Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi

[sunshinekids]

I will be moving to Al Reem Island soon with my husband, toddler and dog. I wondered if there were any other mumsnetters there? If so do you have any advice and are there any toddler groups or baby groups?

Thank you

Join the British Mums Abu Dhabi Facebook page. I don't know about other mumsnetters (I'm not on Reem and past the toddler stage anyway) but there are loads of families with young kids there. There will be a lot going on, you just have to find it

Thank you @Somewheredreamingofcheesecake I will do that.

And join The Club. There are a few mumsnetters in AD.

You can join The Club but it's not obligatory 😀 It's meant to be a good way of meeting people but it's also very expensive

It really really really isn’t expensive.

First year comes in about AED 18-20k for the year. Yes it then comes down after the first year but that's a lot of money to spend if you don't end up renewing. For me it is anyway, I appreciate there are people on salaries in AD that mean that 20k isn't much but we're not lucky enough to be on that group! I've debated joining and lots of my friends are members so I do get why people love it but (for us) we'd have to go at least one day every week to make it worth the cost.

It really really really isn’t expensive

£4000 for a year?

Well I class that as expensive but there are plenty of people in AD who think it's normal to spend GBP 75k plus a year on rent (and I assume are paid accordingly). It's actually more like GBP 2.5k-3k a year, the rest is a one-off joining fee. To be fair that's low compared to the hotel beach clubs.

I don't pay that and we are a family of 6! You are right about going frequently to make it worth the fee but it's sometimes actually cheaper to feed the kids there than buy food and cook - eg Sunday Roast, kids eat free if they leave their mobile phone, so it ends up being a three course high quality meal for 6 for AED 250 including drinks. A glass of wine there is much much much cheaper than anywhere in AD. I know lots and lots of people who are not on huge salary packages go there because, with kids especially, it just makes sense and is value for money. There's lots going on there - tennis, squash, quiz nights, comedy nights, plays, pantomimes and santa at christmas, exercise classes - yoga, HIIT, great gym. Library, beach and swimming pool. If we weren't members, we couldn't afford the social life we have and would just stay home. But I guess it depends on personal circumstances whether it's worth it.

Thank you for your replies. I will look into the club.

We are in sun tower and moving out next week and I'm devastated to move but we have been transferred to Dubai. If you live in sun/sky/gate or arc they are all attached to the small mall and there are loads and loads of mums meet every day at the park. There are also play rooms in every tower for the summer months and a soft play in the mall which most people take toddlers to on a monday.
I havent done any toddler groups, I believe there is one at st Andrew's in main Abu Dhabi but certainly not the same amount of toddler groups in the UK.

I have just moved to AD with my DH and 1 yo DD. This thread is so useful, so thank you all for your wisdom.

We are still in temporary accommodation at the moment while we decide where to live. PM me if you'd like to meet another mum new to AD.

Thanks Everyone for the useful advice. Dorapie I have messaged you. We are loving Abu Dhabi so far.