The Outlaw

Not sure why you'd thing the GDV tenants would never think of being moved. The initial contract in 2003 was for 10 years. It was then extended for only 2 which would in itself imply that it's not going to be long term. I know of at least one colleague who's staying but will 'opt out' and pay the landlord instead. How much he's paying I have no idea but it's worth it for him to avoid the hassle of a move and increased school drive times. Have seen pics for Meydan South and it looks better than the 'Heights'.

Harry

DSO is not going anywhere soon

If it is anything like Gulf Air in Bahrain, 1975 and onwards you will go to the developments in which the 'directors' and other EK luminaries have a financial interest! Nothing like keeping it in the family! ;)

Fatbus,

I don't mean to sound argumentative but that is what I was told by the big guy himself ,HAB. I was offered any one of 3 villa's in DSO and was told that the contracts in DSO go year to year only meaning that I could be moved again within one year. I spoke to a colleague has was recently sent to the camp who stated the same position from accommodation.

Those units in Meydan will not sit empty long.

Unless you have real information to the contrary since this time last year then I think you are deluding yourself

Same here, grade 9 is an apartment, grade 10 is villa. The building I am in is mainly cabin crew sharing but their own room. Flight deck, engineers and EGHQ with their own apartment. There are a few families here, but as flight deck with kids get a villa, there are not many in my experience. If you need any info, feel free to PM and I'll help if I can.

Good luck.

GA

Thanks GA! We decided to take the accommodation allowance instead. With him based at HQ, Mirdif seems like an affordable option with a short enough commute. So, now we are busy looking for that perfect villa (on a low budget) outside the flight path ;-)

Hi there.

I have a question regarding the company accommodation, if I opt for the unfurnished option, are the kitchen appliances supplied? Fridge, stove and washing machine or that is not included??

I tried to found out an answer for this but I can't find anything.

I have been told on an email that no apartments are empty currently so I have to go to temporary accommodation for a while, I hope is not too long because that Premier inn is terrible place to stay for more than 3 or 4 days.

Thanks guys.

try 9 months

Mig, do yourself a favour, take the unfurnished option.
The items included in the package are just not worth it. Trust me, we have been there and done that.
The mattresses are rock hard, the sofas uncomfor table, the fridge is too small.
Better to go to Home Centre, Better Life (EPC discount), or any number of other places.
Seek and ye shall find.......

9 months in the Premier inn?? I don't think I can survive that, I stayed there 5 days and I was very much looking forward to leave the place.

P7xkk, Thank you for the reply, actually after few comments very similar to yours by some guys I know in EK, I finally ask for the unfurnished accommodation, I think it's better to take the 45000 and buy whatever We really like in the different shops, most of them offer free delivery and installation so it will be ok I think.

Good choice! You should be able to find what you need to survive initially. Then your better half can join in when she arrives!

We took the fully furnished option - mainly because we had so much other crap to deal with outside of EK that we just didn't want the hassle. Most of the furniture is fine but I do agree with the coments about mattresses. They are like slabs of concrete and do need replacing if you want a good night's sleep.

If you have the luxury of spare time (a rare commodity in EK at the best of times) then I would recommend taking the allowance.

Most who took furnished quickly sell the furnishings and replace them out of their own pocket. You're much better off taking the allowance.

Unfurnished also mean unequipped - you'll have a kitchen sink and that's all. You will need to buy washing machines, dryer, oven, microwave, dishwasher and everything else yourself. I'd recommend Carrefour. You will also need to arrange and pay for the first gas bottle installation, if you get a gas oven, but the company pay for all subsequent gas bottle replacements.

It is recommended to get a water cooler and water bottle contract or a water filtration system. The water is safe enough, but it does have a lot of very fine sand (shows up when the filters are replaced if you get a system) and there is still a bit of chlorine in the water from the desalination process. That causes accelerated hair loss and skin issues from the showers, but ingestion has effects in the long term. If you prefer the water bottles to a filter system (5000AED), then you can also get special shower heads or filters in the Mirdiff mall to remove the chlorine.

Thank you very much guys for your feedback, It is greatly appreciated and I have copy few suggestion you've made.

I know it will take some time to get all the stuff in the house but since EK has already told me to get comfortable in the Inn because no apartment is available, I think i will have time to go and start checking out all the stuff and the day I got the place arrange all.