agadir

Hello Everyone,

I'm a Brit. who is moving to AD to teach at a public school in August.

I don't drive and I've been told that some of the teaching locations are quite remote, and there is little chance of getting a taxi. So, my questions are these:

Is there a public transport system in AD that visits the surrounding towns/villages?
Can I make an agreement with a cab driver to drop and pick up on a daily/weekly basis?
Are there school buses to and in the surrounding neighbourhoods of AD?
What are my chances of moving freely and independently in place such as Abu Dhabi city, El Ain and Al Gharbiya?
Is it possible to exist without a car in AD?

Bahtatboy

Is there a public transport system in AD that visits the surrounding towns/villages? You'll need to be more specific. Villages? This isn't Berkshire.
Can I make an agreement with a cab driver to drop and pick up on a daily/weekly basis? My office is just off-island, and we have a contract with Al Ghazal for a minibus to bring our Filipina support staff in every day. Costs about AED3k per month. Al Ghazal probably isnt' the cheapest, but we want security and certainty. You'll be able to find a "local" taxi who'll do it everyday (insh'allah) fairly cheaply; you'll need to ask around.
What are my chances of moving freely and independently in place such as Abu Dhabi city, El Ain and Al Gharbiya? AD & El Ain no probs, don't know about Al G. Mind you, depends what you mean by "freely"-the traffic during the busy times in AD is pig awful.
Is it possible to exist without a car in AD? Yep. Lots of taxis (20 mins will cost about AED15). Decent and cheap bus service (AED1), just depends if you're on the route. There's a website with routes; can't remember what it is, do a googlewhack.

Hope that helps.

soukie

Abu Dhabi bus routes here:-


http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs....EDIA/679771484

Where will you be living and working? Taxis are cheap but it can be difficult to get one at peak times.

lionheart

So where exactly is El Ain then?

Bahtatboy

I seriously think you need to visit the Al Ain Palace Hotel, Lionheart.

busybee2

i tried to get that link the page kept freezing on me, but i wish they would update the new routes, they say they are but they not there are many more to yas island, al wathba and through kcb etc just added in the last month

agadir

Hey, guess what? I don't know. I don't when I'm going, where I'm going or where I'll be living. Talk about a leap of faith! All I know is that I have signed a contract to teach in AD for a lucrative offer. These details may be revealed to me on arrival. Fortunately, I've always been quite reckless, but managed to swim rather than sink. Let's hope my luck holds out this time!

busybee2

ad emirate is a big place, most of it sand. al ain you will be fine not that big, ad on island there are buses and taxis, but if you are on the mainland you could be in the middle of nowhere.

soukie

It must be lucrative.

agadir

It is but I bet there are even better contracts around!!! I'll be looking...

agadir

Yup...I've probably scored a tent in the middle of the desert with the Nomads.

busybee2

i wouldnt joke, because that may happen.

Eva

Yes cos as far as I know Al Gharbia is an area down in the western region where camel farming is the major industry.Half a day's drive from the metropolis for sure.The stars at night are big and bright though.

agadir

Yes...many a true word said in jest...

agadir

According to the Internet, and the AD publicity blurbs, Al Gharbiya is being touted as the next big thing. It's being developed as a tourist region complete with multi million pound hotels, car racing, festivals etc. However, I'm sure that doesn't apply to most of the region, and camel farming will probably stay the biggie. At least it will get me away from the shopping malls!