Job Discussion Forums

nightlyessence · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 16

I know that the housing matters have been discussed on this board perviously, though the archives for HCT Dubai are a few years old and I wanted a more updated understanding of how HCT in Dubai accomodate their staff in terms of housing. What parts of Dubai and how many bedrooms and things like that- especially given the diar housing situation in Dubai.

By the time I arrive and have to make these decisions, I will not know much about parts of town and things like that and was wondering if anyone would care to offer their advice.

Shakhbut · Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 167

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I have been told that DWC singles are all housed in Al Qusais. I'm not sure about DMC. I'm curious as to how many people are taking the allowances and looking.

nightlyessence · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 16

I'm obviously not an English teacher - luckily for HCT students.

Eye m moast sirtainly umong the spaling chalinged in this world.!

I've attributed it to my spelling impairment to my excessive creativity and societal deviance that make remembering and following spelling rules virtually impossible despite too many years of education. Do you smell the stink of a defense mechanism, cause I sure do Wink

In any case...this is for you Shakhbut [ spelling corrected]:

I know that the housing matters have been discussed on this board previously, though the archives for HCT Dubai are a few years old and I wanted a more updated understanding of how HCT in Dubai accommodate their staff in terms of housing. What parts of Dubai and how many bedrooms and things like that- especially given the dire housing situation in Dubai.

By the time I arrive and have to make these decisions, I will not know much about parts of town and things like that and was wondering if anyone would care to offer their advice.[/quote]

nightlyessence · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 16

We were told that the housing benefit was 120K and that we'd be able to use it to find our own housing after a year of service. We have more 2 children but were told that they could only guarantee us a 2 br., though they did say that depending on the area a 2 br may be available.

I've been browsing maps and such, how far are Mirdiff and Bur Dubai taking into consideration traffic and such. Also, of the two, how do these communities compare?

Thanks in advance.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Bur Dubai:
Used to really be THE business centre in the 'newer part of Dubai (developed after Deira Dubai), and a highly congested traffic area (what part of Dubai isn't)? I've lived in Bur Dubai. You can get taxis off the street, there is lots of hustle and bustle (sp?), and it's pretty lively. Some parts of Bur Dubai...strike that...MOST parts of Bur Dubai have visible evidence of prostitution. If Dubai wasn't pedestrian friendly already, it's even less so for women who decide to walk somewhere in this area (which you could do if you wanted to go get your nails done, pick up something at the store, etc.). This part of town used to be "the place" because it was very much centrally located. I have seen one of the flats HCT provided for a teaching couple in Bur Dubai-it was nice, good size, and in a quieter part of the area-closer to the creek (which would be nice for evening walks).

Mirdif:
Used to be considered the boonies. Personally, I really like Mirdif. Less traffic, less noise, and general peace compared to Bur Dubai. It has a lot more of desert views, whereas Bur Dubai would be mostly concrete. It's a lot of families, and seems to be the preferred location for certain expat groups. It has many quiet residential streets that would allow for one to 'go for a stroll' though there are no sidewalks. In the last 5 years, a full shopping centre has gone in, which includes a Spinney's grocery store, lots of little shops, Caribou and Starbucks coffee, a nice gym, etc. There are a few good primary schools, as well, in Mirdif, which would make getting your kids to school much easier in the morning. Living in mirdif means you'll generally have to call for a taxi if you need one, but they're fast. In reality, living in Mirdif means you'll definitely need a car or two, whereas in Bur Dubai you might rely upon one car (all of this depends on whether or not your spouse is working at HCT with you). If I had the choice between Bur Dubai and Mirdif, I'd take the latter hands down.

If you are a teaching couple and you get 120,000, what would a married couple w/ only one employed at HCT get for housing?

nightlyessence · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 16

Mishmumkin...

We aren't a couple at HCT, my husband will be working somewhere else. This is what we were told is the benefit for myself working at HCT.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

That's good to know-I think families get larger living allowances, as opposed to couples. Is this for Dubai Women's College? They told you Bur Dubai was an option?

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Nightly essence, does this mean you have to live in their provided accommodation the first year?

nightlyessence · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 16

Hi there Mishmumkin..

yes, it is my understanding that I have to live in their accomodation the first year, and after that would be able to use the $ towards an accomodation of my choice.

nightlyessence · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 16

Na...they haven't mentioned any part of town. I'm just noting Bur Dubai after reading a response to my initial questioning that wrote about Bur Dubai and Mirdif. I will be at DWC. How are these places with regards to distances from DWC?

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Well 'distance' is less relevant than the actual traffic you'll sit in. I believe, and others might correct me, that traffic from Mirdif to DWC would be better than from Bur Dubai to DWC. Congestion around BUr Dubai, coupled w/ the issue of getting your kids to schools which will not be located near Bur Dubai, will make the commute harder. But that's just my 2 cents.