Moving to AD in August.

agadir · 2010-06-22T12:12:04+02:00

Discover essential tips for new teachers moving to Abu Dhabi, including transport options, commuting advice, and navigating remote schools.

agadir Member

Member since 22 June 2010

agadirMember22 June 2010 10:12:04

Hello Everyone,

I hope you can help me with some questions, and provide me with some guidance.

I'm an English teacher who has accepted a 2-year contract in AD to teach at a public school. I don't know where yet; I'm still waiting to be told.

Recently, a general email to all the new teachers informed me that commuting time would be 20 mins - 40 mins for everyone. I don't drive, but I was hoping to get a ride from somebody at the school where I'll be working. That may happen if my colleague/s happens to live near me or can drop me somewhere central.

However, the email also said that some of the schools would be in remote places, and that there was little chance of getting a taxi.聽

Keeping all this in mind, my questions are these:

Do public schools have school buses?
Will taxis drive to and pick up at remote places on a regular basis (say with a verbal agreement for a long-term arrangement)?
How is the public transport system?
What are my chances of my getting around independently (from the city to the suburbs)?
Can I walk?

If someone could give me the benefit of their advice, I would be eternally grateful.

Thanks,

Slightly concerned.

HassanK Member

Member since 18 March 2010

HassanKMember23 June 2010 12:04:16

Welcome here Agadir....
Below are some answers that i hope will help u...
ur most than welcomed to ask more...

Q- Do public schools have school buses?
A-Ofcourse...i can asume that 99% of them got school buses as i see them in the morning while heading to work.

Q-Will taxis drive to and pick up at remote places on a regular basis (say with a verbal agreement for a long-term arrangement)?
A-Never depend on that as i had they turned my life to hell for 5 months till i bought a car myself...
Still Abu Dhabi Goverment Taxis company is making a service that you can call them to book a taxi whenever u want and add 5Dhs to the cost..but u must call them to book the taxi everyday...you cant book it for long terms.

Q-How is the public transport system?
A-Public Buses is available and veryyyyyy cheap...but i dont prefer using it.

Q-What are my chances of my getting around independently (from the city to the suburbs)?
Can I walk?
A-Its like NOWAY...if the supermarket is under ur building...still u wont walk )...its over hot and humid here for walking...anyways...the distance between places here is veryyyyyyy long....like i drive for 30 minuts on a high way to go to my company which is in the middle of the suburbs

Hope the above give u a breif idea about transportations here...

Welcome again