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-   -   Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD (https://britishexpats.com/forum/middle-east-60/commute-al-ain-dubai-ad-525491/)

fried.bread Mar 30th 2008 11:11 am

Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
Is it realistic to daily commute between Al Ain and either Dubai or AD? Possible work opportunity in Al Ain, but it appears that the facilities in Al Ain may be limited for a family, and so considering the commute. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

Madam Medusa Mar 30th 2008 11:15 am

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 

Originally Posted by fried.bread (Post 6131670)
Is it realistic to daily commute between Al Ain and either Dubai or AD? Possible work opportunity in Al Ain, but it appears that the facilities in Al Ain may be limited for a family, and so considering the commute. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

there have been a few questions on this recently, so do a search for the full gubbins...but the thinking was basically that it's not practical from dubai, not sure about AD though...

MM, xx

fried.bread Mar 30th 2008 11:23 am

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 

Originally Posted by Madam Medusa (Post 6131693)
there have been a few questions on this recently, so do a search for the full gubbins...but the thinking was basically that it's not practical from dubai, not sure about AD though...

MM, xx

Thanks I wil search again. I have seen a number of messages regarding living in Al Ain, mostly posted by a rather fetching golden labrador, but have not seen any discussions on the commute. Thanks again, and I will keep looking.

Blue Cat Mar 30th 2008 12:11 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 

Originally Posted by fried.bread (Post 6131670)
Is it realistic to daily commute between Al Ain and either Dubai or AD? Possible work opportunity in Al Ain, but it appears that the facilities in Al Ain may be limited for a family, and so considering the commute. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

not viable from Dubai, we had this discussion a while back when one of the regular posters was thinking about do it. It takes an hour and half to get to Al Ain, 120 ks from Dubai. Why on earth you wouldn't want to take the family with you is beyond me. We would move up to Al Ain tomorrow, I mean that!

fried.bread Mar 30th 2008 12:40 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
I guess until we get to see the place it is hard to make a considered judgement, but from what we have gathered using the net and this forum Al Ain appears to offer far less for the family than either Dubai or AD. Again we have only holidayed in Dubai so our knowledge is extremely thin, but in terms of social/accom/school/recreation/shopping then Al Ain is either in serious need of a marketing makeover, or is simply eclipsed by its bigger neighbours. We would love any advice to the contrary, which could make the decision easier. Thanks for replying.

Blue Cat Mar 30th 2008 12:44 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
you are wrong, Al Ain is a fabulous place to live. There is a great British school and a good British Community up there. I am sure you would like it given a chance.

fried.bread Mar 30th 2008 12:52 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
Thanks for that, would appreciate any links you might have regarding school and community etc. We are a mixed race family (me Scot her Irish) so both like to socialise when possible. Is there a lively social scene within the community? Is there an international womans organisation active? What sort of size is the community and are there many teenage children (ours is girl aged 13)? Sorry there are too many questions, I guess like everyone else considering such a move. Thanks for your help so far. :confused:

Blue Cat Mar 30th 2008 12:56 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
Not sure of any women's organisations but there are plenty ladies up there. I wouldn't say Irish and Scottish was exactly mixed race, your both British! Al Ain English Speaking School. Do a search on that.

The Hilton Hotel has a pool membership, Hiltonia Club it is called, that seems a good option for starting off making friends. That's where I have met and made friends. Amazing Grace lives in Al Ain, I am sure she will be on to offer some advice.

Amazing Grace Mar 30th 2008 2:06 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
Hi, you called..... my DH and I love going to Dubai for the weekend to meet with friends and some shopping. I read that you have only holidayed in Dubai, it is totally different from living there. If you have never been to Al Ain be prepared for a huge culture shock in a big way. Al Ain is absolutely nothing like Dubai or Abu Dhabi but we love it. It is very quiet and peaceful, not a huge amount as in pubs and clubs, most places to drink are in the hotels. There is a new rugby club and golf club and equestrian centre which are all next to each other. Social life is your making. The schools are very good and AAESS is the main one I think but best you do a search as my children are all grown up with their own little peeps. The school mums do a lot of different things in connection with the school and there are two ladies who are just starting a newsletter up each month to let everyone know what is going on.

As for communiting I would absolutely say no unless you have a driver, Blue Cat told you how long it takes and that is probably on a good day, it takes a little bit more from Abu Dhabi, both roads before you get to the outskirts are good but it is the dreaded Dubai traffic/construction which is a nightmare. Ab Dhabi on the other hand is not so bad and is not built up and congested like Dubai.

Facilities are limited here in Al Ain but The Hilton Hotel has the Hiltonia Club which you can join as a family I think for aboutAED3,000 a year which gives you access to all the gym, pools etc. I actually live there at the moment and it is lovely.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do but think very carefully about the commute.

PS The beautiful golden labrador is a very good friend of mine so only say nice things;);)

fried.bread Mar 30th 2008 7:12 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
Grace,
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I have almost certainly decided that the commute is not an option. If you have any more info on the school and the new sports club that would be kind. I am a keen golfer and can only find a 9 hole grass and 18 hole sand course, and our daughter is very keen on horses so the sports club sounds promising. We have only one child with us, a 13 year old daughter so any help with sourcing likely chums for her would be great. Again thanks for the help and I will try and find the school website.

Amazing Grace Mar 30th 2008 7:34 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
www.aaess.com is the site for the school and you could try www.alainliving.com. might be two you could look at. I think children are easier to please as they soon make friends at school and then the social scene follows on. Let me know if I can help in any way. I am in UK at the moment but travel back on the 14th April to Al Ain.:wub:

Desi Taffy Mar 31st 2008 10:59 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 

Originally Posted by fried.bread (Post 6131670)
Is it realistic to daily commute between Al Ain and either Dubai or AD? Possible work opportunity in Al Ain, but it appears that the facilities in Al Ain may be limited for a family, and so considering the commute. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi FB, and Happy Birthday by the way

I think I remember speaking to a lady who works 3 days a week in Dubai and lives in Al Ain. She said she didnt mind it as it was only 3 days a week. My OH's colleague has to travel to Abu Dhabi 3/4 days a week from Al Ain and despite the fact he has a driver, hates the drive and so is considering moving to Abu Dhabi. (He does, however, work a 12 hour day!). Most families I come into contact with, say they definitely prefer Al Ain to Dubai. There are no high rise buildings, and lots of greenery compared to Dubai. NO CONGESTION either! The climate is hot but not humid like Dubai or AD and so feels more tolerable. The preference for Al Ain, amongst families in particular I think is because it is very safe.

I have a 13 year old and he is very happy in Al Ain, however that is not to say he doesnt like visiting the big cities as often as possible! On a recent visit to Dubai, we were walking through a congested area and suspicous behaviour by a man caused me to pull my daughters close to me and watch them like a hawk from then on. You definitely dont feel you have to watch your children like a hawk in Al Ain. In fact, my 13 year old can quite easily go to the mall with friends and I dont feel too concerned.

I think all the British families I know have sent their children to Al Ain English Speaking School, primarily because it is the only school that teaches the British Syllabus. I chose not to send my son to this school. The primary school has a good reputation as do most of the international schools in Al Ain, however, the high school education is not very good. There have been many parents who have withdrawn their children once they get close to GCSE level because of the poor performance record of AESS. Several headteachers have been and gone recently and the social reputation of the school is not what I personally would want for my child (however that may not be an issue for others). To be fare to AESS, I hear that big improvements are on the way and if these improvement prove effective, I think I wouldnt hesitate.

I agree with Grace, you can meet plenty of nice people at the Hiltonia. As to whether it would suit you, I think until you have visited Al Ain, you won't know. Sorry, I have rambled a bit and I have only been able to give my perspective from the Al Ain end. Hope it has helped though.

Norm_uk Apr 1st 2008 4:20 am

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 

Originally Posted by fried.bread (Post 6131670)
Is it realistic to daily commute between Al Ain and either Dubai or AD? Possible work opportunity in Al Ain, but it appears that the facilities in Al Ain may be limited for a family, and so considering the commute. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

I have done the Dubai-Abu Dhabi run a number of times a week for the past 6 months and it's a bit of a nightmare but only due to other drivers and wear and tear on the car...the actually drive is almost one straight line.

I can't imagine doing it every day though!

N.

fried.bread Apr 1st 2008 1:14 pm

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 
Thanks again for the helpful replies.
I have been informed by my potential employers that either DBX or AD is 'doable' and that others have done so. However they all say it is not easy! I am very interested in the schooling side of life. Do any children weekly board in DBX or AD? Seems the logical solution but I can not find any schools that advertise that option. Additionally I have been informed that whilst Al AIn offers a much more relaxed pace of life, the accommodation options are extremely limited. Any comments again appreciated.

Blue Cat Apr 2nd 2008 9:21 am

Re: Commute Al Ain - Dubai or AD
 

Originally Posted by fried.bread (Post 6142393)
Thanks again for the helpful replies.
I have been informed by my potential employers that either DBX or AD is 'doable' and that others have done so. However they all say it is not easy! I am very interested in the schooling side of life. Do any children weekly board in DBX or AD? Seems the logical solution but I can not find any schools that advertise that option. Additionally I have been informed that whilst Al AIn offers a much more relaxed pace of life, the accommodation options are extremely limited. Any comments again appreciated.

accomodation rather depends on your budget ;) Amazing Grace is the lady to speak to, she is looking for a villa herself and has alot of agent contacts up there. Where are you now? UK? AD?


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