Considering a move to AD from Qatar | ExpatWoman.com
 

Considering a move to AD from Qatar

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 10:29

Hi Ladies
My husband has the option of a move in the near future to AD and we currently live in Qatar. I was wondering if anyone had any experience/knowledge of both countries to give us a brief comparison. We are fairly happy here although I do worry about finding things to do in the future for our kids, aged 10 and 12. We are going to have a visit over at Easter to have a look for ourselves but would appreciate any info you could give. My kids are in British curriculum schools. We have the option of a fairly long stint in either country but don't want to make a move too late as obviously exams will come in the not too distant future for my eldest and we want to be settled by then. Any clubs football, cricket, horseriding, netball related would be a great bonus in deciding a move. I have started to look at housing but obviously, as in Qatar, the area you live is determined by which schools the kids are in. What are the options of British Curriculum schools? Any advice really appreciated, thanks.

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 12:40
Also meant to add there is no fee here to submit and application so I would do so and see what's available, again BSAK was out first choice but unfortunately there were no spaces so we have settled on Al Yasmina which so far were happy with the transition has been smooth! there are fees, 500 for an application for most schools, bsak is different you will pay their joining fee once a place has been given etc as its much much larger amount. <em>edited by busybee2 on 06/03/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 20:48
Also meant to add there is no fee here to submit and application so I would do so and see what's available, again BSAK was out first choice but unfortunately there were no spaces so we have settled on Al Yasmina which so far were happy with the transition has been smooth!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 20:45
Glad I can help! If you are coming for a visit I would recommend looking at Mangrove Village, Sas Al Nakhl, seashore, golf gardens and al raha compounds all have something for everyone, there is also al reef which is a little further out but lots more for much less but its a love it or hate it compound! My son who's is also ten is into footie so haven't looked into basketball but haddins fitness runs lots of kids classes and schools seem to be more on the ball with after school sports here, there certainly lots to do for families in between waterpark, Ferrari world, cycling along the corniche or yas circuit to the many wonderful play parks you won't have time to get bored! As much as we love Doha its much more relaxed and family orientated over here.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 20:19
Thank you so much Homebunny30. Your reply made things better. You know how it feels when you have to move to a place that you nothing about and have to look for schools and housing. My son is almost 8 and my girl is 3.5. We are checking different schools to find places for them. Is there any basketball clubs? Is it easy to find activities for kids? What can we do on the weekend? There's a lot to ask about!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 19:10
Thanks Homebunny30, it's reassuring to know that other people have been in a similar situation. Our son is 10 and daughter 12 and both very sporty and that is the one thing sadly lacking in Doha. We have the one sports provider here but not much other competition/variety so it would be nice to have some choice. I have looked at BSAK but need to know if we are definately being moved before I make any contact re waiting lists etc. What areas would be easiest/best placed for BSAK or is the drive OK from most places? What compounds would you give as recommendations that I can at least try and get a look round if we come in April? Thanks for all of your help.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 15:34
We have recent;ly moved from Doha to AD with our ten year old son, and i can say i havent looked back since. With regards to schools we looked at a few personally BSAK would be my first choice if you are lucky enough to get a place. Al Yasmina, Raha and Pearl are also very good schools with great facilities. Housing is a different ball game here, while compound living in Doha is second to none, you have to compromise here its more expesive and not every compound has a school best idea is to get your school sorted and simply drive around and ask to see vacant villas. Also beware you will be expected to pay a year upfront instead of monthly payments like Doha. If i can help with anything else let me know, been there and know how it feels to have all these questions!
43
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2013 - 18:30
Thanks very much ladies, it seems a move is the way to go! I've been doing a bit of research over the internet but think a visit is best so we'll be headed over at Easter for a look around. The traffic here is one of the things that drives me absolutely bonkers and was hoping it would be better in AD and this seems to be the case thankfully - I know it sounds like a trivial matter but trying to get anywhere in Doha takes ages and you literally take your life in your hands most days so I'll be glad to get to a more civilised road system! Obviously schools will be the next step, then accommodation , we would like a villa as we have a dog so may have a look at some when were over. I notice there is also a Brit Club with a few things to do - any reviews???
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 17:33
My son plays basketball in one of Qatar's clubs. Is there any basketball schools or clubs in abudhabi?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 19:20
We are in Doha too and might be moving by April - may and I have no idea about AD. Could you pls recommend good schools? My son is 7.5 and he has been in an IB school in Doha. Are there lots of compounds or mostly towers? Am also looking for activities n sports for my kids. Please help if you are in ib then you can only really look at raha school in khalifa city a. ad is like doha but more expensive. off island then you will mostly find villas, but there are a few highrises up close to ad golf club and al forshan in kca. otherwise on the island. ad is much better now for sporting activities, quite a few football places and of course the rugby for the kids too. there are now 2 harlequinns have been around for years, and the new one on the block saracens.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 18:49
We are in Doha too and might be moving by April - may and I have no idea about AD. Could you pls recommend good schools? My son is 7.5 and he has been in an IB school in Doha. Are there lots of compounds or mostly towers? Am also looking for activities n sports for my kids. Please help
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 17:46
Not a huge question in my books - we did 4 years in AD and now 2 in Doha. In Abu Dhabi, there is an abundance of sports clubs and you don't have to fly to Bahrain or UAE for your kid to play in matches. There are several excellent British schools, you can't really go wrong. My kids were at Al Yasmina, which they, and I, loved. There is more to do on weekends and there are more beaches and parks in which your kids are actually allowed to play (unlike Aspire). And there are bookshops! <em>edited by PuppyLove2 on 22/02/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 08:08
I lived in Doha for 7 years and absolutely loved it, moved to Abu Dhabi in September and love it here too! There is so much more to do here and, in my opinion, it would be better for your kids. I can't advise on schools as all my kids are now grown up. I used to get very defensive when anyone moved from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Doha and they moaned & complained about how awful it was and how there was nothing to do........however now I can understand where they were coming from! Doha will forever have a special place in my heart, but I feel very happy now in AD. The major advantage for me is the traffic is SO much better - the road systems are fantastic and getting anywhere is a breeze. I can remember in Doha it could sometimes take me an hour to get from west bay to villaggio for instance. That just doesn't happen here, it's a pleasure to drive! Come and have a look/see at Easter and make up your own mind. Any more questions, just ask!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 10:57
Hi Chickadee2. I have been to Doha a couple of times and loved it. Abu Dhabi however is different. It's more like the side of Doha on the corniche (all the high buildings and roads). There are tons of activities for your kids here. Mine are still small so cant advice you on certain activities. Schools are slightly competitive so you need to contact all before you consider a move. Search EW for schools in AD and you will find lots of information (or google). With the location of school goes the housing. Good Luck. (sorry for the short reply as i am in a hurry :S)