Job Discussion Forums

Mayugon · Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 4

I am getting ready to move to Abu Dhabi. I have heard horror stories about rent prices there recently. My housing allowance is going to be around 170,000 dirhams. Is this sufficient for a three bedroom apartment that is not too far out of the city - and with parking for two cars? Also - are rent prices by any chance coming down now or in the near future?

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

I would say no. 3 bedroom apartments (besides being relatively difficult to find in terms of vacancies) are much more expensive in my experience. Parking is going to be even more difficult. I'll let someone else on the ground there speak to more specifics, but a housing allowance is one way employers avoid having to search out suitable housing for their employees and put the $$$ burden on the employee. Rent prices there have been very high for the past 3 - 5 years, it's not a recent phenomenon.

If you read these forums, you will see that 99.9% of those asked say don't take a job that offers only an allowance, take a job that provides accomodation.

Will the price of housing come down soon? How long is a piece of string? Are people leaving UAE? Yes. Are they leaving accomodations that you and your family might want to occupy - iffy at best. Those leaving tend to the ones who were in the lower end of the housing market anyways (in terms of quality and suitability).

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

You also need to think about who'll foot your hotel bill while you're looking. I know people in Abu Dhabi who spent 6 weeks in a hotel before they found somewhere to live. I've heard stories of people spending months paying $150 a night. Then factor in hotel laundry costs, all meals out...

You could end up going crazy stressing out looking for a place - A lot of it is knocking on doors. I know one guy who walked the streets in 40-degree heat looking for places that seemed empty. Miraculously he got a good place. I wouldn't do that.

Consider applying to a place that provides accom. Everyone I talk to says there's just nothing available.

veralynn · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 113 Location: Abu Dhabi

The short answer is no. You'll need about Dhs400k for what you want. There's no sign of prices coming down yet but there does seem to be a bit more available.
To expand on what johnkg has pointed out, you should check out with your future employer where they intend to put you when you first arrive and for how long you can use that accommodation. At my place we have had people looking for 5 MONTHS!!

Mayugon · Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 4

Thanks everyone for getting back to me with your observations. My employer said that they would pay for a hotel for a month while I look for a place. In any case, I suppose I am in for a ride (have never set foot in the ME).

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

Mayugon - Will your employer give you time off to look for a place? It'll be difficult to look for a villa/apartment when you're working 8, 9, 10 hours a day. It takes a while to get into the swing of things.

The rides here can be expensive. Be prepared.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 5:33 pm Post subject:

Mayugon...DO NOT accept employment if your employer DOES NOT provide accomodation. End of message.

NCTBA

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

If the school or company offers use of a guest house until you find suitable accommodations, consider it. I hold the record for the oil company guest house. A ten month squat till they found me a place. It was right at the end of the 60K 2 bedroom era, at the dawn of the 100K+ and still rising) era. The allowance I had was 55K. Every realtor in town peed their pants in hysterical laughter when I answered their question, "Vat is your allowance?" Some employers hold rent controlled leases. Ask about that; don't bank on it being true though if told they do.

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

When I was there, I had an allowance of 80,000 AED --- but that pre-dated the wild rent fanfare.

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

Mayugon
Do you have to live in Abu Dhabi? Try Shaharma where prices are less or better still live in Al Ain and commute. There you can easily find what you need (space) and the commute is not too bad. The money you save in Al Ain could be partly used for a regular driver to take to back and forth if you don't fancy the drive. There are many people now who commute.
The houses in Al Ain and lifestyle may suit you, it depends on whether you have family and what expectations you have.
Tom

Mayugon · Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 4

Folks - again thanks for your input. Al Ain sounds nice but seems a bit far - looking at an hour and a half commute? What about suburban places on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi? Any "affordable" areas that provide a reasonable 20 min or so commute into downtown (where I will be working)? Again, my allowance is 170,000 dirhams, but I was thinking I could add in a bit more and go up to 190,000 or so for a nicer place. I will be bringing a spouse and toddler daughter, so parking is an issue. Cannot imagine having to fight for a parking spot and walk a block or two home - with grumpy toddler in tow - and with 40 degree temperatures...

In any case, I suppose I am in for a ride over the next couple of months!

Green Mayugon

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Mayugon.

Actually the real issue would be getting on the island (if that is where you work) and finding parking there.

I know several people who drive in, park at a mall then take a taxi to work because of the traffic and lack of parking.

I don't know the housing market in AD. Sorry.

I would suggest you come a couple of weeks early and start house hunting immediately. IMHO

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

All of the colleges I know in Abu Dhabi have ample parking. Finding somewhere to park at your workplace will not be a problem. I can't imagine my college car park ever being full.

If you live in the downtown area around Hamdan and Elektra Streets (and to some extent parts of the Khalidya area), be prepared for a 40-minute hunt the space, scratches and dents on your car and occasionally being blocked in by double parkers.

If you live outside of these areas, parking will not be a problem. Finding a place to live is the problem. If you live off island, parking will not be a problem.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

veralynn · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 113 Location: Abu Dhabi

If you're working downtown it would take you almost 20 minutes just to commute from a couple of blocks away!
Personally I would live as close to AD island as you can. I think commuting every day from Al Ain or the likes would be a nightmare - driving is bloody awful here. No-one has any respect for any rules of the road.
You will probably find your major issue is going to be finding anywhere to live - you ain't gonna get the chance to be choosy.