r/abudhabi

As the title says, I've got my balance deducted by DARB during non peak time window. I'm from Dubai and I pass during night time. The app says, I pass 11:50PM and 12:10AM the next day, which I did. But according to their site, it's not the peak hour window. Any changes on rules, base on your experience?

So feeling down lately… Here’s my story:

We are living in a 2 bedroom flat in downtown abu dhabi with a yearly rent of 58k which is payable for 3 splits. 1st split will be through cash payment and the rest is by cheques. Now, we did not miss any payments during this time. But when the owner died, that’s when things got ugly. They are asking us for the proofs of payment. For the cheque payments I have record of that but for the cash payment I don’t. I FORGOT to ask for the receipt during the 1st payment. And I can’t grab a hold of the previous building caretaker since he is already back to his home country. Now the issue is that they want us to pay AGAIN for that cash payment that they said they did not receive. And I tried to pull out my bank records during that time but I can’t see any transactions during that time me withdrawing the same amount.

So I accepted my fate but tried to ask the new owner if I can pay 3 months after our contract ends. He declined. Even asking him that I will leave a cheque to be post dated 3 months after the end of contract. Still declined.

Been thinking of asking a loan from the bank but it seems a bit expensive after all the deductions and interest.

Maybe anyone can give any advise on how I can move forward with the situation I am in?

Thanks in advance!

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this post. My spouse & I are moving to Abu Dhabi and considering apartments in the Al Reef gated community. If you are aware of the neighborhood, we would love to know the pros and cons of living in Al Reef.

Hey everyone,

I recently moved to Abu Dhabi with my wife. Initially, due to the regional volatility, we decided it was best for my mother to stay back in India temporarily. She is currently managing on her own there, but given that things in the region don't seem to be settling down anytime soon, we are rethinking our plans.

For those living here with family: how are you feeling about the current situation? Do you think it's a good time to bring an elderly parent over, or is it wiser to wait a bit longer? Would love to get some perspective from expats who are managing similar family logistics right now. Thanks!

Dear friends,

My family is going to live in Abu Dhabi from Aug this year.

I could really use your advice on where to spend next five years.

Family : Me, wife, 6 yrs old child (going to elementary school this year)

Office : ADGM, School : Repton, ACS, or Cranleigh (hopefully they have a spot for my daughter)

Residence : i am looking at Saadiyat or Reem Island

Budget : 250 ~ 300k AED

I really want to give my wife and a daughter a memorable times during our stay in UAE.

But I am having difficulties choosing the right residence for my family.

If you could kindly help and point me to the good residences,

I'll be in forever debt to you.

What my family is looking for

1. 3 or 4 Bedroom

2. well maintained building / no smell, mold, no drilling&construction sound

3. kids play area, close to markets and stuff or beach area

Places I've looked so far includes

Reem Island : Sun / Sky Tower, Reem Nine

Saadiyat : Saadiyat Beach Residence, Hidd Al Saadiyat (maybe too far..), Mamsha Al Saadiyat (2 BR...)

Thank you in advance!

My SC is pending since last 6 months, Have anybody been in similar situation ? FYI I am Indian selected in Cyber Security domain..

Meh

Hi! Where is the best place to buy pure gold coins and bullions? Preferably, no making charges. Also, any idea how much they would cost?

Thank you in advance! 😊

Hi, I am looking to rent a 2 bedroom apartment in Electra street, furnished, with all amenities in an amazing building. Looking for a vegeterian female flatmate to share the apartment with. The living room would be ours to use, nobody living there.

I’m looking for an Indian home cook who can come to my house and prepare lunch and dinner. Preferably in the evening after 5 PM. My location is near Nayel and Bin Harmal Tower.

Hey everyone!

Looking for anyplace in AD that does a full body trim or wax. A place that is hygienic and deffo not one of those happy ending places.

Putting up a post out here as going to random spa's and then realizing that there are shady backdoors for 'other reasons' ain't bueno.

Hello everyone, I have a BMW 530i that has engine problems. I would like to swap the 530i engine and gearbox for the 535i engine and gearbox but only if it’s possible, if not I can put the regular 530i engine which is fine.

Can anyone recommend where I can get the parts and a good and trustworthy garage to work on the car. I live in Abu Dhabi.

Thanks in advance

hye everyone,

i am engineer working in a multinational company but problem is i have low confidence i am shy person fear of public speaking lack of comminication skils

these all affecting my career and i got stuck in same salary and role because for managemnt roles we need these skills

is there any best and recomended institues from where i can learn these skills ???

please guide me seniors

Well.. it became long post!! Last Thursday during the inauguration of GEMO at Marina Mall, they had an introductory offer — AED 100 voucher valid only between 7 PM and 8 PM, and only one voucher per transaction. Naturally, huge queues formed immediately after opening.

I was around 10th in line, with at least 50 people behind me. There were two billing counters, both packed. The queue I was standing in was barely moving because people at the front kept taking additional clothes/items from friends and family standing outside the queue.

Right in front of me were two middle-aged Hindi-speaking women who were also doing the same thing. Then I noticed another lady who had already finished purchasing from the other queue suddenly join them for another round of shopping.

At that point, people behind were already frustrated because our line literally wasn’t moving. So I politely told her:

“Ma’am, I saw you joining this queue after your purchase. It’s not really fair to cut into the line. Please start again from the back.”

I honestly expected maybe an apology or at least acknowledgment. Instead, one of the other women got angry and started arguing with me, asking why I was pointing only at her when others were also taking clothes from outside.

I replied that just because others are doing something wrong doesn’t make it right. I also told them there were many people waiting behind us for a long time, and everyone should be considerate.

Then came the classic justifications like:
“She was already in the queue.”
And finally:
“She’s buying for her mother in a wheelchair.”
(Though ironically the item being purchased was high heels.)

At that point I just stopped arguing because protecting my peace felt more important than fighting with people who already know they’re wrong but still justify it.

The funny part? One of their voucher claims eventually got rejected, and they ended up paying full price for some items anyway.

What honestly bothered me wasn’t even the extra shopping — it was the attitude. Why do some people think rules, queues, and consideration only apply to others?

And to the lady in front of me, if you are reading this:
What you did was wrong, and it’s not appropriate to justify it just because others were doing the same thing. Deep down, you yourself knew it was unfair. While everyone is trying to move ahead in life, we should still remain considerate toward the people around us, because everyone deserves fairness.

Hello, I am looking for a personal driver based in Abu Dhabi.

The role involves driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai around 4–5 days per week, typically on weekdays. Departure from Abu Dhabi would be approximately 6:00–7:00am, with return to Abu Dhabi around 5:00–7:00pm.

Occasional daytime driving may also be required as needed.

Requirements:

• Must be based in Abu Dhabi
• Extensive driving experience in the UAE
• Good knowledge of Abu Dhabi and Dubai roads
• Punctual, reliable, and professional

Please DM if you are interested or know someone suitable.