Job Discussion Forums

zarathustra · Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 8

I'm thinking about moving to Al Ain, but I'm not quite sure the cost of living over there, especially for those who have a family. My wife and I have three children. Our housing will be provided for.

Specifically, I would like to know what it would cost for food for 5 people (we will eat mostly at home), clothing and utilities. We would like to bring our minivan to UAE. Does anyone know a good transporter from US to UAE? Also, what do families do for fun/entertainment at Al Ain?

Any other information about living in Al Ain will be greatly appreciated.

zarathustra · Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 8

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

Hi,

You might not have noticed that there is an 'edit' button in the upper right hand corner of your posts, so one can go back and correct typos and such...

I'd say that you could spend as much or as little as you wish for your food. Fruit and vegetables are cheap and plentiful. Where the big expensive can come in is if you must have Oreos and every specific American brand that you are used to. It is a great place for experimenting with what the other countries have to offer.

Utilities are cheaper than the US. (providing you don't insist on keeping your place at 60 degrees when it is 120 outside...) Kids clothing is cheap and easily found. There is more ready made adult clothing now than there used to be. But, many use tailors to provide what one can't find in the stores. Bring shirts/slacks/skirts/blouses that you like and it is cheap and easy to have them copied. Underwear and shoes can be hard to find - depending on your sizes and preferences.

I'd say that bringing your car from the US would be a HUGE waste of money and provide plenty of aggravation getting it through customs and tagged. Just sell or store it and buy something when you get to the Emirates. Cars in the Emirates are cheaper than in the US.

There is plenty of information in this section on Al-Ain... the search works pretty well.

VS

zarathustra · Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 8

VS: Thank you for the edit info. Yes, it was my first time posting. Thank you also for other valuable information as well.

peterpan13 · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 64 Location: neverneverland

Yes, I agree with VS, leave the vehicle at home. Driving in the Middle East/Gulf countries is a hazardous affair as the locals seem to have scant knowledge or respect for any normally accepted road rules or courtesies.
You have to be careful and aware of this when driving in Al Ain because it has many roundabouts or circles.
As VS points out, cars are cheaper and so is the cost of petrol.
Al Ain has a few large hotels such as the Hilton and the Intercontinental that have fairly good gym/sporting facilities/swimming pools.There are 2 large malls in Al Ain for shopping as well as local markets.Also, there are 2 multi cinema complexes that show recently released movies.
You can also get satellite/cable TV with a range of providers.
From Al Ain, it's easy to get into Oman but if you buy a vehicle, check your insurance so that you include coverage for travelling in Oman.

sundevil · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 7 Location: world

The roads and roundabouts in Al Ain are for the most part very modern, well lit, and safe. Crazy drivers everywhere in this world, not only in the Middle East.......but they do like to drive fast in the Emirates. Lots of cars for sale in Al Ain, no use bringing one.

Lots of great parks in Al Ain, while a bit boring they are a fun family activity. Your school will probably have some kind of social network that will support various trips/parties/activities. Your problem is going to be with your kids.....as the good expat schools are in the big cities.

A big thumbs up to Al Ain! Do not even worry about the price of utilities and food, very reasonable. Great Indian food there, but terrible Chinese. Dual insurance for Oman and UAE is very simple. Be sure to go camping on the beach in Fujayrah!

Smooth Sailing to you!

Mashreki · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 6 Location: UAE

My reply would also be NOT to take your car from the States. Although the cost of living has gone up quite a lot in the UAE over the past two or three years, Al Ain is probably as cheap as anywhere there, while still having a fair range of goods available in the shops (and Abu Dhabi & Dubai are not too far away if you really want to spend!).

Beyond that, the age of your children would influence the reply, but in general, families seem to do fine in Al Ain, though you might have to get used to driving into Dubai quite regularly for children's extra-curricular activities. One of the big attractions for many people is Al Ain's close proximity to the outdoor delights of Oman!