Abu Dhabi - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Anything you can think of. If you like going to the pool and getting drunk with your friends, you can do that. If you want to have friends you have a book club with, you can do that. If you want to meet with friends and discuss scripture, you can do that. If you want to go clubbing, you can do that. - Jun 2022
The CLO has events, there are always events going on here and lots of things to do - Feb 2020
There are lots of different kinds of groups you can join, the American Women’s Network (AWN) which is a great place to meet other women, Abu Dhabi choral group for people who love music, people have each other over, go out to eat, hang out at Yas Waterworld (many families will buy annual passes).It’s just like in the US. You can do as much as you want with others, but you can also do your own thing. Since housing is so spread, I would say though, that feeling connected to the embassy community and making friends might take a little longer here than at smaller posts. - Jun 2019
Sports activities, AmCham, there are lots of options. - Sep 2017
In winter: camping, hiking, biking, various and numerous festivals and expos. In summer: sweat. - Jun 2015
We've done less home entertaining here than anywhere else we've lived. Emiratis often don't like to visit expat homes for fear of alcohol, pork, and dogs. There are lots of going-out options, including various special promotions -- women frequently drink free, for example. - May 2013
There is a club or society for practically every sporting and cultural interest. - Jul 2012
As much or little as you like. Little home hospitality that involves Emiratis, as they can be shy about coming into Western houses where gender-mixing patterns, food and drink, etc., won't be what they're used to. - Aug 2011
Good. Kids in the expat schools have a great time. Westerners have money and a good social life with other westerners. There's not a lot of ethnic mixing. Emiratis keep to themselves and other Gulf Arabs. - Jul 2011
Absolutely. The restaurants and cafes are great. - Nov 2010
Dinners out, golf and spending time among friends. - Aug 2009
