qualified staff. Set on large premises, Little Miracles follows the British EYFS curriculum with interesting and engaging indoor and outdoor play areas, also including excursions and trips as part of our curriculum. Staff are fully trained and qualified and we believe in partnering with parents and the greater community to support our ethos of diversity.

LITTLE REGENT 03 7665414

SUNFLOWER 03 7828500

HOUSE OF COLOURS 03 7612204

EDUFUN 03 7612686

ENGLISH GARDEN 03 7664748

LISTING

Malls Vet

AL AIN MALL

Phone: 03 766 0333

AL FOAH MALL

Phone:03 704 1010

WAHAT HILLI MALL

Phone:03 762 0207

BARARI MALL

Phone: 03 704 0777

BAWADI MALL

Bawadi Mall, the largest shopping mall in Al Ain, was officially inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative for Eastern Province on the 29th of April, 2009.

New brands made their debut in the Al Ain city through Bawadi mall, such as Zara, Mango, MAX , Marks & Spencer, Koton, New look, H&M and ACE amongst others. The mall has attracted more than 400 retail outlets, including international names. 03 784 0000

ROYAL VETERINARY CENTRE

Al Ain’s first and largest modern comprehensive veterinary facility

• Preventative Health Care

• Fully equipped clinic including X-ray, dental, and laboratory tests

• Relocations

• Grooming

• Boarding

• Retail

• Training

Tel: 03 7680686

Email: info@royalvetalain.ae

AL JIMI MALL

Al Jimi Mall is Al Ain’s first and favourite shopping and entertainment destination offering families and shoppers a wide variety of their favourite brands in the heart of the Garden City. An extensive renovation and expansion programme has added a further 100 stores, including an 8-screen VOX cinema and a retail park, bringing the total store count to over 200 shops and the leasable area to 76,000 sqm.

The expansion to the north side of the Mall, the ‘Retail Park’ consists of 10 big box retail units with sizes range from 1,500m to 6,500 sqm designed in a flexible way to accommodate different retailers’ area requirements, family dining and coffee shops, an event plaza and a front-door on grade parking for more than a thousand additional cars. 03 762 3859

WILLS - WHAT YOU MUST K N O W

Registering a Will as an Expat living in the UAE

Under UAE law, should a husband pass away without a registered Will, his estate would not pass to his wife under intestacy law as in some other countries.

Moving to a new country is an exciting whirlwind, new home, school, culture, climate, and an avalanche of information to process. It is little wonder that many Expats are yet to register their Will in the UAE. This is something however, that must be addressed.

Many people in the Expat community are not aware that a Will from their home country is not valid in the UAE, they may not be aware of what the consequences are of not having a registered Will for their assets and families, and they may not know how to go about getting a Will registered in the UAE.

Why Do I need a Will?

If you do not have a registered Will, the inheritance law of the UAE will be applied. This could leave your family and estate being dealt with in a manner you would not have anticipated,or intended.

Under UAE law, should a husband pass away without a registered Will, his estate would not pass to his wife under intestacy law as in some other countries. The estate would instead be divided in pre-determined shares to specific family members, which could mean a wife receives only 1/8th of the estate, and a son would receive twice the inheritance of any daughter. This may leave your spouse and children without the level of support and security you would have wished.

Another key reason to register a Will in the UAE is to make legally binding arrangements as to the guardianship of your children. Should the children be left without either parent, children may be placed in care until a court order can be made as to who should be their guardian. If you are not explicit about this in a registered Will, it is possible that the guardian appointed is one you may not have chosen.

Having a registered Will means that your instructions as to the management of your estate can be dealt with effectively and efficiently. Failing to register a Will leaves all decisions to the legal systems of the UAE. Your family may be left to endure lengthy, and expensive legal proceedings. This could be compounded by the fact that dependents visa’s may be cancelled, and all assets, even those in joint names, frozen, and your repatriation to your home country uncertain.

Registering a Will

As there are three options regarding the location of the registration of an expat Will in the UAE, with differing procedures and coverage, a certain level of confusion exists amongst the community that may cause apprehension when families contemplate registering their own Will.

It has been possible to register a Will in Dubai with the DIFC or the Dubai Courts for some time. The Abu Dhabi Judiciary began to register expat Wills in August 2017.

A Will registered with the Judiciary in Abu Dhabi will secure your assets, make legally binding guardianship arrangements, protect your family and is valid across all emirates. The registration fee has dropped from 5,500 AED to a much more affordable and accessible 950 AED.

A Will registered in the Dubai Courts can cover

assets and your estate, as well as confirm guardianship arrangements, and is also valid across the country. Unlike Abu Dhabi however, the registration fee in the Dubai Courts is 2,165 AED.

A Will made in the DIFC Wills and Probate registry will only be valid in the emirate of Dubai. A Key factor in considering this option is that the registration fee for a Dubai-specific Will at the DIFC Wills & Probate Registry can cost upwards of 10,000 AED.

Whichever option you chose, you must register a Will in order to ensure the safe guardianship of your children, to secure your assets and ensure they are distributed in a manner that protects your family and their needs.

The procedure varies in each location, however, it is always advisable to seek professional advice in order that your Will is drafted carefully and in accordance with the Law. It must then be translated by a legally registered interpreter and stamped accordingly.

In Abu Dhabi, your application is submitted online to the Judiciary for approval with all supporting documents. This will be reviewed, and if acting independently you will be notified of any queries or amendments that the Judiciary requires to be made. You must then action these requirements in order to obtain approval. Once approved, an appointment is made to attend the Judiciary to sign and formally notarize your Will.

It is at this point that you have a legally binding registered Will that protects all the important things in your life.

JR Wills is a registered legal consultancy specialising in Expat Wills. They take people from the vulnerable position of having no valid Will, to the security of having an individually tailored registered Will that is valid across the UAE. JR Wills simplifies the process for Expats. They personally advise clients, draft specialized Wills, prepare supporting documents and submit the application on your behalf taking all necessary action to gain approval, and the registration of your Will.

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LISTING Gyms and Fitness

FITNESS EDGE™

Your ultimate functional training facility, fun & effective high intensity strength and conditioning group classes. Qualified, passionate & friendly staff. Awesome fitness community, best place to unwind and achieve your health and fitness goals.

First timers? Come down and try one of our classes or a PT session for FREE!!!

Personal Training | Group Classes | Fitness Events

www.fitnessedge.ae

info@fitnessedge.ae 037675759

Shop 1, Souq Extra Mall, Al Ain

Jebel Hafeet Challenge 25 October 2019

An epic run up the winding & scenic road to the top of the iconic Jebel Hafeet Mountain. A great test of fitness, endurance and mental strength.

Distance: 12.5km

Starts: Green Mubazarah Park

Time: 6am

Categories: Individuals | Relay Teams (3pple)

www.hafeetchallenge.com 037675759 | 0568190043

What is Tamm ?

TAMM's new vision aims to attain service excellence in Abu Dhabi Government by shifting the service delivery model towards a ‘journey’ focused approach. We are moving towards a One Government model where all entities work together to offer an integrated and exceptional customer experience in the Emirate. We aim to enrich this experience by employing innovative technologies that are proactive, fast and efficient, transforming them into easy-to-use tools in the hands of the customers, as they are the cornerstone of a positive and happy society.

Emergency Numbers in Abu Dhabi

Emergency Service for People of Determination People of determination can send an SMS to 5999 to report accidents or anything that might disrupt the security and public order.

More Useful Numbers

National Early Warning System

The National Early Warning System (EWS) project was created for the sake of ensuring safety and protection of all individuals in the UAE. The main role of EWS is warning people of emergencies and dangerous weather conditions in advance and guiding them on how to stay safe in such situations.

Community Concerns

Abu Dhabi Police provides Aman service, a highly confidential channel that contributes to the stability and security of the community.

The service enables all members of community to provide information regarding security, traffic and any other issues to Abu Dhabi Police.

Community members can submit any information through the Abu Dhabi Police website.

Women and Children Protection Ministry of Interior Child Protection Centre

The Ministry of Interior Child Protection Centre works on ensuring the protection of children through various approaches, such as the hotline service '116111'.

The service is offered for free and around-the-clock to receive reports on child abuse or negligence.

Ewa’a Shelter for Women and Children

The Ewa'a Shelter for Women and Children provides women and children, victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse, with a safe and temporary shelter, as well as all necessary medical, psychological and social assistance.

For further information on how to get admitted to the centre and benefit from its services, please visit the Ewa's Shelter for Women and Children page or contact 800 7283.

Reporting Missing Persons

In case of missing persons, call 999 Abu Dhabi Police hotline and provide as much information as possible, such as full description and information on circumstances in which the missing person was last seen. In the event of any maritime accidents, call the Coast Guard emergency number (996) to start search and rescue operations.

Work Accidents

In case of injuries or death at the workplace or If a worker has been absent for three days or more due to an injury at work, the employer must inform the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation within 24 hours of the incident.

To report such incidents, please contact the Ministry at 80060 from 8 AM to 10 PM, or send an eMail at wiis@mol.gov.ae.

Reporting Death

When a natural death occurs in Abu Dhabi or in case of a UAE national dying outside the Emirate, Health Care Facilities (Hospitals) should directly contact one of the morgues in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain or Al Dhafra Region.

If death is unnatural or outside the hospital, contact directly 999.

In case of car break down, call 800 72233.

LISTING Hotels

DANAT

03 704 6000

RADISSON BLU

03 768 6666

GRAND MERCURE

03 704 6888

AL AIN ROTANA

03 754 5111

HILLI ROTANA 03 705 3333

ALOFT 03 713 8888

AL BADER R ESORT

03 784 3330

Aldar Academy 03 715 1000

HILI RAYHAAN

The five-star property offers 254 splendid rooms and suites with their modern design complementing the values of the contemporary Arabian culture in an alcohol free environment. The guest rooms are spread over six floors ranging from standard to suite making the hotel an attractive proposition for leisure and business travelers.

A choice of three food and beverage venues as well as 24 hours in room dining for an additional room comfort to satisfy all tastes and moods. The conference area features 7 flexible meeting rooms, all fully equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and expressing a friendly and modern atmosphere.

THE AYLA GROUP OF HOTELS

Ayla Grand Hotel

In front of Al Ain

Ayla Grand Hotel is the latest 5-star property of Ayla & Resorts. Strategically situated in the town center of Al Ain, is within walking distance of major attractions, business centers and shopping stores.

Ayla Bawadi Hotel

Next to Bawadi Mall, Meyzad

Attached to Bawadi Mall, the Ayla Bawadi Hotel is the perfect destination for both business visitors and tourist.

Ayla Hotel

Civic Center, in front of Sheikh Khalifa mosque

Located in the heart of Al Ain in front of Sheikh Khalifa mosque, close to the business district, as well as Al Ain’s shopping and entertainment areas.

Sky5 Café

Ayla Hotels & Resorts

A Great Place to enjoy football matches at Ayla Hotel along with a nice coffee or cool refreshments. Sky5 café has both indoor area and outdoor overlooking the vast views of Al Ain.

Al Naeem Spa

Ayla Grand Hotel

Enjoy a transformational journey of ancient Arabian opulence, starting with the whole body immersed in traditional black olive soap followed by steam to allow eucalyptus to clear all the stress.

Pulse Health Club

Ayla Hotels & Resorts

Pulse Health Club is an all-inclusive health club. It offers range of health and well-being for men & women of all fitness levels.

Terms and Conditions:

Voucher is valid for First timers to Fitness Edge Can only be redeemed once and cannot be reused

Cannot be combined with other promotions. Valid until 31 October 2019