Job Discussion Forums

[stoth1972]

I think "Ghost" came through this forum a few months ago asking about the feasibility of cycling in Al Ain. You might do a search for that thread.

[Iamherebecause]

If you like walking for exercise find a friend to walk with, make sure you are modestly dressed, and you should be OK. Walking to work is not much of an option for a lot of the year - Al Ain is a sprawl and it gets very hot. 48 centigrade today. The road between the Hilton and the Intercon is one place where walkers and joggers of both genders can dress appropriately (I mean for the sport - some even wear shorts!) without too much staring as there are enough of them not to be too unusual, but if you were alone you might get cars slowing down to watch.

Cycling - keen cyclists tend to get up early, take their exercise, then go to work by car. Most people who use bikes for transport as opposed to leisure cycle VERY slowly against the traffic. Drivers don't expect cyclists to behave like normal road users. Best avoided unless you are out with a group of other leisure/exercise cylcists and even then best to cycle on the footpaths.

[helenl]

than in Italy. You mentioned they might swerve around pedestrians - here, they will very often speed up and deliberately try to run you down. Crosswalks are ignored, red lights often are as well. Speed limits and stop signs are suggestions only, driving on the wrong side, passing on residential streets at high speed, driving without lights, signals, license or insurance are common here. Defensive tactics are required for both pedestrians and drivers.

IMHO Italy doesn't compare (at least from my last visit earlier this year)