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Post by Hanolu on Jun 12, 2014 7:24:15 GMT
Hi, we are moving soon as a family with 2 kids 3 1/2 and 1 1/2 years old. They said we might be in rakah compound but not confirmed yet. We are moving from the UK.
Are all the houses there as town houses? As having 1 1/2 who doesn't walk well yet is a bit scary for me?
What to expect as a mum, life, socialising, making friends, is there personal trainer on the gym floor or one I can contact?
I read that the garden in rakah compound are dont have any fence, is that true ? As with kids is not advisable?
As a women, I know you need to wear the abaya, do. Have to cover my head?
Under the abaya does all my trousers and skirt must be ankle length or under the knee would do?
Going to hotels for dinner, can we wear decent but under the knee dress and take off the abaya inside?
Swimming on the compound, what are the suggestions for a women swimsuit?
I feel I am going to the unknown even though i lived in Dubai practically most of my life but still its so different?
Thank you
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Post by vpainter on Jun 13, 2014 19:54:24 GMT
All the houses in Rakah are two story townhouses. Bedrooms upstairs, living area downstairs. Sent you an email with pictures.
You may want to bring child gates for both end of the stairs.
There are over 250 families - 800 people - lots of kids of all ages. You will have plenty social times, step out and meet your neighbors.
There is a trainer at the gym.
No the back patio areas do not have fences. You may want to put up one around your patio at your expense. You can contact housing for approval for doing that.
You do not have to cover your head. You can wear an abaya in the local community or dress conservatively whichever you are comfortable with. That means loose clothing that covers your elbows, hips and down to your ankles, whether a top and pants or a dress.
If you are dressed conservatively and are wearing an abaya to go out to eat, then yes, I have seen women remove their abayas in the restaurants/hotel restaurants.
Women are required to wear a one piece (or equivalent two piece) conservative swimsuit.
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Jun 13, 2014 21:01:46 GMT
Hi Hanolu,
Just some answers specifically to Rakkah:
If you choose to bring a stairgate with you be aware that the stairs are non-standard and you will need something extra wide, and preferably adjustable if you don't have measurements. There was one which some families bought in toys-r-us locally so you can wait until you arrive as well.
I don't know of any personal trainer in the gym, but there are aerobics, yoga and zumba classes. There are lots of Mums with children the same sorts of age - there are estimated 55 children expected in K3 in Sept.
The garden is not fenced off - but very few families have chosen to put up fencing - and it is those with dogs, rather than children, which do. There is a strip of (communal area) grass which is beyond the patio and flowerbed and most of the children play on this together. I suggest that you don't worry about this and wait until you see the setup here (easier said than done, I know!)
With regards to swimwear, Rakkah is relaxed about policy, and what you would normally wear to UK swimming pool will be fine. However, since the sun is very strong, I have bought a rash vest and leggings just for UV cover rather than modesty. There is not a great choice of swimwear here so consider going shopping before you come if you would like something new.
Also, you will probably be aware of this already, but if you are coming on 24th June, this will coincide with end of term at school and a mass exodus as families leave for the summer. Ramadan will also commence the week after you arrive. The camp will be quiet and shops will be closed but this should be temporary.
Hope that helps
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Wutz
Senior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Wutz on Jun 14, 2014 3:41:23 GMT
Maursh,
Just to be clear - the shop hours will change during Ramadan, but none (that I know of) actually stay closed for all of Ramadan. So shopping is less convenient, but still possible.
Wutz
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Post by Hanolu on Jun 14, 2014 11:21:31 GMT
Thank you all for the feedback, I know a lot of ppl love it over there....so I guess I have to wait till next week to experience it myself. Vpainter, I didn't get any emails from you, can you re send it again pls? I have very short hair would that be an issue? I bought a conserved swim leg suit to be on the safe side  |
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Post by MEintheME on Jun 14, 2014 13:37:43 GMT
Hi, Maursh,
Can you please let me know how wide the stairs are at the top & bottom? We have stairgates, but would like to know whether to bother bringing them or not.
Thanks
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Post by vpainter on Jun 15, 2014 20:44:44 GMT
Hanolu, I take it you received my email since you replied.
Short hair is not a problem.
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Jun 16, 2014 13:18:21 GMT
MEintheME,
120cm at the bottom
115cm at the top
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Post by Hanolu on Jun 16, 2014 19:17:41 GMT
Hi, I was trying to reply to a pm but didn't know how?
I was informed that we are placed on rakah and provided with the house number, so I guess that is confirmed.
As for stair gates, can we buy them from dammam ? As it's we are not shipping our stuff. My husband thinking we can find everything there if not we buy it from Dubai so more insight will be appreciated
Does anyone willing to sell their used stair gates? Please advice
Urgent need ....
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Post by MEintheME on Jun 17, 2014 7:46:57 GMT
Thanks Maursh  |
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