New to Abu Dhabi
Discussion
I'm in the final throws of being headhunted out to Abu Dhabi, I've been travelling with work for a few years so simple case of dropping the lease car at the office and having 2-3 boxes shipped. The money is good, big firm, car and apartment allowance.
I've heard there's a better social scene in Dubai but I'm not sure I could hack the 3hr return commute. Kean to get stuck into some sports clubs / car scene etc. as well as buying myself something shiny to cruise around in.
Any tips, trick, pitfalls much appreciated?
- Where's a good place to live, agencies etc.
- 4x4 worth the running costs? What does the local market prefer e.g. 7 yr old Cayenne vs S500
- Social scene for young professional (avoiding the American Psycho types)
- Sports clubs... sailing, rowing, soccer, rugby
I've heard there's a better social scene in Dubai but I'm not sure I could hack the 3hr return commute. Kean to get stuck into some sports clubs / car scene etc. as well as buying myself something shiny to cruise around in.
Any tips, trick, pitfalls much appreciated?
- Where's a good place to live, agencies etc.
- 4x4 worth the running costs? What does the local market prefer e.g. 7 yr old Cayenne vs S500
- Social scene for young professional (avoiding the American Psycho types)
- Sports clubs... sailing, rowing, soccer, rugby
Thanks for all the posts guys, good to know there's a good community over there.
In terms of location a lot of the availability seems to be around Al Reem, but I can't get any info to say what it's like back on street level. Preferably like to live somewhere with something on my doorstep rather than always relying on the car. My office will be in the Nation Tower on Corniche but I'll be flying every week so access to the airport on the complete opposite side of the city is also a consideration. I noticed that the sailing / rowing seems to be also based near Corniche so that's another vote in it's favour.
Two votes for the F150 Raptor - I'll check it out but I think my heart is after a German / Italian V8. A CL63 or Maserati Granturismo being the dream but a 2007 S500 / Cayenne S closer to reality. If the locals aren't keen on used cars I might go looking for a deal on new Camaro.
In terms of location a lot of the availability seems to be around Al Reem, but I can't get any info to say what it's like back on street level. Preferably like to live somewhere with something on my doorstep rather than always relying on the car. My office will be in the Nation Tower on Corniche but I'll be flying every week so access to the airport on the complete opposite side of the city is also a consideration. I noticed that the sailing / rowing seems to be also based near Corniche so that's another vote in it's favour.
Two votes for the F150 Raptor - I'll check it out but I think my heart is after a German / Italian V8. A CL63 or Maserati Granturismo being the dream but a 2007 S500 / Cayenne S closer to reality. If the locals aren't keen on used cars I might go looking for a deal on new Camaro.
shirt said:
used market is very healthy, but not many people are 'car' people. this can mean you get bargains, but mainly you just find folk with an overinflated view of what their car is worth and a dubious idea of 'mint condition'.
start on dubizzle.com for an idea on prices, minus 10% for cash haggling. cars on you list are all in plentiful supply.
Thanks Shirt! Any recommendations of good used dealers much appreciated? Although I'd imagine I'll be in a Hertz Fullsize rental for the first few weeks until I've got my residence card etc. It's still no harm to focus on the important things start on dubizzle.com for an idea on prices, minus 10% for cash haggling. cars on you list are all in plentiful supply.
Cheers Jason / John. Dubizzle it is, great to have an idea on the basics beforehand but I'm in no rush to when I arrive so I'll weigh up my options when I get out there. Appreciate all the info!
To keep it car related current thoughts are for a C222 CL63 AMG ideal for cruising between AD and Dubai while getting a cooled massage. With the other strong possibility being a LX570 which could manage the commute but also desert trips and the odd towing should any toys join the line up later.
What car thread has been bookmarked
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
To keep it car related current thoughts are for a C222 CL63 AMG ideal for cruising between AD and Dubai while getting a cooled massage. With the other strong possibility being a LX570 which could manage the commute but also desert trips and the odd towing should any toys join the line up later.
What car thread has been bookmarked
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by velocitas on Monday 18th August 12:44
@Doom - cheers for the heads up. I'll have to look at that Porsche deal if only for a bit of fun.
Spent the day out in the Al Aweer auto market about 20mins from Dubai, some amazing selection of cars but piss poor salesmen no info on cars or keys. So a day wasted in the end. Very happily driving around in a Dodge Challenger rental car and it might be a short term fix.
Spent the day out in the Al Aweer auto market about 20mins from Dubai, some amazing selection of cars but piss poor salesmen no info on cars or keys. So a day wasted in the end. Very happily driving around in a Dodge Challenger rental car and it might be a short term fix.
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