Abu Dhabi - Post Report Question and Answers

What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?

The UAE is not a huge country and we have traveled all over. Dubai is an hour away and is a very different city, but great to visit. We've driven to Oman too, which has its own distinct culture and pace of life. Dubai is a flight hub to the rest of the world, and Abu Dhabi is well connected too. I've generally enjoyed living here, it's very comfortable, and I feel at home here. - Jun 2022


There is so much to do here... The Grande Mosque, Afternoon Tea at the Emirates Palace, Ferrari World... then we are an hour from Dubai with all that you can do there. - Feb 2020


There are sooo many luxury resorts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that oftentimes offer great deals during low tourist season or for UAE residents. Resorts are absolutely beautiful and the service is here some of the best in the world. So, lots of great choices for weekend getaways. Luxuryescapes.com occasionally has great deals for hotels in the UAE. Our absolute favorite resort is Jumeirah Madinat with an excellent beach, great pools, a waterpark that’s included in the stay, amazing buffets and restaurants, gorgeous landscaping. ?We haven’t felt the need yet to travel outside the country because there are so many fun things to do here. Dubai is only a 1.5 hour drive away from Abu Dhabi and there is endless entertainment. ?We’ve done some beach glamping and there are also lots of desert glamping offers. Many people drive to Oman (about 5 hrs away), which we haven’t done yet. - Jun 2019


It is a travel hub, you can go anywhere from here. - Sep 2017


We visited Omani turtle reserves and saw turtle hatchlings make their way to the sea, camped in the Liwa desert and rolled down huge sand dunes, sat on a catamaran and sailed across the Arabian gulf accompanied by dolphins, went up the tallest building in the world... Like I said, lots to do! - Jun 2015


On a daily basis, climate and traffic aside, Abu Dhabi is a pretty comfortable place to live. Supermarkets are generally well stocked, it's possible to find good quality on most things if you're willing to look hard, and we've enjoyed the cooler winters. - May 2013


Good spot for holidays in places I would otherwise not have considered like Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, and Egypt. Privileged, due to my work, to go beyond the 'expat bubble' and spend time within Emirati schools and homes. - Jul 2012


Enjoying the beaches that line the city's Cornice; traveling to places like Oman and Qatar; enjoying some things (such as household help and luxurious spas) that are prohibitively expensive at home. - Aug 2011


Traffic fines are five times what they are in the United States or Europe, and wreckless driving is abundant; the American Embassy won't help you. The UAE is set up by Emiratis for Emiratis; everybody else is a guest worker subject to firing or deportation at any minute. Foreigners (non-UAE nationals) have absolutely no legal rights; if you were to harm or injure an Emirati somehow, you could be put in jail and be subject to high payments to get yourself out. You can make a lot of money in the UAE, but you're at high personal risk. - Jul 2011


I have loved getting to know other expats. The long leisurely brunches/lunches on Fridays and the countless coffee shops and cafes that the city has to offer are fabulous. The restaurants here are really good and when you tire of those a quick drive to Dubai will perk you right up . I love the leisurely pace especially on weekends. - Nov 2010


Jordan is a short flight from here. It's an interesting place to visit with lots of history to offer. - Jan 2010


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