Caught between a house in Dubai and job in Abu Dhabi

• Image Credit: GULF NEWS ARCHIVES
• Tale of two cities: Residents from other emirates working in Abu Dhabi say they are circumventing the law to beat steep rents in the capital

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Abu Dhabi: Living in Dubai and claiming house rent allowances from your workplace in Abu Dhabi may not be in line with the capital’s laws, but many are doing just that, XPRESS has found.

According to Abu Dhabi’s new regulations, announced in September 2012, all Abu Dhabi government employees are required to live in the capital and show relevant tenancy contracts plus utility bills in order to continue enjoying housing benefits.

However, several expats say they are left with no choice but to find ways in order to remain in their current locations. “Not only is it a matter of saving, but also about convenience. My wife teaches at a school in Dubai while my kids go to another school nearby. They have their friends in this community they won’t want to part with,” said a British expat on why he has not been able to make the move since the new law came into effect in September 2013.

“I had to take up an apartment in the capital to show I have an address there, but in reality, I have sub-leased it to a few singles,” said the professional who didn’t want to be named.

Following the decree, many employees relocated to the capital and its surrounding areas to avoid having to forego HRA.