dominoman

I know the accommodation questions have been asked a few times before, but after reading everything I can find I am still unsure where to move to in Abu Dhabi.

Any views would be massively appreciated.

I would like an apartment, 2-3 bedrooms, for me and my wife. No kids, but we'd like to have space for guests to stay when they come. Budget around 200k per year though if I can spend a bit less then great.

We really want an outside balcony, which rules out some of the high rises on Reem.

I will work on the Corniche.

We both want to be near to pools and ideally the beach. I'd like it to be in an area where there are other expats, a bar and some facilities that we can get to without driving every time. Is that possible?

I've looked at Al Raha beach and loved it, but it's a bit far from work. Reem seems nice, but are there any flats with balconies? St Regis on Saadiyat looks great, but crazy expensive for what it is.

I'd love your views. Where do you live? Do you like it? What do you recommend for me, a Brit, late 30s, never lived in UAE and moving in Dec/Jan.

Thanks!

scot47

I wonder if Emiratis have the same dislike of balconies as Saudis. In KSA there are periodic attempts to have balconies declared officially un-Islamic and haram.

Pongo

WTC on the corniche is nice, no balcony but the windows open...
About 160k for a 2 bedroom.

Meow

Be wary of Reem as too many weirdos live there.

iggle

Ream is where its at.

Loads of Balconies in Ream.

Marina Square, and the towers by high spirits. Also around there is sexy cabin crew girls that'll give you a 3sum for some sleep.

DXBtoDOH

Saadiyat.

There's Saadiyat Beach Residences (not the same as the St. Regis serviced apartments). Near a Waitrose, nice greenery, big pools in the complex and right by the nicest beach in Abu Dhabi. Easy hop to the bars at the St. Regis and only a short cab ride into AD itself. Under 10 minutes to the Corniche.

Get a two bedroom and save the rest.

Real estate market is softening big time as AD's economy is in a bit of a paralysis at the moment, so you should be able to negotiate hard to get a great deal.

flood2

Beach tower on reem has nice balconies. They have 2 and 3 beds

dominoman

Thanks all. That's given me some new places to look at.

Beach tower on Reem
Marina Square on Reem
Saadiyat Beach Residences

I didn't realise the St Regis ones were serviced apartments. That's not what I'm after. But it explains the crazy prices.

iggle

It's spelt Ream, you don't want to look stupid spelling it wrong all the time.

dominoman

Thanks Iggle(s) for confusing a newbie

Brains1983

it is Reem, just ignore Iggle, he's the resident twat

jack_bauer

Check out Al Ain Tower. It's on the Corniche, has huge balconies, swimming pool, gym and walkable to facilities (coffee shops, mall, etc)

archie159

If you can, I strongly suggest you come here (alone or with the wife) and spend a few weeks or, better still, months settling in and finding your feet before you commit to somewhere to live. Negotiate a deal with a hotel or hotel apartment for a 2-3 month lease (the longer you agree to, the better the rate - you need to haggle). When you are here it is so much easier to make these decisions. You will also find out via people you meet the nice places and less nice ones. Don't forget, you'll be at work most of the day, but your wife needs to be happy in the environment also - so let her spend some time finding out where will suit her best. If you are thinking of joining The Club (for the pools, beach and bars which you mention - also loads of other activities (fitness classes, photography groups, etc etc - some wives practically live there)) you might decide you want to live down that end of the Corniche (we know expats in high-rises within 5-10 mins walk of there, though they are nothing special). 200k for 2-3 bed apartment is plenty, so you don't need to panic.

Also, if you will be working for a local company, you'll certainly be on probation for 3-6 months, and it can be brave (depending upon the company) to commit to a year's lease before you are confirmed in your job.

If you go on the National newspaper website, they have a report about which places have gone up and down in rents over the past few months.