weasel decentral

I am considering a move to the UAE in the new year, around February if I decide to take it. Anyhow it will be based in the airport in Abu Dhabi but I am thinking about where to live. I would appreciate thoughts on the following:

1. Live in Dubai, best area for commuting.
2. Live in Abu Dhabi, closest area to the airport.
3. Best apartment area Dubai
4. Best apartment area Abu Dhabi
5. Best villa area Dubai
6. Best villa area Abu Dhabi

I know Dubai and Abu Dhabi fairly well but its been a while since I have spent an extended period there. Travelling costs or money isn't that much of an issue, the decision is whether to live it up villa style with a pool (there is only me) or pocket the difference and choose an apartment.

All replies greatly appreciated. I might have to think of imaginative ways to miss meet ups if I move.

Edit to say given the above where would you personally choose

LaLaLayla

Weasel, you're not going to be working for Etihad, are you? The reason I am asking is that they now require their staff to live in AD rather than Dubai. I have lost so many of my pilot and cabin crew pilots because of this new ruling

weasel decentral

No, I am going to badly build the new terminal over budget and behind schedule.

LaLaLayla

That phrase sounds very familiar (I worked at the ODA before I came out here).

In that case...

1. Live in Dubai, best area for commuting. JLT
2. Live in Abu Dhabi, closest area to the airport. Al Reef
3. Best apartment location Dubai. JLT/Tecom
4. Best apartment area Abu Dhabi. Khalidya
5. Best villa area Dubai. Springs
6. Best villa area Abu Dhabi. Al Reef.

weasel decentral

Its only at potential stage at the moment, so I might not get to destroy the comforts of travellers just yet. Of the 6 above which would you choose?

Meow

I have to disagree that The Springs is the best area for a villa in Dubai (especially for a single man!). Unless you like identikit Barratt homes and being surrounded by families.

JLT may have some nice apartments, but the road system is ridiculous. It's enough to drive anyone crazy.

LaLaLayla

I recommended The Springs because it is cheap, but you get a lot for your money. And it is within easy commuting distance of AD.

Weasel, if I were you, I would live in Dubai and commute. You will save money as rents in AD are very high. As you will be working at the airport, the journey isn't that bad as it is on the outskirts.

I would choose JLT for an apartment or The Springs for a villa. The Springs is cheaper than JLT, by the way. You can pick up a nice little 2-bed for about 85k.

weasel decentral

Go on then throw out a few suggestions. I am not a huge party animal and most of my socialising would be done at my place (if it was a villa) or I would choose a livelier place to locate if I had an apartment and had to socialise in bars etc

Meow

Budget?

weasel decentral

Cost isn't that important, the commute and quality are first priority. I guess 5k USD per month is the outer limit. But I am torn between spending that or looking for something at half that and keeping the rest

Meow

Dhs 220k max. If you want a place for parties and with a pool you could consider, Al Barsha, Umm Sequim, The Green Community.

LaLaLayla

That's a massive budget. Maybe look at Al Raha in AD?

Bahtatboy

Couple of people I know live in the new development on the waterfront near Al Raha (Bashar?) opposite Yas Island, and they really like it.

I work near the airport and commute most days from Dubai Marina--but I chose carefully to ensure that access to/from SZR is easy (a couple of minutes at most). 5 mins walk to the Marina, reasonable apartment but great gym in the building (pool is poor). But still haven't found any bars I really like round here.

weasel decentral

ah ok I knew I remembered someone discussing a similar thing. Well that sounds like the solution if I was to live in an apartment in dubai and commute. I have a hankering for living in style for a bit but the other side of me is thinking about a more modest existence to my financial gain.
Can i ask what sort of apartment, and rough cost?

Bahtatboy

I have a 3-bed + maids; 1 en-suite bed; just off the Marina. Big enough for just one, and fine for when the family comes out for brief spells. Dedicated u/g parking. 110 in 2 cheques, but I think that's below market rates; landlord pays for a/c, I pay other power and water (about 300 a month). A come down from my big place in AD, but spondoolies in the bank make up for it.

I too don't mind the drive, even when you've got Abdul in his Landcruiser up your arse at 160. The only time its a real drag is when there's been an accident that really slows things down (once a month?) and on Thursday evenings.

After 3 1/2 years in AD I'd got tired of all the same bars, and when my family's out the Marina is a great place to be.