Recent EK new joiners
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: UAE
Recent EK new joiners
Hi,
Recently passed through selection and just wondering where new guys with a family are being located!
We were shown round the Cedre Villas in Silicon Oasis and I did think they were a bit out of town. The villa's themselves were lovely but I believe they are sending new joiners elsewhere?? I know this is all subject to availability but would like a genral idea!
Also, roster takes you away pretty much half the month so leaving better half and child alone what is there to do around the "compound"?
You could see the tennis courts and pool from the villa but what about restaurants and shops? Are there any around or would you need a trip into town as when it comes down to it, it will be them living there more than me! If I dont like it I get to sit in a metal tube for hours and experience a mini break at the other end on a regular basis!!
What else, eh baby sitting! Is there a facility of some sort? Would be nice to go out once in a while seeing that grandparents would now be very far away!
If I choose Emirates I want to be able to live my life and that of my family. Schools I've heard are excellent out there so trying to think of my little one's future as well as mine!
I'm sure I'll think of more questions but these will do for a start!
kempus
Recently passed through selection and just wondering where new guys with a family are being located!
We were shown round the Cedre Villas in Silicon Oasis and I did think they were a bit out of town. The villa's themselves were lovely but I believe they are sending new joiners elsewhere?? I know this is all subject to availability but would like a genral idea!
Also, roster takes you away pretty much half the month so leaving better half and child alone what is there to do around the "compound"?
You could see the tennis courts and pool from the villa but what about restaurants and shops? Are there any around or would you need a trip into town as when it comes down to it, it will be them living there more than me! If I dont like it I get to sit in a metal tube for hours and experience a mini break at the other end on a regular basis!!
What else, eh baby sitting! Is there a facility of some sort? Would be nice to go out once in a while seeing that grandparents would now be very far away!
If I choose Emirates I want to be able to live my life and that of my family. Schools I've heard are excellent out there so trying to think of my little one's future as well as mine!
I'm sure I'll think of more questions but these will do for a start!
kempus
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 3
From: BNE
Hi Kempus,
SLF here with 10 years in the ME (but with many connections in EK from TRE's to Engineering to CC etc...)
We are moving into Cedre Villas in July.. Very nice place..! To answer your questions in your order:
Cedre Villas (CV) are not "a bit out of town" as you may think. IMHO I believe living in CV is way better than living in town i.e. Deira, Bur Dubai etc... IF you want to live in Al Wasl/Jumeriah/Umm Sequiem - then be prepared to pay extra on your housing allowance. Even in these days of lowered rents, they are still expensive..!
As for things to do around the compound - you will find that there is a great EK community in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and you will find that these families are ready and willing to make new friends as you get assimilated into the community. The compound includes pools tennis and squash courts, parks etc... but more than that is getting out and learing about what the UAE has to offer, with desert trips, camping, water parks etc... So don't get into the midset that you and the family will live life solely in the compound ..!
Restaurants and shops are up and coming in CV but you'll soon find out that it's no more than 20 mins drive to the many many restaurants in Dubai. Mirdif City Centre is just 5 mins from CV and is a fantastic mall to shop and eat in.
Baby sitting - that is arranged via word of mouth generally and there are families with maids in DSO that would help you out. Again, it's just a matter of getting stuck in and becoming part of the community, making friends and so on...
Like any expat family who comes here.. the willingness to get acquainted with your neighbors, make friends and get involved is key to your success as a happy family. If you have that in mind, the rest will come naturally.
SLF here with 10 years in the ME (but with many connections in EK from TRE's to Engineering to CC etc...)
We are moving into Cedre Villas in July.. Very nice place..! To answer your questions in your order:
Cedre Villas (CV) are not "a bit out of town" as you may think. IMHO I believe living in CV is way better than living in town i.e. Deira, Bur Dubai etc... IF you want to live in Al Wasl/Jumeriah/Umm Sequiem - then be prepared to pay extra on your housing allowance. Even in these days of lowered rents, they are still expensive..!
As for things to do around the compound - you will find that there is a great EK community in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and you will find that these families are ready and willing to make new friends as you get assimilated into the community. The compound includes pools tennis and squash courts, parks etc... but more than that is getting out and learing about what the UAE has to offer, with desert trips, camping, water parks etc... So don't get into the midset that you and the family will live life solely in the compound ..!
Restaurants and shops are up and coming in CV but you'll soon find out that it's no more than 20 mins drive to the many many restaurants in Dubai. Mirdif City Centre is just 5 mins from CV and is a fantastic mall to shop and eat in.
Baby sitting - that is arranged via word of mouth generally and there are families with maids in DSO that would help you out. Again, it's just a matter of getting stuck in and becoming part of the community, making friends and so on...
Like any expat family who comes here.. the willingness to get acquainted with your neighbors, make friends and get involved is key to your success as a happy family. If you have that in mind, the rest will come naturally.
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: The middle east
DSO is no longer out of town. Dubai has grown towards DSO.
I no longer have to drive for miles to buy milk, now that there are two Spinneys (one smaller one at Semmer and one really nice sized one at Cedre).
Mirdif City Centre (which in my opinion is the best mall in DXB) is just 10 minutes door to door.
There is a website about stuff in DSO Dubai Silicon Oasis Community
Hope it works out for you.
I no longer have to drive for miles to buy milk, now that there are two Spinneys (one smaller one at Semmer and one really nice sized one at Cedre).
Mirdif City Centre (which in my opinion is the best mall in DXB) is just 10 minutes door to door.
There is a website about stuff in DSO Dubai Silicon Oasis Community
Hope it works out for you.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: UAE
Thanks for the replies folks! You hear such a mix bag of stuff but for everyone it's different and eyes open policy is what I'm wanting to go into this with!
I've noticed the Dirham is falling against the pound but does this make much a difference when your paid in local currency? I did go round some supermarkets rather than sight seeing and I noticed dairy products were expensive but much else in line with the expensive uk so don't see much of a difference!
Oh one other thing, cars easy to come by? Second hand 4x4 like a land rover discovery! Range rover would be nice but pricey but the missus would like to feel safe driving as I did notice it is very much traffic light grand prix!!
Kempus
I've noticed the Dirham is falling against the pound but does this make much a difference when your paid in local currency? I did go round some supermarkets rather than sight seeing and I noticed dairy products were expensive but much else in line with the expensive uk so don't see much of a difference!
Oh one other thing, cars easy to come by? Second hand 4x4 like a land rover discovery! Range rover would be nice but pricey but the missus would like to feel safe driving as I did notice it is very much traffic light grand prix!!
Kempus
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: under 10,000'
Kempus
I am not a EK pilot but can give you some general advise regarding prices etc. I think most of the replies you would receive would echo my sentiments.
Prices of Cars: Cheap when compared to some parts of the world. www.dubizzle.com is a good place for you to start checking on prices. 4wheel drives are also a cheap Middle Eastern plaything and I dont think you would have too much trouble finding a good deal.
Grocery: Milk etc are a bit more expensive than some other parts of the world I agree. Generally, living cost is a bit higher than the US/Canada/Aus but really depends on your lifestyle and what you choose to buy. Some DO save in the UAE while others go bankrupt. Play it safe and stick to local product like Nadec etc.
Check timeoutdubai.com for daily specials on drinks, movies etc. Sometimes, they post some amazing deals and that can only save cash for you.
Apologies for deviating from the topic a bit but wishing you all the best in the pit!
Sam
I am not a EK pilot but can give you some general advise regarding prices etc. I think most of the replies you would receive would echo my sentiments.
Prices of Cars: Cheap when compared to some parts of the world. www.dubizzle.com is a good place for you to start checking on prices. 4wheel drives are also a cheap Middle Eastern plaything and I dont think you would have too much trouble finding a good deal.
Grocery: Milk etc are a bit more expensive than some other parts of the world I agree. Generally, living cost is a bit higher than the US/Canada/Aus but really depends on your lifestyle and what you choose to buy. Some DO save in the UAE while others go bankrupt. Play it safe and stick to local product like Nadec etc.
Check timeoutdubai.com for daily specials on drinks, movies etc. Sometimes, they post some amazing deals and that can only save cash for you.
Apologies for deviating from the topic a bit but wishing you all the best in the pit!
Sam
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Sussex UK
SLF but we go shopping too. In UAE most imported meat is probably significantly cheaper than UK but decent cheese is very expensive. 2nd cars no problem. Al Futtaim Auto Mall has a large selection of models with extensive presale inspection and checks and warranty - but you pay a premium for that. Private car sales can be remarkably cheap - especially if they are of the 'distressed' nature.
