SY4

Good afternoon,

I have a job offer in Abu Dhabi commencing Feb 09 - slightly nervous to say the least with what I have read on the forum re: redundancies etc. However, my position in UK is far from secure so thinking of taking a leap of faith

I am thinking of coming over for a long weekend to have a look around before taking said leap - my query is should I book hotel accommodation in UK as a package or is it best to find a hotel on arrival or even book direct independently.

Any advice, recommendations appreciated.

lobby lou

book it all together as hotels can be a total mare here xxxgood luck

MataHari

or get your perhaps future employer to arrange (and pay) for it all...

bimcnorth

I think you´ll find that most things are "business as usual" in Abu Dhabi...There´s money in the bank and they intend to spend a fair bit of it (approx $500bn) on a number of projects the coming decade.

The rents are shocking though...and no biggish housing projects to be finished before 2010

SY4

Thanks for the feedback.

Re: rents, what about shared accommodation with other western expats ? Is there a market for it and how much might I pay (wife and kids won't be joining me until September at the earliest due to schooling)

LukeandJo

Have a look at Golden Sands.
Their prices seem to be OK for AD

busybee2

well really you are not allowed to share accommodation, but it does happen as you are subletting, and thats is not allowed by law. they have just said that they would not enforce the law, at the moment, in abu dhabi about sharing, but who knows if and when they will decided to abide by the law again.

Eva

Best option for you is studio/one bed apartment in say Platinum Apartments or Al Maha.You can book in month to month which gives you the chance to come to know the city in regard to workplace,possible nursery/school place,
preferred choice of environment i.e busy cosmopolitan on your doorstep and no where to park or a desert to park in and nothing else for miles.....
Take your time,weigh up if its for you and how its going to enhance your life/pension fund before you completely uproot.AD is a great place as long as the numbers are right.
Good luck

SY4

Thanks Eva. Do you know the rental rates for the places you suggest ?

SY4

Also are there any Universities in AD ? (I know I should research this for myself - but why not ask the experts!)

busybee2

yes but more in doobye