First induction day

On the day 1 of the induction week, we had some induction specialists and some of the cabin crew managers come and talk to us and tell us a bit about what their jobs are, what to expect and what are the things allowed and those that are not.
Since all the new joiners are living in the same hotel, the emirates bus picked us up at 6:20 and another one came at 6:30 (we're 120-ish) and everyone there was so surprised that we all got there on time.
(Btw they ask you to be looking formal so everyone was wearing skirts and heels, I went in pants and flats (formal tho) because I knew how exhausting that day would be)

All of the specialists and managers that we met that day, were so nice and some of them were so funny. The funniest one is named Michael so for everyone applying hopefully you'll meet him one day.
We sat there from 7 to 12:30, then had a lunch break. The headquarters is HUGE. I may have lost 2 kilos because I was so lost that I had to walk like 3 floors to find one room. (Lesson learned: ASK)
We went back after an hour and continued the lectures. Then at 3:30 we went home, dressed up and went out.
I had been sleeping 4 hours a day since I arrived and I'm always full of energy I have no idea how.
After we came back there was a friend of ours who had her birthday so we went and surprised her in her room, then I went to bed.

First weekend

So on friday morning I got to the airport checked in my bags which were 6 kilos overweight but the guy on the desk knew I was a new joiner and he allowed my overweight bags. Then I met my 4 friends who were joining as well and we waited together.
Then we got on the plane, I had already booked my seat online to be able to sit by the window and I told the crew that I'm a new joiner and they were all so nice and the purser came to meet us and talk to us a bit (he's lebanese as well). Then they took us to the kitchen and took some photos for us wearing the famous hat.

When we arrived we met the marhaba staff who guided us through everything. 

Then we went to sign some stuff at the HR department and to give them our passport with 2 photographs. Then we got a ride to the hotel, it was really nice that we didn't even have to carry any of our baggages not one second, everyone was taking good care of us and being super nice and sweet.

Some people would nag about staying at a hotel temporarily because you have to pack then unpack, but we're all so lucky and excited. Half of us already know each other and became close friends already. Plus we got everything in the apartments, plates glasses ironing board and an iron, TV plus the free wifi and the cleaning services (we don't have to clean a thing) so yup we're lucky. 

They told us we're going to be here for at least a month because there are no available accommodations at the moment so we're more than fine with that. The hotel is like 5 minutes away from the training college so we have the privilege of not waking up too early to get there.

My flatmate is australian called Fiona, she's so nice we get along very well. 

Today we went out like 10 of us to dubai mall, it's too huge that we took a day to actually see a quarter of it. Then we went to a supermarket close to the hotel and we bought some stuff and went back to the hotel. I still can't feel my feet!!!

Tomorrow is our first day of induction, I was lucky that my training shift starts at 12 and not 6:30 like other batches. Although on the first week of induction we all have to go to the training college at 6:30.

We have some documents to fill for tomorrow, some of us were gathered at a friend's apartment and we filled them together.

We also have to wear formal clothes for tomorrow, and we have to take an item that reminds us of home. 

Well that was a super detailed post, so I'm going to bed now so I can actually wake up tomorrow.

Accommodation

I got my accommodation details on September 22.
I was so worried where am I going to be placed, turns out I'm going to be placed in a hotel called Al Bustan, me and all of the same DOJ joiners. Apparently there are not enough available apartments so we're all staying temporarily in a hotel.
At first we were a bit disappointed for having to unpack then pack again and then unpack again when we move out of the hotel to an apartment. But then we were all happy and excited that we already became very close friends and we're going get to share the same experience together, go to training college together and probably study together. Besides we won't have to clean and wash our clothes in the hotel so that's another bonus :) The hotel seems cool as well, it's an apartment hotel and its location is really nice.
This is my last day in my hometown I'm sooo excited and sooo nervous at the same time.

E-Visa and e-ticket

Sooo it's been a while since I last blogged, I've been super busy with packing and buying stuff and saying goodbyes...
Anyway I got my e-visa and e-ticket on wednesday the 17th of september which is 10 days before my DOJ.
I'm still waiting for my accommodation now it's 4 days left and I still haven't gotten it :s
I can't believe how fast time is flying by !!

I had my farewell dinner with my girlfriends on wednesday the 17th as well :))

Papers Needed for the FI

As requested by Silvia, this is a post stating all the papers you need to bring with you for the FI:

Photos:

Here's an example but the full length photo should be colored not in black and white.

A. 1X FULL LENGTH FORMAL PHOTO 10X15 CM 

- business attire (jacket buttoned up)
- big smile
- full length (top of your head and your shoes visible, )
- plain background- light color
- both hands visible on the side (arms should be resting on the side) 
- in color
- facing forward to the camera
- clear and in focus
- both legs are visible

FEMALE:

- fitted shirt/blouse, fitted long sleeved jacket
- knee length skirt with skin colour stockings
- neat hair tied at the back ( no visible pony taile on hair buns)
- high heel court shoes & no ankle straps
- no neck scarves
- conservative/minimal jewellery and plain visibale make up

MALE:

- long sleeved shirt, tie and jacket
- hair needs to be short ( not shaven)
- neat/clean shaven complexion

B. PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOS  4.5CMX3.5 CM 
You need 6 of these. (And you need 1 photo for the open day so you can take one of these, so make them 7)
- business attire
- big smile
- please follow the same grooming guidelines as full length formal photo



C. CASUAL PHOTOGRAPH- 10CMX15CM 

- one full length and one head/shoulder casual photo
- be clearly identifiable and visable in the photo 
- clothing in a fitted style 
- not sitting down or standing behind the objects
- your attire and surroundings are conservative and supporting your professional image & application
- you may wish to bring a selection of casual photographs for the recruitment team to select from
- no sunglasses, hats or helmets
- no groups photos
- taken within the last 6 months
- no obvious changes to hair colour/style

I already added my casual photos before so you can have an idea...

You can join the Facebook group "Emirates approval in progress status" and share your photos there before you go so we will give you our feedback, if they need improvements or if they're fine.

Papers:

1- Updated CV
2- Photocopy of educational certificates (the latest one)
3- 2 Colored passport photocopies. (If you don't have a passport, take a photocopy of your ID)
4- If currently employed in UAE please provide: Photocopy of proof of present employment, visa copy and colored copy of UAE ID (both sides).


You will also be asked to do a psychometric test online before your FI, and you'll be given a pre-joining administration form to fill. (Basically about your work experience, and general information about yourself).

Also on your cv, if there was a gap for more than 3 months without any work experience, try to fill it explaining why. (EX: studying for my bachelor's degree).

I hope I haven't forgotten anything, but I think that's all.


P.S: Don't forget to take a black pen with you to the OD, AD and FI. You'll need it.

Final Approval

I got my Final Approval today on August 18 at 10 AM dubai time. I cannot tell you the relief, I'm DONE with waiting.
I still have 39 days to move to Dubai so now I'm going to enjoy every second with my family and friends. I also have some shopping to do although we're only allowed 50 Kilos :s But my sister is probably going to see me in November so she can get me the rest :)
My induction specialist is Muriel from Chile. My lebanese friend Nathalie who I met on the OD has the same specialist so we're on the same batch how cool is that?
They will give me my accommodation details 1 week before joining, fingers crossed for that !! They say that the apartments located in the desert are much bigger than those in the middle of the city.
So I honestly wish for the ones in the desert.
Once I start packing I'll make a list and post it here it might help a lot of people joining.

and this is how the FA looks like

Documents submitted

So I’ve been really busy with my medicals basically. The day after I got my email, I started working on my medicals. I had blood tests for anemia  and hepatitis b, because these 2 don’t have a lot of symptoms so I wanted to be on the safe side.

I didn’t do The blood tests for HIV, Syphilis, and turberculose  because I was certain I had none of them.
Then I went to do some of the vaccinations, we had like 13 to do >.< So I did 3 of them.
Then my friend who is already there as an emirates cabin crew told me that I should do the vaccinations in Dubai when I get there because it’s a lot cheaper so that’s what I’m going to do.
Then I went to the dentist. There’s a whole list of what’s unacceptable for them when it comes to your teeth. Especially caries. I hadn’t been to the dentist for like 5 years (I guess I’m definitely not the only one who hates the dentist), so I was worried my teeth would need a lot of work.
To my relief, the dentist (who is totally a dentist with a degree I promise) said my teeth were perfect, and need nothing at all to do. YAY
Then I went to scan all the forms and upload them. Today I got my passport so I uploaded that too.
I submitted all of my documents on friday 8 august, and now I’m waiting for the awaited  ”Final Approval”.

I got a request for the dental standards so they are as follows:
1. Teeth should be free from cavities/caries/decay and all necessary fillings completed.
2. Roots etc. should have been removed and sockets clean, uninfected and healthy.
3. Temporary fillings are not acceptable.
4. Gingiva and oral cavity to be free from infection and disease.
5. Teeth should be free from plaque, scaled and polished. Good level of periodontal health.
6. Crown and bridgework, if present, should be in good condition.
7. Dentures, if applicable, should be in good condition.
8. Root canal treatment should be complete and satisfactory.
9. Wisdom teeth which are normally symptom-free (i.e. which do not compromise adjacent teeth or do not create recurrent infections) do NOT require removal.
10. Gaps/missing teeth do not need to be replaced by bridges etc. if posterior and unnoticeable.
11. Dentition should be of cosmetically acceptable appearance.
And of course they need the dentist's signature and a report saying that you are dentally fit, or not.

48 days left  :D