Originally Posted by jamiestarr

I'm a consultant working for ADIA. Before I arrived here, I was told that they are a very well run organisation and something of a gem in the middle east.
However, having worked in the middle east for nearly 4 years I've come to conclude that there is nothing unique about ADIA at all. In fact, it's full of wetsern expats who are overpaid and appear to be busy pleasing the men in white dresses.
The organisation is full of bearaucrats (some Indian) who are looking after they own jobs and, wait for it, there is no accountability, which is the norm in this region.
They appear to be hiding the advise/work done by consultans with a view to blaming them if things go wrong.

My personal view of the majority of people working at ADIA is that they couldn't cut it anymore in the West.

If you take a job at ADIA you should kiss autonomy good bye. Your career will take a backseat and you'll be in a "job" and that's it. You'll take your high salary, enjoy the sun and get through life hesitating and wonder when the tap on your shoulder will come because of a decison you made after being bullied.

To conclude, it's a great job if you can get it. Spend a few years here and walk away with a pot of cash.

The biggest sovereign wealth fund it may be but it is far from being best. Once the oil goes that building overlooking the corniche will be derelict. The only difference between Abu Dhabi and Saudi is that your wife can drive here and that you have dubai an hour away. The drawbacks is that you have to put up with some idiotic decison making from locals or other expats, who simply wouldn't cut it elsewhere.

The choice is yours!

p.s. Pardon the typos. I was typing on a BB

Originally Posted by jamiestarr

In fact, it's full of wetsern expats who are overpaid and appear to be busy pleasing the men in white dresses.

Originally Posted by The bird called Grace

Originally Posted by EmiratesMillhouse

spot on.



all of them?

Originally Posted by Grace O Malley

No idea, don't know anyone that works there, but I am curious to know how the boys in white dresses are pleasured and err less of the bird....

Originally Posted by jamiestarr

I've been providing services to ADIA for 15 months - the write up is my personal honest experience.

Originally Posted by weescot

Who on earth told you ADIA is different?

Originally Posted by weescot

Given that you have been in the region for 4 years and with this organisation for 15 months, your expereince conclusions are not at all revealling. All of what you say is pretty much par for the course in AD, and will chime a chord with many.QUOTE]

Oh yes - the description would fit many - Ald*r, TD*C, Mub**** to name a few!

Originally Posted by Mischief Queen

They will provide you with the option of accommodation or allowance. Take the accommodation - current apts are a great location and have swimming pool, squash courts, parking etc (they will show you before you have to decide). The package will be good (more than fair imo). I was moved in and furnished (with furniture allowance) within 2 weeks of landing in AD... not possible with many companies here I can tell you!

I say go for it.

Originally Posted by PrKoll

Hi guys!
I am interviewing with them too. I am curious about the accommodations: you mention that they give you the option to use theirs. Where are those flats located? Do they provide villas as well? Can you be more specific about the choice one gets: flat description vs. How much housing allowance.

Originally Posted by weescot

haha - you've got your research properties right! They offer staff both apartments and villas all over town in a variety of different tower blocks and compounds. I believe that once you arrive, what you are invited to view on AIDA's housing books depends entirely on availability and if you are single or married. No idea about housing allowances, but generally they are around rental market prices, which are going down.

Maybe someone form ADIA can advise you with more info... but you'll definantely get more space than in New york...

Originally Posted by jamiestarr

All

Thank you for your contribution to what I revealed. I agree, the issues are synonymous with the majority of organisations here. However, I was led to believe that ADIA was different. Please forgive me if I've offended anyone and if anyone believes that what I said was racist - this was not my intention. I was foolish in thinking that ADIA was different and that's it.

I agree that Emiratis are very good people, but they do hide behind the advice of consultants because, in my experience, it's easier to blame a consultant. The true reality of the situation is that my profession is instruction led and therefore I do what I'm told to do. If I do raise any issues or risks associated with the path being suggested, I'm simply told to shut up.

Thank you all for your input.