Originally Posted by archie159 (Post 11468965)

Cars - word of mouth; spinneys/spar (KCA)/abela notice boards; facebook (there's a hidden AD marketplace board, which has lots of useful stuff including, though less often, cars); dubizzle (but be ready to be messed around).
Housing - you've mentioned the main areas already. Everyone we know in Raha Gardens loves it, though yes you are a bit squashed in. Al Reef - some areas are nice, but I know more and more people who are getting fed up with dangerous driving, odious neighbours etc. Some of those small KCA compounds aren't too bad. Depending upon how much time you have, it is well worth not rushing into anything too quickly - by just driving around, looking hard, one sometimes comes across hidden gems. You could also look at the "between the bridges" area (can't remember its new name) - some nice compounds there, though not sure about prices. There are a few decent agents, though most are useless. Get onto the Abu Dhabi Woman Recommended forum also - you get more discussion and advice about such issues there than on this one.

Originally Posted by busybee2 (Post 11469557)

al mataq area is the new name for btb.

Originally Posted by archie159 (Post 11470007)

No it is not... Al Maqta is its correct name.

Originally Posted by Bocat (Post 11473294)

Any thoughts on Bawabat Al Sharq?

I've been to the shopping mall there as we went for a tour of GEMS Cambridge International School but I don't know anything else about the area.
Many expats living there? Sounds like an up and coming area.

Originally Posted by csdf (Post 11473650)

That's practically in Al Ain.

Originally Posted by Bocat (Post 11473294)

Any thoughts on Bawabat Al Sharq?

I've been to the shopping mall there as we went for a tour of GEMS Cambridge International School but I don't know anything else about the area.

Many expats living there? Sounds like an up and coming area.

Hoping to go and see it in the next couple of days.

Originally Posted by archie159 (Post 11473655)

I've never been down there. But, there was a villa posted last week on the Abu Dhabi Marketplace facebook page. The photos look very nice, and it seems to have a reasonable garden. Description is:
Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath villa for rent from December. Also has maids room with bathroom, bonus room, storage room and large closed kitchen. Located just behind Bawabat Al Sharq mall / Gems Cambridge. Direct from owner. 165,000 AED for 12 months. Please contact Ahmed at 050 6131305 with any serious questions or inquiries.
It is a bit of a trek if work or school is based in Abu Dhabi, but worth looking at if not.

Originally Posted by Bocat (Post 11475281)

Hi folks

A few of you have mentioned an Abu Dhabi Marketplace Facebook page but I can't find it. The only one I can find is for airline cabin crew only. Can anyone provide a link?

Looks like we may finally have success on the house front - found a nice place in KCA :)

Originally Posted by Bocat (Post 11475281)

Hi folks

A few of you have mentioned an Abu Dhabi Marketplace Facebook page but I can't find it. The only one I can find is for airline cabin crew only. Can anyone provide a link?

Looks like we may finally have success on the house front - found a nice place in KCA :)