Job Discussion Forums

[USAMATHMAN]

Hey all. Just wanted to get opinions on two emirates.
What are pros & cons of each city as far as entertainment, housing, friendliness of people, weather, etc. Which would you prefer to live or work in? Thanks.

[veiledsentiments]

I've lived in Abu Dhabi... back when it was smaller and quieter than now. If I were to go back, I would choose Al-Ain if given the choice. Al-Ain is smaller, not filled with high rises, close to Oman (where I like to visit friends), and most important the weather. On the coast, you have horribly oppressive humidity. Al-Ain may be slighter hotter, but low humidity.

To me the disadvantage would be the distance from the airport. My US flights always go from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Others may prefer being closer to the beach in Abu Dhabi. I prefer the mountains.

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[MrScaramanga]

Actually Al Ain is not a separate emirate. It is located in the Abu Dhabi emirate. AD also happens to be a city.

Al Ain is a little more laid back but can also be a fish bowl of sorts, socially. Can't go to the grocery store without bumping into a few of your colleagues...

To me, AD city is more desirable because of the relative anonymity one can enjoy and a wider choice of restaurants and entertainment possibilities (concerts, movies, art, etc.) I am also a beach bum of sorts sooo...

MrS

[scot47]

Al Ain is indeed part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Mind you in the 1950's if the Saudis had had their way it would have been part of KSA.

Read up on the Buraimi Dispute which nearly turned into a shooting war between KSA and theUKofGB&NI.

[Iamherebecause]

pros - Al Ain: less humid than the coast; fewer traffic jams; easy to get around; closer to the mountains and Oman; you *may* get better housing than someone with a similar contract in Abu Dhabi; limited number of places to go means you do see friends by chance when you're out and about

cons - Al Ain: limited number of licenced food and beverage outlets; limited choice of schools for children (especially secondary); few concerts and other cultural happenings; some people think it's a fish-bowl (personally I have no problem with seeing people I know if I'm in town at the weekend).

pros - Abu Dhabi: lots to do - concerts, exhibitions, Formula 1 etc (but some of this is pricey). Plenty of choice for shopping and leisure. On the coast - sailing, swimming, beach. Capital city: everything you need, pretty well, is available.

cons - Abu Dhabi: traffic and commuting times; price of accommodation (and small size of affordable places); waiting lists for the better schools; humidity.

VS mentioned distance to the airport as a point against Al Ain - but how often is this a significant issue? I allow 90 minutes to get to Abu Dhabi airport from Al Ain, not missed a flight yet...
I think the cost of certain things may be higher in Abu Dhabi such as gym membership, quality meals out. In Al Ain you don't have such a range of prices (no options at the top end!)

[HCEG1]

Factor in the huge villa (probably with private pool) you can get in the garden city, compared to the tiny 2 bedroom flat the same money would get you in Abu Dhabi. Far less traffic in Al Ain. Abu is massively congested most of the time

The hotels in Al Ain are excellent and all offer Leisure Club membership at around half the Abu Dhabi prices.

I have lived and worked in both places and have the fondest memories of Al Ain. The locals tend to be friendlier (initially shy) and more genuine than their cousins in the capital

Al Ain is not in the sticks anymore-just over an hour to either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, should you feel the need for the city buzz

What else...? Cheaper electricity/water than AD/DXB, cheaper booze from the 'outlets' (no 30% tax) much quieter shopping malls-Carrefour is usually deserted....

[MrScaramanga]

It seems HCEG's info is a little outdated:
- huge villas with private pools in Al Ain? no more... UAEU and HCT both have had housing woes galore in AA and AD.
- cheaper electricty in Al Ain than in Abu Dhabi? not. It is the same rate per unit in both cities.
- Carrefour deserted? not on your life, unless it's iftar time during ramadhan.
- cheaper booze in Al Ain than in AD? it is the same price and taxed the same in both places. Only place where it may be more expensive is Dubai.

MrS

[Dervish Finkelblatt]

In my day (late 1980's) Al Ain was as you descibe ...quiet, green. a couple of nice hotels and a friendly ex-pat crowd. No more.
Last time I was in the Emirates the whole country looked like some ghastly fusion of Las Vegas and Shanghai

[Iamherebecause]

There are compounds with shared swimming pools but they are not the norm. Can't say I know anyone with

[ryder]

Too many tall buildings in AD. Al Ain has a lot of low rise buildings and looks a bit like an Omani city. We have to live in AD because of my job but I'd prefer Al Ain. I love mountains.

[uaeobserver]

I loved AD when I was there. To this day - it's fun to watch sheikhs argue about who has the world's best fireworks - and the world's best hotel.

NCTBA - hope the fireworks went well ---- any idea if they made it into the record books?

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[randalllpatterson]

I have an interview that could put me in eithr place. my probis both look really boring i'm prettys ure bth r basicall resort areas? no real 'old town' areas, even hough the area ws settled 5000 year ago. i don't see any sort of cafe scene. mainly malls and top 40 entertainment. i don' mean to put it down, but its not for me. should i forego the area?

[veiledsentiments]

I'd say yes... it sounds like you haven't a clue what the Gulf is like and you are likely correct that whatever it is, it isn't for you.

That's a new one... I have to say that I have never heard of Abu Dhabi and/or Al-Ain described as "resort areas."

VS