Relocation assistance and The Greens vs Dubai Marina vs The Palm Jebel Ali

wadiman · #1 (**permalink**) 2nd April 2008, 07:41 AM

Hi folks -

I hope to relocate to DXB soonish (i've lived there before) and am working through some of the considerations at the moment.

Can anyone provide some insights into:

1) Relocation assistance: Is it typical for a company to provide financial assistance with relocating personal effects as part of the initial package for a permanent position?

2) Accommodation options: I am looking at a housing budget of around 150,000 AED for a 2 bedroom apt. I would be working in Jebel Ali. Obviously I want to keep the commute (read frustration) to a minimum. Does anyone have any experience in living/visiting: The Greens, Dubai Marina or The Palm J-A? I know that the DXB Marina is a construction site at the moment so that is a detractor but it seems like a great place for a single guy. Being close to the water would be attractive to me as I like to kayak.

Any/all thoughts/advice gratefully received.

Wadiman

Elphaba · #2 (**permalink**) 2nd April 2008, 09:50 AM

Hello & welcome

Palm JA is nothing but a few heaps of sand - no accommodation there for many years yet.

That budget will get you a decent 2 bed in the Marina (only bits are like a building site, but that's all of Dubai I'm afraid), The Greens or Al Barsha. You could also have one of the little 2-bed villas in The Springs. All within a reasonable commute.

Some compnanies help with relocating personal effects. Worth asking for, but it isn't a given.

Given that you are single & want to be near water, the Marina might suit you best. Certain parts are pretty much complete now too.

Will you be coming over for a visit before your permanent move?

Good luck.

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wadiman · #3 (**permalink**) 2nd April 2008, 01:00 PM

Thanks Elphaba!

I think i may have gotten the Palm J-A confused with the Palm Jumeriah! I heard that there are 2 bedders there within my budget that are very close to the water.

Of the places you mentioned, are there any where there are real bottlenecks getting onto S-Z road to head north to Jebel Ali? Also, I believe that all the areas you mentioned would have a supermarket fairly close by - is that right?

I would be coming out for the final interview if i decide in-principle that i'd like the job. I do know what DXB is like but I was last there in 2000 - I understand much has changed since then but that it's still possible to do the things i enjoyed back then - ie wadibashing, camping in the desert, finding hidden mountain springs, trips to Oman etc. Which reminds me - is the fishmarket in Deira still good value - I remember omani lobsters for 50 dirhams!

Regards
Wadiman

Elphaba · #4 (**permalink**) 2nd April 2008, 01:08 PM

I understand that there are quite a few 2 bed apartments available on the Palm (Jumeriah). I don't think here is much in the way of amenities on there yet though.

There is a small Spinneys (supermarket) in the Marina, but more shops should be opening up . There are quite a few cafes/restaurants in a couple of areas there, but I don't believe that any are licenced. That said the hotels all have bars.

There are shops in The Greens and Al Barsha is nr The Greens & Mall of The Emirates.

In terms of travel there are bottlenecks everywhere, but I understand that getting out of The Greens & even parts of Barsha can be a pain and you'd be facing the other way on SZR in the mornings.

The good news is that all the things you have enjoyed previously are still available.

Yes, the fishmarket is still in Deira too. You'll find many things changed and more expensive than in 2000, but you can still get value for money depending on what you do & where you go.

I hope this helps

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