Originally Posted by zac3001

Thanks again for information

Can I just clear up when you say site based?

Ie, if we're living in an apartment in Abu Dhabi for 4 days, and staying on site for 4 days- is that classed as site based? Yes that's site based, but just to clarify, only you will be going to site, family have to stay and slum it up at some 5 star hotel drinking your salary away...

Also is it true if you take a block of 4 shifts off you use more than 4 days holiday? yes this is true, I still don't understand the logic but your rota days off inbetween shifts count as days holiday too. So if you take 4 days off, you lose 8.....shit I know, but on a 4 on 4 off rotation, its not really possibl to have 35 days holiday a year.... youd never be in if you think about it... its changing all the time though

We were in Abu Dhabi last week and had a look at several areas to live, was struggling to find a 3 bedroom apartment/villa that was centrally located for 110k aed, any ideas? 3 bed Villa, central for 110??? Don't think youre going to be in much luck there unless you find something quite old in not the best area. How big is your family? Did you visit Al Reef? Is it true that al hosn have there own villas/apartments that they rent out? Do you know of a contact for these? Nope.... never heard of them or seen anything like that.... I read that too but its bollocks if im honest. Some bloke in the housing department gives you a number for an agency called quest, who then listen to absolutely nothing you have to say and try their best to get some money out of you. Get your own agents ready for when you get here. Id seen all areas I wanted to on day 2 of being here.

Is it also true you can get an interest free car loan after a few months? apparently its after one year up to 75,000 AED. But the car is not yours its the companies until you cough up. I just got a new car on finance..... theyre cheap enough out here.

And the government discount card we supposedly get is it any useful? never been given a discount card, just say youre ADNOC and flash you office pass and you get cheaper hotel room and stays etc. The company do pay for you to have family membership at 5 star hotels with pools and beaches though....... or gyms if your into the boring stuff

Sorry for all the questions but just trying to get my head round it all before the huge thing of handing my notice in

Originally Posted by zac3001

Once again thanks for your help, it's definitely given us more to think about, I'm sure I'll think of more questions as the days roll on.
the two big things at the moment are the amount of housing allowance and being away from family for 4 days- was expecting to come home after 2nd day and travel back for the nights!!

Originally Posted by zac3001

Haha that's exactly what I was told- could you tell me exactly what the shifts are please?

Thanks