Dubai: The holiday season is upon us, and it’s important to tick the right boxes before flying out — so there are no nasty surprises when you get back.
In a rush to set off for the annual break, which can last a month, many residents fail to leave their home and belongings behind in good order. When they return, some are shocked to find their car impounded because it was parked wrongly. Others arrive to find that unwanted guests — pests — have already made themselves at home. Rotten leftover food, no running water or power — because pending bills weren’t paid — are also on the list of oversights.
Experts recommend a ‘know before you go’ plan for would-be holidaymakers for the summer, since it is the time when most UAE expatriates head overseas for their vacations.
Helpling.ae, the global platform for booking cleaning services, says “televisions, laptops, microwaves and all other electronics should be unplugged before travelling. Electronics draw power even when not in use. And for safety reasons, pull the plugs in case a power surge happens while you are away.”
All drains in sinks, showers and bathtubs should be plugged to stop pests creeping into your homes from the drains.
And when it comes to you car, make sure to leave the keys with a trusted friend in case it needs to be moved, says Sam Alawiye, founder and CEO of GreenParking, specialists in parking management systems in the UAE.
He also suggests that motorist pay up in advance any applicable parking fee, wash the car — inside and outside — and leave open a window or sunroof by about 1cm to prevent excessive heat build-up inside the vehicle.
Residents should also ensure there are enough funds in their bank accounts to cover post-dated cheques and automatic payments like instalments on their cars or other loans.
Ensuring your visa or passport is not about to expire will also help you avoid hassles when getting back into the UAE.
