Living in Al Ain
Apr 11th 2011, 12:52 pm
#2836
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 300
Re: Living in Al Ain
Have some technology questions that I was hoping someone might have an answer for....
- When we first fly into Abu Dhabi, is there any chance that the borders/customs officials will confiscate our ipods, Kindle, laptop and external hard drive? We are in the process of taking anything "controversial" off of them but we want to bring our music collection and family photos.
-I am looking into getting a VPN and have been looking at the Witopia Cloakbox so that we can have wireless internet in our flat. Anyone have any experience using the cloakbox? And again, if we bring this to UAE in our luggage is it going to get confiscated?
thanks!
- When we first fly into Abu Dhabi, is there any chance that the borders/customs officials will confiscate our ipods, Kindle, laptop and external hard drive? We are in the process of taking anything "controversial" off of them but we want to bring our music collection and family photos.
-I am looking into getting a VPN and have been looking at the Witopia Cloakbox so that we can have wireless internet in our flat. Anyone have any experience using the cloakbox? And again, if we bring this to UAE in our luggage is it going to get confiscated?
thanks!
eh, no and no...unless the cloakbox comes in a big box saying "UK VPN, I'm here to break the law"!
Apr 12th 2011, 5:12 am
#2837
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Al Ain, UAE
Posts: 54
Re: Living in Al Ain
Have some technology questions that I was hoping someone might have an answer for....
- When we first fly into Abu Dhabi, is there any chance that the borders/customs officials will confiscate our ipods, Kindle, laptop and external hard drive? We are in the process of taking anything "controversial" off of them but we want to bring our music collection and family photos.
-I am looking into getting a VPN and have been looking at the XXXXXXXXX so that we can have wireless internet in our flat. Anyone have any experience using the XXXXXX? And again, if we bring this to UAE in our luggage is it going to get confiscated?
thanks!
- When we first fly into Abu Dhabi, is there any chance that the borders/customs officials will confiscate our ipods, Kindle, laptop and external hard drive? We are in the process of taking anything "controversial" off of them but we want to bring our music collection and family photos.
-I am looking into getting a VPN and have been looking at the XXXXXXXXX so that we can have wireless internet in our flat. Anyone have any experience using the XXXXXX? And again, if we bring this to UAE in our luggage is it going to get confiscated?
thanks!
Have sent you PM w.r.t. the second bit.
Apr 12th 2011, 10:24 pm
#2838
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi,
Just joined the forum. We are from London. My wife has accepted a teaching position with ADEC through Teachaway. They indicated we would more than likely be based in Al Ain. Her package is as follows
Salary 17,700 AED
Furniture Allowance 20,000 AED
ADEC will be providing accomodation. We have 4 kids. Doing the maths it seems we will be able to make ends meet with the school fees (AESS) etc.
I have some questions
Does anyone in this forum know what quality accomodation ADEC provide. We are visiting Dubai next week and have an appointment at AESS, so will be coming to Al Ain.
Also is 20,000 enough to furnish a 2/3 bedroom apartment ?
We have budgeted 3200 - 3500 per month for a car. Obviously we will need some sort of 7 seater mpv/suv. Will this be enough for this purpose
I have not yet found a job for myself. I am a network engineer. Is anyone currently working in the IT sector. Is anyone aware of any data network or security roles that may be available. I am constantly looking at all relevant sites Bayt, Monster, Clarendon Parker, Naukri Gulf etc I would envisage that most of the jobs would be in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Just joined the forum. We are from London. My wife has accepted a teaching position with ADEC through Teachaway. They indicated we would more than likely be based in Al Ain. Her package is as follows
Salary 17,700 AED
Furniture Allowance 20,000 AED
ADEC will be providing accomodation. We have 4 kids. Doing the maths it seems we will be able to make ends meet with the school fees (AESS) etc.
I have some questions
Does anyone in this forum know what quality accomodation ADEC provide. We are visiting Dubai next week and have an appointment at AESS, so will be coming to Al Ain.
Also is 20,000 enough to furnish a 2/3 bedroom apartment ?
We have budgeted 3200 - 3500 per month for a car. Obviously we will need some sort of 7 seater mpv/suv. Will this be enough for this purpose
I have not yet found a job for myself. I am a network engineer. Is anyone currently working in the IT sector. Is anyone aware of any data network or security roles that may be available. I am constantly looking at all relevant sites Bayt, Monster, Clarendon Parker, Naukri Gulf etc I would envisage that most of the jobs would be in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Apr 14th 2011, 5:21 am
#2839
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: Zakher, Al Ain
Posts: 425
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi,
Just joined the forum. We are from London. My wife has accepted a teaching position with ADEC through Teachaway. They indicated we would more than likely be based in Al Ain. Her package is as follows
Salary 17,700 AED
Furniture Allowance 20,000 AED
ADEC will be providing accomodation. We have 4 kids. Doing the maths it seems we will be able to make ends meet with the school fees (AESS) etc. Make sure you can - you do NOT want to get into debt here! (Search "debt" on main middle east forum)
I have some questions
Does anyone in this forum know what quality accomodation ADEC provide. My friends are in the Hili complex and although I personally hate it and would never consider living there, they are happy We are visiting Dubai next week and have an appointment at AESS, so will be coming to Al Ain.
Also is 20,000 enough to furnish a 2/3 bedroom apartment ? Yes, should be enough to cover the essentails
We have budgeted 3200 - 3500 per month for a car. Obviously we will need some sort of 7 seater mpv/suv. Will this be enough for this purpose should be plenty to rent, my friends paid about 3000 per month for a 7 seater fortunter last year. if you rent, you will not be allowed to take it off road.
I have not yet found a job for myself. I am a network engineer. Is anyone currently working in the IT sector. Is anyone aware of any data network or security roles that may be available. I am constantly looking at all relevant sites Bayt, Monster, Clarendon Parker, Naukri Gulf etc I would envisage that most of the jobs would be in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Try searching the main middle east forum or posting this question on there. There are not many decent paid jobs for husbands in Al Ain, I know of two teachers husbands who can't find anything here. That being said you could be lucky and I hope you will be.
Just joined the forum. We are from London. My wife has accepted a teaching position with ADEC through Teachaway. They indicated we would more than likely be based in Al Ain. Her package is as follows
Salary 17,700 AED
Furniture Allowance 20,000 AED
ADEC will be providing accomodation. We have 4 kids. Doing the maths it seems we will be able to make ends meet with the school fees (AESS) etc. Make sure you can - you do NOT want to get into debt here! (Search "debt" on main middle east forum)
I have some questions
Does anyone in this forum know what quality accomodation ADEC provide. My friends are in the Hili complex and although I personally hate it and would never consider living there, they are happy We are visiting Dubai next week and have an appointment at AESS, so will be coming to Al Ain.
Also is 20,000 enough to furnish a 2/3 bedroom apartment ? Yes, should be enough to cover the essentails
We have budgeted 3200 - 3500 per month for a car. Obviously we will need some sort of 7 seater mpv/suv. Will this be enough for this purpose should be plenty to rent, my friends paid about 3000 per month for a 7 seater fortunter last year. if you rent, you will not be allowed to take it off road.
I have not yet found a job for myself. I am a network engineer. Is anyone currently working in the IT sector. Is anyone aware of any data network or security roles that may be available. I am constantly looking at all relevant sites Bayt, Monster, Clarendon Parker, Naukri Gulf etc I would envisage that most of the jobs would be in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Try searching the main middle east forum or posting this question on there. There are not many decent paid jobs for husbands in Al Ain, I know of two teachers husbands who can't find anything here. That being said you could be lucky and I hope you will be.
Apr 15th 2011, 7:15 am
#2840
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 15
Re: Living in Al Ain
alianvillafinder.com
What a waste of time... Couldn't help when we first arrived 11 months ago and failed to reply to my e-mails and enquiries now we are looking to move again. Maybe our budget is just not big enough for them??
What a waste of time... Couldn't help when we first arrived 11 months ago and failed to reply to my e-mails and enquiries now we are looking to move again. Maybe our budget is just not big enough for them??
Apr 15th 2011, 7:39 am
#2841
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: Zakher, Al Ain
Posts: 425
Re: Living in Al Ain
Why not try - http://www.alainexpat.com/ - Emma and Sandra are really friendly and helpful, OR if you are feeling brave, why not just tour round the areas you would like to live in and phone the numbers on the numerous empty villas.
Apr 15th 2011, 12:44 pm
#2842
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 300
Re: Living in Al Ain
The agent moved to RAK last Sept/Oct so I don't think they are so active in Al Ain as they used to be.
Why not try - http://www.alainexpat.com/ - Emma and Sandra are really friendly and helpful, OR if you are feeling brave, why not just tour round the areas you would like to live in and phone the numbers on the numerous empty villas.
Why not try - http://www.alainexpat.com/ - Emma and Sandra are really friendly and helpful, OR if you are feeling brave, why not just tour round the areas you would like to live in and phone the numbers on the numerous empty villas.
I had my pick of new 2 beds at 50k and a lovely new 3 bed for 60k. If you PM me I can pass on details of a couple of agents I have found to be good.
Apr 15th 2011, 9:40 pm
#2843
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Malton, North Yorkshire
Posts: 13
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi all, I'm new to this forum but know how helpful they can be! I have an interview for a job with STRATA in Al Ain and was wondering if there was anyone out there who works for the company, and what they are like to work for? Also my wife is a little worried about what there will be there for her to do? Are there any clubs or activities? We are mid 40's minus kids (they've flown the nest!
) so don't have the school run to be able to meet people. Also has anyone shipped a dog out there? Any info would be much appreciated!
) so don't have the school run to be able to meet people. Also has anyone shipped a dog out there? Any info would be much appreciated!
Apr 16th 2011, 9:14 am
#2844
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi,
Can anyone recommend an opthamologist/optician to get your child's eyes tested.............mine is squinting at things!
Thanks!
Can anyone recommend an opthamologist/optician to get your child's eyes tested.............mine is squinting at things!
Thanks!
Apr 18th 2011, 1:16 pm
#2845
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 15
Re: Living in Al Ain
I have recently been looking at 1/2/3 bed apartments in Al Ain. I have plumped for a 1 right in the city centre, with a good view of the oasis and the mountains(6th floor!),with security etc for 45k. Prices seem to be coming down, according to all....
I had my pick of new 2 beds at 50k and a lovely new 3 bed for 60k. If you PM me I can pass on details of a couple of agents I have found to be good.
I had my pick of new 2 beds at 50k and a lovely new 3 bed for 60k. If you PM me I can pass on details of a couple of agents I have found to be good.
Apr 18th 2011, 6:23 pm
#2846
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 15
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi all, I'm new to this forum but know how helpful they can be! I have an interview for a job with STRATA in Al Ain and was wondering if there was anyone out there who works for the company, and what they are like to work for? Also my wife is a little worried about what there will be there for her to do? Are there any clubs or activities? We are mid 40's minus kids (they've flown the nest!) so don't have the school run to be able to meet people. Also has anyone shipped a dog out there? Any info would be much appreciated!
) so don't have the school run to be able to meet people. Also has anyone shipped a dog out there? Any info would be much appreciated!I don't personally work for STRATA but i know a few people that do and they seem more than happy with them, I haven't heard of to many problems. They do say that the H.R department could be better but that is not unusual over here, you just need to be prepared for things to take a little longer than you would expect and you'll be fine.
I'm here with my wife and it did take a while for her to settle in but there are quite a few things to do, I know there was regular coffee mornings normally posted on here but i've not seen them for while so I don't know if they are still going. There is quite a good social scene and it's really easy to meet new friends, if i'm honest I found it easier to move over here than I did to move across town!!
Apr 18th 2011, 8:50 pm
#2847
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Al Ain
Posts: 68
Re: Living in Al Ain
Apr 19th 2011, 5:55 pm
#2848
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Malton, North Yorkshire
Posts: 13
Re: Living in Al Ain
Hi there,
I don't personally work for STRATA but i know a few people that do and they seem more than happy with them, I haven't heard of to many problems. They do say that the H.R department could be better but that is not unusual over here, you just need to be prepared for things to take a little longer than you would expect and you'll be fine.
I'm here with my wife and it did take a while for her to settle in but there are quite a few things to do, I know there was regular coffee mornings normally posted on here but i've not seen them for while so I don't know if they are still going. There is quite a good social scene and it's really easy to meet new friends, if i'm honest I found it easier to move over here than I did to move across town!!
I don't personally work for STRATA but i know a few people that do and they seem more than happy with them, I haven't heard of to many problems. They do say that the H.R department could be better but that is not unusual over here, you just need to be prepared for things to take a little longer than you would expect and you'll be fine.
I'm here with my wife and it did take a while for her to settle in but there are quite a few things to do, I know there was regular coffee mornings normally posted on here but i've not seen them for while so I don't know if they are still going. There is quite a good social scene and it's really easy to meet new friends, if i'm honest I found it easier to move over here than I did to move across town!!
Apr 19th 2011, 10:01 pm
#2849
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Newbie Questions....How long to come for, and how do you furnish?
Hi!
We are considering moving to Al Ain and doing online research. Thanks for the great thread
We want to try out Al Ain for one year. Anyone come for such a short time? Any thoughts on that?
What I can not figure out in regards to the housing search is where are the furnished places with applicances? I would like to arrive as though we are in a vacation apartment, and not have to search for a toaster or blender even! It usually takes us one year to set up a house the way we like it. So I would want to drop in to a rental all set up like a furnished home if possible, and can not find any thing about this option anywhere, though for a transient population it seems this should exist.
I will come for a job and my husband will stay home with out three kids- a baby under 1, a 2 year old, and 6 year old. They will not be in school, but will want a pool, some playgroups, and the 6 year old will want some classes like horse riding, dance, art, music etc. (house of arts stuff). He can find a job if we choose to stay. (Software engineer, any comments on how the job market is in al Ain for programmers?)
Thanks for any input!! 
We are considering moving to Al Ain and doing online research. Thanks for the great thread
We want to try out Al Ain for one year. Anyone come for such a short time? Any thoughts on that?
What I can not figure out in regards to the housing search is where are the furnished places with applicances? I would like to arrive as though we are in a vacation apartment, and not have to search for a toaster or blender even! It usually takes us one year to set up a house the way we like it. So I would want to drop in to a rental all set up like a furnished home if possible, and can not find any thing about this option anywhere, though for a transient population it seems this should exist.
I will come for a job and my husband will stay home with out three kids- a baby under 1, a 2 year old, and 6 year old. They will not be in school, but will want a pool, some playgroups, and the 6 year old will want some classes like horse riding, dance, art, music etc. (house of arts stuff). He can find a job if we choose to stay. (Software engineer, any comments on how the job market is in al Ain for programmers?)
Thanks for any input!!
Apr 20th 2011, 3:10 am
#2850
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: Zakher, Al Ain
Posts: 425
Re: Newbie Questions....How long to come for, and how do you furnish?
Hi!
We are considering moving to Al Ain and doing online research. Thanks for the great thread
We want to try out Al Ain for one year. Anyone come for such a short time? Any thoughts on that?
What I can not figure out in regards to the housing search is where are the furnished places with applicances? I would like to arrive as though we are in a vacation apartment, and not have to search for a toaster or blender even! It usually takes us one year to set up a house the way we like it. So I would want to drop in to a rental all set up like a furnished home if possible, and can not find any thing about this option anywhere, though for a transient population it seems this should exist.
I will come for a job and my husband will stay home with out three kids- a baby under 1, a 2 year old, and 6 year old. They will not be in school, but will want a pool, some playgroups, and the 6 year old will want some classes like horse riding, dance, art, music etc. (house of arts stuff). He can find a job if we choose to stay. (Software engineer, any comments on how the job market is in al Ain for programmers?)
Thanks for any input!!
We are considering moving to Al Ain and doing online research. Thanks for the great thread
We want to try out Al Ain for one year. Anyone come for such a short time? Any thoughts on that?
What I can not figure out in regards to the housing search is where are the furnished places with applicances? I would like to arrive as though we are in a vacation apartment, and not have to search for a toaster or blender even! It usually takes us one year to set up a house the way we like it. So I would want to drop in to a rental all set up like a furnished home if possible, and can not find any thing about this option anywhere, though for a transient population it seems this should exist.
I will come for a job and my husband will stay home with out three kids- a baby under 1, a 2 year old, and 6 year old. They will not be in school, but will want a pool, some playgroups, and the 6 year old will want some classes like horse riding, dance, art, music etc. (house of arts stuff). He can find a job if we choose to stay. (Software engineer, any comments on how the job market is in al Ain for programmers?)
Thanks for any input!! If you are homeschooling your 6 year old then there is an active homeschooling group in Al Ain which offers park get-togethers, and the people there will be in the right place to suggest other activities for your children.
Software engineer in Al Ain - you could be lucky but I wouldn't hold out much hope, keep a watch out on the jobs section of Gulfnews.com, or Monster Middle East.
Good Luck!