Abu Dhabi is far more relaxed than Dubai. Not near as much tourist activity or night life. They have started a builing program to grow the city and increase tourism, but it's aimed at higher class cultural and family oriented themes.

The Abu Dhabi airport is only a 54 minute drive (at the speed limit) to the Dubai Marina and quite a number of Etihad pilots are choosing to live in that area. Even closer will be the new Dubai Waterfront and Palm Jebel Ali developments. So it is quite possible to live in Dubai and work for Etihad. That said, Reem Island, Raha Beach, and Yas Island will be good places to live in a few years time. They are all much closer to AUH.

No idea of schedules and such at Etihad. I did just fly with a Purser married to an Etihad A330 Captain. He would prefer to work for EK, but not until they hire DECs on the Airbus again. Also did a training flight for a guy who defected off the B777 and he did not have much good to say about the operation.

Etihad tends to work okay for the single or married without kids people. Their package just doesn't match EKs when it comes to schooling and other issues involving family.



TP