Possible Move to AD

[Lindyloo]

Hi there

We may get the opportunity to move to AD as my husband has been headhunted for a job there but we know nothing about the country, the place, customs and particularly life for people from the UK. We have moved from Africa to the UK 9 years ago so this would be another big move. Can anyone give us any advice re places to stay, cost of living, social life etc. We do not have children who would be accompanying us so it would just be the two of us 'middle agers'! Any info would be greatly received.

Thanks
Lindyloo

[veralynn2]

Hi, accommodation would be your biggest problem so find out exactly what the company would be offering you. Everything is really expensive and difficult to find at the moment so be careful.
Cost of living is rising but still mostly cheap compared to the UK. Obviously it is tax free but also having petrol at about a quarter of the price it is in the UK helps!
Social life - never been better!

[Lindyloo]

Thanks for your reply - I see you are offering great to advice to everyone here - well done you:)

My husband is having an interview over in the UK this coming Sunday - can you think of any questions that would be really relevant to life/work over there? We obviously have our own but it is always good to have input from someone in the know.

Thanks

Lyn

[veralynn2]

Things have changed recently, but a standard expat package used to include: accom, education (but you don't need that?), one flight a year home for all the family, medical, water & electricty, car or car allowance and maybe membership to a club. So be clear on exactly what you would be getting.
Cost of living is rising more quickly now so maybe he should ask about how often he is likely to get an appraisal/payrise.
Would the company help him with finding accommodation? Will they help with 'settling in' ie visas, driving licenses etc. (The company PRO should do this for you but it doesn't hurt to ask to find out how actively they will help or how much you are left on your own.)
Can't really think of anything else, but good luck!

[Lindyloo]

Thanks for that - he has just finished his interview - seems to be positive about it - now we just wait and see. Has been told the position is in Al Ain which after brief research seems to be a lot different to Abu Dhabi - do you know much about this place? All forums etc seem to be quite old with not much recent activity so it is quite hard to get current up to date news and info.
Thanks for your help - much appreciated.

[veralynn2]

Al Ain!! The middle of nowhere!!
Not ideal, in my opinion, as it is not on the coast BUT it is a lot less humid in the summer there and the way Abu Dhabi is going for traffic, housing prices and over-crowding I think I might be joining you there soon!