Job Discussion Forums

MissMao · Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 11

Hi, I'm working for ADU and not happy with the accommodation supplied out in Khalifa City. I'm thinking of staying on but the truth is, If I stay out here in the desert, I'll go mental. Postal. Freakin' mad. All I want to do is go to a coffee shop once in a while and read a book. Or go to a gym work out when I want to, not when the driver who has a million other things to do may or may not be able to pick me up. Anyway, I know that apartments in town are expensive, and on top of that there is the issue of getting out to the university, but I'm just looking for info and I'm throwing this out there. Where can I look for a flatmate? I'm a western female and would be interested in living with another Western female. Any ideas where I can begin the search? I've checked out www.abudhabiwoman.com and www.expatwomanabudhabi.com but they don't look like the right places to look.

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

Khalifa City A? Ouch.

Will ADU let you move?

Do you receive a housing allowance, and if so, you would need at least 45,000 - 55,000 for a one bedroom/ studio on your own.

Would you be allowed to use your allowance to pay for a residency hotel (UAE speak for furnished apartment with services)?

The Abu Dhabi Health Club is a very nice place to relax, have coffee, a light meal, socialize and, of course, work out independently or in classes (tennis, swimming, bowling) AND it is on the edge of the city sort of on the way to Khalifa City A. It's near the corner of Delma and Airport Road, second flyover past Carrefour. Annual membership is dear at 5,000 unless ADU has an arrangement for a discount.

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

Assuming you can drive, wouldn't it be simpler and cheaper to just buy a car so you can drive yourself into Abu Dhabi whenever you feel like it?

MissMao · Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 11

That would make absolute sense though I admit I am really freaked about driving here and heard that Abu Dhabi is a nightmare for parking. But thanks for the idea, I did banter that one around for a milli second but I don't think Im cut out for Abu Dhabi driving just yet.

django · Joined: 31 May 2004 Posts: 37

So if you find a suitable flatmate you'll still have to pay for taxis to get out to KC-A on a daily basis anyway. And it's getting harder and harder to get a taxi when you want it in the mornings in AD.
What's wrong with hiring a car for a while to get the hang of driving around the country in your free time and buying youself some flexibility? IF you have an accident your renter will replace it. Driving isn't so bad here, especially when you're at the wheel and not some taxi driver with an insha'allah attitude.

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Yes. I know a 70-year-old American lady who drives all over the UAE. It's not a big deal. At age 20 I got my first license in Naples, Italy, which was then just as bad as Dubai is today. As I said...not a big deal.

stoth1972 · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject:

Take the plunge, Miss Mao. Soon you'll be road raging with the best of them.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I'd say better to live close to work and not have to deal with getting back and forth to work every day. Lease a car for a month or two and have it to escape on the weekend, and now and again in the evening. Part of it is the feeling of entrapment... if the car is there and you know that you can go where and when you want... the feeling goes away.

You do get used to the driving... it is similar to many US urban areas... Start out by taking short trips.

Join the Abu Dhabi Club... I'm sure they have a nice big parking lot.

Plus leasing is a small outlay of money to see if it works out for you. Better than plunging into an expensive downtown flat with a room mate that you may not like.

VS

ggirl · Joined: 05 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: gaillimh

MissMao- just wondering have you found somewhere in the city to live? I have been offered a contract with Chouefait in Khalifa city A, it the place very remote?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

So, ggirl, it looks like a difficult employer in a marginal area with poor housing. I think it comes down to how badly you need this job.

VS

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Ggirl,

I can't speak to Khalifa City, but I can speak to Choueifat. Try doing a search on "Choueifat" and "Sabis" and then feel free to drop me a PM with specific questions.

ggirl · Joined: 05 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: gaillimh

Thanks mishmumkin!
Dave's will not permit me to send pm as I have only signed up this forum. I am prepared for the Choueifat "experience" shall we say, but it is the prospect of living in an area lacking basic amenities that is putting me off the idea.

Ggirl

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Just sent you a PM ggirl. Perhaps it will let you respond.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

PMs have not been working for the past several days, for anyone. Conspiracy is suspected, but not verified at this point Twisted Evil

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

My PM was working again today w/o issue. I saw a sticky on the general board that they were all disabled while some updates were made.