The-Life-In-Abu-Dhabi Calculator: Chapter 3 - Transportation

Roaming around the city is one way of familiarizing with the place.  If you are a newbie going around Abu Dhabi it is advisable that you take the taxi.

Taxicabs here in Abu Dhabi is not so expensive compared to Dubai.  Flag down rate is around AED 3.00 during the day then a bit pricier by night which starts at AED 4.00.  If you will be riding the taxi around 9 pm and up minimum charge is AED 10 even if the meter reads less than AED 10.  Another plus point when taking the taxicab is you can be assured that you will reach your destination faster and safer than by taking the bus or by walking.  Taxicabs are the best solution if you want to be fresh and on time for an interview or to get to the office faster.  It would be difficult to get a taxi during school days, so better be early to avoid the morning rush.  You can also call a cab through number 600 53 53 53 to pick you up.

A few weeks in Abu Dhabi and you'd want to hop on that bus and explore more of Abu Dhabi.  I did that once, when I was still new here, I decided to be adventurous and took a bus ride.  Took the No. 54 from Hamdan going to Al Wahda mall.  After a few rounds in the mall it was time to go home.  From the same bus stop where I got off, I took the same bus and imagine my fright when the scenery was no longer familiar.  I ended up in Umm Al Naar Petroleum Institute.  Good thing the bus drivers were nice and informed me that I should alight from the bus stop across the mall.  Lesson learned the hard way - I got an earful from the hubby for that.

Anyway, here are some tips when taking the bus:

a.) Bus No. 5 Landmark stops:
                  -  Abu Dhabi Mall
                  -  Tourist Club City Air Terminal
                  -  Central Souq Market/ WTC Mall
                  -  Hamdan Center
                  -  Spinney's Corniche
                  -  Marina Mall

b.) Bus No. 8 Landmark stops:
                  - Lifeline Hospital
                  - Khalidiya Mall
                  - Philippine Embassy

c.) Bus No. 9 Landmark stops
                 - Philippine Embassy
                 - Marina Mall

d.) Bus No. 11 Landmark stops  
                  -  Al Wahda Mall
                  -  Philippine Embassy
                  -  Spinney's Corniche
                  -  Marina Mall

e. Bus No. 54 Landmark stops:
                  - Hamdan Street/ Al Salama Hospital
                  - Central Market Souq/ WTC Mall
                  - Al Wahda Mall


Bus fare is AED 2.00 if within the city, outside the city would be AED 4.00.  Before boarding the bus be sure to have enough change.  Bus cards or "Ojra Bus Pass" are also available in the amount of AED 30 for a week or AED 80.00 for one month.  For more information regarding bus fares, cards and routes click here.

The Life-In-Abu Dhabi Calculator - Chapter 2 Accommodation

So you have finally landed in the land of the zaby.

What's the next move?  Look for an accommodation, of course.  Some of you who ventured to visit UAE for employment usually has a contact here to assist you in your adventure.  If its your first time to go outside your own country, the first week would probably end up as the sight seeing period.  You would be so overwhelmed with the activities and the culture you are currently in.  The food, the place and even the people are just so interesting.  But after some time the excitement of being in another country subsides a bit, then you'd start thinking about why you came in this country.  The constant issues here for expats are housing and employment.

Finding a lodging where you are comfortable, near where you will work and cheap is very hard to come by.  Something is always missing among the three factors stated.  One factor will always be sacrificed.


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