Living location advice

[Alistair0610]

I've been in the UAE from the UK for just over a week now. I'm still in company accomodation in Sharjah (1st 4 weeks provided) but need to get my own place quite soon. I work in Sharjah Airport SAIF Zone which is relatively easily accessible from the Emirates Road (against the traffic) from Dubai.

I don't have a car yet as I'm still waiting for my passport to come back from getting my visa stamped etc, so my knowlege of the area is still quite limited. I've pretty much ruled out Ajman (not developed enough) and Sharjah (too conservative and far too dry) and decided Dubai is the place for me.

Without ever having been to see most of these areas, my current preferences are:
Garhoud (I enjoyed the Irish Village and good for the Airport)
Festival City (as above, but I've not found a reasonable rental price yet)
Mirdif (heard good reports)
Dubai Marina (a fair hike, but apparently only 45 mins against the traffic)
I've not included International City because of the odour reputation, although you doo get better value.

Do any of you have advice on the above or can suggest other potential areas.

Many thanks in anticipation
Alistair

P.S. (I forgot to mention, I'm a single bloke so schools etc. are unimportant but social life etc. is)

[sgilli3]

Hi Alistair,
Welcome to the forum and to the UAE !

OK, as you are a single guy, I too, would rule out Ajman and Sharjah.

Mirdiff has some inexpensive places, but I would recommend it more for families (though you may find some apartments around).

Personally, Garhoud or Festival City would be the best best.

I wouldnt want to drive from the Marina. (yes, it is against traffic, but all it takes is 1 accident, and you could be traveling for hours !!).