Abu Dhabi – List of 30 places to visit 2018

Posted on by JM Kayne

Abu Dhabi – UAE is my second home♥.

Right after leaving Cebu in 2008, this city has become closest to my heart. In fact I have stayed there for 9 years. So I have decided to share this list of 30 places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Note: I have intentionally left the malls, cinemas and cafes not on the list.

Read related stories: Abu Dhabi 10

Photo credit from getyourguide.com

To celebrate my 10th year stay in the UAE, as September is my UAE anniversary month, I’ve come up with this quick, short and sweet list of the places to see/visit in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi.

    1. Emirates Palace (photo during my first visit)
    2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (2017 visit)
    3. Abu Dhabi Corniche
    4. Louvre Museum
    5. Ferari World
    6. Yas Waterworld
    7. Yas Marina Circuit
    8. Yas Marina
    9. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
    10. Mushrif Central Park
    11. Sadiyat Paublic Beach
    12. Corniche Beach
    13. Emirates National Auto Museum
    14. Zayed Heritage Center
    15. Etihad Modern Art Gallery
    16. The Galleria
    17. Etihad Towers /Observation Deck at 300
    18. Eastern Mangrove Lagoon National Park
    19. Emirates Park Zoo
    20. Qasr Al Hosn
    21. Warner Brother’s Studio (Yas Island)
    22. Masdar City
    23. Khalifa Park
    24. Heritage Park
    25. Du Arena (Yas Island)
    26. Madinat Zayed Gold Souk
    27. Wahat Al Karama (The Oasis of Dignity) – for UAE Soldiers
    28. Women’s Handicraft Centre
    29. Khalifa Park
    30. Heritage Village Club (near Marina Mall)

 

Do you plan of visiting one of the world’s richest city? Then the above list might be a help!
Let me know if I missed anything! 🙂

 

See you around Abu Dhabi.

 

 

 

God bless!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus UAE – Your All Around Business Set-Up Partner in Abu Dhabi

Posted on by JM Kayne

quote green - iamjmkayne.com

“I am interested in opening a business in the UAE and I don’t know how to go about it . . . “

quotation-marks

The above thought is usually the question of businessmen and business minded corporates… You have this great business plan and ready to go all out, yet you don’t know where to start.

Good news, PLUS UAE  is a dedicated consultant for ALL YOUR BUSINESS SET-UP NEEDS! Plus UAE is a pioneer consultant providing assistance in setting up new business ventures in Abu Dhabi (now also in Dubai) for local and international investors in the United Arab Emirates. A steadfast company that can assist your business set-up requirements.

I had the opportunity to talk and converse with their CEO – Mr. Saif Kariadath and I was amazed with their vision and dedication in creating your business dreams come true.

Not only that they offer business set-up but they also do the following services:

  1. UAE Business Set-up
  2. UAE Consulate Services
  3. ADNOC Group Registrations
  4. UAE Visit/Tourist Visas
  5. Certificate Attestation
  6. PRO Services
  7. HAAD Online Services
  8. DHA Online Services
  9. MOH Online Services
  10. Pearson Vue Services
  11. Norka Attestation Appointment
  12. GAMCA Medical Services
  13. Good Conduct Certificate / Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

News Alert!!!

(2:49 PM – 27/03/2018)

CONTACT these #s in the  UAE: 00971 2 491 9050 | office@plusuae.in

 

With this long list of expertise, let me focus on 3 of their major services: Setting Up Business, ADNOC Registration and Annual Fixed sponsorship for companies.

Setting Up Business

PLUS UAE is your one stop solution consultant in building your business dream in the UAE. Their service is always based on company’s 3 pillars: Accuracy, Efficiency and Updated. With PLUS UAE’s expertise, could recommend the best possible practices and options to ensure that your business set-up will be up and running with minimal hassle and efforts.

Create your business and make it into reality in these 8 easy steps:

 

ADNOC Registration Services

PLUS UAE provides an A – to – Z information for ADNOC Registration Service Special procedures are applied for registration of business that are engaged in the OIL, GAS & PETROCHEMICAL sectors. And ADNOC Group is one of the frequently asked “HOW TO” register with them in the Oil and Gas sector, thus you can depend on PLUS UAE in this.

I used to work for one of the ADNOC Groups and as a former ADNOC employee, I know how complicated the process of registration is. Getting help from a seasoned business set-up provider just like PLUS UAE is the best move. Whether you are a local or international investor who have been eyeing in building your empire in the Abu Dhabi or Dubai, it is important that you must be aware of the latest and relevant issues, rules and regulations, advantages and risks in getting into the business world especially in the Oil and Gas sector in the UAE. PLUS UAE can help you in Sponsorship, registration, license approval, visa issuance, legal documentation, office spaces for our clients, transportation etc.

Here’s the basic ADNOC Registration details that might help you:

 

Annual Fixed Sponsorship for companies

Depending on your contract, sponsorship from a local or Emirati national is required in setting up a business in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or anywhere within the United Arab Emirates. Annual Fixed Sponsorship for companies is one of the favorite services of PLUS UAE. Annual Fixed Sponsorship for companies is also available with PLUS UAE.

Over the 35 years in the industry, PLUS UAE has developed the trust and confidence of these companies that they have assisted in their business process.

Ready to breakthrough and start your dream business? Contact PLUS UAE!

UAE Business Address

Plus Commercial Information Services
Behind National Cinema Mezzanine Office
Najda Street, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 491 90 50
Fax: +971 2 491 90 60
marketing@plusuae.com

INDIA Business Address

Plus Business Consultancy
Near UAE Consulate, Manacaud,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerela, India
Tel: +971 2 491 90 50
+91 952 60 60 240, + 91 950 60 60 250
manager@plusuae.in

Let 2018 – be the year of your business breakthroughs with PLUS UAE.

“Your search for a trustful business consultant – ANSWERED!” #PlusUAE Click To Tweet

 

God bless,

 

 

 

This is a sponsored blog post by PLUS UAE, but all other opinion is from yours truly.

Au Revoir AD

Posted on by JM Kayne
Photo from GetYourGuide.com

Au Revoir AD means Goodbye Abu Dhabi!

This is a short yet a heartfelt salute to the Emirates’ capital.

I landed in Abu Dhabi,UAE on 25th September 2008, that’s around 9 years and 8 months. Almost a decade! . . . and counting! Never thought I’d last this long! 🙂

Looking back, it makes me so grateful to this metropolis – that has thought me a lot of things. The very place that made me ascertain; I am stronger than I thought. I’ve become closer to God because of CFC-FFL/CFFL-UAE. He has used me in many ways to know that I am nothing without Him. Of course it helped my household and my family much more. I am a proud OFW from Abu Dhabi UAE!

There are so much things that happened in 9+ years – – – it would take this whole blog! So let me make it short and sweet, staying in Abu Dhabi was a blast and I will never forget it. It will always be #inmyheart. As I bid AU REVOIR to this beloved city, I SALUTE to you #AbuDhabi, to your rulers and a special mention to ETSDC & NDC – now ADNOC Drilling – both my bread and butter for the past 8 years) who have allowed an expat like me live, work and have life. Indeed you are my second home.

I won’t be living that far!?! In fact, Dubai is just an hour and half away. So whenever I feel like I wanna see you it will only be a bus away! 🙂

Yep! You’ve read it right, #InMyHeartJMKaynesBlog is moving to its new head quarters in Dubai. Sharing stories of life, love, family, travel and everything else #InMyHeart from there.

For now, let me say THANK YOU ABU DHABI, you are loved! ♡

God bless!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read: My first blog post about Abu Dhabi – Living in world’s richest city!

It’s Eid al-Adha, what’s your plan?

Posted on by JM Kayne
 Photo credit from: riyadhprayertimes.com

Eid al-Adha is one of the many holidays that UAE and other muslim countries celebrates.

There are 2 Eid celebrations: One is Eid al-Fitr that’s the end of the Ramadan season and the upcoming one on 31st August is Eid al-Adha. It is also known as the Big Eid probably because it is usually noted as a long holiday (including the weekends). This Eid is also called as the Sacrifies Feast, in honor of Abraham who willingly sacrificed/offered his son as an act of submission to God’s command. Pretty much the same story with what we Christians have in the holy bible.

With the holiday approaching, what’s your plan?!?

You’d probably heard this question asked by many of your family and friends around here in the UAE.

As for me and Kokobear, we don’t have a concrete plan yet. Unlike last year, we headed to Sri Lanka but this year due to what happened last December, we don’t have any. But even though we don’t have a plan, I just thought of sharing a few suggestions for you, your friends and family to bond with during this holiday season.

Check these out!

1. Catch up some lost sleep – Have you ever thought that you always don’t have enough sleep? When in fact it has become psychological. We tend to complain not having enough sleep because we wake up early morning for work or school but when it’s weekend, we stay up way late at night or even until dawn, since there is no commitment the next day. hehehe I feel you! I am currently in that stage. But hey, it’s a 3 days holiday, so go ahead hit the sack now. 🙂

2. Stay at home and do the Karaoke – We Filipinos are known for our love of music and a Karaoke is a must activity for most of us. So take out all the chips and drinks, let’s sing it and let’s do it MY~~~ WAY!!!!  haha 😀

3. Try out an Emirati/Arabic Restaurant and somehow feel how they celebrate Eid – Understanding a country’s culture always includes enjoying the local cuisine and so why not look for an Arabic restaurant (roasted Lebanese chickens exempted, coz I guess we’ve all tasted that on day to day basis)… Or maybe, if you happen to know a local family, then why not visit and try to celebrate it with them!

4. Photo Walk or Enroll in a class you’re interested in – Have you noticed that the weather starts to cool down? It’s good for a photo walk now! It doesn’t require a DSLR to do that, your mobile phones could actually deliver. Take a photo and burn some calories too! Hitting two birds with one stone! 🙂 Another option is to take a class that you’re interested in. Maybe a photography class or calligraphy and others? Very simple, just check out some nearby seminars/workshop events on Facebook or use Google!

5. Go to the beach or park – It’s a good time to spend time with family and friends by the beach, Corniche will always be open, or how about Saadiyat beach! Well, if you want to entertain your tastebuds into barbeque sessions, the parks will also be a good option!

6. Movie (cinema) or Movie marathon at home – Movies movies movies! Who doesn’t want to catch up some movies and do a marathon at home or check out the latest showing at the nearest cinema? I bet watching movie is the number one past time here in the UAE.

7. Visit Family and relatives from the other Emirates – Majority of us here in the UAE has family members staying in the other Emirates, so why not reconnect ties and bond more with them. Make more family memories to relinguish by staying at their home, or book a hotel in RAK, see some green gardens in Al Ain, or enjoy the huge Dubai mall! After all, Eid al-Adha was a family offering for God.

8. Get to know Abu Dhabi more by visiting these 10 Free Site-seeing Places. – Yes, I have recently wrote for Biggie Tips – 7 Free Site Seeing Places in Abu Dhabi and I have added 3 more to make it 10 on my own blog. 🙂 This is quiet connected to #5 with more options though :D. Let’s try being a tourist of our own city and explore Abu Dhabi’s must see places.

9. Take a short trip outside UAE. – Three days is enough to visit the nearest country such as Georgia, Sri Lanka in our case last year, or do a 2 nights/3 days short solo trip to Armenia just like what Ms. Poet RM did. Read her story on Going Solo to Yerevan Armenia 2016.

    Follow her blog as she shares herself through poetry & check out her adventures on http://mspoetrm.wordpress.com 🙂

10. Service + Fellowship with CFFL Brethren – Community life is a lifestyle, so how about service + fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the community? This is just another great way to spend this holiday more meaningful by offering time to God through service & fellowship. Check out these photos below shared by our brothers and sisters in the community. Photo credits to Bro. Wilper, Sis Joan and Sis Bevz.

These are just 10 of my suggestionson what to do during this Eid al-Adha. Maybe you could add more? Share your thoughts on the comment below.

God bless and enjoy your Eid al-Adha!

 

 

 

 

Abu Dhabi – 10!

Posted on by JM Kayne

10 Basic Things to know about ABU DHABI

It has been 7 years and a couple of months since I first stepped on this beautiful city of Abu Dhabi! When I travel to a certain place, I often research the basic stuffs… I have tried to search on the net but it’s either too small or too long. On this blog I am making 10! Ten of the basic information every first timer should know about AUH-Abu Dhabi.

 

1.       Flight
·    Duration: 8 Hours ++ (especially if you have stop overs) – from Philippines

·    Cost – More or less 2500 – 4000 AED depending on the season (2 way) – its around 30-40K Php)

There are various of airplanes that offers flights to Abu Dhabi… during my first time – i flew with Qatar Airway… Actually Abu Dhabi has the flag carrier – Etihad Airways… while Dubai has Emirates Airlines…

 

2.       Capital – Abu Dhabi is the Capital of UAE.
Abu Dhabi

The Other cities : Dubai – the most popular among all 7 emirates, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), Um Al Quwain (UAQ), Ajman andFujairah.

 

3.       Dirhams – Abu Dhabi or UAE in general, uses Dirhams (Money currency).
·         Conversion – 1 dirham is usually between 11-11.50 Php – sometimes in the year it reaches 12 Php too. But to make the calculations easy – I usually use 1 AED = 10 Php.

·         Salary – new comers can at least expect 2000 – 2500 as a first salary (this depends on the type of job though) – some are blessed to get higher based on the qualification and the companies Salary scheme

 

4.       Weather – Summer/Winter
·         Ramadan – summer – the heat can go up to 50 degrees Celsius
·         Christmas – 18 degree probably… though some Emirates are noted to experience some hail storms.

Although they also use spring or fall in between Summer & Winter seasons…

 

5.       Downtown Streets  & Sites to See 

Hamdan, Elektra, Salam, Najdah – these are the downtown streets that I am very much familiar with because in these aread, you see shops, malls, restaturants and more!

Al Mariah Island, Ferrari World, Beaches, Malls, Yas Waterworld, Emirates Palace, Heritage Park, the newly opened The Eye,  and more.

6.       Corniche & Parks

The most popular park is called Corniche, but many parks sourrounds the city – you would notice various green areas because the government has done a good job when it comes to park wherein always full-packed on Fridays for families gathering. Picnic, barbeque or if the weather is friendly – you would see beach buddies too!

 

 

 

7.       Religion & Leaders
As known by everyone – UAE with the 7 Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), Um Al Quwain and  Fujairah) is a Muslim country. Islam is widely practiced by the locals & other Arabs. But! Christianity is open. You will be able to find Catholic churches around the place and other denomination of Christians. Hindu and other eastern religions are present too!

H.E. Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan has allowed the openness of this city to the other faithful that made this country blessed.

Crown Princes of  UAE
8.       Sports

If basketball is the hype at home, here – soccer is the BIG one! UAE’s Soccer team is the no. 1 in the gulf. Our very own team AZKALS did have a friendly match with these fellas just this year and although the Emiratis won, the Philippine crowd won – as we made the stadium

 

9.       Races & the Locals 
UAE as a whole has so many different people. You will meet different nationalities & races. But for sure in every shop – a Pinoy/Pinay is present!
UAE people are called Emiratis or also known as “Locals”. While they call us “Expats”. Filipinos though because we are 3rd in population are also known as “kabayan”.

 

10.   Job Sites
Often Pinoys come to Abu Dhabi for one (1) major reason – and that is to get a better job. Although at the moment, our government claimed that Philippine economy has been performing well, it doesn’t stop us to go somewhere with a greener pasture.
Visit visa? Tourist visa? Here are the important job sites to search for job opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the nearby cities.
www.linkedin.com – a general recruitment & professional social networking.  You may also consider, bayt.com.
———– * * * ———-
Helpful websites about Abu Dhabi & UAE:
1. http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/default3.asp?page=2&ID=234
2. https://www.abudhabi.ae
3. www.http://visitabudhabi.ae/
4. www.http://government.ae/en

 

Photos: From google & its respective main sources.

Abu Dhabi – To the Park We Go! (Mushrif Central Park)

Posted on by JM Kayne

Abu Dhabi – To the Park We Go!

(Mushrif Central Park)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abu Dhabi has the variety of parks to offer wherein families get together every weekends. Parks and beaches are often full-packed with kids, families and friends that chill around. Of course food will never be absent and it also have the activity areas…
Koko and I has explored almost all of the parks for the past 6 years and a half. But this year, Abu Dhabi opened the new park called MUSHRIF CENTRAL PARK. So last Friday, we visited and explored the park. It is a good place to chill, sit down, see and feel the green grasses, walk around and sweat out! We were not able to take photos of all the wonderful sites because I intentionally want you to see them yourself! For the one-hour and half in the park I would say I enjoyed the place! So what are you waiting for? Visit now!
Here are the details…
Location
Mushrif Central Park – 17th Street, Mushrif Area, Karama
 
Getting there
Taxi is the easiest way – (will cost around 15 AED) – – – you can just tell the driver the park name “Mushrif PARK” emphasise “park” as others may hear it as MALL – since there is also Mushrif Mall.
Or a bus will do! Bus No. 44 and Bus No. 32
Entrance
 5 AED per person (for one day pass only)
Events
Ripe Food & Craft Market
Every Saturday from March 21st
4pm-9pm
 Let’s Go Yoga
Weekly classes for adults, teens and younger children. For more information or to sign-up, email letsgoyoga@yahoo.com
Elite Sports Academy
Weekly children’s football and adult fitness classes. For more information or to register, visit Elite Sports’ website
Sunday & Tuesday
Children’s football – 5:30pm-6:30pm
Adult Fitness – 6:30pm-7:30pm
Saturday
Children’s football – 4:00pm-5:00pm & 5:00pm-6:00pm
Adult Fitness – 4:00pm-4:50pm & 5:00pm-5:50pm
Note: Some items are not allowed on site especially food, bottled water is ok. For the complete list – you can get it on their website.
For more info – visit http://www.mushrifcentralpark.ae/
Photography: JM & Elle Chavez (The Kokobears)

 

< Flash back: Living in the world’s RICHIEST CITY!!!

Posted on by JM Kayne

Leaving CEBU is one of the things that would really hurt me…

Yet leaving Cebu also means living out my dreams… ♫♫♫

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Photo from : http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/the_abu_dhabi_brand_rich.php

It didn’t take long after giving my CV to my cousin in the UAE, that soon, I left GEOS and my family in the Philippines. 

September 25th I left Cebu at 6:20PM for an almost 8 hour flight to Doha Qatar… On the plane and while in the airport, everything was first time. On my head I  just wanted arrive directly in the UAE and not to go through the process where people have to send me off, for I believe it will just make some dramatic moments, not that I don’t like but… I just felt it that way… 
On the plane I did some funny stuff like pretending not to be a first timer, something like , , , I was looking for some connections of the headphone so I could watch a movie… and yes! I was successful~ I watched 2 movies: What Happened in Vegas and a Filipino movie which reminds me of LAI , Toni Gonzaga’s “My Big Love!” kk =) 
It was past 12MN when I reached Doha and have to wait for an hour for the connecting flight to Abu Dhabi~ good to have 2 Pinays with me!
When I landed and saw Abu Dhabi at night in a taxi from the airport, the first poster I saw was from McDonalds… Haha it reminds me of the mcfloat days and nights I had with my angels!kk It left me smiling :). All I see were buildings around me, only to know that I live in the heart of Abu Dhabi- in a street called Najda.  
On my first day, the first place I visited was St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. I rode a car with Ate Ann and friends namely Weng and Jing ← she owns the car. Huh~! It was hot and all I see is the tree named “dates”… It’s soil is like an orange, yellow, brown (mixed) – which I think it’s the desert soil. Being inside that Filipino Bible study group makes me feel that God is with me. A good introduction of my stay!
Later at night I went for a walk with both of my flat mates, Ate Ann and Tyang Desa. What a place! Both positively and negatively!… All I see are tall and big buildings… but! OMG! The air is humid… really humid, I mean times 3 in Pinas!!!! Though the air blows on my way, my hair and my clothes but still, I couldn’t feel a cool breeze.
Much for that, let’s move on to my working place. It’s called ETSDC- Emirates Technical and Safety Development Centre- under the Mutawa Group of Companies. I am a telemarketer here. I met Mr. Ramiz, the Operations Manager, and the one who interviewed me over the phone. He introduced some people which are mostly Arabs and also my partner in the Marketing Dept. Mr. Mahmoud..hahah I had a hard time memorizing his name and I guess OM noticed it so he gave me a lil paper with his name… obvious!~.. ^^;
Camel in Abu Dhabi 2009 - iamjmkayne.com.png
Camels!!! My first encounter with camels, back in 2009.

I was toured around and there was a little bit of orientation.

The next day I attended a course called Basic Fire Fighting, one lecture and one practical, I was more interested on the practical although I have to admit it was scary. Later on, it made me ponder… Fire is such a devastating accident, which people needs to be aware on it. I had this training way back in college but the one that I have attended is more effective… Later in the afternoon I also attended First Aid Course. It was cool, and it makes me think that it’s presentation and content is easy, for me to be able to handle it if ever I get the chance to be an instructor, but then again~ I wanna experience a new job here…

Then, I was assigned to be in front desk trained by Tin2 to take calls… haha I had hard time getting Arabic names and so whenever I transfer calls to Kuya Munir, he’d ask me to repeat and laugh on the way I pronounce their name… The first few days in the front desk left me unesy, I guess because of the calls and with the people I am talking to, because of the new sound of English. And to be honest, Indian English sound is really challenging for me.

Ramadan is finished and as soon as I get familiar to ETSDC and its people I have to leave for Kish Island for my exit… Will keep you posted.

God bless!
JM Kayne | #InMyHeart♥