Satwa??
 

Hi all,

This is my first post here so please be gentle ;)

I'm moving out to Dubai on a 6 month secondment with a City law firm. I'll be working at the DFIC. They're paying for my accommodation and are putting me up in an apartment (800 sq ft w/ gym, sauna and swimming pool) next to Dubai Civil Defence and opposite Rydges Hotel which, after consulting Google Earth, I see is on Satwa Roundabout.

Can anyone tell me about this area? It looks like one of the cheaper places. Is it nice, clean, safe? Is it an expat hangout? I am a bit concerned as it seems like the cool expat areas are Jumeirah etc. and that Satwa seems to be a bit of a dodgy area (according to Wikipedia :unsure:).

Re: Satwa??
 

I've only walked through there on a few occasions when I was visiting dubai... but i wouldn't say it was unsafe... busy is probably a better word for it but i doubt that BE's hang around there, they have way too much money lol

sounds like a huge place though

Re: Satwa??
 

I live in Bur Dubai which is just around the corner from Satwa. For me it's great, plenty of life, some interesting watering holes Try the Kitchen for a good Indian or Ravi's if you're into Tandoori. The ridges has some great hang-outs, Catcus something or other, Aussie legends, Coconut grove.

But I'm single ;) If you're bringing your family it's still good. Try it and see, you will not be disappointed. The peeps here are a wonderful crowd and will help you any way they can. Around of applause for BE's :p

Re: Satwa??
 

That would be on Al Dhiyafa street - nice area and very handy : PLENTY of restaurants and nice to walk around...
BC is the forum wikipedia on Dubai and she will give you plenty more info when she gets here;)

Re: Satwa??
 

Many thanks for the replies. Was initially a bit concerned after doing some searches on 'Satwa' and coming up with some pretty nasty info (assaults, robberies etc. :ohmy:)...

Oh and I'm traveling by myself although my girlfriend might be coming over for a few weeks...

Re: Satwa??
 

dubai on the whole is a pretty safe place... besides most appartment buildings have security as well... enjoy yourself for 6 months!

Re: Satwa??
 

If you're coming here on batchelor status (No Family) get in touch oh h*ll even if you do come with baggage, I'll give your the Grand Tour :p

Re: Satwa??
 

Where you will be living is fine, really well located for lots of things, and it's not too far from Jumeirah 1 if you're feeling snobby!!

Re: Satwa??
 

Think you've managed to distract him:lol:

Re: Satwa??
 

i think i'll be moving into deira :D

Re: Satwa??
 

Ive heard some bad things about Satwa but by the sound of it you'll be on the main road well away from what might be some of the dodgy side streets. There are plenty of restaurants around there and you'll only have a short drive into work in the morning. You will also be a very short taxi drive from the bars in the trade centre area.

Like Oktoberon I live in Bur Dubai which is pretty close to where you will be. Im not so keen on it though so I'm looking to join the expat hoards further out along SZR.

Which firm you coming over with? I did the LPC myself 2005-2006 but didnt end up going into law. PM me if you don't want to mention the firm on here.

Re: Satwa??
 

Which of course is no where near Jumeirah :lol:

Re: Satwa??
 

Oktoberon is right about Aussie Legends, the bar on the ground floor of Rydges. If you're into sport it's especially good (the Rugby World Cup will be on there, if that's your thing, otherwise all the Premiership).

Bar food there is a good deal better than most conventional 'pub grub'.

The Satwa area has had a few problems, but they are outnumbered by the safety factor generally - it just 'feels' safe.

Walking down Diyafah Street will bring you into contact with any number of fantastic restaurants where you can eat like a king for under three quid.

That is all.

Re: Satwa??
 

Ive just escaped from working over there, Glad I dont have to cross to that side anymore :)

Re: Satwa??
 

Satwa is good fun and far better than Jumeirah any day if you want to mix with real people. Lived near there last year and had a blast. You won't go hungry in the area that's for sure