Abu Dhabi APR/TWR

[Scooby Don't]

Hi all, long-time reader, first time poster, yada yada.

A few Abu Dhabi questions, specifically for the TWR/APR peeps.

1. What's the salary/housing allowance? Any rumours of it getting closer to Dubai levels?

2. Are the horror stories re: housing shortages really as bad as stated in these pages?

3. How well integrated are Serco and GCAA controllers? Any mixed social gatherings, etc?

4. Is the airport commutable from anywhere other than Abu Dhabi? How about Al Ain? And is it any cheaper? Is Serco accommodation for married couples available and any good?

5. Are the equipment and procedures any good?

Thanks!

[2 Dogs]

Abu Dhabi International Airport is less than 1 hours driving from the western/southern side of Al Ain.
At the moment rents are a fraction of those in AUH but are becoming more expensive by the day.
Interestingly there are many more Dubai number plates around Al Ain these days and it is obvious that many locals from Dubai are going the commute route because of traffic congestion and accommodation costs.

[Scooby Don't]

Thanks 2 dogs! Anyone else??? Any idea if Abu Dhabi is upping pay to Dubai levels, etc etc???

[Funk]

Scooby,

1. Allowances now 100K AED, same as Area, any rumours about Dubai style pay levels are conjecture (more like fantasy).
2. Yes the housing horror stories are as bad as previously stated. Nice 2 bd flat 140+K (if you can find one) and villas on the island you don't get paid enough, villas in Khalifa city range these days from 180+K to 280+K.
3. GCAA is only in Area (for now). We generally mix socially, families with kids live in the same 2 apartment buildings.
4. Al Ain is 130km away by nice motorway, about an 1 hour on the speed limit (ish).
Dubai marina (Jebel Ali) a little over 45mins drive. There are plenty of very nice flats/apartments there, they are just a bit more expensive (140-170K). Unless you have kids Serco probably will not provide accommodation.
5. Can't answer that one, from the area side the procedures with Abu Dhabi are nearly as bad as they are with DB.

[Fox3snapshot]

1 hour to Al Ain :eek:, that can't be on two wheels surely!!?? :E

[2 Dogs]

That would be on 4 wheels.
It can be done in less than 35 minutes on 2 wheels :)
I know of one idiot who has done it ... apparently the radar doesn't work over 250kph .. something to do with a blurred image ;)