Reem Island Apartment

Welcome to our apartment (flat):

About a month ago we moved into the Beach Towers (BT), Building A.  The complex consists of two identical, figure eight buildings connected by a common pool area in the middle.  We are on the 21^st floor of the 28^th floor structure.

The pool is a circular  or “infinite” pool, with a depth of about five-feet deep.  On the other side of the pool area lays the beach, or “corniche,” which is expected to open in another month.  A workout space with the latest exercise technology exists on the ground floor of BT B; in the comparable space in BT A, a small café is promised. 

Tile work in pool is beautiful and gives off a lovely blue color.

Workout with a view of pool.

The Beach Towers, located on a small inlet called “Reem Island,” looking out upon the Arabian Gulf.  A former patch of mangroves, Reem Island has been open only about two years. 

We are the first inhabitants of the Beach Tower apartments!  Many new high-rise apartments and businesses dot the landscape; look at all the cranes in the photo.

Sunset over the development. 

One nice perk of teaching here is the rent-free apartment; ours would probably run about $2000+ a month if we had to pay for it.  That accommodation, and the tax-free income, makes teaching here very attractive. (And the fact that for less than $30/3hour session, Alison has the apartment cleaned)!

Our apartment actually looks out over the entrance in the photo.  We have a large living room, a bedroom, a full bathroom off the bedroom,  and a half-bath near the entrance for our many guests.

Hallway to apartment.

Our new bed.

Sofa area from IKEA

Dr.  & Mrs. respective desks

Bed with a view: Black-out curtains needed in the early morning.

Sunrise from our bedroom; notice the clouds. 

Dining Area - one of our first "real" meals.

Master bathroom

With a keen eye for design, Alison brought 99% of our furniture at the nearby IKEA, and has turned our apartment into a cozy home.  A furniture allowance from the Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC) supported our efforts.  We still have to purchase pictures for the walls and a few more carpets, but Alison assures me that these will come per our travels.

Utilitarian maid's bathroom 

The apartment also has a maid’s quarters with no window and its own very small bathroom, replete with spray hose and drain. Currently being used as a storage room.  

Storage unit built by Alison

If you are interested in becoming our maid, you could live here for free.  As an extra bonus, we will give you one day off a week.

Now that the weather is cooling off (low 90's during the day and high 70's at night we are able to enjoy the balcony and the sunsets.

Enjoying the sunset

Moonrise over the Gulf

Next entry... shopping Abu Dhabi!