Abu Dhabi

[Saski]

Hi there, wondering if anyone has any experience in Abu Dhabi? We're considering a move there in the fall but are outrageously behind in our house search. I have applications in at BSAK - I don't know much other than I want to live on the island. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! thanks.

[ClearlyDad]

Make sure your/your husband's contract includes the kid's education as the good schools can be pricey!

[Saski]

thanks ClearlyDad - we're moving my husband's pre-existing business there. Do you live in AD? Thanks again.

[Barbie1]

Try expat women, there is an Ad section and it will help with most questions. I lived in Dubai for 4 years and used the site a lot when we first relocated.

[SunshineandShandy]

I live in AD Saski, so if I can be of any help, please let me know. Don't worry about house searching until you are here. You will be able to look at lots of properties in one day if you call an agent and tell them roughly what you are looking for. Any reason for wanting to live on-island? If you want a villa you get more for your money off-island and it takes hardly anytime to to cross the bridges (most of the time!).

[IwishIwasRiverSong]

www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/forum22-abu-dhabi--al-ain.aspx

[veiledsentiments]

I live in Abu. I would definitely recommend living on island. BSAK start at 7:20 in the morning. I work off island, and the traffic going into town at 7 is horrible. I wouldn't worry too much about the villa search as of yet. Lots of people leave in June at the end of the school year, so more stuff comes up. Prices have dropped over the last year or so. Although there is rumour of a rise again as people who commute from Dubai are being forced into living in the emirate where their visa is.

[RantyMcRantpants]

I'm in Abu Dhabi as well and second the waiting till you are here to house hunt.

We came last August and absolutely love it here.

I recommend joining the Abu Dhabi Woman Forum as well to get an idea of things out here.

[Saski]

Oh yay! Off to PM veiledsentiments & RantyMcRantpants!

[RantyMcRantpants]

You are quitewelcome to PM me any questions you can think of. Ifi can't answer anything I will try my best to point you in the right direction.

[minesapackofminstrels]

As others have said house hunting can be done much closer to when you are there. I Live in AD and have rented out a house we own before and the agents all say call us a month before the property will be vacant.

Schools on the other hand are a much bigger issue. You say you have applications in at BSAK. Does that mean you've been offered places or just you have applied? If you haven't been offered places then I would suggest applying to as many other schools as possible. Places for September were offered at most schools from Jan - Mar and depending on the year groups you are looking at may be very difficult to find. Primary, especially the lower years are very oversubscribed and have long wait lists.
Other Brit curriculum schools are Brighton College, British International School Abu Dhabi, Al Yasmina, The Pearl Primary, Al Muna. Also Repton is starting in September but will have the highest fees.

[RantyMcRantpants]

Al Yasmina is probably out, they are oversubscribed. Last I heard they had a waiting list of around 800 and rising. They are an excellent school though and seem to be going from strength to strength.