Living in Al Ain
#3091
Account Closed
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Re: Living in Al Ain
After pacing myself at 10 pages or so per day, I've managed to finish reading this Al Ain mega-thread. I've taken plenty of notes and I'm grateful for the informational tidbits that have been shared. I'm not in dire need of any information just yet, but I figured I should introduce myself. I'm sure I'll be asking for a bunch of opinions/recommendations/advice once I get settled in later this year.
A bit about myself:
I recently accepted a job offer this spring that should have me starting in Al Ain at the end of the summer. Judging from numerous comments in this thread, my contract is certainly above average and I feel very fortunate to have this chance.
I've spent the past few years working abroad. One of my previous contracts was in Saudi Arabia. Since I was able to survive KSA, I know I'll do quite well in the UAE. I've spent some time in Dubai before, but never made it down to Al Ain.
Judging from what I've read, I'm guessing my demographic is slightly different from most of the regulars in this forum. I'm 32 years old, single, with no kids. I'm well-aware of the slower-pace/sleepiness of Al Ain, and I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm currently in a metro area of 26 million and have finally exhausted any desire to live in huge cities. I'm an introvert at heart and prefer to spend my free time exploring nature and using my imagination to map out new adventures.
My new employer has been very supportive and will be helping get hooked up with housing, vehicle, and a myriad of other things. I'm mainly signed up on BE to hopefully make some friends, network, and absorb all the information I can about life in Al Ain. I was unfortunately living/working around a lot of negative folks in KSA, so I'm hoping things will be different here in Al Ain. Life in the Gulf is much more bearable when you have a solid support system of positive people.
A bit about myself:
I recently accepted a job offer this spring that should have me starting in Al Ain at the end of the summer. Judging from numerous comments in this thread, my contract is certainly above average and I feel very fortunate to have this chance.
I've spent the past few years working abroad. One of my previous contracts was in Saudi Arabia. Since I was able to survive KSA, I know I'll do quite well in the UAE. I've spent some time in Dubai before, but never made it down to Al Ain.
Judging from what I've read, I'm guessing my demographic is slightly different from most of the regulars in this forum. I'm 32 years old, single, with no kids. I'm well-aware of the slower-pace/sleepiness of Al Ain, and I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm currently in a metro area of 26 million and have finally exhausted any desire to live in huge cities. I'm an introvert at heart and prefer to spend my free time exploring nature and using my imagination to map out new adventures.
My new employer has been very supportive and will be helping get hooked up with housing, vehicle, and a myriad of other things. I'm mainly signed up on BE to hopefully make some friends, network, and absorb all the information I can about life in Al Ain. I was unfortunately living/working around a lot of negative folks in KSA, so I'm hoping things will be different here in Al Ain. Life in the Gulf is much more bearable when you have a solid support system of positive people.
#3092
Account Closed
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Re: Living in Al Ain
officially killing a thread: CHECK!
#3093
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 54
Re: Living in Al Ain
Don't be offended but this is possibly the worst time to be arriving in Al Ain or trying to communicate as it is not only summer but we are in the middle of Ramadan and most people have left for the summer. I'm sure you will make many friends when you arrive in AA it is a very small and friendly community. Head to The Palm Resort, Pacos at the Hilton and The Horse and Jockey at The Danat to hook up with people and in no time at all you will have a circle of friends. There are lots of outdorsey type people in Al Ain! Have fun.
#3094
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Al Ain, UAE
Posts: 54
Re: Living in Al Ain
Don't be offended but this is possibly the worst time to be arriving in Al Ain or trying to communicate as it is not only summer but we are in the middle of Ramadan and most people have left for the summer. I'm sure you will make many friends when you arrive in AA it is a very small and friendly community. Head to The Palm Resort, Pacos at the Hilton and The Horse and Jockey at The Danat to hook up with people and in no time at all you will have a circle of friends. There are lots of outdorsey type people in Al Ain! Have fun.
When the weather cools down and as you said you liked to spend your free time exploring nature then you might want to check out the Emirates Natural History Group Al Ain Chapter: http://www.enhg.org/Home.aspx and Al Ain Weekends: https://www.facebook.com/alainweekends. There's also a keen rockclimbing community as well as divers.
#3095
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: Zakher, Al Ain
Posts: 425
Re: Living in Al Ain
She's got a point. It's pretty quiet here right now. Pub quiz at the Rugby Club is still ongoing on a Wednesday not sure about the other venues although there'll no doubt be something going on.
When the weather cools down and as you said you liked to spend your free time exploring nature then you might want to check out the Emirates Natural History Group Al Ain Chapter: http://www.enhg.org/Home.aspx and Al Ain Weekends: https://www.facebook.com/alainweekends. There's also a keen rockclimbing community as well as divers.
When the weather cools down and as you said you liked to spend your free time exploring nature then you might want to check out the Emirates Natural History Group Al Ain Chapter: http://www.enhg.org/Home.aspx and Al Ain Weekends: https://www.facebook.com/alainweekends. There's also a keen rockclimbing community as well as divers.
Www.oasis-offroad.com
#3096
Account Closed
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Re: Living in Al Ain
Thanks for the info. My employer tells me there has been some delays with the UAE government signing off on some things, so I haven't made the transition yet. Once all that red tape gets sorted out, I'll hopefully be on my way. Until then, I'll be soaking up the perks of the western world.
#3097
Banned
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Re: Living in Al Ain
I would like to visit Al Ain its seems a nice city
#3099
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2014
Location: U.A.E,Al Ain
Posts: 1
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi all,
I'm an Arabic girl,moved with my husband five months ago to live in Al Ain.
I used to help foreign people in the Arabic language..
So here is my invitation for you all who have the curiousity to understand and be introduced to the Arabic language ..
I'm ready to help anyone in Arabic and also intoduce him/her to the Arabian world;their life,food,places,customs,etc.
p.s.I'm an excellant English speaker and also know some french..
Don't hesitate to contact me.
With all my pleasure
I'm an Arabic girl,moved with my husband five months ago to live in Al Ain.
I used to help foreign people in the Arabic language..
So here is my invitation for you all who have the curiousity to understand and be introduced to the Arabic language ..
I'm ready to help anyone in Arabic and also intoduce him/her to the Arabian world;their life,food,places,customs,etc.
p.s.I'm an excellant English speaker and also know some french..
Don't hesitate to contact me.
With all my pleasure
#3100
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi all, my husband moved to Al Ain this month ,he is a neurosurgan in Al Ain hospital and i am an architect but currently a stay at home mom .me and the kids are to follow next month . We are from Egypt and i've been following your threads for quite a long time and found it very usefull in helping me with accomodation and schools.I wanted to ask you guys if there is any place where i can give my daughter ballet lessons in Al Ain ,thanks in advance
Last edited by nevine; Jul 1st 2014 at 8:31 am.
#3101
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi all, my husband moved to Al Ain this month ,he is a neurosurgan in Al Ain hospital and i am an architect but currently a stay at home mom .me and the kids are to follow next month . We are from Egypt and i've been following your threads for quite a long time and found it very usefull in helping me with accomodation and schools.I wanted to ask you guys if there is any place where i can give my daughter ballet lessons in Al Ain ,thanks in advance
We have been here for almost 4 yrs now (physician and egyptian) the Mrs and the kids like it here too.
As for the ballet I think House of Arts is a good option but not sure if they have summer classes;try giving them a ring (03 7626651)
Again welcome to AL AIN
#3102
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Re: Living in Al Ain
Thank you so much, we are looking forward to joining the Ain community will give them a call and see
#3103
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi everyone
I have been offered a job in alain hospital
would like to know about housing and schools for kids
I have 2 daughters class 5 and class 10
I have been offered a job in alain hospital
would like to know about housing and schools for kids
I have 2 daughters class 5 and class 10
#3104
Banned
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi someone. Do you know if the Carfourr is open at Mezyad ye
#3105
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2014
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 5
Re: Living in Al Ain
Wow, this sure is a super thread! It has given us plenty of info- however I am a little worried about whether some of it is out of date due to the thread being somewhat dormant these days.
My husband is moving over in 4 weeks to start work on the New Hospital with us to follow in December. My primary concern being a mother is choosing a school. I would love to have her in to start the Spring term in January if possible.
Could anyone give me some feedback on AAESS and Al Ain International School, Brighton looks good but a little out of our price range. Here in Australia you can get great education for free so moving to the UAE and paying private school fees is new to us!
Also if there is any mums to girls similar to my daughters age (8) who would like to offer any info on activities or perhaps meet up for coffee once we arrive please do let me know.
To be honest my husband and I have already done a ton of research on Al Ain and we are very excited about our new adventure! We love camping and 4wd so we can not wait to join oasis off road (we regularly go camping at a local island and love sand dune driving).
One other question, being that we need a lease agreement to get our residence visas, and us wanting to take our time looking and possibly stay for an extended period of time in a hotel does anyone have any info or experience with this? signing a contract with the hotel and or the general cost of long term letting with them? I have seen a forum thread that mentioned long term at the intercontinental(now danat?).
Thank you in advance!
Until my next question,
Cheers!
My husband is moving over in 4 weeks to start work on the New Hospital with us to follow in December. My primary concern being a mother is choosing a school. I would love to have her in to start the Spring term in January if possible.
Could anyone give me some feedback on AAESS and Al Ain International School, Brighton looks good but a little out of our price range. Here in Australia you can get great education for free so moving to the UAE and paying private school fees is new to us!
Also if there is any mums to girls similar to my daughters age (8) who would like to offer any info on activities or perhaps meet up for coffee once we arrive please do let me know.
To be honest my husband and I have already done a ton of research on Al Ain and we are very excited about our new adventure! We love camping and 4wd so we can not wait to join oasis off road (we regularly go camping at a local island and love sand dune driving).
One other question, being that we need a lease agreement to get our residence visas, and us wanting to take our time looking and possibly stay for an extended period of time in a hotel does anyone have any info or experience with this? signing a contract with the hotel and or the general cost of long term letting with them? I have seen a forum thread that mentioned long term at the intercontinental(now danat?).
Thank you in advance!
Until my next question,
Cheers!