Job Discussion Forums

[USAMATHMAN]

Hello all,

I will be moving to Al Ain in January. For those that have lived there or visited could you please help with a few questions. Thank you.

1. Are there any fitness clubs there? (I like to lift weights & play basketball)
2. Best place to purchase a cell phone. (will be calling back to U.S.)
3. Are there any places within 1 hours drive where can get custom made suits?
4. What type of household/entertainment items do you recommend I bring with me?

Thanks again.

[GlobalDawg]

I lived in Al Ain in 2000 to 2002 and just returned to the UAE last year, so my information is a bit outdated with respect to what's going on in Al Ain. There are a couple of athletic clubs in Al Ain where you will be able to lift weights and play basketball. I'm sorry I can't tell you exactly where these clubs are, but I'm sure you won't have difficulty finding them. As for purchasing a mobile phone, you will find phone shops door-to-door in most commercial areas throughout the Middle East. You can get a connection through the national phone company, Etisalat. Or, if you happen to spot an Etisalat outlet in the airport, you can pick up a chip on arrival; also, you'll find a lot of electronic gadgets on sell in the airport so you might manage to get a good deal on a phone as well. Communication-wise, you can get connected before you leave the airport. You will find tailors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi--you might find one or two in Al Ain. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are approximately 120 from Al Ain. I never had a suit made in the Middle East but I have all my shirts and pants made by local tailors. My preference is to have suits made in East Asia--Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea or China. Flights are cheap and more than likely, if you plan to travel while you're here, you'll make a trip that way within your first year in this part of the world. From what I hear, it is best to pick up a lap-top before you get on the plane. Depending on your preference for music, collect your favorites as you pack--over the years, I've managed to accumulate a great jazz collection but it's been a challenge to keep up with contemporary artists. Books and magazines are expensive--I want a Kindle for Christmas.

[MrScaramanga]

The fitness clubs are located in hotels (InterContinental, Hilton, Rotana, etc.) They usually offer comprehensive memberships: gym + pool and you may even get a discount at the hotel restaurants with the membership.

You can buy a phone and sim card at Carrefour (hypermarket) in the mall. Connection is almost immediate. You can choose from DU or Etisalat, the two telecom companies in the UAE.

If you're from the US, be advised that electricity is 240 in the UAE, not 110. That could determine whether or not you bother bringing light appliances or entertainment gadgets with you...

Al Ain is 160 km from Abu Dhabi and 120 km from Dubai, so whatever you can't find in AA, jump in the car and hop on to the big cities!

Much like the rest of the country, Al Ain has undergone huge changes in the last 5 years or so, and is no longer the isolated oasis it once was. That has its + and - of course. One huge plus is that you will be arriving at the best time of year when the weather is simply gorgeous!

Hope this helps.
MrS

[Chris_Crossley]

[MrScaramanga]

I didn't know this assignment was going to be graded...

Huge minus you ask? Try the stifling temperatures from April on to November!

Do I get an A now?
MrS

[Chris_Crossley]

[veiledsentiments]

Oh Chris... before you start grading posts and defining how much information is required... (and you did only ask for a "huge minus" in singular - and the heat is definitely THE major minus)... as a teacher, we must clearly state the essay question.

I see that you have over 1600 posts, so you are probably aware that there is a search function here and you could take the time to use it and peruse other opinions. Especially when there is a thread just a few down on the front page here about Abu Dhabi versus Al Ain - lots of pluses and minuses...

VS

[Tom Le Seelleur]

Gym - Rugby Club located near Golf Club and Horse Riding Club also near Twam hospital and Abela supermarket. Also has swimming pool, events, and a good starting point for meeting people.

Unless you are in business you wont need to wear a suit.
Though it gets hot - it is dry and not humid - avoid the mid day sun in the summer as other times are bearable. My young played outside quite happily all year round

You can buy all items locally

Al Ain is conservative and has a manana attitude. Slow and steady. Join one of the hotels eg Hilton as alternative to Rugby Club - depends which side of town you live.
We lived there until 2007 (summer) go back every month to visit.
Tom

[USAMATHMAN]

Thanks for info. I have heard many good things about Al Ain, and Dubai/AD is only a short drive away. I plan to do some traveling while in UAE to Egypt, Korea, and a few other places.