Job Discussion Forums

[burgess29]

Hi Folks,

I have been recruited for a contract in Abu Dhabi. I fly out next week and start on Sunday 21st.

My employer provide 10 days of hotel accommodation, after which I have to find, pay for and furnish accommodation. Employer provides a relocation allowance in first few days.

Although I'm married, my wife will not join me until after Semester 1.

So in the first instance - what should I be spending per year for a nice studio (750+square feet) or 1 bedroom apartment? I don't mind where in AD I live and want to live somewhere pleasant and relatively cheap so I can pocket the remaining housing allowance.

Regards

burgess29

[danshengou]

[burgess29]

What is considered 'cheap' and 'reasonable' for decent housing?

Assume I have a budget of between 6K-9K monthly for single accommodation anywhere in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Regards

burgess

[danshengou]

Go on dubizzle.com and you can find some places. Figure spending closer to the upper end of that range or going up to 10k for a 2-bedroom.

[dragonpiwo]

I'm in AD, so can tell you first hand what it's gonna cost you. Before anyone pipes up with the 'you can get a place for 5k a month' nonsense, I'll tell you you wouldn't want to put your wife anywhere near such places. A studio, mid range in a mostly expat community with pools ie Reem Island etc will set you back 6.5k/month plus bills. If you go to Raha Beach, 8k plus bills. If you do the Corniche 9-10k.

You need deposits for 3 different things and commission-about 10k and I paid 12 months in advance as is the norm. Get this and listen to no-one else-you need a tawtheek contract for housing or your wife won't get a residence visa. Places that are cheap ie in villas don't give this contract.

PM me.

[Gulezar]

If your institute gives you 10 days in a hotel, you are very lucky.

One of the first things you might want to consider when you are over there at dubbizle is if you want to get a vehicle or not and where your work is located. Buses can be slow and it does get hot waiting and walking to the bus stop, so most teachers use taxis and do a door to door.

Since Abu Dhabi is an island here are some considerations.

From the north there are three main bridges onto the island and an accident can create quite a jam at rush hour. The following six areas would require a car and a commute across one of the three bridges.

1. Mussafah can have terrible traffic at rush hour. It tends to be a "bachelor residence", however there are family areas.

2 & 3. Khalifa City and Shakboot City do have legal residence for rent, but there is not much action going on out there.

4. Al Raha Beach areas. There are several on beach complexes, which are more expensive than the Khalifa City areas, but they have the expat creature lifestyle options.

5. Al Reef is a bit further out and doesn't have that much to offer aside of the gym and the pool.

6. Al Ghadeer Village is practically on the border with Dubai. It seems a bit desolate out there, but with a car, you would trundle into Abu Dhabi for work and be closer to Dubai for a weekend hop.

As to Reem Island, there can be issues with the commute into town due to the fact that there are two bridges which lead onto the island. However, most folks like the facilities, the lifestyle and there are buses that run quite regularly. There will be water taxis, too, or so it is said.

Al Saadiyat Island is probably out of range for most teachers, aside from those of the rarefied NYU nature.

Then there is "on-island" and if your institute is "on-island", this might be a good option. There are quite a few new buildings on the north of the island. The Danat area near the Airport Road Holiday Inn has quite a few offerings and good facilities. There is the Dusit Thani residence on Muroor which is still outside of the center of the city. Tourist Club and the center of the city can be a little bit like living in little India, but vibrant and the transport services are good. Being on the Cornich is lovely, but take into consideration that parking and traffic can be a consideration in the center of the city.

August is a landlord's market, so rents will be at their highest.

[nomad soul]