Moving to Dubai... some starter questions
Discussion
Hi all
I'm moving to Dubai next month and have a few beginner questions...
1) Can anyone recommend any reliable agents for renting a flat? Am probably looking to get a 1 bed in Dubai Marina area but would equally consider living further out.
2) I will be out in Dubai for a year (or a little more) and so I think it makes more sense and would be more convenient to simply lease a car during this time. Don't need anything special, just something to commute to work and get around. Are there any good companies or are they all about the same?
3) Hoping to get involved in some car and/or bike track days out there, but again, from a convenience point of view, would rather hire track machinery. Are there any companies in Dubai that provide this? I've had a look around online but not been able to find anything apart from the tracks experience type activities.
Help on any of the above would be much appreciated and look forward to meeting some of you out there.
I'm moving to Dubai next month and have a few beginner questions...
1) Can anyone recommend any reliable agents for renting a flat? Am probably looking to get a 1 bed in Dubai Marina area but would equally consider living further out.
2) I will be out in Dubai for a year (or a little more) and so I think it makes more sense and would be more convenient to simply lease a car during this time. Don't need anything special, just something to commute to work and get around. Are there any good companies or are they all about the same?
3) Hoping to get involved in some car and/or bike track days out there, but again, from a convenience point of view, would rather hire track machinery. Are there any companies in Dubai that provide this? I've had a look around online but not been able to find anything apart from the tracks experience type activities.
Help on any of the above would be much appreciated and look forward to meeting some of you out there.
dt8 said:
Hi all
I'm moving to Dubai next month and have a few beginner questions...
1) Can anyone recommend any reliable agents for renting a flat? Am probably looking to get a 1 bed in Dubai Marina area but would equally consider living further out.
2) I will be out in Dubai for a year (or a little more) and so I think it makes more sense and would be more convenient to simply lease a car during this time. Don't need anything special, just something to commute to work and get around. Are there any good companies or are they all about the same?
3) Hoping to get involved in some car and/or bike track days out there, but again, from a convenience point of view, would rather hire track machinery. Are there any companies in Dubai that provide this? I've had a look around online but not been able to find anything apart from the tracks experience type activities.
Help on any of the above would be much appreciated and look forward to meeting some of you out there.
Welcome.I'm moving to Dubai next month and have a few beginner questions...
1) Can anyone recommend any reliable agents for renting a flat? Am probably looking to get a 1 bed in Dubai Marina area but would equally consider living further out.
2) I will be out in Dubai for a year (or a little more) and so I think it makes more sense and would be more convenient to simply lease a car during this time. Don't need anything special, just something to commute to work and get around. Are there any good companies or are they all about the same?
3) Hoping to get involved in some car and/or bike track days out there, but again, from a convenience point of view, would rather hire track machinery. Are there any companies in Dubai that provide this? I've had a look around online but not been able to find anything apart from the tracks experience type activities.
Help on any of the above would be much appreciated and look forward to meeting some of you out there.
Whereabouts will you be working?
Betterhomes are the largest agency out here, for an idea of pricing and stuff look on www.dubizzle.com.
Ask here about individual towers as there is a huge variance in quality in the Marina.
Depending on your working hours traffic in and out of Marina can be a fecking ballache.
Approx Budget for car rental? A Yaris or equivalent will cost approx 315 quid a month, petrol is virtually free.
Unsure on track stuff hire, Ian/Richard/Shirt or one of the others may know more.
Where to live in the marina depends on where you work as some bits are easier in traffic than others, but due to the abundance and cost of taxis where to live is not an issue unless you want to be able to walk to your local.
Track days, no specific car hire places but a few of the motor sport companies may be up for a deal as they often rent cars out on a race by race basis.
Track days, no specific car hire places but a few of the motor sport companies may be up for a deal as they often rent cars out on a race by race basis.
where in the marina /jbr is critical at the moment. the whole place is being dug up to build a pointless tram network and it can be a bloody nightmare at certain points at certain times of the day. also depends where you will be working and what office hrs as to how much of your day will be spent in traffic.
NFS and gulfsport rent out fully prepped cars for racing [clio cups and radicals respectively] and the latter also do the same for testing which often runs at the same time as track days. i am sure both would entertain an enquiry from you.
NFS and gulfsport rent out fully prepped cars for racing [clio cups and radicals respectively] and the latter also do the same for testing which often runs at the same time as track days. i am sure both would entertain an enquiry from you.
As shirt says, depends where you'll be working as to where in the Marina (if at all) is best to live. Dubai, while being relatively small, can be mad bloody big by the amount of traffic around the place on key roads - a drive from the Marina to Downtown or even Deira can take between 30 minutes to 1.5hrs at rush hour.
Have you thought about serviced apartments to take out some of the stress and hassle of renting, furnishing, getting internet, DEWA, cooling etc? There's plenty of (relatively cheap) serviced apartments up that way - I know a lad paying 8k a month for a serviced one bed in Gloria Apartments up by Media City on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Also, worth speaking with AUH about rental of track machinery.
Just a thought.
Have you thought about serviced apartments to take out some of the stress and hassle of renting, furnishing, getting internet, DEWA, cooling etc? There's plenty of (relatively cheap) serviced apartments up that way - I know a lad paying 8k a month for a serviced one bed in Gloria Apartments up by Media City on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Also, worth speaking with AUH about rental of track machinery.
Just a thought.
Betterhomes has had some bad press recently but I can recommend giving Kristina a call at the JBR office. She was very honest and helpful when I got my place in the Marina.
Better Homes LLC, JBR office
Shop 14, The Walk,
Amwaj 5, Jumeirah Beach Residence
PO Box 29726, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 427 2444
Better Homes LLC, JBR office
Shop 14, The Walk,
Amwaj 5, Jumeirah Beach Residence
PO Box 29726, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 427 2444
I assume that your Company will be putting you up in some hotel/serviced Apartment for the first month or so? As mentioned above, renting a place, DEWA/Internet etc can be a pain, plus you will have to put down deposits etc. If I was you I would look at flat-share with somebody. It will be easier and a lot less hassle for you if and when you leave.
Thanks for all your replies.
As someone has suggested, my company is putting me up in a serviced apartment for my first month. My office is in DIFC in the Gate Village (next to the Ritz Carlton) so I'm guessing the commute to the Marina will be approximately 30 minutes? Or is that optimistic?
Having lived in serviced apartments for the majority of the last few years, I would much rather finally have my own place, even if it more effort (and my company provides interest free deposit and rent cheques). Are there any particular buildings in JBR/Marina to look for/avoid - or which developers are better than others?
As someone has suggested, my company is putting me up in a serviced apartment for my first month. My office is in DIFC in the Gate Village (next to the Ritz Carlton) so I'm guessing the commute to the Marina will be approximately 30 minutes? Or is that optimistic?
Having lived in serviced apartments for the majority of the last few years, I would much rather finally have my own place, even if it more effort (and my company provides interest free deposit and rent cheques). Are there any particular buildings in JBR/Marina to look for/avoid - or which developers are better than others?
Without being overly assumptive a DIFC based job should mean a reasonable at least budget.
I'd avoid JBR to be honest, Trident and Emaar are probably the best developers in Marina.
Individual developments they do - Marina Promenade, Al Majara, Bayside, Marina Quays off the top off my head.
I'd avoid JBR to be honest, Trident and Emaar are probably the best developers in Marina.
Individual developments they do - Marina Promenade, Al Majara, Bayside, Marina Quays off the top off my head.
there are some nice units in jbr with great views over the beach and palm. i live behind the ritz carlton, has its plus points [fireproof! hehe] but the traffic is bloody murder at times.
the stretch around marina walk will be easiest for you in terms on peak time access. i agree that emaar and trident are the best. used to live in al sahab which was a fantastic building. marina quays is also great [and low rise which is a bonus].
30mins to DFC is possible but i'd allow 40 and it could easily be an hour in heavy traffic. my commute to jebel ali is 15mins at best, usually nearer 25, but the worst has been 3 hrs!
have you considered downtown around the burj? some v. nice buildings down there and handier for work.
the stretch around marina walk will be easiest for you in terms on peak time access. i agree that emaar and trident are the best. used to live in al sahab which was a fantastic building. marina quays is also great [and low rise which is a bonus].
30mins to DFC is possible but i'd allow 40 and it could easily be an hour in heavy traffic. my commute to jebel ali is 15mins at best, usually nearer 25, but the worst has been 3 hrs!
have you considered downtown around the burj? some v. nice buildings down there and handier for work.
If you're going to be working in the DIFC have you considered renting in the Downtown area? Only a 10 minute drive (even during rush hour)and there's loads going on in the area. Ok, you don't have the beach but you've got everything else. Generally (caveats etc), the apartments are finished to a higher standard than the ones in the Marina/JBR too. Not that I'm biased ;-)
Agree with those comments above. I'm done with the traffic in the marina and am in the process of moving downtown (even though I work in Abu D 4 days a week).
Some fabulous apartments in Standpoint Tower and the Loft for Marina prices. Burj Residences nice but a little pricier. Haven't looked round 29 Boulevard or Boulevard Central yet but hear they are worth a look.
Unless you already know people in the Marina, you may find that a lot of your social life is based around DIFC area and sitting in taxis going up and down SZR in various states of sobriety gets a little boring.
Just my two pence worth... either way, good luck!
Some fabulous apartments in Standpoint Tower and the Loft for Marina prices. Burj Residences nice but a little pricier. Haven't looked round 29 Boulevard or Boulevard Central yet but hear they are worth a look.
Unless you already know people in the Marina, you may find that a lot of your social life is based around DIFC area and sitting in taxis going up and down SZR in various states of sobriety gets a little boring.
Just my two pence worth... either way, good luck!
Marina to DIFC isn't too bad a journey as you're going against the main flow of traffic, but you're looking at at least 30 mins on a good day.
Previously I would have recommended my block of buildings - Park Island as it's an Emaar development and is good quality. However with the tram work going on at the moment, getting in at night has become and absolute mare of late and is likely to be the same for at least another year.
I've lived in Downtown before and the places there are generally good as most are Emaar developments. Traffic can be a bit snotty at weekends with all the Dubai Mall traffic and New Years / National Day is an absolute joke - don't plan on leaving your apartment after 4pm as you'll never get back in.
There's plenty of shops, eateries etc in the area and taxis are easy to come by.
If you're working in DIFC, then dependant on your company it's likely you'll be having afterhours activities in DIFC anyway, so being reasonably close by would be a good thing.
I've had decent experience with Hamptons in Downtown for renting an apartment, but tbh the agents can vary from good to utterly useless so you just have to shop around. Don't believe anyone who says they have a place exclusively (was told that once by 3 different agents who in turn showed me the same apartment) and make sure you have cash ready if you want to secure a place. Rental market here is much quicker than the UK - I've viewed a place, put down deposit, signed contracts and moved in on the same day before.
There's also some nice places in DIFC, but can be pretty pricey for what they are.
As for rental cars, if you don't want a real snot box, then you can get something a VW Jetta for around 3000Dhs a month. Spending anything more than that on a rental just isn't worth it. Leasing a car here only works over 3 years, and buying something on finance will require you having 20% deposit in cash.
Previously I would have recommended my block of buildings - Park Island as it's an Emaar development and is good quality. However with the tram work going on at the moment, getting in at night has become and absolute mare of late and is likely to be the same for at least another year.
I've lived in Downtown before and the places there are generally good as most are Emaar developments. Traffic can be a bit snotty at weekends with all the Dubai Mall traffic and New Years / National Day is an absolute joke - don't plan on leaving your apartment after 4pm as you'll never get back in.
There's plenty of shops, eateries etc in the area and taxis are easy to come by.
If you're working in DIFC, then dependant on your company it's likely you'll be having afterhours activities in DIFC anyway, so being reasonably close by would be a good thing.
I've had decent experience with Hamptons in Downtown for renting an apartment, but tbh the agents can vary from good to utterly useless so you just have to shop around. Don't believe anyone who says they have a place exclusively (was told that once by 3 different agents who in turn showed me the same apartment) and make sure you have cash ready if you want to secure a place. Rental market here is much quicker than the UK - I've viewed a place, put down deposit, signed contracts and moved in on the same day before.
There's also some nice places in DIFC, but can be pretty pricey for what they are.
As for rental cars, if you don't want a real snot box, then you can get something a VW Jetta for around 3000Dhs a month. Spending anything more than that on a rental just isn't worth it. Leasing a car here only works over 3 years, and buying something on finance will require you having 20% deposit in cash.
thb said:
As for rental cars, if you don't want a real snot box, then you can get something a VW Jetta for around 3000Dhs a month. Spending anything more than that on a rental just isn't worth it.
Funny you should mention that. I've just rented a Jetta from Thrify for 2,700 (basic insurance). It's actually a really nice car and MUCH more comfortable than my R32 that I've just sold. Obviously not as much fun but it's a short term solution and if I was starting again in Dubai I'd get something like a Jetta for the daily grind and soemthing else for the track.One thing is if you here for a year most apartments are unfurnished so it is a few quid to set up an apartment, pay the agency fee, buy all the furniture and white goods.
So either get a furnished apartment or flat share and as said above there are some decent prices in downtown at the moment.
So either get a furnished apartment or flat share and as said above there are some decent prices in downtown at the moment.
Another resident of Marina, Park Island. My thoughts.
Having looked at many many flats in both Marina and Downtown before settling on this place I concur that the best agencies to deal with were Hamptons and Betterhomes. I got to the point of refusing to deal with any of the less well known agencies after wasting countless hours of my life dashing from work to view "exactly what you are looking for, Sir" that turned out to be the polar opposite, even after giving very specific requirements for what I wanted. Emaar generally accepted to be the best, I'm pretty sure that Old Town is exclusively Emaar. I have rented unfurnished having seen some furnished places that were a little 'tired' if Im being polite. I just factored in the cost of furnishing and spent a couple of days at Ikea and other furnishing stores, they deliver and assemble if you spend enough. Emaar apartments have white goods built in which saves a few sheckles. Check Dubizzle for secondhand stuff always in plentiful supply.
I am very happy here even though, as has quite rightly been mentioned several times, the traffic at the moment is a pain, especially at weekends. However I work around it and haven't been held up too badly recently, but I do work away for part of the week. Taxis plentiful and cheap and I'm not averse to using Metro when I need to get to Downtown or Deira/Bur Dubai for night out.
Regarding commute, when I am in UAE I leave my flat at around 7am and will be passing DIFC on SZR in less than 20 mins. Even mornings when my head is stuck to the pillow and I've been later I can't recall it ever taking significantly longer than this. Obviously Downtown would be a lot handier.
I hire a car and will continue to do so due to the way I work and to side step the hassle of buying and maintaining my own. I have recently had Camry at 2900 pm and Prado at 4500pm. Keep a look out for offers I had Fusion for a couple of months at 2500 pm last summer. Having just returned after time in UK and working away I will be looking for a new deal after this weekend camping expedition. I am considering an Optima at 2300 pm. Find out if your company has negotiated rates with suppliers.
Finally, I heard some horrendous stories about dealing with estate agents and general hassle regarding DEWA and Du connections but once I had sifted out the wasters the whole process was a peice of the proverbial. DEWA sorted online and quick visit to Du store in JBR for TV/phone/interweb.
HTH
J
Having looked at many many flats in both Marina and Downtown before settling on this place I concur that the best agencies to deal with were Hamptons and Betterhomes. I got to the point of refusing to deal with any of the less well known agencies after wasting countless hours of my life dashing from work to view "exactly what you are looking for, Sir" that turned out to be the polar opposite, even after giving very specific requirements for what I wanted. Emaar generally accepted to be the best, I'm pretty sure that Old Town is exclusively Emaar. I have rented unfurnished having seen some furnished places that were a little 'tired' if Im being polite. I just factored in the cost of furnishing and spent a couple of days at Ikea and other furnishing stores, they deliver and assemble if you spend enough. Emaar apartments have white goods built in which saves a few sheckles. Check Dubizzle for secondhand stuff always in plentiful supply.
I am very happy here even though, as has quite rightly been mentioned several times, the traffic at the moment is a pain, especially at weekends. However I work around it and haven't been held up too badly recently, but I do work away for part of the week. Taxis plentiful and cheap and I'm not averse to using Metro when I need to get to Downtown or Deira/Bur Dubai for night out.
Regarding commute, when I am in UAE I leave my flat at around 7am and will be passing DIFC on SZR in less than 20 mins. Even mornings when my head is stuck to the pillow and I've been later I can't recall it ever taking significantly longer than this. Obviously Downtown would be a lot handier.
I hire a car and will continue to do so due to the way I work and to side step the hassle of buying and maintaining my own. I have recently had Camry at 2900 pm and Prado at 4500pm. Keep a look out for offers I had Fusion for a couple of months at 2500 pm last summer. Having just returned after time in UK and working away I will be looking for a new deal after this weekend camping expedition. I am considering an Optima at 2300 pm. Find out if your company has negotiated rates with suppliers.
Finally, I heard some horrendous stories about dealing with estate agents and general hassle regarding DEWA and Du connections but once I had sifted out the wasters the whole process was a peice of the proverbial. DEWA sorted online and quick visit to Du store in JBR for TV/phone/interweb.
HTH
J
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