Job Discussion Forums

Isobel · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Hi Everyone,

Oops, I mistakenly posted this to the Qatar forum. Now that I've found you all...
I'm wondering about potential neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi. Is it possible to actually walk to work from one's apartment? I don't know where I'll be living but if I do, in any way possible have a choice, I'd love to be able to walk to work.
I'll be working at the HCT ADWC. I'd really appreciate to hear your thoughts.

Thanks, Isobel

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject:

Ahhh...here you are!

NCTBA

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

As NCTBA said in your other thread, at HCT you are put into whatever empty flat they have in their inventory. Being able to walk to work is a fantasy that I would estimate only about 1% of teachers in the Gulf can achieve. And for probably half of those, it is too hot for half of the year to do it. Laughing

Everyone buys or leases a car...

VS

Isobel · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Thanks for your reply. I guess it is wishful thinking. When I look at a map of the city, it looks so small and walkable...not, as you point out, in 50 degree weather though. Oh well, one other question, how about attire, can women get away with knee length skirts, or is that too short?

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 4:32 pm Post subject:

Isobel · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Thanks NCBTA! Wow, does everyone really get a car?
I thought taxis were a feasible option for daily commuting, or am I wrong about that too? I LOVE to be car-less for awhile. I thought the traffic and general driving was insane in Abu Dhabi..Ahh, so much to figure out!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:07 pm Post subject:

Isobel · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Ok! Another car it is...now about those skirts. I'm not sure if you're the skirt wearing type, but so many of the photographs I see in AD have women dressed no differently than what I see here. Short sleeves, although mostly are in trousers, i'm wondering what to pack. Can I bring those knee length skirts or is it another new warbrobe as well as a new car? I've read that AD is not as conservative as AA, but more so than Dubai...it's so hard to know.

Isobel

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject:

squareandfair · Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 43

ADWC is not too bad but the change in management a few years ago has caused friction and turmoil. Keep your nose to the grindstone and mind whose company you keep. Don't wear short skirts to class. The students don't like it. One of my ex-girlfriends was actually told off by a student so now she wears pants all the time.

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

I never wore pants nor short skirts to work, and also never had any problem as related to dress. It is a conservative culture, and although you will see tourists who dress inappropriately and probably even other teachers, the unwritten rule is generally to show as little skin as possible or too much of your 'shape.' Things have loosened up since I was there, but I lived in those floor length light weight cotton skirts that were called 'broomstick' skirts a few years back. They are mostly found in catalogs these days... or on webites like Deva.com. I found that the coolest thing in hot weather was long skirts. If you decide to wear pants, a good choice to go with them are long tunic tops. I kept my sleeve lengths to my elbow or lower... loved 3/4 length. As to shoes, I lived in sandals 365 days a year.

Some people will tell you that anything goes, and it is not as though you would be arrested, but outside of work, you will draw a lot of unwelcome attention if you are showing too much skin. When I was there, the girls didn't really care what I wore, but I didn't let them be the judge and it is always best to err on the conservative side.

VS
(if you plan to buy a car, be sure that your driver's license from home has a few years to run. If it expires soon, get a new one before you leave. Also get a "no claims letter" from your insurance company)

Manny2 · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 143

Isobel,
Skirts to the knee are fine at ADWC and plenty of female staff wear skirts of varying lengths. You may of course get a very odd student who may say something but it is rare. Clothes are pretty reasonable here and lots of sales on at the moment and regularly throughout the year and you will have plenty of shopping options should you feel the need to buy longer skirts. Short sleeves are fine too just no sleeveless.

Re walking to work as most have said it is usually too hot and now getting taxis has become a challenge . What you may want to check out when you are shown appartments is the parking situtaion. Downtown is a nightmare to park .

Isobel · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Thank you Manny2 and VS,
this is very helpful. The parking situation sounds terrible from what I've read on Gulf News, so I'll definitely find out about that when I arrive and see my apartment.
Isobel

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

Isobel
Many of friends in Abu Dhabi used or still walk to work as they start early am and finish late pm so they are never in the hot sun.
They work for HCT Mens/Womens, Petroleum Institute, British Council, UAE Academy, ELS and other schools it just depends on where you live in relation to your workplace.
Another alternative to a car is to use the growing bus routes which are free until March and then will be charged at an affordable rate.
Car pooling is becoming more popular
Hire a car from Hertz cost 1700 per month
Taxis are reliable if you book one driver and use him/her every day they then become a trusted 'driver' who could also take you on longer journeys or weekends.
Hope this helps
Tom

Isobel · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Hi Tom,

I'm so pleased to hear there are some alternatives to a car! I've read about the growing bus option as well. I guess, I'll have to see where my apartment is in relation to work and figure it out once I arrive. But this is very good to know.
Thank you.
Isobel