Etihad company accommodation

[Boeing 777-300ER]

I appreciate the fact that it's a hot issue right now with the new notice re:living in AUH, but would appreciate some of your time for some important feedback.

May I please ask where new pilots are being accommodated once they join EY. Are only apartments available to new joiners or are villas allocated for families with kids?

I have asked in other thread (maybe not the right one) to no avail as emotions were running high (and rightly so may I add). Any honest feedback would be greatly appreciated as I think where to live and in what type of accommodation is very important.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[FlyingCroc]

Accommodation is important, but just check all the threads here and you will have an answer. It sucks here in the sandpit, no matter where you are. Most important is the money you can save to get the hell out of here as soon as possible. :eek:

[Iver]

Slightly off topic:

Seems to me like a lot of the Aussies on this Middle East forum (at least those who contribute) are VERY, VERY unhappy (i.e., saying "this place sucks."). I don't understand the situation. I have been to Australia a few times and it is a wonderful place - gorgeous scenary and super-nice people. Why not just return to Australia if you are so unhappy? Aren't airlines hiring there - Virgin Blue, VAustralia, Tiger Airways, Jetstar, etc.? Sure, probably not paying that well, but you can still fly and be happy again in a far less abusive environment...

Life is too short to be constantly unhappy....

[Bredrin]

The only villas that you are likely to get are 3BR, in the middle of nowhere...Khalifa City B. Most likely you will get an apartment.

[Speedbrake Lever]

Bredrin

sorry Khalifa B is going very soon for all who are here

its al reef shortly... for those there and newbies from now on

welcome to the wonderful world of Mohammed

sooner this world picks up the better

Ryanair and Easy sound like wonderful jobs :D

S.L.

[rightstuff]

That's a new one, from what I have seen there are a number of villa's empty in Khalifa B and some are being used for storage.

[Slopwith]

Boeing 777-300ER. A quick question, are you coming as a Direct Entry Captain?

[Boeing 777-300ER]

Boeing 777-300ER. A quick question, are you coming as a Direct Entry Captain?

Had to cancel an interview (I think a year ago due to personal commitments) and been 'promised' an interview when they start recruiting in the future (whenever that may be).

A friend of mine told me that they might start towards the last quarter of the year as there is a shortage on the 320 plus I might be of some help as I am a TRI on the 320. However only time will really tell if they start recruiting again DEC's.

Thanks to all for your kind help. Can make a better decision once the day arrives. Is Al Reef a nice area if I may ask?

Thanks once again

[Slopwith]

Villas in Khalifa B are very spacious-3 bed all ensuite and very large rooms. They are quite nice I think and usually in compounds of six or eight villas all etihad. they are in BFE though. 40 mins from downtown but close to the airport. Big problems downtown in apartment blocks with parking but again usually big apartments. For pilots everything is unfurnished. You can rent a big six bed villa iin Khalifa A but they are all five or six beds (for the extra wives presumably!) and are about AED230k-ie way oveer the allowance. The only place semi affordable on the allowance is this new estate called al Reef which is literally on the northern perimeter fence of the airport and therefore even further from downtown. Also have heard of some who have bought in Al Reef who have refused to accept a handover of a completed property because it is so badly made. Oh and expect to have your rooms flooded in Khalifa when it does rain as none of the window frames are sealed and if you car is in an underground carpark again expect your car to be flooded and nobody to give a ****.

[Nightfire]

Al Reef is not a good option if you have an option. The buildings are of very poor standards indeed. Also, they are right next to the airport; the closest buildings are in fact just over the fence from runway 13L/31R. It'll be rather noisy there. I personally would never chose to live in that area if I could go somewhere else.

If you can, try to get something in Khalifa B - those buildings are definitely better standards. And since you have a car anyway, what does it matter if it's close to the city or not. It's quiet, and plenty of Etihad-neighbours are around.

If you don't need a villa but can do with a flat, then Musaffah is a good place to stay in. 15 Minutes from the airport, next to a small shopping mall, ten minutes from Carrefour, and in an improving area (the labour camps are just being removed).

[rightstuff]

Khalifa B villas are acceptable but as already mentioned, and depending on the direction of the rain be prepared with the buckets during the rainy season. Nice veranda to sit out on during the cooler times of year, very little traffic noise except for the odd quad bike at weekends. The only downside is the distance from town.

[iflysky]

Al-Reef vs Khalifa B is all relative. Al-reef has more of a community feel to it. There are pools, playgrounds and gyms. Has more of a suburbia feel to it. Khalifa B - nothing. 6 villas in a block and on reclaimed swamp land with a gazzillion of roundabouts. (had an Emarati guy tell me he used to take his canoe out couple of years ago around Khalifa B).
Also, one of the roads from Al-reef almost done (one month) which will put Yas about 5 minutes away driving and Abu Dhabi around 20 minutes.
Although I do agree Khalifa B villas are more of an upgraded style and much larger than Al-reefs. Al-reef very basic box type townhomes.
At the end its all a crap-shoot anyway :ugh:

[junglie-driver]

afternoon all - gather living outside Abu Dhabi is no longer possible. Interesting reading about the Al Reef/Khalifa debate. Presently looking to come out at the end of the summer. Any top tips on where to look, which companies to use in order to find accomodation. Intent to bring the family out as soon as accom and transportation is arranged.

Thanks again for any useful advise - have internet will continue the search. JD

P.S - would have loved to have been able to chose Dubai to live in

[sec 3]

After all you've read about ey you're still gonna go and work for them? Either you're unemployed or you need your head examined.

[Nightfire]

After all you've read about ey you're still gonna go and work for them? Either you're unemployed or you need your head examined.

Nah. Why that? The information is there for everyone to read. There are better, and also much worse places out there than the UAE.
If somebody chooses to come here anyway, and asks for some info, there's no need to doubt his sanity. Especially by some guys who are staying here themselves despite having other options, and just try to discourage other newjoiners. :rolleyes:

[Boeing 777-300ER]

Thanks to all for the information provided.

Sec 3 I really have nothing to add to Nightfire's post as he hit the nail on the head. Thanks Nightfire

[MaseratiGhibli]

If you can read between the lines the new changes for us .... no more moving out in a quick "turn-around" if you find a better place on your own in Abu Dhabi of course, 4 months notice is the deal ... :ok: well done !! :ugh:

"Following recent changes to the Accommodation Assistance Policy, please note that staff living in company provided accommodation must now give a minimum of four months notice when vacating the residence. The change will allow the airline to better manage the portfolio of property it leases to provide staff with accommodation. Notice for residents of individually leased units must be provided at least four months before the property’s lease renewal date. Residents in multi-unit properties, where Etihad has leased the complete block, can provide four months notice at any time. Anyone living in company provided accommodation can find out their lease renewal date by contacting the Housing team within the Facilities department"

[jackdaniels]

screw them....:D

[Jetjock330]

Do you think that when you give 4 months notice from moving out of Dubai, back to Abi Dhabi accommodation, EY is able to tell you exactly to which lovely villa or apartment you will move to??? Or do you expect to find out the night before your move to which apartment in Al Ain/Mussapha you are going to be repatriated and thereafter give 4 months notice that you are unhappy????

When will these guys ever understand what they are doing???

[mafalda]

Could someone kindly confirm what type of accomodation are being offered for first officers with kids, whether apartments or villas. And their locations.

[SassyPilotsWife]

Although I don't work for Etihad nor does my husband, there is a pilot's wife who is in Real Estate in Al Ain and if you have a choice of housing, definitely consider Al Ain vs AD. It is about a 1.5 hour drive to the airport and there are other crews living here, both flight deck and cabin. You get a whole lot more home for the housing allowance they provide you. Education is alot less expensive and the quality of life for a family is extremely pleasant as it is family focused. There is so many things to do, clubs to join, sports to enjoy. She has some nice properties available that are close to schools and easy access to the road to Abu Dhabi. Without advertising her website, as its probably not allowed, you can google villas plus Al Ain and look for Al Ain Villafinder. :E She doesn't charge the standard 5% commission to crew members ( mods, that should be reason enough to keep this post) Best of luck and welcome to the UAE. It's crazy, but we somehow fit right in ;)

[mafalda]

Thanks alot Sassy. Will have a look at the site. :ok:

[mafalda]

Were any of the new joining f/o who have kids been allocated in any etihad villas lately?

[ATC83]

Hi

Interesting reading regarding accommodation...I'm just a bit more interested regarding the quality that people mention...

Some people say accommodation is big and spacious, some say small...what is this in comparison to? In the states, most accompdation is very big, yet here in England it is quite small in comparison.
Also, regarding the apartments - I have tried to google some photos but can only find a video on YouTube of a cabin crew dorm which looks pretty dark and dingy...is the pilot accom different to this?

What's the situation re new joiners at present? I heard that a few years ago people were being put in hotels for 6 months..?

Edited to add: if anyone has any photos of accommodation they could post it would be a great help to us new joiners
And when you are offered a contract, is it possible to put a preference for certain accommodation?

And final question...I presume the apartments all have swimming pool, gym etc? What is the social life like around them compared to villas?

Many thanks for your help - about to sign a contract so any answers would be greatly appreciated!

[Nightfire]

Some people say accommodation is big and spacious, some say small...what is this in comparison to? In the states, most accompdation is very big, yet here in England it is quite small in comparison.

Depends where you go. Khalifa B villas are quite big, really. Apartments in Musaffah and downtown are not as big as a villa, but still very large compared to anything you might get in London.
The new places coming up in Al Reef are said to be considerably smaller.

Also, regarding the apartments - I have tried to google some photos but can only find a video on YouTube of a cabin crew dorm which looks pretty dark and dingy...is the pilot accom different to this?

Depends entirely upon where you are. The places within Etihad Plaza are modern and convenient, but not exactly very beautiful. More of a hotel-atmosphere.

And when you are offered a contract, is it possible to put a preference for certain accommodation?

Yeah, you can state your preference. :hmm:

And final question...I presume the apartments all have swimming pool, gym etc? What is the social life like around them compared to villas?

Nope. Some places have that, if you are lucky. In Musaffah, the swimming pool is a joke - it's tiny, it's indoors in a cellar, and with very doubtful hygienic standards. The gym is quite good though.
If you move into a villa, obviously there's nothing of the sort, you either need to join a club (which is VERY expensive), oder always drive to the company's fitness facilities that you're allowed to use.

Social life is virtually nonexistent. No BBQing, no partying, everything is forbidden. All you can do is to find some friends on your own, visit them and go out with them, but there is no neighbourhood around your accomodation whatsoever.

[ATC83]

Thanks a lot for that!:ok:
is Al Reef only Villas/townhouses? Cant seem to find any apartments there on the net.:confused: