Relocating to Abu Dhabi with my 7month old... Help!! | ExpatWoman.com
 

Relocating to Abu Dhabi with my 7month old... Help!!

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 11:08

Hi, I'm 31 and have a 7 month old little girl . My husband has been offered a job in Abu Dhabi so we're weighing everything up before we decide. I need some advice from like-minded women of a similar age living in Abu Dhabi...

1) Where is good to live? We'll need to find an apartment/house within a week of being there. I like nice furnishings as I currently live in an old victorian house with high ceilings and a mixture of old reclaimed and new furniture etc - I'm very particular! I have a feeling I'm going to be quite picky! Don't mind something more modern and bright than i have at home here in the UK. Does anyone have any recommendations for particular apartment blocks/areas near the coastline/in the city which might be nice and suitable for families. Budget would only be around 110,000 pm. Need min 2 bed, but preferably 3+ for when family come to visit.

2) What social-scene/activities are there for families? Pre-school groups, clubs, baby yoga baby language etc??

3) What health clubs does anyone recommend for families?

4) How safe is it?

5) can anyone recommend good international and British primary schools and give an idea of the cost? Also, what does pre-school cost?

6) how far is Al Reef away from the centre and what are the pros and cons offing here?

7) how far is Khalidiya from the centre and what are the pros and cons of living here?

7) Will I look back??

xx

26
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 10:22
Hi MA I've got a 2.5 yr old and an 8 month old and moved here a few months ago...I'm still new but understand that you can get maybe bit more more your money in Al reef as it's further out from everywhere. We live in Al Raha Gardens which is a really nice community - still a way from town but there's a fair bit going on round here and fairly nearby and it's near the airport. Most houses here are modern & light/Open, rather than old & charming but sure once you get all your things in, it will be a nice eclectic mix :) I've met lots of mums already even just at the plagroup/parks. Al Raha Beach apartments are nice too (near Raha Gardens) - not sure of all the prices though for your budget. Not sure re Khalidya. It's fine re safety. There are lots of good British/International schools - depending on where you live and budget. Good luck, D
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 22:21
i have answered you i believe on the other other forum.
169
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:18
M/A.. I think its a good idea for you to surf these forums for many of your questions, you can housing allowance for example and see what other people are getting for their budget. Also, start having alook for properties, on here and elsewhere, so you can have some idea of what you might expect for your money. One thing we have to do when moving abroad, is be prepared to comprimise (your victorian house and being picky), some buildings here get taken down once they are 25 years old, and built again from scratch.. older villas and such here, are often not a good idea, many problems, that once your landlord gets his year rent money... never get repaired or replaced, so that has to be taken into consideration. Plenty social stuff going on for kids, mum and baby groups etc. Abu Dhabi is not huge, and most places are easily accessible. Abu Dhabi is a really safe place to live (check Joyce's Journal this week... is all about us being safe here). Schools and nurserys ... there are great articles on here also, and school fees are listed. Al Reef is quite a way out, however seems to be a great community for young families. Khalidiya is right in the downtown area, and is a great place to be based with everything on your doorstep. You will not look back, mostly the pros outweigh the cons.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 11:54
Ooops! Obviously there are 9 points! Not two 8's!