EK company accomodation

[Quebecer]

Hello gents,

Just trying to get some info on the company accomodations in Dubai. How many different areas for company villas are there? I've visited a friend in Silicon Oasis and liked the place (the wife too), however the other villa we've visited on the tour during the 3 day interview was pretty close to skyscrapers and not really where I'd want to have my family. How much of a choice do they give us?

Any comments? I heard Silicon Oasis is quite full with lots of construction around; does the company have enough room somewhere else for guys/gals who want a company villa at the moment or is there a waiting list?

Thanks in advance,

Quebecer

[Sheikh Your Bootie]

Habibi, you get it allocated on arrival. If you don't like, tough is pretty much the attitude. Silicon is pretty much full up, except for those leaving, and there maybe a fair few soon :sad::sad:
Temporary accomodation seems fashionable at the moment! if i seesm grumpy, sorry, just back from another ULR flight, rather fatigued.

SyB :zzz: :zzz:

[Quebecer]

Thanks fot the reply SyB.

Quebecer

[Cityliner]

If I take the empty shell, will there be a kitchen in it?
What about bathrooms and floor coverings?
During the recent Roadshow they told us that silicon is pretty full but EK is about to extend their property there or even extend silicon!
Any comments on that?

[Mugwump]

They also talked about the Emirates being in negotiatons for a new villa property development in Mirdiff. Anybody with their ear to the ground?

[Wizofoz]

There is a new Villa development being built at Silicon now. There are around 1000 Villas in the new bit, and I did here a rumour that Emirates has secured 300 of them.

If you take unfurnished you need to buy a stove and a dishwasher, but apart from that the Kitchen is installed (sinks, cuoboards etc.). Bathrooms are fitted and floors are tiled.

Hope that helps!

[s.o.d.]

Some say that its never too soon to start your kids out on driver training, and here's some ideas from the folks at DSO on getting them going.

Quad Bike Ride from Spinneys Car Park to Your Villa

This training session starts in the community centre car park by strapping your 5+ year old kid to their motorised quad-bike and pointing them in the direction of your home. The route's a real challenge, an early hairpin bend followed by skillful (hopefully) negotiation of the busy roundabout. The locals drinking coffee outside Costas get a good view of this section and will nod approvingly as your kid speeds by. The exercise is usually ridden at night and you might want to follow the quad at close range in your large white pick-up truck.

You Want Your Kids to Ride Like Your Gardener?

Well get out on your bicycles and follow the same route as the quad-bike mentioned above, the best bit is after passing the security gate where you should ride side by side in the opposite direction to the traffic flow on the one-way section. Do this at night and needless to say with no lights on the bikes. Don't forget to wave cheerily at the cars coming at you. Alternatively you and your kid can just ride aimlessly around the streets in very loose formation, at night and of course with no lights.

Pre-Teen Boy Getting Under Your Feet?

Then why not get him a noisy chopper motorcycle (a bargain from Dragon Mart) and send him out on errands, preferably after dark. Helmet not required.

But What About the Big Kids? (That's us by the way.

Well you could buy an old Jeep, stick a straight through muffler on it and maybe some big wheels for added tyre noise. Your neighbors will love to hear you work the manual shifter as you make your way through the villas. And how they'll smile when they hear you coming home again later on.

If you're going out and running late why not tailgate the crew-transport Audi on the road leading to the Security Gate, blow your hooter a bit and force your way past even though there's not really room. Best done in a black Pajero with tinted windows.

Like to give the dog a walk when you get in at 2am? Maybe you'll meet a mate on his way to work. Don't miss the opportunity to have a chat in the street, make sure you set the dog off as well, then you can shout at it to Shut Up.

Out for a stroll with the kids and the baby buggy? Well don't bother with the pavements, especially near the security gates. No,walk on the roads and then dodge the cars on the busy roundabout. Think of the time you'll save by avoiding the walkways.

Finally, let your neighbors know when you go out by accelerating noisily when you leave your villa in your 4x4 and do the same at all the junctions until you reach the security gate. Also recommended for scattering those pesky children playing in the street. Nissan Armada and Dodge Durango the weapons of choice here.

EKs DSO,where commonsense, courtesy and consideration don't always apply. With apologies to the many families who are good neighbors.

[crab angle]

Hello Guys!

Does anybody know the location of the new Emirates Mirdif Compound. Is there any website or photos so we can check how the villas are?

Cheers

[Cityliner]

Wikipedia says the most of Mirdif is right below the approach path for DXB!
Nice to wake up every 2 hours before your 2am pick up because of a IL86 or IL76 is rushing over your house!
I thought new hires will be placed in the Silicon Oasis extension!

[clevlandHD]

SOD, could you move next to me, I think our families would get along real well...

[dunerider]

I believe the Al Waqqa area will be the new location for the latest EK accomodation.As far as buying furniture goes take the 30K.Wait until you arrive and purchase furniture from the guys that are leaving then when you go most of it you can thrown away.The EK allowance for a container to ship your personal items home wont go far.

[jetaviator]

Anybody knows when the new villas in silicon oasis are going to be finished?

Thank's

[EGGW]

They have't as far as we can tell, started building the next batch @ Silicon Oasis. Like Dunerider says, the next 500 villas are in Al Waqaa.

Yup its gonna be smelly and noisy in Al Waqaa, with the pong from the Al Aweer sewerage plant, that is affecting International city, and at times DSO. Noisy because its near the flightpath for DXB. Enjoy..... :yuk::yuk::yuk:

EGGW

[Trader]

A friend who just interviewed here was told that he can expect at least 6 months in temp. accomodation (likely a 1 or 2 bedroom). He has 2 kids and when he brought this up EK had no solution. They recommend leaving his family at home until suitable accomodation is ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ibelieveicanfly]

I am a worried about that.I will start the course in about more than 1 month now and I was told that I will be in a temporary 1-2 room flat for a few months maybe.My family will join me at the end of june and it could be a real problem.Any further infos you could have,thanks?

[GoreTex]

boys, feel obliged to tell you before you join that emirates doesn't give !!!! about you and your family, they do whatever is cheapest for them, if they can save 5 dhs a month on a !!!!ty crew hotel they dont care if they piss of 8000 crew members.

new DUS hotel is at the airport.

ok now back to the accommodation subject

[Roster Change]

You Pilots !!!!!!!! Make all the noise then can't live with it !

[Guns-A-GoGo]

So how does this all play out.

HR: Could you please sign the contract and hand it over.

Me: Can I see what my living area is going to be?

HR: Give us the contract and we'll show you..........thanks!

Me: When do we see the housing.

HR: Go get in that car over there and they'll show you........enjoy Dubai.

And we're off to God know's where.

Someone please tell me they will show you what your accomadations will be before you sign up!

G

[Sheikh Your Bootie]

They won't, never have habib and never will. You get a welcome pack :hmm::hmm: from the Marhaba ladies in the terminal on arrival, and hey presto, you destiny awaits...
Lots of temp accomodation at the moment, a big shortage of villas. You may get somewhere to live in a 4 months or so, inshallah :ugh::ugh:

SyB :zzz:

[fatbus]

i would not come here with wife and kids if they could not or would not show me where is was going to live. some of the places in ? are not very good.al waqqa (sp) is next to the dump and very close to the arr/dep path. be warned

[ibelieveicanfly]

For me I do not care so long my family feels good and enough place in the accomodation,the only point:"you will live FOR A FEW MONTHS IN A 1-2 BEDROOMS FLAT"what i was told recently.scary.

[TwinJock]

You have hit the nail on the head brother - DSO is nothing but a jumped up Air Force base!

Everyone raves about how child friendly it is - just because the rest of the EK digs are so child UNFRIENDLY!

To all that will be moving to the Al Warqa villas - enjoy the view e.g. rubbish dump. Might be covered in concrete one of these days and cliff top villas might be available.:eek::eek::eek:

[GMDS]

But there's a bright side to this for new joiners anyway:
They realise what EK thinks of the contract they signed right from day one:
-> rubbish.

[BIKKERDENNAH]

FACT.

YOU WILL BE GIVEN TEMPORARY ACCOMODATION.

IT WILL BE FOR A MINIMUM OF 6 MONTHS.

YES IT WILL BE A 1 OR 2 BEDROOM SMALL APARTMENT.

YES IT WILL BE IN CRAPPY PART OF TOWN. I THINK AL QUOZ INDUSTRIAL ESTATE APPEARS TO BE THE !!!!HOLE OF CHOICE AT THE MOMENT. NOISY,DIRTY, CHEAP AND SLAP DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ESTATE WITH TRUCKS IN AND OUT 24/7.

HOWEVER IF CHEAPER ACCOM CAN BE FOUND YOU COULD BE MOVED MORE THAN ONCE.

IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY WITH CHILDREN YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH THIS ARRANGEMENT FOR LONG. LEAVE THEM AT HOME FOR 6 MONTHS PLUS!!! UNTIL YOUR PERMANENT ACCOM HAS BEEN GIVEN TO YOU. COMPLETE CRAP SHOOT WHERE THAT WILL BE!!

SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU?:O

IF SO COME OVER JOIN THE PARTY!!!!:ok:

[kingpost]

News off the press - Mirdiff will be home for those starting soon up to the foreseeable future. How can the comapny do that to new joiners, living below the approach path into DXB.

Be careful what you're giving up as I'm sure those joining do not presently live below an approach path, now come here and we'll move your lifestyle backwards.

Mirdiff is the area of choice due to safety reasons!!!

[Raise or Fold]

Anyone have any web links to the housing mirdiff?

Is it a family friendly area?

What are the size of the villas they are allocating to FO's with childern?

Thanks for your time.
RorF

[Patrick_AUSTRIAN]

HI,

I have a question about housing in DXB for FO´s without children?
Do they get apartments?
Where are they located?

best regards,
Patrick

[SunNFun]

I have a question about housing in DXB for FO´s without children?
Do they get apartments?

2 Bedroom Appartment

Where are they located?

Somewhere in Dubai. ;)

No, really, they can be anywhere. We have been shown an Appartment in the 21st Century Tower, but have been told that it's almost full. Other places they're putting people in are the UP Tower and the Millenium Tower. If you google those you might find some pictures.

[ibelieveicanfly]

Hi Bikkerdennah,

I have read your facts:from what source did you collect these infos?are they fully true?
You say the temp flat would be for at least 6 months!!in 2 rooms max!
I will arrive the 14th of april and my family end of june!

thanks to reply me with all infos you could have

[Marooned]

I understand your concern and it is well placed. The sources given here are; the grapevine, experience and known EK contracts placed on units in the areas mentioned.

Temporary accommodation is being used to make up for the lack of foresight of our clever MDs. There are just not enough villas in EKs price range and they have to wait for those that are to be finished. Pilots have had to threaten to resign before being moved.

These questions you have should be answered by Emirates themselves. The reason EK obviously have not and will not tell you where you will be placed is because they do not know themselves. They'll show you a clean and tidy house in a reasonable area when you are interviewed but once you've resigned from your current employer and moved here they know they can do what they want.

This is the reality behind the spin and your welcome to all things Emirates. I sincerely hope that you will be allocated a decent, clean and safe place to live for you and your family but quite frankly EK don't give a toss once they have you here as long as it doesn't cost them too much.

[BIKKERDENNAH]

Let it be known this is NOT grapevine information. But fact. other apartments that are being used include Al Waqqa 2 bedroom apartments on sheik zed road.
6 months is now the time frame YOU WILL BE in temporary ACCOMODATION.

Sounds good to you?Then Come on in, the waters warm!!:rolleyes: I belive i can fly you will receive your villa sometime towards the end of SEPT. you will be in a 2 bedroom temporary flat until then!!:ok:

[nolimitholdem]

they can be anywhere. We have been shown an Appartment in the 21st Century Tower, but have been told that it's almost full. Other places they're putting people in are the UP Tower and the Millenium Tower.

Millennium Tower is a sh$thole...and it's considered one of the better ones. Go figure. A slapped-together hotel/hospital-feeling building in a nightmare of construction. Filth-encrusted windows that are washed once a year. (I think the year was 2006.) There are NO amenities nearby, and won't be for a few years yet. Careful driving in and out over the pitiful potholed roads, especially during the worker shift change. Good times! Just like the promo DVD!

And absolutely true about the Accommodation Dept. IF you can get through on a landline...IF they reply to an email...they will stall, stall, stall (for months - I'm not kidding) and then lie, lie, lie. You have to understand, they are mainly staffed by those who would consider your not-resembling-in-the-slightest-what-you-were-shown-at-your-selection accommodation, a veritable paradise. Because it probably is, compared to what they are living in. Doesn't really help you though, does it? Hmm...finished that final line check yet? Too bad. Now you're stuck. Get used to that sinking "I've been had!" feeling!

It truly is a cynical shell game. Show you one thing, and give you another. Good training for your entire Dubai experience. If you try very hard, you can possibly lower your expectations faster than they can fail to meet them. It's a close race though!

:yuk:

[sioux115]

Is Ek putting everyone in temp. housing or just pilots waiting for villas? Are there enough flats available currently for FOs and wifes? Thanks.

[BIKKERDENNAH]

In a nutshell EVERYBODY.

Even worse situation for singles or married couples with no kids, and apartments. Just not enough of them yet!! APARTMENTS that is. BECAUSE for evey 2 to 3 bedroom apartment a single FO or married FO with no kids takes, that potentially leaves 1 to 2 spare beds that cannot be used by Cabin crew. So situation probably a bit worse for apartments than Villas.!!:cool:

FUN IN THE SUN!!:ok:

[s.o.d.]

Would the gent with the open Lotus 7 type sports car with no apparent means of silencing its exhaust noise who lives at Emirates pilots family community Dubai Silicon Oasis B block please fix or replace his muffler.

Same goes for the open piped off-road Honda/Yamaha riders.


Guys, there's people going to work tonight, these bikes and cars are just not cool in this neighborhood.

[MATMAX]

The accomodation is one of the reason why I resigned ... good luck !

[three eighty]

Would the gent with the open Lotus 7 type sports car with no apparent means of silencing its exhaust noise who lives at Emirates pilots family community Dubai Silicon Oasis B block please fix or replace his muffler.

Same goes for the open piped off-road Honda/Yamaha riders.


Guys, there's people going to work tonight, these bikes and cars are just not cool in this neighborhood

The Silicon Oasis website might be a better place to get your post noticed by those it is directed at.

[ShockWave]

As nolimitholdem said above, the EK accommodation department is run by people from the sub continent. 8 people living in a 1 room hovel is perfectly normal for them. Do not expect understanding or sympathy for any of your exorbitant concerns about your palatial accommodation, temporary or otherwise. It will be your first lesson on living in Dubai. You are actually much more privileged than 95% of the other people living there and the underprivileged will never understand what you are unhappy about. You will learn to make do and put up with crap in order to get what you came for. ie give and take.
Sooner or later (hopefully later) you may have achieved your goals and or just can't give anymore. So you leave.
It's your choice whether you get upset about things unexpected or others attitudes toward you. The more tolerant, and resilient you are to crap the longer and happier your time in the middle east will be.
If you spend your days reading your contract to ensure your company is not cheating you, overworking you, or infringing your seniority rites then the middle east is not the place for you. You will not last, and you'll find it impossible to enjoy what there is there.
If all you want is a reasonable lifestyle and a job where there are still opportunities for advancement then consider it.

[troff]

Well said Shockwave.

[FJCruiser]

Just to say the accom dept is run by a local :suspect: living in a palace tis where the problem is. EK employs loads of people who live in cramped accomodation and still manage to do a good job. The problem is the top guy cannot care less :ugh:

[harry the cod]

FJ

Believe me, this guy is soooh much better than the obnoxious, corrupt and arrogant tosser he replaced. Still, give him time.................

[h3dxb]

Facing the accomodation offer in tecom, was for me and my family a shock. Changing the terms and conditions from EK , so what ,we already used to it. To offer, even for new hiring, and EK is hiring, the Company accomodation option only, I can only ask WHO will come ???

[fatbus]

Unfortunately lots

[dontevenjoke]

Accomodation is a joke here. After 6 months of temporary including a hotel I was finally moved in. 3 months ago I complained through building maintenance, accom dept and fleet about mould issues (14 times). After them sending me back the "policy" which states in the last sentence..."employees will not be moved for medical issues" I took pictures of my mould covered suitcases and clothing. They then told me there was nothing they could do. Nice.

[ennui]

Dontevenjoke,

Try accom. again. Have heard of CC in Al Quasais being moved to a new building recently because of a mold problem.

Of course maintenance wont fix the problem (apparantly a leaking pipe in the wall/ceiling a couple of floors above, also now affecting a lot of other apartments), they will just paint over it and then move in the next unsuspecting victims.

SOP
SNAFU

[s.o.d.]

Oh cr@p, he's back again. Silicon Oasis Lotus 7 no-muffler man that is.

He went out. He came back. He went out again. He drove around the perimeter of the Emirates pilots villas at high speed. Not just waking his near neighbours, he went for all 560 villas in one hit. He came back.

Two words buddy. 'Trailer' and 'Autodrome'.


But thanks for the PM from the dirt-bike rider after my last post on this thread, conceding the Honda/Yamaha noise menace.

[Femme Fatale]

Don't worry..... we have got an idiot revving his boat behind us for the fun of it.... on dry land.:D

[s.o.d.]

Would the 'owners' of the two kids who are presently circulating the roads of Silicon Oasis at speed on their mini motorcycles please bring them in now.

Never mind the noise pollution. And the neighbors and I do mind it. Just whose fault will it be when they end up under the wheels of some 4x4 driver. I saw a kid on a bicycle get within a few inches of being under the front of a silver Audi wagon recently, luckily the driver reacted surprisingly quickly to avoid a trip to jail for himself, and the hospital or worse for the kid.

It's all very well buying your kids these moto-x and mini racing bikes but the place to ride them is not the relatively busy roads of a residential community. Take them to the desert or a private track please.

[bobdbuilder]

Does anyone know where Emirates are putting their current recruits? I should be entitled for a villa and was told that most probably it will be in Silicon Oasis. However I heard that maybe the Oasis is full and we might be placed somewhere else.

Thanks

[fabjet2]

Anybody can update us about the accomodation situation in June 2011?
Are they still puting newbees into temp or they caught up with the problem?
Thanks for those who take their time to answer...:ok:

[Wizofoz]

No, the collapse of the Dubai Real Estate Market solved the EK housing problem very effectivley!

New hires entitled to a Villa are being placed either at the Cedre Villa complex at DSO, at Al Waha or in accomodation vacant due resignations.

[Rich8a10]

Married Pilots With children will receive a Villa on Cedre Villas the new section of Silicon Oasis, there are still a looot of empty villas in here.

I heard some new joiners getting a Villa on Semmer villas , thats the older part of Silicon Oasis, good villas also.

[fabjet2]

Ok thanks good to know...

[fabjet2]

About the 3 options: furnished unfurnished and find it yourself, which one seems to be the most popular and why?
any advises?

[Rickyrick]

Rich8a10,

Thats good, I heard last moth there were only 40 left?

Like the place though....

[Jetaim]

Anyone in need of real informations on accommodation issues and their possible consequences please PM me. Having been the victim of an incredible and dramatic story that brought me, my career and my family on the verge of a complete disaster I might be helpfull.

[Wizofoz]

It's the old risk V reward thing.

At the moment, the Emirates Utilities Allowence for FOs would cover a VERY nice 1 or 2 BR apartment in a nice part of town (such as the marina), with some to spare to cover expenses.

SO the questions are:-

1) will rents and expenses rise AND

2) Will the EK allowence fall?

Rents are stable or falling at the moment. No idea how long that will last- probably the next 3+ years. After that who knows?

EK allowence? No actual indication EK are consdering reducing it, but as it now clearly outstrips the value of EK provided accomodation, who knows if they will choose to reduce it?

Opting out has higher risk with potentially higher reward. What you choose is up to your individual taste in terms of risk.

[Craggenmore]

Hi, I have a question about housing in DXB for FO´s without children?
Do they get apartments? Where are they located? best regards, Patrick

My wife and I live in company accomodation. It's a 3 bedroom/3 bathroom/2 balcony appartment (+maids room and bathroom making 4 beds/4 baths) in one of the older tower blocks (circa 2000) situated in the 'older' part of Sheikh Zayeed Road a little north of Dubai Mall.

What's good about it, apart from the enormous amount of space we have, is that more than half the block are offices. This means that the building has a great feel of privacy. So few people use the gym and Ive yet to see anyone in the pool - it's like having our own private health club.

Few crew live in this building, unlike Tecom or Millenium, so there are no EK posters/NTC's hanging in the lifts and you don't have to sign your guests in and out.

There are many great hotels, bars and restaraunts within walking distance and the local alcohol shop in 20 seconds from the front door. 2 metro stops are either side of the building too. Ive yet to wait more than 45 seconds for a cab to pass. Last week at Milennium I waited over 20 minutes.

I don't have any bills apart from the internet connection. If you move out you will pick up water and power straight away.

It's not all bad. Cheers, Craggs.

[sergio_pilot]

hey guys,

anybody with updates on which villas they are relocating for an F/O married with kids? as latest news from the deprtment is they are full in CEDRE/SEMER.

i guess they are still sending people to Al Waha, but apart from that....

cheers

[DQ4]

Last I heard Silicon was filling up, but still plenty of room. Al Waha villas are nice although slightly further out of town.

[Kapitanleutnant]

I would think one of the biggest considerations/worries here is..... when will EK send out the email one morning saying something like, "WIE, in order to save money, all crew living outside EK accommodations now required to bring in copy of contract agreement stating rent/cost of your accommodation. EK will now only pay what is on rental contract vs the flat rate"

That alone should raise the cautions and concerns of everyone wanting to do this.

Can't be done? Neither could a raise of the overtime threshold to 92 hours... neither could the paycap of DEWA utility bills to 21,600 dhs/yr. It was in our contracts!!

Next slowdown in the world's economy, think they won't consider this option?

Kap

[BYMONEK]

Hey Kapitain

You're spot on, they have changed the utilities cap....... they've increased it to 27,000!

Try to keep up.

[yada.yada.yada]

Next slowdown in the world's economy, think they won't consider this option?


I heard the next thing to go would be the ERP scheme. Think the company will save a hell of a lot more money abolishing that than hassling a few folks who live out of co. accommodations.

[White Knight]

now required to bring in copy of contract agreement stating rent/cost of your accommodation

Don't you have a computer and printer? Make your own invoices and contracts!!!!!!!!!

[Desert Camel]

Any updates on the Cedre villas? Are they still available? Otherwise, any other new location?

[JoeNow]

Yeah,hills and springs....take a choice....almost for free:E

[Desert Camel]

Yeah,hills and springs....take a choice....almost for freehttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/evil.gif

This does not really help....

[Kernow 101]

Any updates on what Villas are now being allocated?