You Know You’re in Dubai When Work Becomes Pleasure With These Unconventional Yet Fun Jobs

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GUEST POST –  There are a gazillion work options offered by the magnanimous city of Dubai and these job opportunities are not just limited to the boring construction or oil and gas jobs or with organizations domiciled within the Dubai International Financial Center. There are several other career options to choose from, some of them being highly diverse from the run-of-the-mill jobs in Dubai.

The following are some highly interesting jobs based in Dubai for which you may not need to have heavy technical qualifications but should be passionate enough. Let us take a look at the jobs that we would love to do and also get paid for!

Personal Shopper
Love brands? Who doesn’t? This is like a dream job for the fashion-conscious shopaholic in you. Many high-end stores in Dubai appoint candidates like you as their personal shopping consultants. All you need to have is fashion sense and the ability to offer expert advice on style and wardrobe consulting for particular seasons or special occasions. As a personal shopper working for a huge department store in Dubai, your responsibilities will include personally selecting products for their VIP Customers from
all over the world.

Food Taster
Some people live to eat, while some eat to live. If you take up a job as a food taster, you will fall in the third category of people who not only get to do both of the above; they also get paid to eat! Eating is a universal need that makes us work to earn a living so we can put food on our tables. But think about it, what if you made the meals pay you instead of splurging your hard-earned money on the same gourmet dishes? A three- to seven-course meal will turn even more attractive when you know you are being paid to have the treat.

There are several jobs in Dubai that require expertise on culinary tastes and presentations. These jobs are listed on various job portals and seek food tasters for their genuine and unprejudiced opinions. The demand for food tasters comes from restaurants, cafés and hotels. Even though chefs are present for this job, most food companies think it is best to take the businesses seriously and have another person do the job for unbiased feedback.

Other than being a food taster, one may also be an ice-cream taster or tea taster. For this, you will not only need to have a good sense in taste, but also a fair understanding of texture, aroma and appearance. A degree in nutrition or food science will certainly improve your chances in this realm.

Mystery Shopper
Can’t seem to get enough of shopping, huh? Here’s another job option for the shopping lovers. Many companies in the UAE recruit mystery shoppers to go to stores posing as actual shoppers. As a mystery shopper, your role is to analyze the products and services offered by luxury brands that are oh-so-popular for their snob-value, sophistication and yes, quality.

To become eligible for this job, you need to – love shopping, love shopping and love shopping! But wait, that’s not all. You must also possess an eye for detail and should have excellent reporting skills, apart from having a strong visual sense of luxury. But before you think of applying for this job, make sure you are well-versed with all the big brands and know how the brand names are pronounced. After all, you don’t want to end up looking like a fake high-end buyer. Knowledge of the latest fashion trends will certainly help.

Storyteller
In an age when kids are more attracted to Temple Run and Candy Crush than outdoor games and where iPhones and iPads have become the primary toys for children, it may be hard to believe that there is still demand for storytellers. Yes, it is true that conventional storytellers are in demand in Dubai and get a decent pay to read out stories to little children. Some storytellers offer voluntary services for reasons other than monetary while the others earn from it. Dubai offers several storytelling opportunities in nurseries, schools, malls, bookstores like Jashanmal and Kinokuniya, and special events organized for kids. If you take up this job seriously, there are chances of getting paid handsomely.

Voice-Over Artist
This job is highly exciting and does not demand any college degree for you to fulfil any eligibility criteria. All you need is a great voice along with the ability to modulate your voice, good pronunciation and the perfect diction. Once you begin surfing the job boards, you will find there are numerous job openings for voice-over artists in diverse languages, most of them seeking artists for a one-off assignment or a part-time job. Professionals in this industry can do voice-overs for radio, TV and/or movies. They may even lend their voices to mascots, cartoon characters, documentaries or any other
project where they need to record in the recording studios. And if you can manage to do your job well, you stand a good chance of making it a full-time job by taking up a job as a presenter or radio jockey.

Cristine Reyes skydives on top of The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

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Mercury rising! Cristine Reyes, the sultry young actress from Manila must have one of the best, if not the best time of her life. Well, she just dropped herself 13,000 feet from above sea level on a tandem jump at Skydive Dubai.

Okay Cristine, you beat me. Mine remains a plan.

Tapa King Opens Restaurant in Dubai

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The royalties have arrived! Tapa King celebrates the opening of their second overseas store (first in the UAE) with a grand program. Congratulations!

The store is located at the ground floor, B-block of Ansar Gallery in Karama (Zabeel Road corner Khaleed Bin Al Waleed Street). I was quite disoriented on the way to the store from the basement parking. Not sure if it’s a popular spot among Filipinos as this is my first time to visit the shopping centre. But maybe, Tapa King will bring Pinoys to this place. Check.

A typical day in a Philippine mall is… you’re dining and on the background, singers are belting out high notes in a competition happening at the center stage. That’s the atmosphere tonight. Surely a treat. A viral campaign that started on Facebook, “Tapa King, Tapa Sing” competition ushers this successful launch. Very Filipino indeed.

Guests, led by Consul General Frank Cimafranca, Labor Attache Delmer Cruz and associates from the Philippine Consulate General Office, are treated with sumptuous buffet of some of Tapa King’s finest. Other guests from various organizations, media and the blogosphere also grace the occasion to savor the “ultimate Pinoy comfort food.”

Among the starters and mains on the table are Chicken Skin Sisig, Daing na Bangus, Chicken Afritada, and the Tapa King, Tapa Queen and Tapa Prince to go with the traditional garlic rice. Salads and desserts complete the set.

Tapa King is the original classic recipe – the traditional tapsilog flavor. Tapa Queen is sweet and spicy – “Pinoy-level” spicy, just peppery. Tapa Prince is sweet. Hmmm, I still have to find our why there’s no princess in the royal tapa-mily.  All meat are tender and perfectly seasoned. I’m okay with the Queen.  It goes well with vinegar.

Chicken Skin Sisig is appetizing as always, especially when crispy. The tangy Daing na Bangus portions, may not be the best, but tastes like a good home-cooked daing.

There’s a whole lot more to try. The restaurant will open to the public on Monday, 19th May. I’ll definitely be back and won’t miss the Manila’s best-selling Tapa Flakes, TK Wrap, Lumpiang Shanghai and Sinigang, among others.  And oh, Crispy Danggit, you’re on my list too. Then Halo-Halo and Mais con Hielo, we’ll have to tango!

Please have some baby’s chairs on the store. It would be more family-friendly.

Background
Tapa King started in 1987 in Gallardo Street, Makati City, Philippines. The idea was to give customers a rice meal alternative to hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza – the real Pinoy comfort food that is filling and reminds you of your favorite home-cooked meals. From here, the idea clicked and more stores were opened in Metro Manila and provincial areas. The first overseas store was opened in Singapore. There are also plans to launch franchises in New York, Las Vegas and Rome after Dubai.

The Dubai franchise is handled by LMZ Cuisines.  LMZ Cuisines is part of the Landmark Zenath Group, a leading business house of UAE, based in Dubai

Philippine Business Council president, Lucille Ong, and LSE secretariat Armand, Ella and Bobbie

…and with the manager, and Ms. Lalaine Chu-Benitez, EIC of Illustrado

Like Tapa King on Facebook for updates. Tara, tapa tayo!

Rumor Buster: Is Lamborghini UAE Really Giving Away A Gallardo?

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A certain “Lamborghini Dubai” account ran a contest like this:

Too good to be true? Apparently your instinct is correct. In a confirmation from Lamborghini UAE official Twitter account, the social media manager confirmed that it is not theirs, and that is a scam. Here’s the tweet:

Hi @ionGonzaga! The Lamborghini Dubai Facebook Page is a scam. Please do not particpate in the activities on that page.
— Lamborghini UAE (@LamborghiniUAE1) April 20, 2014

We are so gullible… but who to blame, it’s a Lambo giveaway! 😉

Emirates A380 Experience Opens in Dubai Mall

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Here’s our chance now to “pilot” an A380. Last week, Emirates launched Emirates A380 Experience at The Dubai Mall. This is the first public A380 flight simulator in the Middle East, and the airline’s second such project, having launched the Emirates Aviation Experience in London last year to a strong public reception.

Located in The Village at The Dubai Mall, the Emirates A380 Experience introduces visitors to the flight deck of the world’s largest commercial aircraft, allowing aviation enthusiasts to experience what it’s like to fly the jumbo carrier.

This latest attraction promises an experience like soaring through the skies on a 30-minute adventure in the realistic simulator.  Feel the thrill of landing and taking off from 12 of the world’s busiest airports in different weather conditions and your selected time of day.

Adding to the excitement, customers will be scored on how well they navigate the aircraft, allowing them to compete against family and friends.

Photo from Emirates A380  Experience Gallery
The 30-minute session costs a prestigious AED 350, concessionary rates are available. Please visit the website for more info.
Photo from Emirates A380  Experience Gallery
You may book and buy tickets through the website.  Enjoy 15% off a host of branded merchandise with the voucher on your boarding card.

6 Mega Projects in Dubai that Excites the Kid in Us

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1. Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corp, one of the world’s leading theme park developers, has just launched the tallest theme park drop/ride in the world, the Zumanjaro Drop of Doom. In partnership with Meraas Holding – the same developer behind the Bluewaters offshore project in Dubai that is to feature the world’s largest Ferris wheel, Six Flags is expected to build world-class theme park and record-setting rides and amusement. Tentatively, project completion is set at 2017.

Six Flags Entertainment currently operates 18 themed destinations in North America and Mexico and has revenues of $1.1 billion (Dh4 billion).

2. IMG World of Adventures / Dubai Adventure Studios
A 1.5 million square feet indoor themed entertainment destination, visitors will discover the huge excitement of an epic journey bursting with roller coasters, rides, thrills and adventures. The park will be comprised of 4 EPIC zones: Lost Valley-Dinosaur Adventure, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard and MARVEL. According to their Facebook Page, IMGWOA will be the biggest indoor themed entertainment destination in the world. Check out their website, http://www.imgwoa.ae/ to learn more about this marvelous development.

3. Universal Studios Dubailand
At more than twice the size of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Dubailand will be the pinnacle of the emirate’s tourism draw. Plan to have a Universal theme park in Dubai is still alive.The $110 billion, 280-square-kilometer development by state-owned real-estate firm Tatweer will also include an 11-kilometer strip of themed hotels and sports facilities such as Music City and Tiger Woods’s first golf course.

 

4. Legoland Dubai
Grading and early foundation work for the new Legoland Dubai theme park is already under way. According to this articleMerlin has confirmed that they will move forward with their plans to build Legoland Dubai, hoping to open the park in 2016 




5. Aladdin City
Not really a kiddie attraction but the name is. No flying carpets, no magic lamps and genies, but the idea is inspired by the tales of Sindbad and, well, Aladdin.

6. Dubai Safari
This new attraction that aims to build a huge natural animal habitat will replace the existing 1.5 hectare Dubai Zoo in Jumeirah.. The first phase of construction is already complete. Authorities hope to open the 29 hectares park by late 2014.

Dubai, Please Don’t Text and Drive

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Honda nailed it! Their new socially responsible public ad is so powerfully appropriate.

The video shows an intimate and flirty exchange of SMS between two lovers. Both are excited to share their feelings towards a gift before even meeting up.

Here in UAE, while the danger of texting is surely obvious, still many motorists tend to ignore it. Many think they are invincible and accident-free. There’s never a day on the road that I didn’t see drivers texting – as if calling is not enough (not encouraged either).

If you love your partner, never text him/her if you know that he/she is driving. Do not be demanding for replies also. What’s few minutes, or an hour to wait? Love your future, replies can wait.

This beautiful ad is made by the agency RPA.

The Dubai Nursery Show

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Two weeks ago we were just “nursery-hopping” trying to find the right nursery slash day-care for my 
baby turning 2. I suddenly found ourselves registered for the Dubai Nursery Show happening next weekend, 25 and 26 April, from 9am-5pm on the first floor of Time Square Mall.

Have a read:

The Dubai Nursery Show, in association with Baby Bazaar and EasyTruck, is proud to announce the first edition of its new bi-annual event in Times Square Mall. The show aims to give parents a comprehensive introduction to some of the top nurseries in Dubai.

“Dubai nurseries are currently in the process of starting their enrolment of new students for their September classes later this year, so there is no better time for busy parents to come and meet Dubai’s top nurseries in one room, at one time,” explains Natalie Humphrey, chief organiser of Baby Bazaar.

“The Dubai Nursery Show is the most convenient way for parents to see what the various nurseries can offer their child, and staff from each nursery will be available to talk to parents in depth about their ethos, curriculum and facilities. Parents are therefore able to judge for themselves which nursery is the best fit for their child.”

The participating nurseries’ locations range from Dubai Marina to Jumeirah to Downtown Dubai, and include prestigious nurseries such as Willow Nursery, Odyssey Nursery, Kids Cottage, Kids Island, Learn & Play, Little Wonders, Jumeirah International Nursery and British Orchard Nursery.

The Dubai Nursery Show aims to offer a fun, informative day out for the whole family and is held in association with Dubai’s much-loved Baby Bazaar – a monthly flea market for mums to sell their quality, pre-loved baby, toddler and maternity items. The Change Initiative will also be selling some of their environmentally friendly/sustainable products at the event.

Cheeky Monkeys will be providing kid’s entertainment and experts from the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club will be on hand to help little ones out with some putting practice.

The second edition of this bi-annual event will take place in October 2014, as nurseries look forward to their January enrolment.

The Dubai Nursery Show will run on Friday 25 April and Saturday 26 April, 2014, from 9am-5pm on the first floor of Time Square Mall (free parking provided).

For further details please call 050 553-2048. Contact Natalie Humphrey, Chief Organiser at Baby Bazaar, +971 (50) 553 2048. Visit their Facebook event page for further info.

What is MERS-CoronaVirus and How Can We Protect Ourselves Against It?

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MERS-CoV or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus is currently on a heightening alarm across the country and in the Philippines. After one Filipino paramedic died in Al Ain last week, ten others remain in quarantine. A colleague of the victim, along with hundreds of passengers and cabin crew who traveled from Abu Dhabi to Manila on the same Etihad Airways flight last week were ordered to seek medical examinations and take utmost precautionary measures.

Coronaviruses comes from a family of viruses that cause illness to both human and animals. It can cause illnesses ranging in severity from the common colds to sever acute respiratory syndrome or SARS. MERS resembles SARS but further studies and examination are still underway. There are no definite cure or vaccination against it to date.  It is speculated that the disease came from camels, but everything is still understudy.

MERS was first detected in April 2012 and has since 60% death rate. Obvious symptoms are fever, coughing with phlegm, breathing difficulties and pneumonia. It may also cause kidney failures, diarrhea and other respiratory failures.

MERS-CoV is transmitted by direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughs and sneezes. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated, and then rubs it to the eyes, nose or mouth.

Here are some simple precautions, more of reminders actually, to prevent ourselves and our families from being infected:

1. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Upon reaching home, go straight to the washroom to wash your hands and sanitize before touching or kissing our family, especially when you have a baby. Wash hands especially after you touch door knobs, bus and elevator buttons, trays and utensils from restaurants, items from store shelves, etc; most especially before meals.

2. Keep a hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol in the bag. If no water is available, these may do. If you’re in a restaurant, ask for sanitary wipes before and after eating.

3. Refrain from handshakes and kisses. You can smile wave hi anyway 😉

4. Avoid fitting ‘used’ garments. But if you really have to, ask the attendant to provide you a new one for fitting, or let them disinfect the garment first before you try.

5. Use tissues or hankies to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Distance yourself about 4-feet when sneezing or coughing and don’t direct it towards people. Stand up from your desk when at work. Don’t spread it yourself. If you see others doing it, remind them politely to cover up. Throw away properly your used tissues. Never ever cover your mouth with your hands.

6. Do not spit just anywhere.

7. Take a sick leave when you feel any of these symptoms already. It’s more than just caring for your office mates. If you’re a commuter, think also of the people you may encounter at the bus, at the metro, in the lifts, canteens, etc.

Since 2012 to date, there is a total of 228 confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV detected, including 92 deaths. But health organizations are still telling us, THERE’S NO REASON TO PANIC. It is not found to be contagious. Just be extra careful.

Again and again, prevention is better than cure. Always eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and have enough sleep. We need to boost our immune system.

Don’t just be informed… be educated.

—– To concerned authorities, please make sure the camels in the desert parks are healthy.

Rumor Buster: Is the 7D in Dubai Mall video for real?

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THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO TRUTH on this video, titled “7D Show at Dubai Mall” circulating around social media these days.

7D is (supposedly) a new technology in Virtual Reality amusement, mostly used in cinemas. Instead of just looking at a movie, it is like being in the movie as you will feel what you see with over 7 different special effects kicking in during the thrilling ride.

I searched Dubai Mall’s official website right away for 7D and not a single item was returned on search results. Some tweeps have already asked Dubai Mall on Twitter and indeed, they have no clue about it.

@ionGonzaga Hi! Yes, you are right it is not us :))
— The Dubai Mall (@TheDubaiMall) April 18, 2014

Or maybe, there’s another mall named “Dubai Mall” somewhere in South Asia? Hmmm

This is how 7D shoule typically be: Visitors check out Dark Ride XD, a new 7D game, at the Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure Show at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.