Advice on where to live

[White Heat]

Hello All,
I have been reading these boards with interest for the last few weeks, and have decided to take the plunge....

I have secured a job in Dubai, and am still waiting for visas etc to be sorted.
I would like some advice on where to live. I will be working in Festival City, I am looking to rent somewhere maybe in Arabian Ranches. I take on board what some people have said about 'lack of soul' but we have a 18 month old son and another due in June, so their happiness is a major concern. However I am interested to know what the commute will be like between Arabian Ranches and Festival City.

I expect to be over there in early May... My wife and child will stay here in the UK to have the second baby, and will probably join me in August/September.

Any thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Elphaba]

Hello & welcome!

In short AR to Festival City shouldn't be too bad as you will be on the Emirates Road most of the way. The only pain is actually getting in & out of AR until the improvments are completed, due some time next year I think.

Whilst there are a few shops and a nursery school, you will still have to travel to get many things and some people have found it a bit isolated. You will certainly need two cars.

If your wife won't be joining you immediately, my advice would be for you to get a short term furnished let for a month or so and then you'll be able to rent after seeing what areas are like.

One word of warning, if your wife is planning to move out here in Aug/Spept with a new baby and a toddler she & the children will find it very hot as that is the height of summer.

Good luck with your plans. Where in the UK are you?

-

[White Heat]

Thanks Elphaba,
My new employer will put me up in an apartment in the short term, my understanding is that once I get residency after a month ?? then I will be able to find somewhere to rent.

I am aware of the temperature in the summer, but if I have somewhere to live by then then it should be air conditioned. I doubt they will move very far for a few weeks after that - the new baby will only be 3 months old and by the time they are ready to be a bit more mobile it should be a little cooler... and I will miss my little boy!

Having said all that I don't want her to feel isolated, but at the same time we don't feel somewhere in the city would be right for us, they will need to benefit of a community.

I am currently living near Swindon in the UK, and work in Reading. We are going to rent our house out after my family come over.