Ex-pat in Al Ain

Hi Hospitalguy, welcome on Expat-blog!

You may also view other threads on the Al Ain forum.

I wish you good luck and i hope you get replies very soon.
Christine

Thanks

The web-site seems to be the very thing that ex-pats in Al Ain need.

Hi all, I'm thinking about accepting a job in the UAE, either based in Dubai, or in Al Ain.  Hubby won't be coming with us, there'll be just me and my daughter (pre-teen).  I am very unsure which to accept - I know Dubai quite well, and I like the international feel there.  I'd be so grateful if anyone could give me a brief lowdown on what to expect in Al Ain!

Cheers to all:D

Hi,

I lived in Dubai for two years and am now based in Al Ain so i know both.

Al Ain is very different than Dubai.

It's smaller quieter and does not have the 'glitz and glamour' of Dubai.

The ex-pat community is a lot smaller and there are far fewer places to go of a week-end.  It your into bars and clubs (or your daughter) think again.

I know people who work in Al Ain and commute from Dubai every day, its about a hour and a half drive each way.  The accommodation prices in Dubai i think are slightly cheaper.

The weather in summer is better in Al Ain.  It's actually hotter here but with no sea the humidity is lower and it feels much better.

If you want a quiet life for a few years then Al Ain is fine.  It has all the malls you will need so shopping is no problem.  The malls are a lot smaller than Dubai though.

Driving here i think is crazy compared to Dubai.  What eelse.

Are yes its lovely and green here all year round, with lots of gardens and parks.

If you like a drink then you really can only go to the hotels.  There are very few bars licenced to serve alcohol here.  Most ex-pats meet at the Al-Ain Rugby club as a social waterhole.

If you have any specific questions let me know and i will try to help.

Hi Hospitalguy, That's really helpful.  We're not into bars or clubs - daughter is only 12.  The thing that's swaying me to Dubai is the ocean, and all the watersports, but I know Dubai a little, and it is very glitzy.  I'm not into that either, but it doesn't bother me.  Are there families and children expats there? Or enough of them to have fun?  I want to make friends and get stuck in, not be isolated...And is it a "safe" place to be for children?  And women?  I hope you're enjoying life out there, and thank you so much for your kind reply:cool:

Al Ain is very family orientated as far as ex-pats go.  Most ex-pats here are families rather than singles.  But there are fewer of them.

I actually found it easier to meet ex-pats here than in Dubai.

The Rugby Club or Golf Club is the place to meet even if you dont play.  Normally would get 150 - 200 ex-pats on a match day, at lot with children of your daughters age.

As far a being safe i would say it's very safe here. Most so than Dubai but thats not bad either. 

I have not had any trouble.

Yes if you are in to watersports then Dubai is the place.  There is a dive centre Al Ain if you are into scuba buy they mainly go to the Oman coast to dive.  No water in Al Ain.

There is a great go kart track here and desert of roading here, plus the mountains which you dont have in Dubai.  We are right on the Oman border and you can travel across easily and then you realy are out in the wilderness.

Choice between the glitz/glamour/ocean and the quiet slower pace of Al Ain.

Good luck with your decision.

HI Everyone.

I am new to this site and find it as a great place to meet with friends.

Hi,

No problem and welcome Penfriend284.  Are you based in Al Ain or just thinking of coming here?