expathopeful

Hi guys,

I've read lots of threads before posting this but need a bit of help please.

My little family (young(ish) wife and daughter) are looking for places to live in Abu Dhabi. Ideally, we want to be in a nice expat community with fellow Brits, I think the worse thing that could happen to us would be to move into a place that made my wife feel isolated as I'll be away for days at a time. We've been looking at Al reem as the places look amazing, but a few have said its little more than a construction site. Is it that bad? I tend to think long term and will it not be amazing when it's done? Not that that matters because we don't want to be there if we're the only Brits.

I've heard someone say a lot of fellow countrymen live in Al Reef and Khalifa City A, is it nice there? Are there certain parts of Al reef to avoid?. What about Khalidya? Any Brits or westerners there?.

I think I should point out the Mrs wants to be by the sea and be near everything as crucially, she doesn't drive!!! I know this will have a big impact on where we decide to go.

Sorry for going on, but advice from people on the ground would be great. I saw one comment on a thread that said the people who live in Al Reef only do so because they can't afford to live on island, thought that was a bit harsh and probably not true at all, in fact a bit nasty!! Oh yeah, forgot to say my allowance is 110,000 AED. Not great but enough I imagine.

Thanks in advance guys :-)

Fossildog

Khalidiya or somewhere along the Corniche is your best option in my opinion. Whilst Reem is still being built you would find taxis hard to come by. Reef and Khalifah A are just too far out, with very few facilities. Khalidiyah has some nice shops, cafes and a decent mall and is a 10 minute walk to the free public beach. It is very much viewed as the 'posh' end of town.

When viewing don't get fooled by facilities that are to 'open soon'. There have been shops 'opening soon' in Reem for a couple of years now.

I don't believe there is a British community as such anywhere. People live all over the city and so wherever you choose you will find some Brits nearby. There are plenty of expats who choose to live in Khalifah A but it feels barren and soulless to me. Plus you would need a car to get anywhere there. I agree with the comment that people choose Khalifah A or Reef due to price, not location. If you could get the same housing in AD centre for the same cost then it is a no brainer. As it is Reef housing is around a third cheaper than AD due to the fact it is 30 minutes out of town and has very few facilities (although lots of facilities are coming soon)

Patsy Stoned

Sweetie..there is nothing nasty in this comment, it is a fact, people cannot always afford to live in the more desirable locations..same in any country darling! You have no idea how things work out here so don't be so quick to judge! ..also 110,000k is not a great allowance, especially in AD. You also seem to be a bit blinkered about living with British expats.. broaden your views a bit.

raining

Khalidyah would be best out of these if your wife doesn't drive. It is one of the more expensive areas though and your budget wouldn't be enough. Al Reem does look like a construction site, it will be years before it's done but I know several people who live there and they love their apartments and proximity to the city. There is also a big Waitrose there and a few restaurants and coffee shops. Although I live off island, it's essential to drive. If I didn't enjoy driving (and for this place, read 'tolerate') I wouldn't entertain it. Al Reef is just a bit too far out, I'd rule it out for the fact that your wife doesn't drive. I hear it's a very family friendly community though and I do know people who live there. Have a look on AbuDhabiWoman where there are quite a few threads on living in Al Reef and Al Reem.

busybee2

totally agree with patsy. people if they could afford to would live in the nice expensive villas on the island as its more convenient, but not everyone can. its like living in the suburbs of london, not all people cannot afford to live in a 2 million pound house! it definately wasnt nasty, it was a FACT.

expathopeful

Thanks guys, some really good advice and just what I was looking for, wasn't looking to ruffle feathers though so apologies to Patsy, I must have misinterpreted what I read and thanks for the info too. I'll get her to register on the Abu dhabi women site and ask around.

I think it would be wise to get my wife a driving license before we come over, that would open up quite a lot for us.

Again, much appreciated.

Thanks

Patsy Stoned

No problem darling
I would definitely suggest that your wife takes her driving test before she comes, don't do it out here it would be a nightmare!. I couldn't imagine not being able to drive here, it is essential. Good luck

busybee2

if you land up in al reef which you may well do with 110k, you will need a car. its expensive here to learn to drive, and in the past it could take you 10 times to pass the exam...... do a "crash course" in the uk, also you learn to do a manual where here its usually all autos.

Patsy Stoned

You can opt to take an auto test in the UK which will be easier. She will be driving an auto here anyway

MAMMY_ALEX

Hi expathopeful,

I'm watching this thread as you have all the same questions and sound like we're looking at the same areas/same budget etc so good to see what's posted in reply. I'm thinking live on the island not further out, but need to think about nurseries and schools nearby! So much to think about isn't there...

x

busybee2

yep you can, but then you are stuck with autos for ever and they are more expensive to buy and rent too in the uk etc

busybee2

live on island with 110k will be a very old apartment.

expathopeful

Hi Alex, im lthe husband of the wife you've been emailing........ small world :-) but yes it seems we have all the same questions. Thanks for all your input guys, if you can think of anything else your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

fuliloaded

Hi Expathopeful l'm new-ish to Abu Dhabi too. Saw a few villas in Al Reef (around 110 000 to 115 000) decent sized rooms and 3 bedrooms. My worry was that it seemed far from town and although there's no much to do in the meantime the area is developing. Khalifa A is great (good schools and new -very large- Spar but you might struggle finding a place with your budget. I ended up getting a 2 bed place at Al Muneera for 120 000.

fuliloaded

Khalifa B (a bit far) has large properties at affordable rates.