New in Abu Dhabi
 

Hi everyone,

I've been following most of the threads here for a few months now and thanks for all of the advice you have given out - I've poached what I think I have needed. I particularly enjoyed the sarcasm but maybe that's because I'm British.

I have my contract which I'm pretty happy with, all except the car allowance. AED 24000 a month, a 1 BR apartment at Etihad Towers, medical Ins, flights and relocation/furniture allowance. The car allowance is only AED6000 a year paid monthly which as far as I can tell wont buy me more than a scooter or a good set of tyres. Maybe its just meant for taxi use!

Anyways, my questions are as follows:

How easy is it to get finance on a vehicle if you are new to the Emirate? Or alternatively should I approach the bank and buy a second hand vehicle from Dubizzle? I'm not extravagant but something a little larger than my current heap would be a bonus. Ive seen a lovely looking VW Toureg on Dubizzle which would be lovely.

Also, I'm a keen cyclist. Whats to law relating to riding on the pavements (where they exist) as clearly I would be risking life and limb on the road itself? Would the Rozzers take a dim view of it even though I am only seeking to keep myself safe.

Many thanks in advance for any more specific advice.

:)

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

Don't know that much about the loan options. Meow might be the best person to help you with that. All I know is that if you plan on buying through vehicle finance, you need a 20 per cent deposit.

As for the car allowance, that is pretty poor. I've just hired a brand new Peugeot 207 for 2000AED and that seems to be a pretty good deal. So maybe it would be better to try and buy second hand.

As for cycling, I ride on the pavements all the time, and never wear a helmet. I've been passed by maybe 15 cops in the past three months and not once have they stopped me for riding on the pavement.

I'd love to wear a helmet, but the mentality out here is that they'll get that little bit closer to you if you are wearing one, because it's safer to do so than if you're not wearing one.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

If you buy a second hand car from a stealer then they will arrange finance for you. You will be able to do that once you have had a salary transfer or two to your account.

It is possible to get a car-loan arranged when you have found a car on dubizzle ... it's a pain though and you will find that many sellers won't be interested in you if you are doing that - the private market is very cash driven.

There is the corniche in AD and the YAS race track - both places you can ride your bike.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

and there's a cycle track at Yas (outside the race track) which I had a cycle on first thing this morning. I'd get a helmet though.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

Does no one worry about the safety of pedestrians if bicycles are on footpaths? :thumbdown:

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

Doubtful.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

yep and if i see one if i was walking along i would certainly tell them where to go.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

Look out Commander:rofl:

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

Actually, I do. I always slow down to the speed of a pedestrian and call to let them know I'm there. If for any reason there is no safe way for me to pass them, I'll stop and let them pass.

It's a walkway. Pedestrians have right of way.

Besides, an accident between a pedestrian and a cyclist - though it can be bad - is always a damn sight less worse than one between a car and a cyclist.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

but if you are on the cycle path or the road thats fine, if you are not then :blink:

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

.a pedestrian and a cyclist - though it can be bad - is always a damn sight less worse than one between a car and a cyclist.[/QUOTE]

not always the case: http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-n...thlete-in-coma

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

It's very simple. Adults on bicycles should not be on pavements.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

How do you guys manage to cycle between May and October when the temperature hits +40 c?

Doesn't it get boring cycling around a track?

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

Surely nothing can be more boring than being on an effing treadmill ... definition of the road to nowhere. Would still rather get out in the evening for a walk, despite the heat, have a cooling shower and an even more cooling G&T with freshly squeezed lime and lots and lots of ice.

Re: New in Abu Dhabi
 

IDTBrian:: I have been here 4 years in Abu Dhabi. Your accommodation I think is in Khalifa A near the airport so about 40km from the city centre and thus a car will be a must esp if you have family. Once you have worked for 3 mths and have evidence of salary payments going into the bank you can apply for car finance but 100% financing is not allowed- has to be 80% or less so you need a 20% down payment. Car deals are good esp near Ramadan some showrooms give discounts etc. Or buying from Dubizzle is an option but you need to know about cars and ensure it has 1 years insurance and passed the road worthiness test. Regarding cycling I had a British colleague who was an avid cyclist, he had a foldable one and kept it in the boot of the car. Perhaps a little on the roads here unless you stick to the corniche! good luck anyway.