The new 164 rent is actually 210-220 depending on location, and they're selling like hot cakes. They're not for EK-staff, simply rented to anybody with a hefty pay check. The original 164 went for 85 on a 10 year lease, which should be finished in 2010. Supposedly with new rules only management staff get old 164. A good friend was turned down for this reason, but I know of at least one senior f/o who recently relocated to 164 when the old resident moved to silicon. That simply means the same as always: Don't believe anything you hear, because it'll change next week. Many pilots think all 164 and 84 residents will get relocated when the lease runs out, but I don't see why. At that time the lease will have to be re-negotiated obviously, but the new cost must be compared against the cost of any other accomodation in Dubai. They can always kick everybody out, and force people to take allowance. However, they can't afford that since droves of pilots will resign when they're on the street, and allowance won't cover living expenses. Somebody must staff the airplanes. Sure, the bean counters will vote yes, because they're only short-term bottom line guys, but in then end it's simply not possible. A reasonable rumour is that they're building another 900 villas at silicon, in addition to some high rises. They'll be able to house all villa pilots, and apt pilots in one area by 2011. Unfortunate but highly possible. The only positive is that if you have a car accident in the compound, you can most likely communicate in English with the other driver...