From Wiki

Contents 1 Accomodation 2 Dining 3 Schools 4 Places to Shop 5 Place to Visit

[edit] Accomodation

Here are some real estate agencies:

LLJ Property
Home Style Property
http://www.alshamel1.ae
Future View Property

Beware those agents whose "office" is their mobile and a tatty old car. Yes, they do have access to a good number of properties, but they'll show you everything they have regardless of what you want.

There is a REAL shortage of accommodation in Abu Dhabi and if you do find a place it will not be cheap - Prices start at about Dhs 120,000 for a studio. But as of 2010 prices have come down and availability has increased dramatically (at least compared with late 2008 / early 2009)--everything seems to be negotiable now. Good 2 or 3 bed apartments available for around Dhs 200k.

• Villas with pools and gardens are rare.

• Work for women is available, but you have to search for it. In general it should be easier for a British.

• Bills are not expensive.

• There is cable tv here and you get some good channels.

• There is no public transport in Abu Dhabi. However, taxis are plenty and cheap. Much cheaper than in Dubai, where they have public transport. Fare starts at Dhs. 2.00, and then it's Dhs. 0.50 for each kilometre.

• The telephone company here is Etisalat (Emirates Telecommunication Company) and they recently got a competitor in du (just like that, two small letters). I don't know if calling UK is expensive. I have nobody there. But compared to other fares, I don't think it's that much.

[edit] Dining

Lebanese Flower Restaurant - Superb authentic food, friendly service, family-friendly, inexpensive, big portions, doggy bags (you'll need them), open late. Various locations, eat-in or takeaway.

[edit] Schools

For Expat children Private schools is the only option. Many schools are over subscribed and have long waiting lists.

To enrol your child into school you will be required to submit and fill in the following items

• School Application Form
  
• Copies of childs and parents Passports
  
• Passport photos usually 10 are required
  
• Copies of childs birth certificate
  
• School records for the past one or two years, although some require

just the last 2 report cards

• Current immunisation records and medical history
  
• A transfer letter, has to be a official certificate from child's previous school detailing his her education. The Transfer letter has to include- date of enrolment, year of placement, date the child left school, official school stamp and official signature from Head of school.
  

Regarding "Official School Stamp" if the school has not got one, you will have to get another letter from the school saying that they do not have an official school stamp.

If starting your child after school year has begun check with the school what required documents you will need to submit to the Ministry of Education to allow your child entry into that year.

Here is a list of ONLY SOME of the Private Schools in Abu Dhabi (please add to if you know of any others)

PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS ABU DHABI

Al Khubairat School (The British School) Tel +971 2 4462280

American Community School Tel + 971 2 6815115

American International School Tel +971 2 4444333

Pearl Primary (An Aldar Academies, British Currculum in Abu Dhabi City centre) Tel + 971 2 6418887

Al Yasmina (An Aldar Academies, British Currculum sister School to Pearl at Al Raha Gardens) Tel +971-2-690 5816

Raha international School Tel 02 5561567

MUSIC LESSONS

Abu Dhabi Music Institute 02 674-1331
ADMI offers private lessons in organ, piano, violin, guitar, flute, accordion and voice training from age 4 on. Certificates are awarded and recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.

Beethoven Institute of Music 050-7827947
They offer lessons in Piano, Vocals, Guitar, Drums and Keyboards from age 6 onwards. Special music program for kids age 4 to 6 called mini musicians. Official Representative for Trinity Guildhall London. Location corner of 2nd and 5th. Abu Dhabi.

Delma Music Training Centre 02 645-7137
Classes taught in English or French in piano, guitar, keyboard and voice.

International Music Institute 02 621-1949 or 621-1299
Lesson offered for piano, violin, flute, sax, clarinet, guitar and drums for all ages.

Royal Music Academy
Preparation for the Trinity College or Royal School of Music, London. Instruments include the guitar, drums and keyboard.

[edit] Places to Shop

There are quite a few malls here for example.... (Please add to)

Abu Dhabi Mall - clothing, furniture, electrical goods, kids fun zone, Cinema. Shops like Early learning centre, Apple Mac Store, Monsoon, Next....

Marina Mall - Supermarket (Carrefours), many clothing outlets. Shops like IKEA, Mothercare....

Al Wadha Mall - LuLus Supermarket, Cinema, Bowling, Kids Fun Zone. Shops like - Gap, Banana Republic, Mothercare, Boots, Next.

Al Meena Centre - For good priced electrical goods -TV, Fridge, Washing machines, Computers, Sound systems, Oven and Cook Tops, which is near to an Ace Hardware (Meena Rd) and Toys r Us.

MAIN SUPERMARKETS

Spinneys - Most British products available including marmite, waitrose products, great Deli Items and also a section that sells pork products

Abelas - Good selection of British products - also has a section that sells pork products and a small branch of Posters (cards, novelties etc)

LuLu's Hypermarket - Very Large can find most things (best one at Al Waha Mall)Has everything and is very reasonably priced also has some british products ie Branson pickle

Carrefours -Very large can find most things, has some French products

Co-Op - Numerous locations, fair variety, local produce

[edit] Place to Visit

There's no museum in Abu Dhabi, however, 155km into the desert is the oasis of Al Ain, part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

In Al Ain is the Al Ain Museum, with some very good exhibits about the history of UAE. Definitely worth a visit.

In Hili Archeological Park - Al Ain, there is a 5000 years old tomb, the oldest in the area. Climb to the top of Jebel Hafeet mountain for beautiful views from above across the desert. It is a very beautiful drive up the mountain, on a winding 9 km road.
Al Ain has a big zoo, which has been renovated recently, and draws quite some crowds over the weekend.

In Abu Dhabi you can visit Emirates Palace Hotel a seven star hotel about which not much is known. It is like a palace taken from the 1001 Nights.

While at Burj Al Arab you have to pay upfront to enter, you can go inside Emirates Palace for free and wander inside the lobby or go to the restaurants. If you want a tour of the hotel, you pay Dhs 100 and get a voucher. The tour takes you to all the luxurious apartments and other areas hidden to the regular visitor, and you can use the voucher in any of the restaurants or coffee shops inside. The decorations inside the hotel are luxurious, marvellous, beautiful.