New Company Accommodation Evictions

[gardenshed]

Great News having been kicked out of my old home six months ago, and settled in new accom. I get the PFO letter saying I'm being thrown out of this one.
They just can't help themselves and it only makes it easier and easier to want to leave.:mad:

[TooLow]

That's ****ty. Happened to me recently. So where are you being evicted from?

[gardenshed]

Cedre Villas DSO

[nosewheelfirst]

Cedre and Leyan although not sure if specific blocks or everybody.

[fatbus]

They have to fill MS somehow. Lots of people turning it down.

[crewlog]

Layan Got notices! another nail in the COFFIN!

[Byobeer]

Nail, Coffin, Bucket !!!

Anyone know where to find the correct AA Capt & FO

[The Outlaw]

Not trying to downplay what it feels like to get kicked out of the villa that you've called home for "X" number of years, I got my notice last year and it sucks...especially since the company gets to directly control these issues in your life.
I have followed this whole thing since they broke ground at Meydan. It is the company's plan to move everyone out to Meydan Heights, Meydan South and Al Furjan as units come available and the lease on one's current villa runs out.
There will be villa's that the company still have with remaining time left on the lease which they in turn offer to those who have been given notice, such as the DSO Cedre group, but what they don't tell you is that you will be moving again when that lease runs out. There are all kinds of guys who found that out the hard way.
Again, the firm will house all pilots in one of the three compounds...and yes, sadly it includes the DSO Semmer group as well. At least that place offered some semblance of a normal community to live in and most were generally happy out there.

In the long run its probably not all bad if you had lived "out of town", its just another compound "out of town", but its all the time and money that one puts into the villa to call it a home that is not respected.
I doubt it will cause any great numbers to leave as a result, it'll just piss everyone off a little more.

Thats what the company is good at these days.

[cost neutral]

Ah yes, Meydan South. The low rise high density accommodation "luxury" villa.
Not yet connected to water mains, not yet connected to the power grid.
And you get the added bonus of experiencing a real live construction site because you'll be living in one!

[donpizmeov]

Always happens just before the weekend. This is sad news for a lot of families.

[littlejet]

I suppose this is a "good news" mail we've all been waiting for.

[gardenshed]

Went to have a look at South today, came away totally depressed there's absolutely nothing there. If you run out of milk it's a car ride to the nearest shop.
Also a large school is being built on the site as well, right next to the main road in and out. Can't wait for the traffic log jam that will be twice a day once thats up and running.
There is talk of a community centre sometime in 2017, thats still a far way off and the place is still a building site.
Perhaps Norwegian isn't that bad after all, I will go to their open day with a different set of eyes thats for sure.

[Byobeer]

Does anyone know what the allowance is for Capt & Fo's. Its harder to find than a bacon sandwich at a bar mitzvah ?

[donpizmeov]

Check your PMs

[Byobeer]

Thanks Chap

[north flyer]

F/O is 171,900 AED

[Cenrifugel]

Anybody else get the feeling that we're just disposable slaves, or is it just me?

[fatbus]

You just realizing that now? We are just minions .

[PPRuNeUser0215]

Take a bunch of lemons, squeeze them as hard as you can.
When there is no juice left, throw them on the floor and stamp, jump, crush them as hard as you can again.
Eventually, the lemons will be as flat and dry as a post stamp and will be taken by the wind...

That is us.

[CamelRustler]

This is our 4th forced company move since living here. No surprise just couldn't figure out what took them so long this time round. I believe we will be opting out as well. Opting out of EK.

[notapilot15]

May be FRMS recommended "Make pilots sleep in construction zones" for better performance and also make them always repeat "Its not fatigue it is just tiredness".

[frankie777]

So here we go again. Sad once again to learn that my friend "Garden shed" as well as others at Silicon are to be uprooted at company behest. So sorry for you all as this happened to me last year so I understand how you feel right now. I moved to MH a year ago which despite the doom and gloom predictions from some has proved a good place to live with a great community spirit.
We lived in a great location for twelve years and at times I do miss that location but not the man yelling four times a day at full blast which meant that I was always sleep deprived. (Now EK just do that with the rosters!).
Without in any way defending the company I can see why they are moving us all out to MH and MS as it is a considerable saving for them. My bills in comparison with my previous location are down by nearly two thirds and I do not even get close to the DEWA limit wheras in the previous place I was always close.
We looked at Silicon and other places but always came back to the view that we would end up in Meydan anyway as twice in the notice letter it stated that the company would not guarantee remaining in any location other than MH or MS.
That was the reason why we opted for MH.
It is not perfect but has a good pool, gym and grounds but we like it for the fact that people are friendly . Some new some old and even some EK lower management from Dnata etc!
The reality is that we cannot do anything about it. The deal is take the allowance or take what you are given. It is however a sad refection of the times and the total lack of overall respect shown towards pilots by the management of this company. For many it will be yet another nail in the coffin and more will leave because of it. However what I would say is not to let this get to you and just accept the inconvenience and embrace your new home. I look at it now as my final move in the company. The next will be home and sooner rather than later if the vindictive rostering department keep giving me dangerous and unacceptable rosters.
Good luck to all those affected but don't allow these money driven idiots to drive you to depair. It is just their house which you can give back with no consequence when you leave!

[P7xkk]

Went to have a look at South today, came away totally depressed there's absolutely nothing there. If you run out of milk it's a car ride to the nearest shop.
Also a large school is being built on the site as well, right next to the main road in and out. Can't wait for the traffic log jam that will be twice a day once thats up and running.
There is talk of a community centre sometime in 2017, thats still a far way off and the place is still a building site.
Perhaps Norwegian isn't that bad after all, I will go to their open day with a different set of eyes thats for sure.

Have they finished the enormous mosque that is going up there yet?
You will have to come and use the facilities at MH, and gaze longingly at the proposed site of the supermarket which has still not commenced construction.

Oh, if anyone can understand the location of the roundabout on the new dual carriageway on 34th St, do share, as I is officially mystified.......

[puff m'call]

Easy for me to say because I'm not a victim of all this. (YET)

But it's time we started saying NO!!

[Talparc]

Sorry to hear the bad news about DSO

Guys are you really sure that's the last move?

What about Dubai World Central in the future?

[Kobus Dune]

Went this morning to see the South.
A pathetic labour camp under the sun - no swimming pool or tennis (when even the most average compound in Dubai will have those) no grocery either, far away from any facility, in the middle of one of the most notorious evening traffic jams. Villas without any shape, precast concrete at 90° angles, repeating the same pattern forever. Dozens of children playgrounds, all similar - nothing for kids above 6.
Every component with the brand CHEAP in bold letters on it. A garden which doesn't even deserve this name (hello Peter how are you ? hello Dan ! hello Barbara, what's new since yesterday ? ho, the Smiths have their in-laws at home...)
What have we done to suddenly have our lives spoiled this way ? (especillay now when we are already fighting to overcome fatigue and over-filled rosters)
So after visit, family said "no way" ....
Have to vacate home before October ? that's 3 months to find a new job - possible, now that we are really motivated - then 3 other months for resignation.
Good luck in attracting new joiners with this cake...

[Talparc]

frankie777

do you really think that the guarantee is of any value? Rather more toilet paper?

Good luck!

[motley flight crue]

By staying in company accomodation I've paid off my mortgage back home.

[Kammel]

Had a look, what a dreadful, soulless, artificial monstrosity of a compound (labour camp?)...

Looks like everybody is just putting pot plants and plastic grass in their (very small) L shaped gardens. I there a rule book that prohibits the planting of trees?

Summer is going to be fun. No shade to enjoy your L shaped 40 square meters outside your house. Hello indoor living. At least the whole neighbourhood can see, and join you for a barbie, since you will have zero privacy.

Love the double garage with no roof. Must be part of the plan to save on DEWA fees, just cook outside on your car!

Who the hell designed this place? :ugh:

[fatbus]

Those of you that say you are leaving
1 Don't expect anyone to care
2 My guess is most of those that say they will leave wont
I am for different reasons money bucket full but the sh.t bucket is over flowing

[Kobus Dune]

Garages of villas already occupied are overflowing with kids bikes, boxes, luggage, shelves (some drilled on the walls) various items of furniture...
On two occasions, I saw a woman looking as she had been through all the burden of life, watching desperately a the mess outside, which could not be accommodated inside.
A lot of domestic disputes looming on the horizon - all that we need to perform our flying duties calmly and safely...

[nakbin330]

... and you would have accomplished exactly the same had you taken the allowance.

[motley flight crue]

Nakbin330 I agree.
I decided I didn't need the stress of dealing with the volatile Dubai property. I just played the money market to pay off the house back home.
When I leave, hand over keys and go. Friends have sold here, generally the profit made is about on par with what I've done. As I said, I just couldn't be bothered buying. But, each to there own. I never criticised those that did

[Cenrifugel]

Good luck trying to find anything decent with the minuscule allowance. Even if you do find an affordable option, with the rate at which rental prices increase it won't be very long before you have to move again, downsizing because the allowance never keeps up with inflation.
If you planning on buying, who has approx. 800k lying around to pay the 25% deposit required for the mortgage on a three bed villa. Not to mention all the other hidden costs including DEWA etc.

[P7xkk]

Frankie, that guy yells five times a day actually:-)
Based on local customs and laws, you guys should have one at Meydan as well

Chaps, Meydan is liberally surrounded by mosques already. The chorus currently consists of 5, with varying melodious qualities.
I think the target of 500m between places of worship has been achieved for those of the Faith, and the noise bounces off the concrete jungle quite nicely.

[White Knight]

Had a look, what a dreadful, soulless, artificial monstrosity of a compound (labour camp?)...

Looks like everybody is just putting pot plants and plastic grass in their (very small) L shaped gardens. I there a rule book that prohibits the planting of trees?

Summer is going to be fun. No shade to enjoy your L shaped 40 square meters outside your house. Hello indoor living. At least the whole neighbourhood can see, and join you for a barbie, since you will have zero privacy.

Love the double garage with no roof. Must be part of the plan to save on DEWA fees, just cook outside on your car!


From the perspective of one who lives in MS:

When I went to look at the then new DSO I thought what a dreadful, souless, artificial monstrosity of a labour camp. All new compounds look the same without greenery...

Trees take time to grow:hmm: Many of us have planted trees. Shade is quite easy to organise - shouldn't be beyond the wit of most pilots. Then again, maybe it is:rolleyes:

Privacy? Again, see above about doing something for yourself:rolleyes:

You are right about the weird garage roof... But again, shouldn't take long to organise a cover (like the tenants of the 3 bed villas at Arenco/DIC who managed to do it without crying a river)


Personally I do not know of anyone who, since moving here, doesn't actually like the place, and we came here from DIC which was quite possibly some of the best EK accommodation there was. The villas are spacious, all 4 bedrooms are en-suite - and you can take a dump without blocking the system btw just to put that rumour to rest:D

Garages of villas already occupied are overflowing with kids bikes, boxes, luggage, shelves (some drilled on the walls) various items of furniture...
On two occasions, I saw a woman looking as she had been through all the burden of life, watching desperately a the mess outside, which could not be accommodated inside.

There is AMPLE space for storage. What we have left in our garage is stuff that we simply don't want inside. Possibly the lady in question had only just moved here. After all, there have been several houses occupied in just the last week...

[Tango77]

Well said white knight!

[Eau de Boeing]

Apparently there is already some special decoration in the show villa master bedroom. Well worth a look.....

[JAYTO]

Here is my theory.

I think most of the villas that the pilots are in are still owned by DSO. DSO is owned by Sheihk Ahmed is it not? He is the boss of EK. I don't think he will approve anything that would affect either of his interests.
The decision has been made to remove all EK from cedre villas. This achieves 2 things. Firstly a saving on rental for EK and secondly DSO can now rent out or sell these villas to other people at a higher price. Good for both businesses.
The guys in semmer who think it wont happen there better have a good think about this theory.

J

[Juliet-Echo]

Has anybody asked if Kent will give EK pilots a discount? I looked at their fees and they are unaffordable. It seems bizarre that they would have a school, essentially catering for EK, with fees way above the education allowance. I guess that means most of the students will come from outside- can you imagine the traffic then?

[Kobus Dune]

White thing and Toto77

With or without greenery, we are able to assess the design of a compound, and to see the potential in it, as much as the future or immediate problems.

Villas are not spacious, numbers are numbers - I don't know what was your previous "EK best accommodation " - and garden are ridiculously tiny, find me a single colleague disagreeing with that. You suggest erecting something for privacy ? yes, we have already seen tarpaulins, as in a refugee or gipsy camp. But some nationalities enjoy walking on each others.
As for planting trees, you perfectly know that it's forbidden to do it - except for extra small bushes - so why are you trying to trick your colleagues ?
For the stuff outside, yes there is plenty of storage space inside - but will you drag your bikes and heavy gear through the kitchen or even upstairs every day ? so you are leaving it out in the open and the dust, thus adding to the eyesore ...
But if you like it, it's your problem. In fact I'm glad you enjoy it. It's a matter of background and extraction, country of origin - like food or holiday resorts. As for my family, there is no way they will live there - and they heartily agreed.

[Old King Coal]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUwUp-D_VV0

[mmorel]

I see everyone is complaining about EK and not Qatar , Why don't you guys join Qatar ?

[donpizmeov]

Because we aint that stupid.

[Mr Good Cat]

Has anybody asked if Kent will give EK pilots a discount? I looked at their fees and they are unaffordable. It seems bizarre that they would have a school, essentially catering for EK, with fees way above the education allowance. I guess that means most of the students will come from outside- can you imagine the traffic then?

New guy here, huh?

It's not bizarre to charge well above the EK allowance, it's good pillage of those unfortunate enough to be forced to move there.

When has Dubai ever failed to take advantage of the less fortunate? That's the way it has always worked.

Hope you're not too badly affected buddy. :-(

[mmorel]

in Qatar Airways , they are even asking us to go back to company's housing , they increased the housing allowance to $ 4200 US dollar and we only fly 60 hours per months on average . I think you guys need to change company.

[AQIS Boigu]

Are they going to change the recruitment promo video? It shows a nice DSO Villa with a very happy family in it...

[Schnowzer]

An old one which explains it. Insert DSO, MS as appropriate!

One day while walking down the street a highly successful a Emirates pilot was tragically hit by a bus and died. His soul arrived up in heaven where he was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter himself. "Welcome to Heaven," said St.Peter. "Before you get settled in though, it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we've never once had an pilot make it this far and we're not really sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in." said the pilot.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have higher orders. What we're going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in."

"Actually, I think I've made up my mind...I prefer to stay in Heaven", said the pilot.

"Sorry, we have rules..." And with that St. Peter put the pilot in an elevator and it went down-down-down to hell. The doors opened and he found himself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a country club and standing in front of him were all his friends - fellow pilots that he had worked with and they were all dressed in chinos and cheering for him. They ran up and shook his hand and talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the country club where he enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. He met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy and had a great time telling jokes and drinking. He was having such a good time that before he knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook his hand and waved good- bye as he got on the elevator.

The elevator went up-up-up and opened back up at the Pearly Gates and found St. Peter waiting for him. "Now it's time to spend a day in heaven," he said.

So he spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. He had a great time and before he knew it his 24 hours were up and St. Peter came and got him.

"So, you've spent a day in hell and you've spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity," he said.

The pilot paused for a second and then replied, "Well, I never thought I'd say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell."

So St. Peter escorted him to the elevator and again he went down-down-down back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened he found himself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and Filth. He saw his friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to him and put his arm around him. "I don't understand," stammered the pilot, "yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a country club and we ate lobster and we had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable."

The Devil looked at him and smiled. "Yesterday we were recruiting you; today you're staff."

[Rotaiva]

Simply awesome! :D:D:D:D:D

[fliion]

Mmorel

I think you need to reread post # 46.

60 hours a month as they spool up a fleet - by a competitor to EK who's intent is to be profitable is not going to last very long in today's market.

Then we are back to square one - but worse! - because we'd be living in Doha.

Eh - fark that

[littlejet]

I do not think their plan is to be profitable. At least not by financial world standard. And honestly, 60 a month can actually reduce your OFF days in Doha

[apron]

Guys I'm opting out and was wondering what the difference between the Accomodation allowance and the accommodation allowance advance is??? Is it simply you get the money 15 days early?? What's the catch?? Why would nobody want the money in advance?? Am I missing something?? Cheers

[harry the cod]

apron

Everything is explained in the employee regulations HR manual. It's under the Advances/Loans section (C4-4).

The Advance Accommodation Allowance (AAA) is 6 months worth of allowances and can be applied for by anyone taking the accommodation allowance (AA). The facility is designed to mainly assist those who rent and need to pay the rent in advance. Applications received before 15th of the month, will have 6 months of allowances paid into that month's salary. If it's not received by the 15th, the allowance will be paid into the following month's salary. If you took the AAA, you'd get 2 lump sum payments per year.

If you have a mortgage, my recommendation is to have the allowance paid monthly with your salary unless you and the other half are very disciplined at budgeting! Hope this helps and good luck with the move. :ok:

Harry

[Buckshot16]

Curious, how long do you think before they start saying "you can continue to use the allowance for your mortgage if have already purchased property, but renting and purchasing property with the allowance is no longer permitted".

[sluggums]

They've done that in the recent past, where you couldn't opt out unless you were buying...

[apron]

Thanks very much Harry.....very much appreciated !
apron

Everything is explained in the employee regulations HR manual. It's under the Advances/Loans section (C4-4).

The Advance Accommodation Allowance (AAA) is 6 months worth of allowances and can be applied for by anyone taking the accommodation allowance (AA). The facility is designed to mainly assist those who rent and need to pay the rent in advance. Applications received before 15th of the month, will have 6 months of allowances paid into that month's salary. If it's not received by the 15th, the allowance will be paid into the following month's salary. If you took the AAA, you'd get 2 lump sum payments per year.

If you have a mortgage, my recommendation is to have the allowance paid monthly with your salary unless you and the other half are very disciplined at budgeting! Hope this helps and good luck with the move. :ok:

Harry

[White Knight]

As for planting trees, you perfectly know that it's forbidden to do it - except for extra small bushes - so why are you trying to trick your colleagues ?

I'm trying to trick my colleagues? REALLY?

Plenty of people have planted trees; but sensible folk realise they don't grow and mature as fast as daffodils you pillock!

It's a matter of background and extraction, country of origin

The things I do for Queen, Country and St George.. Having to deal with spanners!!!

All I was trying to say Kobus old fruit is that MS is actually, so far, a very pleasant place to live. If you wish to keep your eyes wired shut so be it!:ugh::hmm:

[guemes]

Being a current EK evictee, and deciding to go with living out allowance, anyone care to comment on the pros and cons of taking the advance vs. month by month?

[BYMONEK]

geumes

As someone has already alluded to, if you rent, take the advance. You'll need to as most landlords will insist on probably 2 post dated cheques, 1 if you're unlucky. If you have a mortgage, go monthly.

[lospilotos]

A pitfall with the 6 month "advance" is that's only an advance the first time. Let's say you start renting Jan 1, and you have to pay your rent in two cheques, Jan 1 and July 1. You apply for the advance and get it paid out in Dec expecting to get the next 6 month's lumpsum in June, in time for the July payment. You don't... it is now paid out with the July salary on July 26 so you will have to find a way to clear the cheque on July 1.

[SubsonicMortal]

A pitfall with the 6 month "advance" is that's only an advance the first time. Let's say you start renting Jan 1, and you have to pay your rent in two cheques, Jan 1 and July 1. You apply for the advance and get it paid out in Dec expecting to get the next 6 month's lumpsum in June, in time for the July payment. You don't... it is now paid out with the July salary on July 26 so you will have to find a way to clear the cheque on July 1.

To circumvent the issue above, I've had some very kind landlords over the last 5 years. Both agreed, after the contract was signed (and I subsequently realized the problem), to accept rent payments when EK paid out the allowance at the six month interval. Both landlords were of nationalities that are sadly so often indiscriminately stereotyped in the Middle East by some. Therefore, discuss the issue with your prospective landlord and you would most likely find the "issue" above to be a non-issue.

[springbok449]

I do exactly as above, my cheques are dated 2 days after the allowance is paid, if the landlord is decent he will accept/understand... If not it's probably best to find another landlord as in my view if he doesn't accept that, you have no hope with any important matters...

[ruserious]

Feel better now Ozone?

[JAARule]

Trees take time to grow:hmm: Many of us have planted trees. Shade is quite easy to organise - shouldn't be beyond the wit of most pilots. Then again, maybe it is:rolleyes:

Privacy? Again, see above about doing something for yourself:rolleyes:

You are right about the weird garage roof... But again, shouldn't take long to organise a cover (like the tenants of the 3 bed villas at Arenco/DIC who managed to do it without crying a river)


Personally I do not know of anyone who, since moving here, doesn't actually like the place............... etc etc


Somewhat disingenuous, W Knight, however you are known for gilding your lilies for the purposes of furthering an argument. They who control the evictions are swimming in money, there is no reason whatsoever that the expat should have to plant his own frigging trees or rig up a sun shade over the garage or whatever it is you're proposing. You seem to forget that people come to the middle east from the civilised world in order to be paid a premium, both in salary and conditions, for leaving their homelands. The company is trying to undo this arrangement and those ignoramuses with mindsets like yours ("Many of us have planted trees") are helping them to succeed in making this just another job. Big picture, Old Boy.


They build a bunch of concrete boxes to house their pilots, formerly considered and known as "management", YES MANAGEMENT, but too tight and givva****less to plant some lawn and a few trees and need to have the employees stump up the cash....- f-ing shameful if you ask me. And some people lap it up. It boggles the mind.

[fatbus]

Mate chill. DIC 3 beds roof same as MS all with no doors. DSO covered no doors, Leyan(sp) same as DIC.
No need to go on. You dont like ? you know options. BTW some people like MS and some like MH.

[Fuzuma]

Gents/Ladies,

Please excuse me if this has already been covered, or is an ignorant question. Why would one choose to remain in company accommodation for years, worrying about being moved around as the company feels fit, putting in your own "improvements" at your expense, only to have to remove these improvements when moving. Why would one not take the allowance offered and put it towards your own property in DXB, that way at least you're not living in fear of being uprooted, are using your own cash to improve your own home, and have something to show in an investment for the years spent in DXB?

[120feet]

Because you need $200K US (minimum) for a down payment and fees to buy a villa. Most people either do not have that kind of cash or are unwilling to invest it in the Dubai market.

[Mr Good Cat]

Gents/Ladies,

Please excuse me if this has already been covered, or is an ignorant question. Why would one choose to remain in company accommodation for years, worrying about being moved around as the company feels fit, putting in your own "improvements" at your expense, only to have to remove these improvements when moving. Why would one not take the allowance offered and put it towards your own property in DXB, that way at least you're not living in fear of being uprooted, are using your own cash to improve your own home, and have something to show in an investment for the years spent in DXB?

At the risk of upsetting most people:

Why not invest in a property of your own? Because you have to put a deposit of your own money into a property in a 3rd world country in the most unstable region on earth. The quality is terrible and the materials worth nothing. The price of the property is pure speculation not true value.... Sure, you could double your money as happened in the early part of the century - but you could also lose everything - the bubble has burst and the huge risks outweigh the benefits these days... Most guys don't have spare cash for high-risk ventures unfortunately...

If renting, a family villa will set you back more than your allowance and you also have bills on top plus the threat of eviction still exists.

It's a double-edged sword I'm afraid. You stick with company accommodation and get shafted, or you risk your own hard-earned savings in a false economy.

Personally I would stick with the company accommodation and send as much cash home as possible. Good luck whatever you choose.

[donpizmeov]

Like good cat says. It's horses for courses. We got sick of EK accommodation department so purchased to get away from them. We are approaching the point where the mortgage is paid and the allowance has paid back the deposit.
I haven't met anyone who bought to live in a house that has been burnt. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened though.
We have friends that would be unable to sleep at night here if they bought. So best deal for them is to stay in company accommodation. Apart from the odd move, the price is certainly right.
Pros and cons to both options.

[EK-or-bust]

Opted out in 2003, rented since then - never looked back.
Won'tpizyouov is probably right - have not heard of anyone get burned buying to live in it. EK pays for the mortgage over time. Even if you sell for half the price or less, still money in your pocket. Not the case for the sad sausages in Meydan Heights or South.
Why on earth would I let my employer dictate where I live??

[CamelRustler]

EK-or-Bust


In 2003 you could buy a villa for the what would now not even be the required cash down payment. 2003 and 2016 is apples and oranges. Glad you got in when the getting was good though.

[ballyboley]

Opted out in 2003, rented since then - never looked back.
Won'tpizyouov is probably right - have not heard of anyone get burned buying to live in it. EK pays for the mortgage over time. Even if you sell for half the price or less, still money in your pocket. Not the case for the sad sausages in Meydan Heights or South.
Why on earth would I let my employer dictate where I live??

Not being a smart ass here, but how would selling at half price or less still leave money in your pocket? What happens to paying off the mortgage when you sell? Or the deposit? As someone who is genuinely looking at this, it's a very different game to 2003 and I'm still not sure we've found the bottom yet.

[donpizmeov]

Ek or bust says he is renting right? I would think he has seen a few cycles of the rent price in that time.

I have been told the market will bottom in a few years since expats were first allowed to buy. What's that saying about time in the market vs timing the market?

If you buy a place to live in. And stay a year, you might be out of pocket. Stay longer and things seem to work out.

[Kobus Dune]

If you have some money spared, invest in a normal and secure place abroad - not here where rules-changing is the national sport....
And just try to dig as a matter of curiosity, what will be left of it to your family - especially your wife - if by chance you happen to simply ... die.
But you may not care, after all.
Personally I find embarrassing that so many people seem to enjoy MS - then you look at them differently after they made such a statement (where on earth did they grow up ? what is their actual social extraction, after all ? do we know them really ? maybe in their home countries such a collection of boxes would be considered as a plush district .... )

[Buford]

Kobus Dune, we felt the same as we drove past MH today. It's looks like a minimum security prison. We felt sorry for the inmates driving out on their day pass.

[nakbin330]

If you have some money spared, invest in a normal and secure place abroad - not here where rules-changing is the national sport....
And just try to dig as a matter of curiosity, what will be left of it to your family - especially your wife - if by chance you happen to simply ... die.
But you may not care, after all.
Personally I find embarrassing that so many people seem to enjoy MS - then you look at them differently after they made such a statement (where on earth did they grow up ? what is their actual social extraction, after all ? do we know them really ? maybe in their home countries such a collection of boxes would be considered as a plush district .... )

There's the rub though ... apart from the deposit, the company gives you >$3000 per month towards the mortgage, and if like anywhere else in the world, one dies, then insurance takes care of it. Assuming one has it.

Everybody who lives in, IS paying rent but the company chooses the location and sorts the bills. Those who opt out have the choice to live where they want and possibly recoup some of the cost when they eventually head home.

[sluggums]

... and be at the mercy of all those morally and ethically minded landlords, who always follow the rules...

[nakbin330]

... and be at the mercy of all those morally and ethically minded landlords, who always follow the rules...

As it is at the moment with one's current landlords then.

[sluggums]

Fair point. However in the company accommodation, there isn't the financial angle to consider, although I do agree that the current eviction policy stinks.

[OzoneAddict]

We are using the Ek staff for our project called Meydan.
District 11 will be your new home. Please be encouraged to make it as good as DSO and support the Meydan Project - Thank you for you support and see the link for your contribution to this worthy Dubai project.

District 11 (http://meydan.ae/meydan-master/district-11.html)

http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/meydan-to-build-emirates-airline-pilots-village

[Aluminium shuffler]

I can't see the 1.4km indoor ski slope on their map. Quietly dropped, do you think? It doesn't show the electrical substation being built along MH's eastern edge either. ;)

[fatbus]

More smoke and mirrors. Starting to be embarrassing to say you work for EK

[Capn Rex Havoc]

Heard a rumour that new joiners are being allocated DSO-Cedre Villas, and are moving in right as families are moving out to Meydan South. :ugh:

[highlight]

Got my eviction notice just recently. Single FO but getting married very soon.

Any ideas where the company allocates married FOs with no children at the moment? As per company policy, such marital status would rate a three-bedroom apartment. Problem is, accommodations department informed me that its availability of three-bedroom apartments is very limited and will most likely allocate guys to a villa. Any truth to this? If so where? South, Heights, Jebel Ali, or DSO?

I've been given a deadline to opt-out or get moved to another company apartment. Aside from not being able to look at the options available to make a sound decision, I can't get any straight answers from the company. We will only be allowed to look at our apartments AFTER they have been allocated to us, according to the company notice.

Accommodations department will not reveal the likely places to go as a married FO until my status changes. Smoke and mirrors, I guess. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[wizard1]

Take the allowance and take control of your life, or at least a bit of it. Rents are dropping and are likely to continue to do so as the supply demand equation becomes further unbalanced. Puts you back in control.

[BANANASBANANAS]

Got my eviction notice just recently. Single FO but getting married very soon.

Any ideas where the company allocates married FOs with no children at the moment? As per company policy, such marital status would rate a three-bedroom apartment. Problem is, accommodations department informed me that its availability of three-bedroom apartments is very limited and will most likely allocate guys to a villa. Any truth to this? If so where? South, Heights, Jebel Ali, or DSO?

I've been given a deadline to opt-out or get moved to another company apartment. Aside from not being able to look at the options available to make a sound decision, I can't get any straight answers from the company. We will only be allowed to look at our apartments AFTER they have been allocated to us, according to the company notice.

Accommodations department will not reveal the likely places to go as a married FO until my status changes. Smoke and mirrors, I guess. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Depends on how long you are planning on staying in the sandpit.

If you are ABSOLUTELY sure that you will be here for at least another 10 years then it is probably (but by no means certainly) worth buying if you have the deposit.

We have been in company accommodation since we arrived and the permanent threat of eviction is something you can either live with or you can't. On the other hand, utility bills get paid by EK and we have no hassles renegotiating rent.
It really depends on what is important to you.