Get documents about "Abu Dhabi in perspective
Document Sample
Abu Dhabi in perspective
You may or may not have heard of Abu Dhabi, although you will almost
certainly have heard of Dubai. Together with 51 other Emirates, they make up
the country known as the United Arab Emirates.
With a land area of some 77,700 square kilometres (30,000 miles2), about the
same as Scotland, it is in the north east corner of the vast Arabian peninsula.
Part of what is sometimes called the Gulf Region or the Middle East.
There are 1,218 kilometres of coastline in the Arabian Gulf and 100 kilometres
facing the Gulf of Oman.
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the 7 Emirates in area. It also has the largest sea
area, stretching out into the Arabian Gulf (formerly the Persian Gulf) to the
border with Iran. Crucially, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi also has by far the
greatest share of oil and gas deposits. On the landward side, the UAE is
bordered by the Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Quatar.
In the Arabic language, Abu means father, and Dhabi is the word for a small
gazelle or antelope found in this area. So literally the name means ‘father of
the antelope’. It is both an island city, ‘L’ shaped and six miles long and an
Emirate, something which causes confusion because it is often unclear when
people speak whether they are referring to Abu Dhabi island, or the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and the location of the seat of federal
government. Each Emirate has its own government, and below that is a
municipal authority representing local government. Each Emirate is ruled by a
Sheikh (pronounced shake) and they also form the members of the UAE
Ruling Council and are Ministers of State.
1
The other five are Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Umm al Qaiwain, Fujairah and Ajman
1
The geologists and anthropologists point to evidence of human populations in
the area for the last 35,000 years2 and some 9,000 years ago, the monsoons
of India swung west and bathed the peninsula with annual rains creating vast
verdant grasslands, rivers and lakes. It is only in the last 2,000 years that the
path of the monsoon has shifted again and the peninsula has once again
reverted to desert.
The original peoples of this area are mainly Bedouin, and have been Muslims
of the Sunni sect, since Islam swept across the peninsula in the 7th Century
AD.
The Portuguese were trading and establishing bases in the area in the 16th
century. In 1622, the British East India Company assisted the Shah of Persia
(Persia is the current Iran and Iraq) to expel the Portuguese and the English
established trading bases in the Gulf region.
Chiefly, the trade was for pearls, which were found in abundance on oyster
beds off the coast. Pearls had been valued for centuries, and the peoples of
the region had been harvesting and trading them for food and other supplies,
living a subsistence existence. There is evidence of a seasonal settlement on
Abu Dhabi Island going back several thousand years.
The importance of this as a trade route from the Indian sub continent to
Europe grew, and during the Napoleonic Wars with France the French navy
2
Origins of Arabia, Andrew Thompson ISBN: 1 900988 04 6
2
harassed ships in the gulf, giving rise to the name of the Pirate Coast. Local
Arab vessels were often blamed, but were seldom the culprits.
The first known permanent building, the White Fort, was built in 1793 by the
Bani Yas tribe. It still stands in the ground of the Cultural Foundation in Abu
Dhabi.
While the Bani Yas ruled in the south, what is now the northern emirates was
ruled by the Qawasim. However relation between the Qawasim and the
British became strained, resulting in attacks on East India Company ships,
until in 1819, the British Navy bombarded over 300 trading vessels owned by
the Qawasim at anchor off the port of Ras al Khaimah, destroying them all.
A truce and treaties followed, which over the next few years resulted in the
formation of independent Skeikhdoms in Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain, and in
1833, Dubai. This is the origin of the name, the ‘Trucial States’ by which the
area was known until independence in 1971. In 1826, a Political Residency
was established in Sharjah, the forerunner of an Embassy. In 1835, the
Government of Queen Victoria concluded the final truce agreements, and they
became permanent in 1853, instead of annually renewable.
Although there was a British military presence in the Trucial States, there was
an ‘arms length’ approach to governmental interference. In the latter part of
the 19th century, events in Persia, where the Shia Muslim Government was
taxing Sunni Muslims very heavily, resulted in an exodus of Muslims, and
Indian merchants across the Gulf to ports in the Northern Emirates.
In1892, following increased activity by other European powers, and further
problems with the Shah of Persia, treaties were signed with the rulers of the
Trucal States guaranteeing their loyalty to the British, and no other power, in
perpetuity. Bahrain and Kuwait joined in 1899 and Qatar in 1935.
In the early 20th century, relationships with the British and the rulers of Abu
Dhabi soured. The ‘hands off’ approach, meant they were left to be
subsistence farmers and pearl divers, while in the North Dubai became more
and more prominent through its trading activities and until 1928 there was little
or no development. Although there was a strong demand for pearls, the
British refused to allow modern mechanical harvesting methods, and hence
the only people who made a profit were the Indian merchants. The
appearance of cultivated pears in the 1930’s destroyed the local industry.
The first commercial export of oil from Bahrain in 1932 concentrated the
minds of explorers and in 1935, there was the first of many agreements
between Britain and Sheikh Shakhbut, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi for oil
exploration options. The Trucal agreements of the previous century
prevented the Arabs for negotiating with other countries and hence the British
had a clear field.
3
The Second World War suppressed oil exploration and led to a downturn in
the economy of Abu Dhabi. After the war, oil exploration continued and the
first commercial quantities were discovered in 1959.
This was the catalyst for change, although Sheikh Shakhbut, disenchanted
with the British, refused to spend any of the oil revenues on the people, so
while money was accumulating in the coffers, local peoples felt no benefit.
There was friction between locals working in menial jobs for the oil companies
and their employers. The Abu Dhabi Police was formed in November 1957.
The 1960’s saw slow if steady progress, with the first school, a desalination
plant, roads, shops and the first 4 wheel drives (Land Rovers of course) for
the people. The first road was built in 1961 and a civil airport, where the
current Military airbase at al Bateen is today. However, very little of the oil
revenues went to benefit the local residents.
That all changed on 6th August 1966, when His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin
Sultan al Nahyan peacefully deposed his brother Sheikh Shakhbut, who left
for exile in Bahrain.
Sheikh Zayed became the father of the nation, the position he still holds in the
hearts of many locals. He opened the coffers, literally giving money to his
people, but also began the development of Abu Dhabi.
In 1968, the British announced they would withdraw from the region in 1970
and in 1971 the Trucial States became the UAE, with Sheikh Zayed as the
first President.
Under his direction and control, in the 40 years in 1966, Abu Dhabi has gone
from a city with one paved road, no electricity, no hospital, not a single doctor
and mostly single story mud huts, to the thriving and growing international
centre it is today. When he died in November 2004, there was a palpable
feeling of loss and his photograph is seen everywhere, in offices, on buildings
and in publications, as a living memorial to his efforts on behalf of his people.
Upon the death of his father, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa was elected
President, the position he holds today.
4
Abu Dhabi today
Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Blue skies and sunshine can be
expected every day of the year. There is a wet season, when rain is possible.
This lasts from mid November to mid March. However rain is extremely
infrequent, averaging 12cm a year. July and August temperatures reached
+480c in 2007, which when combined with humidity of 80% made conditions
especially unpleasant. Night time temperatures fell to around +390c.
Winter temperatures fall to daily highs of +250c and night time lows of +120c –
cool enough to need a sweater or cardigan. In the desert and in Al Ain, the
highs are higher, and the low are lower!
5
Flying over the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the towns and cities are clearly visible,
but more surprising are the number of lit settlements dotted across the desert.
It is only when you visit the Western Region, also knows as the Unoccupied
Quarter, that you see no signs of human habitation.
6
With a growing population of more than 1.6 million locals and ex-pats, of
which some 750,000 live on Abu Dhabi island, development is everywhere to
be seen.
Six and eight lane highways link the three main centres, Abu Dhabi Island, Al
Ain City and the new Madinat Zayed (Zayed City) in the Western Region.
In urban areas road congestion is a problem.
Large areas of irrigated farm land break the rock and sand of the desert.
Trees and palms line the sides of all highways and most urban roads. When
driving north to the Emirate of Dubai, you know when you leave Abu Dhabi,
because the trees stop.
The Abu Dhabi Police celebrated its Golden Jubilee in November 2007. The
organisation employs some 33,500 staff, but is more than just a police
service.
As well as everyday policing functions, it is also responsible for the
ambulance service and the fire and rescue service. The police run the prison
system, border controls, vehicle and driver licensing and oil field protection.
The crime rate is low, and almost non existent when compared to Europe. A
regular sight is drivers leaving their cars outside local supermarkets, keys in,
engine running (to keep the Air Conditioning on) while they shop. When they
return some 10 minutes later, their car is still in the place they left it.
The mission statement of the Abu Dhabi Police is to be the *****.
The cost of living is low.
Culture
The religion of the UAE is Islam and therefore you must be aware and adhere
to the customs and norms. It is more than just a religion, it is a way of life for
the followers, that governs every facet of life. The culture is tolerant and
welcoming. Although the UAE is far more relaxed than some other Arab
countries, we are and always will be visitors and guests in their Country and
as such should conform to those codes of behaviour and dress that do exist.
Whenever the name of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is mentioned in
writing or the spoken word, the salutation ‘Peace be upon Him’ is added after
his name. In the written form this is shortened to PBUH.
What is the date today? Not necessarily as straightforward as it sounds. The
Islamic calendar is used in all formal dealings, contracts and often seen
quoted alongside the Gregorian calendar.
7
Public holidays and the Holy Month of Ramadan are all determined according
to the lunar months of the year. Hence each year in the Islamic calendar is 11
days shorter than the Gregorian. Some websites give an approximation of
when a holiday or religious festival will take place, but it is the Moon
Committee who determine the exact date and notice is often only given 24
hours in advance.
There are two big holidays, called Eid. The biggest always follows
immediately after Ramadan and probably equates in importance to the
Christian Christmas. This is Eid al Fitr and is when children receive presents.
The smaller Eid follows 80 days after Ramadan and is called Eid al Adha and
is a four day holiday.
The Islamic calendar started in 622 AD, the year that the Prophet Mohammed
(PBUH) began his migration – Hijra in Arabic - from Mecca to Al Madinah.
The Islamic year is called the Hijra and dates are followed by AH, or after
Hijra. There are 354 or 355 days in a lunar year. It is divided into 12 months
of 28 days. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic year.
During the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from easting, drinking
and smoking between sunrise and sunset. The pace of life slows even more
and it is a time of prayer, reflection and contemplation. The working day is
shortened by two hours. Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Holy
Quran.
As sunset is called, there is a feast of Iftar which breaks the fast. Ramadan is
advancing by 11 days each year. In 2007 it was from September 13 to
October 11 and each year will gradually move earlier in the year, passing
through the high summer months of July and August.
It is normal to see local men and boys wearing dishdash3, gutra4 and agal5,
around the police and fire stations and even on the fireground! Local ladies
and girls will wear a black abaya 6 over their normal clothes, which might be
jeans and a ‘T-shirt’ or a brightly coloured, ankle length dress. They will also
have a head covering called the Sheyla, that ranges from a scarf to a
complete cover.
Arabic is the national language although English is widely spoken and most
signs are written in both. Hindi and Urdu are probably the next most widely
spoken languages.
Abu Dhabi police provide interpreters, and it is a requirement now for new
officers to be able to speak English. There are a number of places where
Arabic courses can be taken. The British Council runs basic Arabic courses,
3
Full length white or coloured flowing garment. Nationals of different countries wear different styles
4
White or coloured headcloth. Nationals of different countries wear different styles, tied in different
ways
5
Black cord or braid that keeps the gutra in place over the skullcap
6
Black cover of sheer, flowing fabric, sometimes open at the front
8
however this will give you some conversational skills, but will not equip you to
work in the business environment.
Life in the UAE and within the Abu Dhabi Police is lived at a slower
‘tempo’ than you will have experienced within the Western World. For
someone coming from the UK and never having lived or worked in a
Mediterranean or Arabic country, it is sometimes difficult at first to
adjust. If you do not adjust it can become very frustrating. Meeting
protocols as the west understands them do not exist and a quick visit to
someone for advice or provision of information can take hours as there
are constant interruptions, ‘phone calls and visitors.
What you can achieve comfortably in an hour in the UK, can take two or three
days. This is both within the service and also in everyday transactions
outside.
The local currency is the UAE ‘Dirham’ which is linked to the American Dollar.
As the dollar is falling against the value of the pound and Euro, so the value of
the Dirham is fallking. There is talk of a revaluation of the Dirham, and
severing links to the Dollar, but it will require coordinated action by all the
GCC7 countries..
The weekend is Friday and Saturday (not Saturday and Sunday) with the
main religious day being on Friday.
Most shops open at 1000 and close between 1300 and 1700 and then re
open ‘til around 2200. The main stores open from 0900 – 2200. The
exception is on Fridays when the shops open at 1400hrs. There are a
number of 24 hour supermarkets. Other than in the main stores, ‘bartering’ is
normal.
Alcohol is freely available at most hotels, bars and restaurants attached to
hotels. Prices are similar to the UK. During the four weeks of Ramadan (Mid
September to mid October 2007) it is not possible to buy alcohol anywhere in
Abu Dhabi. You need a licence (from the police) to buy alcohol and take it
home. Home brew is not allowed.
There is zero tolerance for drink driving. The limit is zero. The slightest
amount of alcohol in the body will result in arrest and gaol. There is less than
a zero tolerance for drug use.
Drugs are becoming an issue, with quantities being discovered being
transported through the UAE. Anyone found using or possessing illegal drugs
risks long gaol sentences. Over the counter medicines, available in the UK,
which contain banned products are included (for example anything containing
Codeine), so be careful what you bring with you. Prescription medicines, with
a copy of the prescription are allowed.
7
Gulf Cooperation Council – Countries of **
9
Hal’aal and Har’ram
Hal’aal good – Har’ram bad! Animals butchered according to the Islamic code
and foods prepared according to the same code are known as Hal’aal. Some
stores only sell Hal’aal, for example Carrefour.
Har’ram means forbidden, and it is forbidden to consume meat, or the blood
of any animal not slaughtered in the correct way. Notably in Spinneys, pork
meat and pork products are available, but there is a special area, separate
from the rest of the supermarket and well marked where pork can be
purchased.
Even the image of a pig can cause offence, such is the deep seated hatred of
the animal.
There are a number of useful guide books an map books that can be
obtained. All the shopping malls have high quality book stores with sections
for local titles.
The complete residents guide to Abu Dhabi, by Explorer Books, ISBN 976
8182 69 5 is one ‘must have’ and it includes maps and a comprehensive
guide to the city and emirate. Explorer publishes a large number of guide
book, in various languages, together with maps, mini guides and off-road
guides to the UAE and surrounding gulf countries.
If you don’t have a 4 x 4, then On Road in the UAE, by Gareth Leggett, ISBN
1 904566 70 7 is a useful book that tells you where you can go, without
getting stuck in sand.
The Green Guide to the Emirates by Marycke Jongbloed, ISBN 1 860630 71 5
is a handy ring bound booke to take on your travels, covering the flora and
fauna you are likely to meet when exploring.
A similar style book, Beachcombers Guide to the Gulf, by Tony Woodward,
ISBN 1 873544 43 X does for the coastline and beaches what the Green
Guide does for the desert.
An Arabian Heritage series of book has been published by Motivate
Publishing. Titles include Abu Dhabi – Garden City of the Gulf, ISBN 1 86063
136 3 and Birds of the Southern Gulf ISBN 1 873544 37 5, together with
others numbering some 23 titles, covering all the Emirates and beyond. They
have a London shop and a website http://www.booksarabia.com
The Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency publish a
number of superb ‘coffee table’ books. One in particular, Wild Flowers of the
UAE ISBN 9948 408 24 1 is worth obtaining if you have an interest in this
area.
10
From Rags to Riches by Mohammed Al Fahim, ISBN 1 900404 00 1 is a short
but interesting account of the development of the Emirate up to the time of the
death of His Highness Sheikh Zayed.
Finally, one book I would recommend everyone reads is Don’t they know it’s
Friday. ISBN 1 860630 74 X. This was written by a diplomat at the British
Embassy, Jeremy Williams and whilst a little out of date because of the
change in days of the weekend, it never the less provides huge insight into
why things happen, or don’t happen in business, as the case may be.
It should be compulsory readying for businessmen, but even in the public
sector, explanations of the ceremony surrounding coffee, or Ka’wah Arabi will
help a newcomer understand what is going on.
Whilst the Abu Dhabi Police will help in many ways to smooth the entry into
the public service in the Gulf, the book Living and Working in the Gulf States,
by Robert Hughes, ISBN 1 901130 21 5 would be another source of much
useful information.
Buying Household Goods
I've been here two years moved into my villa, which is located in the south of
the island, near Al Maqtaa Bridge, some 6 weeks after arriving. (Page 346 B3
– Price was 85,000AED per month, but now it’s 110,000)
In the time that it took taken to get the villa, and in the months since, I've
visited many shops and researched what to buy, from where, at what price. I
moved here from Spain so was already used to the custom of shops shutting
at lunch time and opening in the evening. To help, I used a pocket dictating
machine, so I remembered what I saw where. As it took two months for the
Police Housing Department to do the paperwork to get the Villa, there was
little point in buying things before I needed them, and I couldn't remember
everything I had seen.
I've put these notes together to share some of the things I have discovered.
Firstly, buy a map and guide book. I use the Explorer "Complete residents
guide to Abu Dhabi", 5th Edition, Price 75 AED. When I talk about places, I
give the map reference as found in this book. It's available at all bookshops.
There was very little information available, so I found things out myself. I
asked questions like "where can you buy good second hand furniture from ex-
pats moving abroad". The answer is, there is there is a place called
/(www.nefatiti.ae) but at Nefatiti it is pot luck if they have anything half
decent. There was nothing when I visited and nowhere else commercial. You
see second hand furniture for sale in the Tourist Club area, round the back of
the main streets, (Page 350 C-D4) but there is a lot of rubbish. Some of the
shops also sell new or slightly damaged white goods, but again it is pot luck.
In the ex-pat supermarkets like Spinneys, (Page 362 A2) there are notice
11
boards where "garage" or "yard" sales are advertised. People leaving tend
sell their things like this. I've been to a few, but the best stuff had already
gone! The moral is, be there first.
There are the well known furniture shops like Ikea. (Page 362 B4) If you buy
more than 2,000AED of stuff, they offer free delivery and they assemble it for
you. That does spoil the fun though. They deliver on time, on the day they
say and without fuss.
I have bought electrical goods from Carrefour. (Page 346 B1) On each
occasion, they haven't delivered on time, or even on the day they promised,
and I have had to chase them up on every occasion to see what is happening.
They get 0/10 for customer after service. I also used White Westinghouse, on
Hamdan Street, near Crown Plaza Hotel (Page 358 C1), and they price
matched.
Carrefour is a very well known European chain, and somewhere I used to
shop in Spain. The prices here are less than in Spain, and extremely good
value. Look for the daily specials. There are two Carrefour outlets on Abu
Dhabi island and others in Al Ain and Dubai. Carrefour is very good for
cameras. Watch for their special promotions.
There are savings to be made by shopping around. The biggest I found was
on the double mattress. At IKEA they were 1,750AED, I was told to go to a
good local shop on King Khalid Aziz street (Page 353 E2), near the Military
Intelligence Building. There they were 1,150AED. But when I was looking for
a study desk, I chanced upon a store called Happy Home Furniture (Page 357
E2 – Jim Fairfull has their business cards) near to Emirates Plaza where the
same mattress was 450AED delivered. And they came on the day they said
they would, albeit an hour late because they couldn't find the villa. Note.
Draw them a better map next time. I’ve since bought a second mattress from
them for the guest room.
I divided purchases up into three categories. Those things that I needed
straight away, but will leave here when I leave. Those things that I'll buy now,
and if they break in a year, so what. And those things I will take with me, to
wherever I go next.
I've gone for moderately well known names, and sensible prices. For
example a Daewoo refrigerator, that has a cold water tap in the door
(1,799AED at Carrefour) rather than the beautiful double fridge freezer from
LG that we have in Spain, that has cold water in the door, and ice and a whole
lot of other features (5,250AED also at Carrefour).
A good place to look for electrical goods is the Co-op Electrical stores,
opposite Jirar Books at The Mina Centre (page 356 C5 – just off the page at
the bottom). Here each make has their own area, and you can compare
every kind of make and model, just by walking round. Well worth a visit. But I
found that their prices are a little higher than other stores, so having seen
what I wanted, I then went and found the items at prices of between 50 and
12
200AED less. On a single item it's probably not worth the hassle, but when
you buy fridge, cooker, washer, dryer, microwave etc. You can make savings.
I also challenged some of the smaller shops and said I had seen the item at a
lower price, naming the place, and they usually price matched.
The big co-op store also at the Mina Centre (upstairs) is cheapest for small
electrical items. A George Foreman grill cost 215AED. At other places, I
have seen the same item prices at up to 255AED. There are small price
differences between the Co-op stores.
آﺧﻒNot every Co-op has the same lines, or the same prices. And there are
different Co-op stores. There is Abu Dhabi Co-op, and also Al Mushrif Co-op,
(Page 347 E4) who I find very good price wise, but very local in character –
that means they are mainly for the locals and most things are in Arabic. But
then Kellogg's cornflakes are Kellogg's cornflakes, whatever the writing on the
box! If you go to the big Mall co-op stores, all over you will see everyday
things you recognize from the shelves in European supermarkets. They also
have special sections for European, Oriental etc foods.
There are areas of Abu Dhabi where certain kinds of retailer congregate. For
example the hardware shops in and around Bani Yas Street/6th Street, (Page
351 E2) and the electrical shops on Electra street, also known as Zaid the 2nd
street. (Page 358 B-C1) And in Khaladia an area just for mobile phone shops.
I wanted a new brass cylinder lock for the villa, so with the old one in hand, I
went to 6th street where there is a row of locksmiths. In the first shop they
searched but didn't have one the same make, only a similar lock of a different
brand. The salesman didn't recommend me buying this alternate, because he
couldn't guarantee it would fit. He told me to try a store in the next block. I
did, and they stopped dealing with the brand, but they phoned another store
100 metres away, who sold that model.
Now in Spain I would have been sold something by the first store, regardless
of whether it was right or not, and then just try and change it! Quite a
refreshing attitude here.
I wanted the parts to build a computer system. I do a lot of video editing, and
nothing I saw in Abu Dhabi was what I wanted, so on the advice of an Emiratti
colleague, I went to Dubai. There you can find a place called Computer
Plaza, Bur Dubai, (page 69 C9, Dubai Explorer Street Map) that is a shopping
mall of some 40 or 50 outlets, just selling computers, lap tops, screens and
computer parts. It is a long trip, but worth the visit. I’ve since been back to get
more things (19 inch LG flat screen – 1200AED).
The trick is to walk round, visit all the stores, for each make, then go to Dar Al
Hai Computer Trading in the corner on the 1st floor, and order everything from
them. They will get the makes/models/parts you want, and I got it at less than
the other shops were offering to sell things at. They will sell you a complete
system if you want. Buying anything in the UAE really is a game – you just
have to learn the rules.
13
If you go to the large stores, like Plug-ins, or Carrefour, you will pay
considerably more. There is an area in Abu Dhabi where all the computer
shops are all located, Al Markaziyah, (P358 A/B1) but they are all small shops
and I find them expensive.
While in Dubai I’ve been to the new IKEA store, because it is supposed to be
bigger than Abu Dhabi. It is, but the only difference is they have two or three
of everything on display. There were no different lines, and a couple of the
things I wanted were out of stock there as well. So, nice for a trip, the traffic
system is a nightmare, and if you want IKEA stuff, get it at the Marina Mall in
Abu Dhabi. If it is not in stock, they will ship it down from Dubai for you.
It’s nice to visit the shopping malls in Dubai, and the coffee is good, but the
shops are the same as you find in Malls in Madrid, Santa Cruz and probably
the UK (NEXT, C&A, BHS etc) and the prices seem to be the same as Abu
Dhabi. It is only when you go beyond Dubai to Sharjah and Ajman that the
character changes and prices drop.
Everyone has different tastes and viewpoints. I have bought nice basics, so
the kitchen, master bedroom, spare bed rooms, TV room/ study are fully
operational. I have spent over the allowance the police give, but then it is
only an allowance.
On the subject of the allowance, I refused to pay any more of my money up
front just to buy furniture, so I was first given a letter of credit to take to the
bank. However, they wanted to charge me 2,000AED for arranging the
advance/loan. I refused their kind offer. As a result, finance section at HQ
then gave me a cash advance, until they had sorted out the cheque for the
furniture. I was told the allowance would be paid into my account – it wasn’t, I
was just given a cheque to pay in.
For the above reasons, I really haven't bought lots of the soft furnishings.
What I have found is that several local officers (and ex-pats from Strategy) I
work with were very willing to take me to places, like the Iranian Souk, and to
haggle in Arabic on my behalf. It helps when someone speaks the same
language as the traders! For rugs, carpets, cushions (and a camel or two,
some sheep or a goat) go to Al Ain or Sharjah.
I expected that the specialist lighting shops would be a good place to buy
table lamps, reading lamps etc, but I finished up going to IKEA, where they
were MUCH less costly. If you want a beautiful glass chandelier to hang in
your entrance, there is a shop selling nothing but, on Electra Street, but for
more modest homes, and lights are probably not something you will take back
with you, try IKEA.
For cutlery, I bought at Carrefour, where they have ranges at a variety of
prices, with some very nice, not to expensive decorative types. (I bought the
ones with the gold edges, but its not real gold…)
14
For crockery, there is a huge amount of choice at a wide variety of prices.
The Co-op stores and Carrefour sell individual items. IKEA sell in packs, but I
discovered a discount importer of Spanish crockery at the Mina centre (page
356 C5), ** where they sell items by the Kilo. I bought eight of everything and
a milk jug for 90AED, or about €20. Certainly a bargain. They might not have
as much choice as the Co-op, but in the end all you want is something to eat
off. ** They have now moved. I am still trying to find out where they went to.
Lastly, also on the ground floor of Mina centre, towards the rear centre is the
Abdul Karim store. The staff don't speak English, but they have lots of kitchen
stuff, from Pyrex dishes to Yorkshire pudding tins, and also all the Arabic
things as well in case you want a Tagine8. This is another place that is worth
a visit. This is where the locals shop for electrical goods.
Oh, and one more thing, buy a tool kit. I went to ACE hardware at The Mina
Centre (page 356 C5 – just off the page at the bottom). They were expensive
and I had problems with the staff, who were just putting the prices UP (at
4pm) and refused to sell me anything at the old prices, even though they were
still on display.
So I went to the Al Mushrif Co-op, (Page 347 E4) and bought everything I
wanted, for less. The quality might not be as good, but how often are you
going to use these things? I found Carrefour had electric drills on offer for
35AED (that’s €9 – sorry don’t do pounds) as well. These things help when
you are putting curtain rails up.
One last point, look in the newspaper for sales. Ramadan and Eid sale time
is here and stores will advertise three day sales, or weekend sales. Homes-
R-Us has just had a 24 hour sale, where they opened for 24 hours, and sold
things extra cheap between midnight and 6 am.
For reading material, I find that there is a big choice of English language
material available. There is certainly more than was available at home in
Spain. There are differences. The magazines you find in Carrefour are
different to the ones in the Abu Dhabi Co-op. There are of course some of the
same ones available in each, but for example, I can get Digital Camera World
only in the Co-op and Pro Digital, only at Jarir. So if you have a specialist
interest, it will pay to look around.
Please email me if you think I can help further in any way
Norman Woollons
norman@adpolice.gov.ae
Updated October 2007
8
Cooking pot from North Africa and Morocco used for tasty stews.
15
Useful Web addresses
Weather and climate:
Abu Dhabi City weather
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Abu+Dhabi
Middle East weather map
http://www.travelnotes.org/Weather/middleeast.htm
Airport Met web site
http://www.adiamet.gov.ae
http://www.das.ae/
TravelNotes Middle East weather
http://www.travelnotes.org/Weather/middleeast.htm
Weather.com satellite photo of Middle East
http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/satelliteworld/middleeastsatellite_large.html
UAE Met Office
http://www.uaemet.gov.ae/
Middle East seismic activety
http://www.emsc-csem.org/index.php?page=home
Tropical Storm Maps
http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/tropical_storm_read.php?trid=230&lang=eng
Banking:
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
http://www.nbad.com
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
http://www.adcb.com
Al Mashreq Bank
http://www.mashreqbank.com
Bank of Sharjah
http://www.bankofsharjah.com
16
Other sites:
British Council
http://www.britishcouncil.org/uae
Dhow Racing
http://www.dimc-uae.com
Emirates Internet and Multi-Media
http://www.emirates.net.ae/channel/www_dir/www_dir_t.html
Arabic Slice
http://www.arabicslice.com/main.html
Desert Ranger Trips
http://www.desertrangers.com/
Airlines
Al Etihad
http://www.etihadairways.com/etihadairways/global/en/home/home
Qatar Airlines
http://www.qatarairways.com
Falcon Aviation
http://www.falconaviation.ae/aboutus.php?mid=1
Online Translation Service – English – Arabic:
Ectaco Online Dictionary. Free English translation system
http://www-
old.ectaco.com/online/diction.php3?refid=364&word=Crew+resource+management&refid=10
69&lang=3&direction=1
Babel fish
http://i-cias.com/babel/arabic/
MOL English to Arabic dictionary – Learn to speak some Arabic words
http://muttaqun.com/arabic/english2arabic.html
The Arabic alphabet pronunciation and language
http://www.omniglot.com/writing/arabic.htm
Learn Arabic
http://afl.ajeeb.com/freetour/menu/menu.html
UAE Links:
IN UAE
17
http://www.inuae.com/
Comprehensive UAE Directory
http://www.uaelinks.com/
British Ex-pat Forum
http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/country/viewforum.php?f=32&sid=6a080cac93f61928
867cf43f867fdeda
Communications:
Etisalat
http://www.etisalat.ae/index.jsp
Du
http://www.du.com
Abu Dhabi Police:
Main site in English
http://www.adpolice.gov.ae/en/
Emergency and Public Safety Department
http://www.adpolice.gov.ae/Ambulance/index.asp
News:
Abu Dhabi News Net
http://www.abudhabinews.net/
British Embassy
http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/uae
Sports and pastimes:
Camel Racing
http://www.emirates-heritageclub.com/
Golf Championship
http://www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com/
Desert Rallies
http://www.emsf.ae/
http://www.uaedesertchallenge.com
18
Powerboat Racing
http://www.adimsc.com
Dhow racing
http://www.dimc-uae.com
Horse Racing
http://www.adec-web.com
Ministries and Government:
Department of Commercial Building Leases
http://www.ejarat.ae
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
http://www.exploreabudhabi.com
Ministry of Information and Culture
http://www.uaeinteract.com
Environment Protection Agency
http://www.ead.ae
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
http://www.tra.ae
Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company – TRANSCO
http://www.transco.ae
General Civil Aviation Authority
http://www.gcaa.ae
Ministry of Communications
http://www.moc.uae.gov.ae
Ministry of Environment and Water
http://www.moew.gov.ae
Abu Dhabi National oil Company
http://www.adnoc.com
Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency
http://www.erwda.gov.ae
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
http://www.adcci-uae.com
19
Abu Dhabi Municipality
http://www.adm.gov.ae
Abu Dhabi Seaport Authority
http://www.portzayed.gov.ae
Abu Dhabi Customs
http://www.auhcustoms.gov.ae
Hotels
Emirates Palace Hotel
http://www.emiratespalace.com
Reem island Development
http://www.sarouh.com
Al Gurm resort Development
http://www.algurmresort.com
Abu Dhabi International Airport
http://www.dcaauh.gov.ae
20
