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lospilotos
30th Jan 2012, 11:55
Hi!

Recently attended the HR-tour that EK does for potential new-hires. I was expecting to see the Silicon Oasis for a villa but they took us to the Jumeirah area. We were all quite disappointed with what we saw. The villa was quite dated and definately needed a touch-up before anyone moves in. No balcony nor any terrace for the Barbie and I was hoping to bring my Weber down...

Didn´t seem very children/wife friendly as it seems to lack any community facilities like pool, cafees, gym etc, either which is a big thing for us.

Anyway, could anyone living there comment on the villas and the area in general?

Thanks!
/L.

Mr Good Cat
30th Jan 2012, 13:19
Possibly the same place I was shown on interview. Huge five bed villa with no outdoor areas?

However, to be fair - it's in the minority.

I live in Jumeirah and although the villas are about 10 years old they're fairly modern. The build quality is better here than the villas I viewed at the new silicon development although the furnishings aren't as luxurious.

As the old saying goes it's all about Location, Location, Location and we're 5 minutes walk from the beach, schools and cafes/shops whilst still in a quiet area... so we're very happy.

You won't get a choice on where to live although you can state your preferences before you join.

Jetaim
30th Jan 2012, 13:27
You are right. It is matter of location location location... 2000 miles from Dubai ..perfect!!!:rolleyes:

SassyPilotsWife
30th Jan 2012, 14:40
there is a new development outside of Dubai that EK is about to obtain some of the villas. We already have quite a few EK pilots living here and couldn't be happier. They moved here by choice.. and here's the difference in letting EK put you here vs choosing to move here yourself.

100k cash in your pocket if you choose your own housing allowance for captains
80k for FO's

If EK puts you here, you don't get the difference.

Rent for a beautiful 4 bed villa is no more than 80k for EK pilots.
These villas are located the same difference it would take to get from JBR/Jumeirah to DXB. It is a development that is brand new, new villas, swimming pool, tennis courts, playground etc.. and for those who know DXB, they are the same villas built in Arabian Ranches but half the rental cost. Electricity is between 23 and 25 fils per KW. Internet is great. Schools could be/ aren't so much an issue. Sharjah English does have bus transportation to the development. And the bus company is very very good. Just ask other EK pilots or ATC guys who are already living here.

Is it next to the beach ? no but only 10 min away. Kite surfing all day
Is it next to Mall of the Emirates ? no
Is it within walking distance to Spinney's no
Is it next to or within walking distance to all other amenities your used to in close proximity of 5 minutes ? no.. but if you weren't willing to travel to save and make no less than 80k a year more ? Why did you come here to begin with ? :)

It is however, very close to Carrefour, Spinney's, 2 malls, Barraccuda, and the UAQ's best kept secret. UAQ Marina. where there is so much to offer at such a bargain where everyone gets along and has a great time.

You know how to contact me. If not, ask any happy EK capt who is now my neighbor or send a PM.

Saltaire
30th Jan 2012, 15:15
Don't do it.... many have been lured by the almighty dollar over the years and pocket the savings. circa 2007-8

I haven't seen it but anything out in Sharjah or any other ghetto is not what most people would consider desirable. The traffic is horrendous out there, and unless you are a family seriously in need of some cash, or are super tight, forget it. If your single you will shoot yourself. Most wives would lose their minds out there very quickly. The landscape is very third world and depressing. Sorry about the harsh response, but thats the way i see it... anything in Oasis, closer to Dubai, Jumeirah, the villa, falcon city, etc. If you want any longevity in this place, I would pick anything much closer to Dubai and all the amenities of the city, beach clubs, social scene etc.

SassyPilotsWife
30th Jan 2012, 15:29
Ex.. just being realistic. the message is only for those who may/most likely will wind up out here. If EK is going to put pilots out here, why not do it yourself and get the difference in housing allowance ? All I can offer to your reply is that pilots coming on board should OPT OUT FOR THEIR OWN HOUSING! Because they may not wind up with having the choice to live here. And I can assure you, its not a real estate ploy, if it were, why would I bother taking the time to post this ? If EK takes everything avail, then my job was done. I didn't have to take the time to post anything.

Saltair, it is not Sharjah, but you brought up very good points and not. You are very correct it is NOT what single guys would be looking for. So .. anyone who is single, please ignore the post. I agree with you. I don't recommend living here if you're single and want to be in close proximity to clubs, parks, nightlife and if you choose, hookers. As for the wives, the wives living here are happy. However, that comes down to what they all prefer. Some families want to save the money. It all comes down to what your looking for. Saving 100k a year in housing could afford a nice boat with the opportunity to live in a nice villa such as Arabian Ranches. You want city living or country living ?

Please remember the reason for the post. It's not about marketing the development but rather EK guys making money from the difference in housing assignment vs allowance to move here. While it is nice and I would recommend it for the right person, the post was to advise you that there is a chance you could wind up here under EK's housing anyway. If I was on here to market properties, I would 1. Market properties I have in Dubai that I would be paid a hell of alot more commission with a target market of investors from all over the world which is where I make the majority of my money. And 2. Pay to advertise on here at the cost of my agency that pays for it.

Mr Good Cat
30th Jan 2012, 17:12
Sassy Pilot's Wife:

I have no grudge to bear with you, but to be fair it DOES look like a typical real estate spiel.

there is a chance you could wind up here under EK's housing anyway

Well, actually there isn't as EK wants it's pilots spending money in Dubai - hence why they have signed a contract for 500 villas next to the Meydan racecourse. It's not exactly on the beach-front but it IS in Dubai, only 15 minutes from the airport and certainly less hassle than trying to negotiate Emirates Road through Sharjah at rush hour in your own car.

*Let's not forget that EK don't provide transport if you live outside Dubai's boundary*.

Some pilots may be happy to live on the edge of Ras Al Khaimah (much more laid back of course) but it's best not to mislead new joiners without the full facts.

gulfnews : Meydan City set to host Emirates gated community in three years (http://gulfnews.com/business/property/uae/meydan-city-set-to-host-emirates-gated-community-in-three-years-1.780172)

InnocentBystander
30th Jan 2012, 17:39
Just call SPW what she is: A Real Estate Agent trying to poach customers. Others do it with little ads at the black board at spinneys but she chose to troll pprune.

Remember, when you come to Dubai everybody is only after your best: Your money. SPW included.

Just be aware of this and choose wisely how and where to invest your money. Just don't come back here in two years and whine how [insert failed investment scheme] has stolen your money.

Oh and just to make this clear, I have nothing against living in UAQ, Ajman or RAK. I'm sure it's lovely. It's just that fly-by-night-working-out-of-the-trunk-of-their-SLK-pilots-wife-real-estate-agents that irk me. ;)

boarderdw
30th Jan 2012, 17:52
If you initially opt for company provided housing and then don't like the housing they set you up with, can you opt out and find your own place?

SassyPilotsWife
30th Jan 2012, 17:54
Hi Cat,

No worries, I can promise you its not a spiel as we have plenty of business without having to go on here for it. But it was confirmed that EK has been meeting with the developer who is about to default on owner's who have not made final payment since purchasing 2 years ago. Honestly, when I first heard about it, my concern is that it would cut out any chance of me having the opportunity to sell/lease properties that are not occupied via owner or rental so if the confirmation that I was given is not true, then all stays the same and I do here what I've been doing for months. It was just that after discussions with current EK residents and others coming on board , it would be in the interest of potential EK residents that they wind up here on their own rather than EK paid residency. True, there is no transportation from here set up yet. Key word yet, but I don't know any EK crew member from either the flight deck or cabin who can pocket that much of a difference and not be willing to co-op with other crew, hire a driver or drive themselves. Even airbus guys LOL j/k. Actually there are a couple living here already. Avoid 311, On 611, its a 35 minute drive. From Jebel Ali , JBR its the same amount of time and some are happy to give up that time spent in traffic for a straight shot. When it comes down to it, I'm the DH of a pilot who, like the rest, are happy their husbands have jobs here and want to make the best of it while we live away from our families in other countries. So i'm not here just trying to make money, I just wanted to share a chance for newcomers to have the choice to move here and save, versus moving here and not be able to pocket the rest. If I do infact meet someone who has been located here via EK housing, I will let you guys know.

SassyPilotsWife
30th Jan 2012, 18:16
First.. If i'm out to make money.. making a small commission from renting a property at 75k a year is hardly breaking the bank. And my post on here wasn't about that. It was actually to respond about EK housing and why not post about a development that word has it, EK is going to put pilots here ? The advantage to renting here yourself vs EK doing it as I said was to pocket the difference.

Second, Choose how to invest and spend your money wisely ? Your money or EK's money ? If your saving 100k a year in housing by renting from me vs letting EK place you, and spending 4k for agency commission you are hardly out of pocket. Do the math numb nuts.

Third, Get it right. I drive an SL.. not an SLK. And I'm HARDLY a fly by night agent who works out of a trunk. I own a company in Al Ain and work for a very reputable company in Dubai and am a licensed real estate agent in the US as well. I'm here to work because I don't sit on my ass living off of my husband's income. I work because I have bills just like you do, I have children in college who I will work 7 days a week to make sure they graduate. I give back to the community I live in. I have been on Pprune for 3 years not to troll, but out of my love of aviation, to support my husband, to learn about living in the UAE and have respectively receive advice, learned enough to give it and been dealt with alot of bull**** including nasty comments from others for what I've expressed on here. But I've never, until tonight.. read such a nasty post from anyone as you have sent my way tonight. And I sure as hell didn't deserve this one. And I know I shouldn't let you get to me, but it really sickens me to see that you would remotely think this about me. I've never shed a tear about any post and I've always been able to dish it right back til yours. So.. without further adeu.. and I hope you read this before it's thrown out, GO **** YOURSELF

SassyPilotsWife
30th Jan 2012, 18:53
BTW Not so Innocent.. you tried this similar attack on me nearly a year ago with the same post. Feb 28th to be exact. Not sure your beef with a pilots wife or real estate agent or both from your past. But don't take it out on me. Like I told you then, I'm not a failed " couldn't pass the test so I came here" non licensed agent, nor am I a Jumeirah Jane with nothing better to do. Keep it real though and while I don't want or need your respect or approval, no need for the useless attempt or attack of insults.

PS. just to clarify your assumptions, the only items you will find in the trunk of my car are the bodies of those who pissed me off. I've got an office. Feel free to come on by. Beotch. :p

Gulfstreamaviator
30th Jan 2012, 23:09
SPW,

where is the UAQ project you were talking about.

take care out there.

glf

Saltaire
31st Jan 2012, 03:45
Just to be clear folks. Be very careful of taking the allowance and going out on your own if you have a family. One of the great benefits is the comfort and lack of stress with having EK pay for all your housing headaches. There is enough to worry about in this place... years ago, people were squeezed by the rising market and some were paying big out of pocket money, cutting back on A/C and water consumption etc. DEWA bills can rise very quickly here and the last thing you want is to stress about your housing situation.

If you do move out to one of SASSY's locales, what happens if you hate it and want to move back to Dubai with your family? All of the sudden, your allowance is not enough for a 4 bedroom villa with all the bills to cover, and your 100k in savings is long gone.

I know of a single captain who lives in Discovery gardens, and heard of one that lives in International ghetto city....probably saves 80% of the allowance. They can have it and save all they want..... with NO life. To each their own i guess.

Lospilotos...For a new family I would highly recommend taking the company accommodation and give yourself time to settle in. The Jumeriah area is one the best available and worth it. Paint it up and get EK to make some updates in the villa for you. If it's that bad, ask for another option.... Good luck

skape-naaier
31st Jan 2012, 04:01
Sorry SPW don't know how to PM don't read this website much but have a Villa in the a fore mentioned location for rent. Is your REstate Co listing them ?
If so can you let me know.

InnocentBystander
31st Jan 2012, 04:09
So.. without further adeu.. and I hope you read this before it's thrown out, GO **** YOURSELF

It's "ado". And you should go easy on the chardonnay that late at night.

And no, this forum is not for advertising your business.

4HolerPoler
31st Jan 2012, 04:49
Guys please continue this slapfest by PM

yoyonow
31st Jan 2012, 12:40
Lospilotos,

I rarely reply on these forums but feel that I need to in this case.

Do not, whatever you do, be taken in by the real estate advertising masquerading as posts by SPW. Whilst she is, I’m sure, an honorable and decent (despite evidence to the contrary in her recent posts) person her advice is fatally flawed. She has no real knowledge of EK, has only been here for 3 years and has a vested interest in you believing her advice.

Do not trust anyone who tells you what EK are going to do next week. It’s just not the way EK operate and I would bet a large sum that they will never accommodate outside Dubai.

Undoubtedly UAQ/RAK are very pleasant but they are most definitely not for everyone. Take the company accommodation for at least a year, assess the market , decide where you would like to live and what lifestyle suits you and then if you are sure go out and buy. You won’t miss out on a bargain as the market is basically stagnant at the moment.

Bottom line, do not commit yourself or family to a lifestyle and commute that you may regret.

Saltaire
31st Jan 2012, 13:49
Yet another issue living outside Dubai is company transport. I'm not sure if EK will pick you up outside Dubai, and even if they will, the traffic can be gridlock in some places like Sharjah and UMM. Be very careful about taking the allowance with dollar signs in your eyes. The stress, isolation and hassle can break relationships. I agree with yoyo, take the company acc and settle into the city for a year or two.

lospilotos
31st Jan 2012, 15:45
Thanks guys for the tips and warnings. Yeah, I´m defo going to stick with the company acc. Just wanted to have some more insights into the Jumeirah area as it was not really what I was expecting.

InnocentBystander
31st Jan 2012, 18:04
Just wanted to have some more insights into the Jumeirah area as it was not really what I was expecting

They've showed me a Villa in Jumeirah during the interview as well and when I joined three months later everyone was being put into temporary housing... For 9 months! And then put way into the desert. Yeah it depends... ;)

So, yes, best would be to just come over, enjoy company housing for a while, get to know Dubai and then make an informed decision.

We've spent a few years and then opted out and are super happy. But that's us, others have stayed in and are happy too. But then we didn't do it for the money and we don't need a four-bed villa.

For maximum QoL it's probably good to ask for accommodation in Umm Suqeim or Jumeirah (Villas only) and for the best villas (But quite a bit out of town) for Silicon Oasis or Layan.

Locations for apartments are all good except 21st Century, those apartments are very dark and small. Preferably the one's on Sheik Zayed Rd. Millennium used to be a bit off the path but now it's getting much better with a lot of shops and restaurants opening in Executive Towers.

Good luck!

SassyPilotsWife
1st Feb 2012, 15:33
Of course. as a wife, you know we like to have the final word so let me make this brief as you roll your eyes...

1. Thank you for the private messages and I've finally had time to respond.

2. My original post was NOT to try and advertise. If so, I would have dropped my phone number and company details. Whether or not you want to believe it, I was honestly ( at the advice of the 2 EK pilots who I met with that day) let you guys know that EK has been in meetings with an agency about moving some guys here because they have found out that there are a few EK pilots living here already. I promise you, it was with only good intentions.. because its nice to see guys be able to get the difference in the rent and pocket it themselves.

3. GLF.. its not far from you, right off the coast. Give me a call and come have a drink. Although.. I've seen the hottie that is occupying your time and she's gorgeous! Do you even leave the house ? :)

4. If you are new to EK.. like i said previously, DO NOT move down to UAQ as you do need to live close to your new job, close to amenities that are westernized because you won't know how to get around let alone find anything that you need and your children need to be close to surroundings that are closer to what they left behind. My suggestion to move here should have included that statement. If I had moved here the first time I arrived in the UAE, I would have went back home after 1 month and we moved to Al Ain after our arrival LOL.

5. Please remember that the majority of posters on this thread are aviator families living away from our families, the lives we know, the environment we once knew and more often than not, our friends here become our families, So please, even if you feel I'm trying to advertise on here, give me a break! I'm an aviators wife who works out here. In fire/ems, back home where I am a paramedic, we often , as a professional courtesy, give our business to our brothers/sisters for services we need that range anywhere from heating and a/c to landscaping to even real estate sales and leasing, I would hope living 8500 miles away, and being a pilots wife, we can do the same here. I'm sure out there some of your spouses may have been self employed, artistically creative or have a trade offering somethign they specialize in where the opportunity to gain business would mean the world to them if it came from another aviator family. I'm a wife who doesn't sit around playing Jumeirah Jane while my man flies in less than desirable circumstances and I have to be his co-pilot when it comes to finances. So why not be supportive ?

nuff said.....

PS. I have a new development in the Caymans if interested :E