So you're moving to Dubai?

I just checked in on my emails after some time and had a few requests to continue blogging.

I do enjoy it but at times I think 'Is my life interesting enough to post about?'

I mentioned this to my boyfriend and he rattled off so many funny stories and crazy events and travels that I get up to, it was nice to hear because sometimes I forget what an adventure this is! 

Before elaborating on the above topics, which I will definitely be doing so soon, I have had some questions thrown to me by readers about living and moving to Dubai.

Moving your whole life over from another country to start fresh here in Dubai is tough, stressful and can be a daunting process. I remember frantically organising documents and thinking 'Is this all worth it?'

There are a lot of things to finalise before you shift to the desert but once you get here I assure you so many of the things you may had initially lost sleep over will be far from your concerns.

If you are fortunate enough to have your accommodation provided by your employer then there's one less thing to worry about, to be honest it was a massive relief to know my apartment was waiting and ready for me.

If you are moving here without a place, know that location and type of accommodation make a huge difference to price in Dubai. Do your research and find a good agent to get you something in your budget.

Cost of living in Dubai is really depending on your lifestyle. 

It can be notably higher due to the cost of housing and retail. 

YES Dubai is a tax free environment but note that you're moving to a new country and in order to be set up and comfortable the first few months in your new surroundings it is harder to minimalist costs. 

Dubai has a lot of great and exciting things to see, which a lot involve costs to travel and enjoy the activities. Ensure you don't live beyond your means here because it can be very easy to get caught up in the exciting Dubai lifestyle of extravagance. 

Living in a new city be aware of costs for transportation and utilities before all else, as it can be a misery trying to settle yourself somewhere on an inadequate salary. 

Ladies, I have read your questions about clothing attire in Dubai.

I honestly believe you CAN wear what you like here (within reason) it all depends on what you're comfortable with.

I feel I do dress more modestly most of the time here in Dubai as opposed to how I would dress in the Australian Summer heat. 

My point is mainly because I would rather not be 'stared at' or be deemed as wearing anything inappropriate as this is an Arabic country where the locals and many surrounding countries are Muslim and modest dress is respected.

There are exceptions where to the gym, the beach and night clubs/bars where it is acceptable to wear your bikini, shorts and short dresses. You will notice that even in the malls some people will dress in the above, however the malls do in fact have a dress code for females to wear modest attire ie: no beach wear, cover shoulders, cover knees etc. I have heard that indeed people have been asked to cover up in the mall if they were not following the dress code.

This doesn't mean you need to rock an abaya but just be sensible and take note of your surroundings.

Alcohol in Dubai can be purchased with an alcohol license. It actually is a very simple process to obtain this by providing a few documents and paying a small fee. This license also is meant to allow you to obtain alcohol in your home.

You will find that you can buy drinks in bars and clubs without providing this licence where the alcohol must be drunk on site. 

Being drunk in public in Dubai is not tolerated and there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving in Dubai.

If you go out, cabs are very easily accessible and cheap to get your way home.

Dubai can be a fun and eye opening place to experience people from all walks of life and live amongst them in a busy and fun multi-cultural City. My main tip is to continue your interests and hobbies here when you move in order to help you feel settled and at home.

Enjoy it! 

Back to Blogging!

I can't believe I've been in Dubai for nearly a year now!
I've traveled many destinations and have experienced so much in a short amount of time.

To think I came to Dubai having the idea of maybe staying only for a year with the company, I have no question in my mind about leaving.
There is still so much to do and explore.
I feel like my journey has still only just begun!

Right now I'm currently typing this quick update from my hotel room in Houston.
To bring you up to scratch with recent events, I was able to move out of my desert accommodation and into the city. Lucky me! I have been in Downtown Dubai for a few months now and just last week have been approved to move into one of the nicest apartment blocks the company provides us with my best friend. Very exciting times!

I've been loving my life in Dubai whilst living Downtown. The convenience of having an amazing yoga studio close by has been a tremendously positive impact on me.
Additionally, having The Dubai Mall just 2 metro stops away is fantastic... Yet a little dangerous :)
With the job we are fortunate enough to have quite a few days off some rosters which helps being able to unwind after long haul flights. Sometimes it doesn't seem enough however if you're able to manage your sleep life can be a lot easier on you.

Flying has been an eye opening experience, working with people from so many different backgrounds, cultures and contrasting ideas to your own is a challenge yet an incredible way to learn about yourself and the world around you.
I find myself being more patient with others and myself which then helps me in my role as cabin crew.

I am thinking of doing a few shorter blog posts with some travel photos and notes with each month at a time to catch up so I can start blogging again from here now.

Thanks for reading and keeping the blog alive 🌺🌻

First stop, Munich!

Feeling well rested after my first layover to Munich.

A 6hr flight over, along with me was one of my batch mates.

For our first 2 flights we are additional crew so observing service and procedures is the main goal.

I felt I learnt a lot and am feeling confident for my second flight (a turnaround to India which is meant to be challenging!)

Munich was beautiful, unfortunately I didn't get to see too much in the 24hrs I was there due to the fact it was a public holiday there and not much open.

The streets were lit at night, plenty of people cycling past and the metro crowded.

I enjoyed a dinner (PORK!) with some of the crew and came back to the hotel early to rest, I was exhausted.

I felt the layover allowance was quite generous and enough to have some left over.

My one and only picture from Munich; enjoying a delicious pastry on the street. :) 

College complete!

I haven't posted since I have been in Dubai, mainly for the reason that I have been focusing my energy on making Dubai my home and creating a routine around college.

Since posting last, there is a lot to update on!

I passed college! No repeats or re-sits of tests which I am feeling chuffed about.

College was hard. Early mornings, late nights, exams nearly every day and add that into trying to settle into your new apartment, new surroundings, new friends and pretty much starting fresh and over with everything!

The hardest, most challenging part of college was SEP (Safety and Emergency).

The batch I was placed into split up into other batches so I had to make a whole new circle of friends and in two short weeks at the end of the course you realise how strong the bond you created during the time - pulling together because you almost have to in a sense.

It's strange putting 120 people from different backgrounds, cultures and all with varied beliefs together, the mix was fresh and comforting. Many differences but still a common goal- to reach the end of training.

I returned to my original batch for the rest of the courses, GMT (Medical) and also Service training.

I have also formed a close friendship with a few girls who live in my apartment block.

Thankfully my housemates are lovely as well which makes my living situation more pleasant, as I am located slightly far out from the city.

I've attached a few photos from training- next post I will update on my first flying experience... X

DOJ 5/9/14

This post was written on the 5/9 during my flight - only posting now due to being so busy! Will continue another post from the past week shortly x

My flight was scheduled this afternoon from Sydney at 6:45pm.

The flight was to go to Bangkok then Dubai.

My mum and my step dad drove me to the airport and waited with me before I entered the departure gates.

Saying goodbye to my mum didn't seem real at all. I didn't cry nor did I even feel like I was moving.

Reality is, I am!

I ventured through the departure gates on my own and through customs very smoothly.

We boarded a B777-300 and I was seated in economy.

My tv didn't work and I spoke to the staff several times and they tried to reset it but it still didn't work. 

I couldn't watch movies or use the entertainment system through to Bangkok. It was still okay because I had my iPod and tried to sleep most of it.

I made one of the stewardess aware that I am a new joiner moving to Dubai when she passed my seat. She was very friendly and told me that she will show me around. 

A couple of the girls came up to me half way through the flight and invited me down to the end of the plane.

They walked me through and I was greeted by several girls who were eager to show me around the cabin.

They took a Polaroid of me wearing the famous Emirates hat with them and gave it to me in a little frame.

Turbulence kicked in and I was ushered back to my seat.

I sat there for the rest of the 9 hour flight to Bangkok and slept a bit more.

Arriving to Bangkok at 10pm UAE time, we were given the option to stay on board or get off for half an hour. I stayed on and chatted to a few friendly passengers.

The cabin crew left and said good luck to me and a new crew boarded.

Whilst they were checking my boarding pass, I introduced myself and the girls and guys were so excited that I was on the flight. They promised me that they would take care of me.

At 1am, an hour and a half into the flight I was invited again to hang our with the crew in the back of the plane.

They were so friendly and accommodating, making me coffees, offering food or anything that I may need.

This crew were young and energetic and seemed so happy to be together.

Again, turbulence began and I returned to my seat.

I am writing this now with 4 hours before I arrive to Dubai at 6am. 

I am feeling relaxed, excited and really impressed with the friendliness and warmth from the staff to make me feel welcome.

It has not hit me yet that I am leaving all that I know behind to commence a whole new life.

When I arrive I suppose I will be freshening up and napping if I am tired.

There is a girl from my FI that moved to Dubai several weeks ago that I might try and see during the day.

At 4pm, I am meeting at the Dubai Mall with the other new joiners. I assume we will be getting dinner and drinks to celebrate. Apparently there are over 50 of us starting on the 5/9.

I am going to try and sleep some more, next post I'll be in Dubai ! 

X

Accommodation

Yesterday, the 28th I received my accommodation.

I have been placed in the Sarab Building which is apparently a little far out from central Dubai.
Regardless, I am still extremely grateful to receive free accommodation from Emirates and I am sure there are still many perks in this area.

Apparently the Sarab Building has it's own pool and gym on site which is super convenient.
It is 30 minutes from The Emirates HQ however a free shuttle is provided.

I am starting to become very excited for my new adventure and am happy to reside anywhere!

7 days to go!

10 DAYS

Oh my gosh.

10 Days until the big move.

I have a few things to complete before I even think about flying away.

- I am awaiting a response from the Emirates Clinic in regards to some medication my dermatologist has prescribed me for my skin. I have sent a requested report from my doctor and uploaded it on the portal. It is a manageable condition which I hope will not affect receiving my ticket and visa!!!!

-I need to complete my pre-flight work book to 'Prepare for take-off.' I will probably leave this til last minute. This also has some exercises to be done whilst flying to Dubai, like obsvering the cabin crew, policies and procedures.

-I really, really, really need to practise packing everything up in my bags. I fear I will need to purchase another item of luggage! Annoying but has to be done.

I am allowed 50kg checked in luggage. Seems weird to be packing my whole life into a suitcase... There are a lot of clothes to be passed onto friends!!

-I need to print off all of my joining documents, copies of passport, families birth certificates and academic certificates.

-I still need to get some more head shots for my flying license and US visa.

Annnnd find time to relax and enjoy my friends and families company.

Under the pump but that's the way I like it!

Cannot wait to receive my e-ticket and visa. My accommodation status says that it will be provided shortly. I'm forever still checking the portal!!!!

❤️

Final Approval!

FA! FA! FA!

Final Approval given on the 31st of July 2014 - Only 2 weeks after my GC.

With your Final Approval, comes your medicals signed off and your next step becomes available which you are advised to resign from your current employer.

The Final Approval email is stated below;

Dear Miss Small,

Please read the below instructions carefully.  We are pleased to inform you that we have obtained the final approval on your application. You may now tender your resignation so that you can join our organization as early as possible. Once you have tendered your resignation, please upload the copy of the acceptance of resignation from your present company on our website by logging into CandidatePortal. The acceptance letter should be on a company letter head signed and stamped by an authorised signatory.Please complete the online joiners form if you have already not done so. If you are required to serve further notice with your current employer and unable to join on the scheduled date please notify by submitting a query on candidate portal. If you are currently a student, working on a part-time basis or unemployed, you are not required to upload the service letter. Please inform the Recruitment coordinator of the same through "Submit a Query". A week before your date of joining, the e-ticket and copy of your visa to enter the U. A. E. will be uploaded on the candidate portal and you will be notified through email and Candidate Portal. Kindly continue to check the Candidate Portal frequently.  NB: Now that you have completed your joining formalities. To help you get off to a flying start and prepare you for your Cabin Crew training programme, you will need to CLICK on the Induction Tab within the Candidate Portal.  Here you will find a link to the 'Prepare for Take-Off ' Cabin Crew Workbook. Please take time to familiarize yourself with the information and complete the tasks required. Your thoroughness in completing the workbook will set you up for success in your training.  Best Regards&,  HR Coordinator  HR Employee Services  Emirates Group Head Quarters,  Dubai, U.A.E

So the final countdown is officially on. This doesn't mean it's time to relax, I feel like I have a lot to prepare before I leave. My checklist is growing by the day!

Please remember to comment if you have any further questions to ask :)

Step 1: Pre-Employment

I am writing this quite delayed.

I accepted my contract through the selected candidate portal on the 19th of July 2014.

This was completed by reading through and accepting. Once this was done, I received a tick on the left panel next to the 'Contract' link.

The next link available to complete was the 'Online Joiners Forms.'

This includes your information and your families personal details. Very simple and straight forward. I completed this on the 20th of July 2014 and again I received a tick next to the link.

My next stage was 'Documents for Security'.

You must upload an updated and recent copy of your Resume, a coloured scan of your passport and additionally 6 x passport size photographs (these can be smiling as they are for HR documents).

I completed these again on the same date, the 20th of July 2014.

I did not receive a tick to the next stage until the next day, the 21st of July due to HR needing to review the documents uploaded. 

Next step, Medicals! Please see my next blog for the Medical documentation as it is slightly more lengthy than the previous steps.

Again any questions please post I am more than happy to answer!

Selected Candidate Portal

So I made it to the Selected Candidate Portal! What a relief!

In here contains the most prized information - my contract, online forms, medical documentation and travel arrangements.

When you log in there is a little countdown of how many days left before your DOJ and on the left panel your list of items to complete with the right panel links to things such as uniform standards, living in dubai and also company policies and procedures.

I will be posting shortly about my completion of the online documentation and then my road to the FA! 

Make sure you comment below if you have any questions to ask along the way and I will answer them with my experience and knowledge.

The Golden Call

It was the 6th week. 6 weeks after my Final Interview.

My anxiety levels were high. Every phone call I received I answered it in hope of the Golden Call!

I went through ups and downs - I even talked myself out of it and ensured that my expectations weren't too high on hearing back in time.

That 6th week for me was especially stressful as a family member of mine was terminally ill and had been at the hospital all week. With that to worry about and also the hope of getting a job with Emriates I was stressed.

On Thursday the 17th of July it was my day off work and I had been at the hospital until late afternoon.

That day I knew it was 'Friday' the end of the working week in Dubai and I was hoping to get the call, I had a feeling that I needed to keep my phone close by.

I went to the mall with my friend and had only just arrived when I got a phone call at 6pm from a private number.

As it wasn't the extension from Dubai, I wasn't expecting it to be the Golden Call but to my surprise it was!

I was told I had been successful in obtaining a position as a Stewardess with Emirates!!!!!

I was asked if I could join on the 5th of September. My answer was an obvious YES without thought.

She confirmed some personal and current employment details and mentioned to not resign yet until I have been confirmed to do so by HR.

She congratulated me and hung up.

I squealed in delight and my friend and I were in shock!

I tried to call my mum but she was not in service at the hospital so I phoned my dad and step dad. They were so excited - I was still in shock and not even sure what to say.

I knew I wanted to get home ASAP to accept my contract and start completing and uploading documentation.

This was the confirmation that a new life path is underway!

Test for Emirates Cabin Crew recruitment

On the 1st of July, 3 weeks post my Final Interview I attended Sydney Head Office to complete a 'test' as I hadn't finished Year 12 at school.

This test was meant to build my application stronger to present to HR in Dubai.

I met a HR representative at the Sydney Head Office who was lovely and made me feel comfortable immediately.

She questioned what the test was for as she hadn't had anyone come to Sydney to do this. I was a little shocked that she wasn't aware what it was for and didn't know if that was a good or bad thing!

She sat me in a room and gave me a sheet to mark answers and a hard cover exercise book.

The book was called Ravens Progressive Matrices.

She explained I had 45 minutes to complete this test and gave me the guidelines with a practise answer.

She left me in the room and I started the test, I didn't find it hard at first and the patterns were simple.

The test progressively got harder and by the end I don't even know how I came up with the answers! I felt confident I had worked them out but still there was uncertainty in my mind.

The HR lady came back in and we talked about the role of a Cabin Crew employee.

Our conversation was casual and she was very nice.

She explained to me that Sydney have nothing else to do with the recruitment process for Cabin Crew and that my test would be sent back to Dubai.

I left the office relieved that the test was over and hoping that I had done enough to impress HR in Dubai!

2 Weeks post Interview

I had submitted all of my final documentation and photos the week after my interview.

On the 16th of June, my status on the job page to 'Interview Completed.'

I received a phone call from a strange number 2 weeks later. I quickly picked up the phone to answer and it was one of the Recruiter's from my Final Interview.

I was told that my application was strong however they wanted to ensure it was everything that HR in Dubai were looking for.

I was told that completing Year 12 was a minimum requirement when applying for Emirates Cabin Crew. My heart sank as soon as she said this, I thought 'It's over.'

To my surprise, she told me that we can organise for me to sit a 'test' in Sydney and that I will be contacted by the Sydney Head Office to organise this.

I was so pleased to hear that I may have a chance.

I asked what the test entails, I was told it will have a series of pictures and questions and that it's more logical thinking and problem solving.

I got off the phone and instantly started to worry about the test.

Self doubt creeped in instantly but I was still determined to push through.

I was contacted later by a lady at The Emirates Sydney Head Office and we scheduled the test for the 1st of July.

The Final Interview for Emirates Cabin Crew

The Final Interview was held the day after our Recruitment Day in the same location at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Sydney.

My interview time was 11am, 2nd in line out of the other 4 girls that were to be interviewed that day as well.

After a broken sleep, I readied myself to catch the train from Newcastle to Sydney.

I arrived at the hotel with 20 minutes to spare - I used this time to fix my hair and makeup.
-For my presentation this morning I wore  a black suit, skirt to the knee, skin coloured stockings and black court shoes.
I did my hair in a donut bun (one of the approved hairstyles for Emriates Cabin Crew.)
I wanted to  present myself in a way that the Recruiters could already envision me working for the company and wearing the uniform.
I included wearing the Emirates red lipstick to complete my outfit as I feel the finer details are noticed and in this case you want the Recruiters to really see you've done your homework and put in 110%.

To prepare myself for interviews I use a lot of self talk with positive affirmations or I practise answering typical interview questions in a role play scene in my head.
I honestly enjoy interviews and was feeling a lot less nervous in the waiting room compared to how I felt on The Recruitment Day.

I was greeted by two Recruiters at 11am - they both welcomed me and had me sit down.
-One thing I noticed was that there was a very relaxed, comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
They both asked me how the train ride was here and offered me refreshments.

After being welcomed, I was prompted to pass them the documentation that they had requested to bring along.
I had an updated copy of my resume, copies of academic certificates, a copy of my passport, my mothers birth certificate and a current photo in business attire.
The Recruiters checked the boxes that I had handed in all of the above.
I was asked a series of questions that were factual about myself. Some of the questions asked were as followed;
-Are you fluent in any language other than English?
-Have you completed year 12?
-DOB, Address and contact details confirmed
And
-Have you done any published advertising or modelling?

I answered no to completing year 12, they seemed a bit shocked however they proceeded with more questions.
The last question, I noted that I was currently sponsored by a sports nutrition company and had done competitive fitness modelling - I had to explain this and what it entailed which made me somewhat nervous that it would affect my application.

I was then told that one Recruiter was going to scribe whilst the other asked me a series of questions. I was encouraged to answer these as truthfully as possible as they wanted actual recounts of your experiences.
I felt calm and confident during the questions and ensured I was connecting with both of them. I used a lot of eye contact, nodding in response to their questions and used appropriate humour and smiling with them when I could.
I wanted to show them I was bubbly, warm and enjoying speaking to them yet while still acting professional and focused.

Some of the questions I were asked are as followed;
-Tell me about your current job
-What responsibilities do you have?
-Is there a time that you had to bend the rules? Did you get into trouble for this?
-Is there a time where you have dealt with a difficult customer and how did you manage this?
-Tell me about a time that your day hadn't gone as planned. How did you manage this?
-Have you had to show understanding towards a different culture and nationality?
-Have you traveled much?

I felt quite good after the questions were over.
I was asked if I had any questions for them, I asked them what to expect now with the Reveuitment process.
They explained to me that they will be in contact within 6 weeks, during that time I would be rehired to upload several photos that I had not done yet.
I was thanked for attending the interview and wished good luck. I thanked them for the opportunity and told them I was looking forward to hearing from them.

I left the room and my mind was racing... Usually after am interview I have a clear idea in my head of how I went.
I felt comfortable during the process but was I too relaxed? We're my answers what they are looking for? Why were they shocked that I hadn't completed year 12, will that affect me?

I spent the train ride home pondering these thoughts and hoping that I would hear back sooner than the 6 weeks!!!