Hi,

There are many of us Emirates based and a few of us in Abu Dhabi, so I'm sure we can help as time goes on.

Accommodation you say? Many western expats get hot under the collar about the cost, but if you are coming from London, it isn't going to shock you!

3 & 4 BR apartments are more common in AD than 2, but there are still 2 BR's about. Like anywhere, Location dictates price more than size. The general standard accommodation through main landlords is good.

A few of the main banks have a lettings department and I find them very helpful. I tend to recommend First Gulf Bank lettings that have been very reasonable with us. The lettings dept is in the head office in Khalidia just up the street from Spinney Supermarket.

If you're employer will rent for you, which is the case for most direct hire staff, you can look as soon as you are in town, (Some employers will pay for an agent to help staff find accommodation so check with your employer.)

The going rate for an agent to find you property is 1 month’s rent as a fee, which I think is too expensive. If you need to rent privately there is no point looking until you are ready to rent as demand still outstrips supply for rented property in Abu Dhabi (you can't rent privately until you have residency visa and bank account)

Traffic - People moan about it, but it's better than any city I've lived in. From the center of town to anywhere on the Island will be 1/2 hour or less.