Masdar City

At the recent World Future Energy Summit, the government of Abu Dhabi announced plans to create a city of the future - a sustainable city. The intention is to have a zero waste, zero carbon city. The job of designing this city goes to a British company, Foster and Partners.

Masdar City will be a walled city for a population of 40,000 residents. Outside the perimeter walls, land will be used to produce renewable energy for the city and any extra will, for the first time in the Middle East go back to the national grid. There will also be an underground rapid transport system to provide transport into and around the city, as it will be inaccessible by car or other vehicles.

Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Abu Dhabi is relatively easy once you have the required paperwork. Because of the large number of expatriates in the country, it is necessary to have the original documents with you when you apply for an account. The following documents are standard among most banks:

• original passport containing a valid residence visa
• a salary certificate from your employer
• some banks will ask you for an additional piece of ID such as a driving license or a labour card
• dependants on their husband's or father's sponsorship will need an original passport which verifies the sponsorship

Some banks will allow you to open an account if your residence visa is pending, and if you provide a letter from your company stating your gauranteed employment and residence status. Others may open an account for you if you provide an introductory letter from a bank in your home country. This is not gauranteed however, and you should not rely on this being the norm.

Some companies will assist you in opening a bank account prior to completion of your residence visa, as this may take a few weeks. The company may have an agreement with a particular bank, or they may allow you to choose your own bank. Either way, in case your residence visa takes longer than anticipated, it would be advisable to open an account with the bank recommended by your company - you can change to one of your choosing when the visa is secured. Another advantage of banking with your company's bank is that there is no salary transfer delay, loans are usually approved quickly and sometimes these banks offer special offers to customers such as no minimum balance, free credit card for first year etc.

Those who want to transfer their salary to a bank account require a no-objection letter from the employer. This letter is addressed to the appropriate branch manager and most Human Resource departments will have this letter on file as a template.

Loans
The two most popular loans are personal loans and auto loans. Personal loans generally offer from between 10 and 27 times your salary + EOSB (end of service benefit), depending on your length of employment with the company. If you are applying for a loan during your probation period and it is approved, it is likely that the maximum amount you will be offered is 10 times your monthly salary.
Auto loans are easier to secure, have much lower interest rates and have fewer requirememts. The bank co-owns the car for the duration of the loan and the owner is not permitted to export the car or drive it outside the country until the full loan is paid.

Requirements for a loan application usually include a salary certificate from your employer and a blank cheque for security and insurance purposes. An application for a personal loan usually requires you to transfer your salary to the bank. In addition, your employer must be listed as an 'approved' client of the bank for a personal loan to be accepted. However, applying for an car loan can be done without having an account with the lending bank.

Internet banking
Many banks have internet and phone banking options where you can make minor changes to your account. However, others require you to visit the branch for all changes. The internet and phone banking, bill payment and remittance facilities vary from one bank to another, so it is important to research the various options before choosing a bank in order to find the service most suited to your preferred banking choice.

Foreign currency
Most banks offer customers the option to open accounts in major currencies such as US$, £Stg, €, and some provide yen accounts. Most banks in the UAE also accept cheques in major currencies. It would be advisable to check with individual banks for charges and clearance times as these will vary.

Some of the more commonly used banks in Abu Dhabi are:

National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
First Gulf Bank
Union National Bank
HSBC
Standard Chartered Bank

Education for Children

In the UAE, primary education is compulsory for children of all nationalities over 5 years of age. There are public (government) and private schools available, depending on the type of education you require for your child. To qualify for enrolment in any school, the child must have a valid residence visa.

While government schools offer free education to UAE nationals, children of other nationalities must pay fees. There is a variety of private schools available in Abu Dhabi, many of which are community schools from various countries. These schools follow the educational system in their home countries. There are also international schools which offer mainly US and British curriculums. These schools fill up very quickly as many families want to send their children to US or British universities when they are older, or they want their children to follow the same curriculum as they did prior to arriving in the UAE. The fees are determined by the individual schools but are subject to approval by the Ministry of Education.

Children in the UAE are permitted to change schools as well as curricula, but this is only allowed at the end of an academic year. Cases with extenuating circumstances may be allowed to change mid-year, but this is on a case by case basis and not common practice. In addition, changing from one curriculum to another is allowed only until grade 9. Arabic language classes are compulsory at all levels. All government schools are segregated, and while most private schools are co-ed, some may have seperate classes or timings for boys and girls.

If you are planning on moving to the UAE and want to enrol children in a school, there is a lot of paperwork involved and it is best to contact the preferred school or the Ministry of Education in advance to find out what you need. All paperwork will need to be original and most likely stamped by the UAE consulate in your home country.

Rent cap at 5%

Good news for those currently renting in Abu Dhabi. The government announced yesterday that effective immediately, the rent cap is to be reduced from 7% to 5% for this calendar year.

For those who will be renewing contracts this year, this is indeed good news. However for those seeking new housing the current inflationary pressures will remain.

Due to the influx of expatriate workers at all levels, there has been what could be described as a housing crisis in Abu Dhabi for the past year or so. Many companies who employ people on overseas contracts have traditionally located housing for their employees prior to arrival in the country. However, these days both foreign and local companies have huge problems finding suitable accommodation for their employees, and some of them have started to offer allowances instead of company provided housing.

The problem with this is that not all companies provide cash in lieu, and many of the wealthier international companies who want to woo the best engineers, financiers etc to Abu Dhabi will pay whatever the asking price is for housing. Individuals of course cannot afford this and are consequently priced out of the market. Many individuals and families who can afford it live in hotel apartments for weeks or sometimes months until they find suitable accommodation. Those with families often arrive separately, with one spouse arriving first to 'set up' and the other following later with the children when a house/apartment has been found.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, though it is a while away yet. Properties currently being developed on sites such as Reem Island will be ready in early/mid 2009. These will ease the burden somewhat, and as more units are completed the hope is that the problem will slowly decrease. However, as the number of new residents is increasing weekly, it is likely to take quite a while for the problem to level off.

If you are on the look-out for an apartment or villa, good luck.

Visit visa criteria

The UAE is a great place to come on holiday, with the mix of sun, sand, sea, shopping and even skiing! However, there are some visa restrictions depending on either your country of origin or country of residence. To be gauranteed of the most up-to-date knowledge, you should check with your airline or travel agent before flying, but here is the most recent information on getting visit visas to enter the UAE.

If you are a national of a GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) country, you do not need a visa to enter the UAE. You need to produce your passport on arrival at any border crossing in the UAE.

The following categories of visitors may obtain a visa at the airport on arrival:

GCC residents who are not nationals, but who have valid residency visas can get a non-renewable 30-day visa (this changes from time to time, so it's best to check with the UAE embassy in your country of residence or with the airline).

National citizens of the following countries:
UK(with the right of abode in UK), France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE.

It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE.

If you do not belong to one of the above catagories, you will need to apply for a visit visa prior to your arrival. In order to secure the visa, you must have a valid sponsor.

The following are considered valid sponsors:
Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply on your behalf for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days)

Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.

Other Organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.

Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidlines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.

Prior to your arrival in the UAE, you should also ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining as you may be refused entry if it does not.

Driving in the Rain

Last night, Abu Dhabi city experienced the first rain of 2008. In fact it was the first rain for many, many months. Now, to many this may seem to be an unremarkable event, but in the UAE the rain prayers started in late December, so this shower is long overdue.

The advent of rain in the capital is quite an exciting event to those who have never lived outside the UAE. Children run outside in t-shirts and play in puddles, grown men stand with their arms spread wide, mouths open, staring up at the darkening sky (whether in awe or to relieve thirst I'm not sure), and the shops start to fill up with people who feel they have to go out in the rain, but then don't really know what to do when they get there.

But there is one thing that has puzzled me since I started to experience rainy days in the UAE, and that's the driving. Ok, we all know that driving in the UAE is not the safest experience you will ever have. On any given day, from one block to the next, you can experience a combination of Formula One racing, 'granny at the wheel' type driving, and then of course there are those who cut in front of you without using any indication, probably because they didn't bother to look in the first place. It's one of the greatest bug bears in this country - people who don't use indicators. However, on a rainy day, the city streets are lit up with the constant flashing of indicator lights on cars, and this is what I cannot understand.

Many years ago when I was learning to drive, the hazzard lights were only to be used as a warning of - a hazzard. This could be an accident on the road, an obstacle that had fallen from a truck and obstructed oncoming traffic, possibly a cow or a horse which had escaped from a nearby field. But never a shower of rain! However, in Abu Dhabi as soon as the first drops start to darken the streets the hazzard lights are on, blinking away happily, unaccustomed as they are to such vigorous use.

The strange thing is that it doesn't make people any more careful when driving. They still refuse to keep a safe distance, despite the newly wet streets. They still speed towards traffic lights wondering why it takes them longer to screech to a halt when the light suddenly turns orange, then red. And then of course there's the right and left turning. With more frequency than usual, the blowing of horns is heard as cars cross paths, narrowly missing others (or not, as often happens) because with hazzard lights on, how is one to know where the other drivers intend to go? It's a bigger guessing game than usual!

Luckily, today is a weekend day so schools are off, meaning less traffic on the streets. However, if I go out driving today, I intend to keep my distance from all the hazzards around me.

An Island Paradise

Lulu island opened to the public about 6 months ago and has been improving gradually ever since. This island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, and visible from the Corniche, is a 5 minute boat ride from the dock next to the heritage village on the breakwater. Boat passengers are provided with life jackets on the trip over and back on the open boats, so safety is a priority.

When you get there, there are air conditioned buses (15dhs per person) or a small train (20dhs) available to take you around the island, either to one of the beach areas or to the man made pool area which is in the centre of the island. There is a small restaurant here and changing facilities, and I've heard camel rides on weekends, but I haven't been there on a weekend yet.

We chose the beach area as it was a weekday and the place was practically empty. The beach is dotted with shaded areas, which are shaped like the top of a tent (as in the picture above) and provide plenty of shade from the sun if one is tired of basking under those rays.

The water is enclosed in a breakwater type inlet so there are no waves, just still calm water, and unlike many of the beach areas in Abu Dhabi these days, it is devoid of construction rock under foot – a pleasant change from the norm. Here it’s soft sand and some seaweed.

When the day is done and you want to return to the boat, you need only phone the bus driver, or stand on the road at one of the bus stops provided and the bus will arrive at intervals of about 30 minutes to take you back.

We had our own cooler box with a picnic, drinks etc and nobody had a problem with that, though I have heard that the buffet lunch at the restaurant is very nice. Plastic chairs, tables and loungers are provided, while you need to bring your own towels/mats/rugs.

Overall, a very enjoyable day, and for 15 or 20 dhs it was a bargain, especially considering the high priced entrance to beaches around the city and suburbs these days. There is security on the island and they ride around on 4 wheel motorbikes regularly in case of any problems. Weekends are said to be quite busy, but it’s open from 8am to 8pm, so get there early to book your shade!

Smoke Free Malls?

Relaxing in the soft leather chair, my hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows warming my hands on this winter's evening (ok, I know it's 12 degrees outside, but that's cold in Abu Dhabi!), I'm ready to settle into the daily newspaper. It's peaceful in the coffee shop, I'm sitting alone and then - it happens.

Just as I'm inhaling the sweet, chocolate aroma of the delicious concoction in the huge mug, cigarette smoke wafts across the cafe and violates my space! Now, before I get jumped on by the cancer stick touting brigade; I don't mind if you smoke, I think you're perfectly entitled to do whatever you like to your health, and of course you have a right to a nice hot beverage the same as anybody else, and finally, yes I know - there isn't a sign that says you can't smoke. However, when I looked at the front page of the newspaper in front of me, a slow smile started to spread across my face.

According to the article in Gulf News today, a draft law is being discussed in Abu Dhabi at the moment, which will restrict smoking in shopping malls, possibly as soon as next month. Dubai introduced a ban at the end of 2007, and by all accounts, reports are positive.

Many countries have now 'bitten this bullet' and bans have, in general received favourable responses, despite initial reservations as to levels of success. If the UAE wants to be considered a health conscious holiday destination, this will be a definite plus in the holiday brochures.

Now, those of you who know how things work here will say that I can wipe that smirk off my face, as we all know how long things take when they are still in discussion stages. However, I'm hopeful of an early decision, especially as Dubai has already 'broken the back' on this one.

I'll keep you posted.

Welcome to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Federation of the UAE was established on December 2nd 1971 with 6 members; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Um Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman. The 7th emirate, Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation in February 1972.

From its inception in 1971 until 2 November 2004, the country was ruled by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan. The current president and ruler of Abu Dhabi is his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan.

The UAE is probably best known for the emirate of Dubai, and its ruler and vice president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoom. Events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Global Village, the Burj Al Arab, etc help to keep Dubai in the eyes and minds of the international community, in addition to the constant construction being carried out all over the emirate.

Abu Dhabi, approximately 130km from Dubai, is a less well-known emirate internationally, but in fact takes up more than three quarters of the UAE. In the past few years development has increased here, with major plans for the future of the emirate such as Reem Island - the new commercial and business district, the cultural area of Sa'adiyat Island, hosting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim and various other cultural venues, Yas Island which will have a Formula 1 race track, and others which I'm sure we haven't heard about yet!