lullabelle

The schools here (well the two I've had experience of) seem great. Certainly the teachers appear less stressed and overworked. I'm not a teacher just a parent.

I've lived in abu dhabi and Dubai - admiitedly only for a short time in both. I actually prefer Dubai. Better beaches (waaaaay better beaches) and def more chilled vibe. The traffic in abu dhabi drove me to distration. And the driving is def worse there. Also it's quick to escape to the mountains, the desert and Oman.

I know Abu Dhabi is smaller and more manageable but I just find dubai more interesting. There's still lots of old bits which I feel gives it some soul.

NorthernBelle31

Thanks for that lullabelle.....I'm swaying towards to Dubai at the minute as I received the offer from the school there today and it's better than the 2 offers I've had from schools in Abu Dhabi! I also have a telephone interview for a school in Kuwait tomorrow!! But not 100% sure about that!

Blue Cat

take Dubai is it with GEMS?

soukie

Totally agree with Millhouse - AD is changing for the worst and it will get busier as the rents come to down. Best to visit if you can.

commander

having lived in both for 3years each and about to return for a second stint in Dubai, i would say for a single person, Dubai. More choices in everything.

I love Abu Dhabi, it suited our lifestyle at the time (newborn baby) but we are looking forward to heading back to the big smoke.

Blue Cat

Mrs C having any luck with the house hunting/schools?

spartans53

If you want any help with the Dubai School PM me my wife has taught here for twelve years and worked at three different schools in that time.

Cheers

NorthernBelle31

Thank you very much :-) I'll drop you a line

commander

err no not really, its difficult finding a school.... Housing is no issue, but until we can sort out a school...

NorthernBelle31

I've just received my contract for the job in Dubai I've decided to take. It appears that utilities (water and electricity) are not included. Would it be appropriate to try and negotiate with them for the inclusion of these?!?

Millhouse

80Dh / month? - 15quid? is it worth it?

NorthernBelle31

Oh is that all it would be?!? even with airconditioning?!? Maybe it's not worth it lol!

Millhouse

The answer is it depends. Some buildings have free AC. In those buildings your bill be 80-100AED. Otherwise it will be, I guess, peaking at 300AED for a 1 bed.

The 2000+ AED/month bills are for the villas.

Ethos83

If the school is providing housing, probably a one bedroom flat in Tecom or the Greens, odds are that the housing fee/tax is covered by the school. Your monthly utilities most likely won't exceed 100 AED. I wouldn't fight the school to have this covered.

Just make sure that you're not liable for the housing fee. The problem is that the housing fee is bundled with the utilities so you get reimbursed or the school will deduct the dewa from your pat.

NorthernBelle31

Ok, thanks for the info. Still not a huge amount so might just leave it. My original offer in Abu Dhabi was 11,000......but this position in Dubai is 14,000 so better off anyway.