lanarkwitch

Abu Dhabi is probably a lot smaller than people envision before they get here, remember the island is only around 30km long, so being out of town doesn't= middle of nowhere.

Al Reef has got a lot better for road connections and as I understand it more facilities, but 110k for a DECENT 2 bed is still a tight budget, you will no doubt see loads on Dubizzle, but may well find it's really not what you had in mind.

The vast majority of the western expats are now living off the island in either Khalifa or Al Reef, Al Reem appears to have some issues with a lot of the towers and it is still largely a construction site.

Better to ask your questions regarding your little one on ADW, loads of women there will be able to help you

Yoohoo

Meow,

I'd love directions to Safita please!

Thanks for offering

csdf

Not sure about this. The vast majority of the Western expats I know live on island. And those who live off-island would generally prefer to live on island if they could afford it.

lanarkwitch

Can only go by the 200 odd I know and as I said the vast majority of people (mainly families with kids) are now living in Reef and Khalifa due to prices and community feeling.

That shift started about 2 years ago until then yes I would have agreed with you, but actually I don't know anyone living on the island now, especially folks with kids, so few compounds on island at realistic prices and the choices for schools and nurseries off island has got a lot better as well.

Having lived both on and off I would say each has it's benefits.

csdf

I guess all we are confirming is the human tendency to socialise with people who we live near, and to live near the people we socialise with.

scot47

I thiknk it isimportant to examine your reasons for going. Is it to save an accumulate for a better life ? Or is it to live in a fancy apartment with ritzy furniture ?

Are you going to leave the UAE richer than you came ? If not, then should you come ?

dubaiguy2011

Seconded. KCA etc is pretty miserable and Al Reef is officially in the middle of the desert (they even tucked it BEHIND the airport).

dubaiguy2011

Not sure I follow how you conclude that the vast majority of people live in Al Reef and KCA just because you don't know any of the million odd plus inhabitants living on the island of Abu Dhabi?

raining

I live off island and the choice has less to do with affordability than other factors. It's near husband's work so he doesn't have the city traffic, we've got a private beach and the apartments aren't all high-rise. It's a lovely place to live and I'll miss it when we move (Dubai is looking likely soon). If we do get to stay here I don't think we'll move into the city even though we could find a cheaper apartment there.

csdf

That's why I used the weasel-word "generally" rather than "without exception".

raining

Point taken. After living in a city all my life it was a shock living somewhere quiet but I've grown to love it. The fabulous view helps...

MAMMY_ALEX

Thanks everyone!

I've listed the outgoings that i think we need to consider. Have i missed anything...? (accommodation will be covered by the company)

- car loan repayment
- fuel
- gas/elec/water (any ideas how much??)
- nursery (again, any ideas how much for 15 hours a week?)
- gym/health club (?)
- food
- tv and internet (?)
- savings for flights home

There must be something i haven't though of??

Fossildog

Socialising
Furniture and white goods
Car Insurance
Parking charges and fines

busybee2

car hire a month small car 2k
car insurance 4 or 5% value of car
parking 2 or 3 dhs an hour or 2k for 2 cars resident parking
1.72 per gallon fuel
elect for villa say 2k plus 1k deposit
nusery/school expensive 3 days 6500 5 days 9000 per month plus expensive rego fees.
gym last time i looked health and fitness was getting up to nearly 10k a year
food can be very expensive if you want imported stuff, kingsmill bread is 3 pounds
tv/internet very expensive for what you get....
fines for car : expensive and not always yours...
5% fee for estate agent (yes you have to pay for rent)

scot47

Servants ?