Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Report of what it's like to live there - 06/10/19
Personal Experiences from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we have lived in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan before this and have bounced around for TDYs before.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
There is a direct flight to Frankfurt, which takes about 6-6.5 hours. The non-stop flight to Amsterdam and Paris is 7 hrs long, non-stop to London takes 7 hrs 40min. ?From there, you can fly pretty much anywhere in the world. All major airlines fly out of here and Dubai, plus there are a few budget airlines. The airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both very nice and easy to get around.
3. How long have you lived here?
Almost a year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Department of State, but there are tons of different government/military agencies represented here.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We are a family of three and live in a high-rise with new and modern apartments, pool, gym and all. We have four bedrooms. Size of the apartment is great: not too big and not too small.
There is housing near the Corniche (mostly apartments and a few older villas), there is compound housing near the embassy and I think there are also high-rise apartments buildings in that area, and then there is housing further away. I honestly find it difficult to figure out where everybody lives because housing is so spread here. People seem to generally be happy with their housing.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
We don't eat out too often, but we cook a lot. We are a family of three and we have talked to a few friends with similar family sizes, and we all seem to spend around $200 on groceries per week. Things are not cheap here, probably comparable to DC prices. On the bright side, you can find almost anything here. I really love the grocery stores here and I’m sure that we will not have such amazing groceries stores and produce availability at most posts. Because the UAE consists of about 87% of expats from around the world, you can get all kinds of ingredients for cooking international foods (Thai, Arabic, Indian, French, you name it). I rarely can’t find what I need for my extensive cooking.
Some grocery stores even have pork rooms where you can buy all kinds of pork products. Alcohol is also available for purchase.
There is even an IKEA here - woo-hoo!
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Mostly things that are related to baking like bread flour, specialty whole grain flours and extracts (vanilla, orange, hazelnuts, etc). They have extracts here, but they taste different and seem to be of low quality. I’ve had difficulties ordering these items online.
Anything else, you can order online. Chocolate chips or normal baking chocolate are quite pricey. I would bring them to post. Same with nice candles. They can melt during transport, so it’s best to put them in your suitcases.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are lots of hotels with great dining and buffet options. Eating out is not cheap here (but lower than DC prices) and I find the quality of food slightly better in Dubai, but you can find lots of American chains here like the Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, PF Chang’s, Black Tap, Krispy Kreme, and many more. You can also order most foods to your home. Zomato seems like a popular app, but we’ve personally never ordered any takeout food. You will not go hungry here!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We’ve had a few harmless tiny cockroaches, but that’s about it. They spray a lot here to keep things contained. I could imagine that villas can have a few ant problems, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have APO and DPO at the embassy. You can ship almost anything to post.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We don’t have any household, but I think it ranges around $800-1300 per month. You can do live-in or live-out, with live-out costing about $300 more a month, from what I’ve heard. Most house help comes from the Philippines, Africa or India. I think most families are content with their nannies, but I haven’t heard anybody rave about house help yet. You will have to sponsor them and sharing nannies does not seem to be a thing here because of the sponsorship program.
We have an occasional Filipina babysitter for 35 AED an hour (around $9.50).
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many new apartment high-rises have their own gym and/or pool. There are gyms throughout the city, but I have no idea how much they cost. I’m sure you can find it all online.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We rarely ever use cash here, but you can find ATMs everywhere. Using your credit card is safe here.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
The UAE is a very tolerant country, so most religions have at least a small group here. I’ve seen Catholic and Protestant churches, African Christian churches, Indian churches, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but not sure what else is out there.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The UAE consists of 87% expats from around the world, you absolutely need no Arabic here. Everybody speaks English here and everything is also written in English, but of course, it can never hurt to learn the basics. ?
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Probably, as not every sidewalk is wheelchair friendly, but I can see that this post would be much easier to do than most posts in this region. I think the major buildings like malls and tourist sites are wheelchair friendly, but not all little stores in the city have a ramp.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There are local buses, but we rarely ever take them. I would say you should probably have a car at post. This is actually our first post where we have two cars, but I know of a few families that only have one car and then the spouse takes taxis around. Taxis are not ridiculously expensive like in Europe, but they are also not cheap.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You can drive here any car really. The roads are all very good, better than in the US. People have small cars, huge cars, old cars, new cars, cheap cars, very expensive cars. You’ll find anything here.
Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia seem to be the most popular brands.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, high-speed home internet is available. I think we pay around $100 per month for a basic plan. You have to be there in person to buy your plan, so your social sponsor can’t set it up for you, but you can pay an extra fee to have it set up within a day or two. SIM cards are readily available. Most popular providers are Etisalat, Du and Virgin. ?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I have a pre-paid 1-year contract with Virgin that gives me 2MB per month (it was some kind of special to get a 1 MB bonus), which is plenty for me. We pay around $20-25/month.
Etisalat will be more expensive.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Some spouses work at the embassy. Most job openings that I have seen so far are full-time. Spouses can work outside of the embassy, too, if I’m not mistaken.
There are lots of expat teachers. Special needs teachers and speech/occupational therapists are always in great demand.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are plenty of volunteering opportunities related to protecting the environment (beach clean-ups, protecting sea turtles). Races to raise awareness, volunteering at the schools, etc.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Typical work dress code at the embassy, some men wear a full suit, some just a shirt and tie, depending on which section you work for. You can wear pretty much anything in public. Abu Dhabi is slightly more conservative than Dubai, but I’ve seen tourists wear everything here, too. I think, like in many countries around the world, it is more respectful to at least wear knee-length shorts and skirts and not to show too much cleavage.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No, not really. This is a very safe country. No problems going out at night alone as a woman.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The air quality can get really bad, especially during the hotter months (AQI between 150-220 are very frequent then). It’s mostly due to the sand/dust in the air and then some typical city air pollution. But during those days, we just stay inside. We have not been affected by the air quality (yet). I’m not in the health field and can’t compare medical services and quality to US standards, but it seems that medical care is pretty good here. We have had several women have their babies here, who have all been very happy with the care.
For those who have kids with special needs, there are speech and occupational therapy options here, but most places seem to be almost booked out and they won’t be super flexible with scheduling. We love our speech therapist Jessica Fuller, who works independently.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
During the “colder months” (October-April) the air quality is okay, but like mentioned above, during the summer, the air quality can be bad. It's so hot then, that people don't do much outside anyway. Many families (or rather the non-working spouse and kids) choose to escape the heat and spend the worst summer months back at home.
So, I would say moderate air quality. It's not as good as in Switzerland, but also not as bad as in India or China.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
I can see that if you already have respiratory problems, this would probably not be the best post to clear it up. There will always be sand and dust in the air and, of course, some pollution from the cars and factories like in any other big city.
Having food allergies shouldn't be a problem. Labels are in English and are easy to read. The schools are all nut-free, but Arabs cook and bake a lot with nuts. Restaurant staff might not always be aware of what's exactly in the food, but as long as you are cautious, you should be okay here. You can be on a gluten-free diet here, too. Grocery stores have a little gluten-free section and all of the major hotels will offer gluten-free foods at their buffets and restaurants.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not that I’ve heard of. Abu Dhabi doesn’t get real winters, so it’s always nice and sunny here, but Med Unit will know more about the mental health issues that crop up here than me. I would just contact them if you have any concerns.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The colder months between October and the end of April are very, very nice and pleasant. This is the perfect time to come here. Between May and September, it can get really hot, with July/August being the hottest months. It can get humid here, too, but not as humid as I expected a city at a sea to be. It doesn’t rain very often, but we’ve had an unusual rainy spring this year with around 10x times or so raining.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are a few good international schools here. Most embassy seem to go to the American Community School or GEMS. There is also the Raha international school, Repton School, Cranleigh, Al Muna Academy, the British School - Al Khubairat, which all have a great reputation. It is extremely important to apply for schools as soon as you get your assignment. Applications start very early here (November, I think) and are very thorough. Seats at these schools fill up quickly.
Schools will even organize "play dates" for the younger kids to see if your child will fit in. There is also a German school and a French school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Unfortunately, most schools lack much special needs support. From what I’ve heard, there are only three schools in town that have a good program. One of them is Repton, the other one is GEMS, but I unfortunately can’t remember the third one. I’ve heard mixed opinions about sending your special need kid to ACS. Some have been happy, some say it is almost none-existent.
However, there are off-site developmental therapy services in English available in Abu Dhabi.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Lots of English-speaking preschools/nurseries in town. A quick Google search and you are overwhelmed with lots of great options. The best way to decide on one is just to tour them all. We absolutely love our boy’s nursery (Little Haven Nursery) and highly recommend it. They take babies starting at 4 months and kids until 4 years (FS1) and class sizes are very good.
You can drop them off as early as 7am and pick them up as late as 6pm, which is great for working parents. Of course, you pay according to how many hours your child stays there and how many days a week. All meals are included in their fee, which is awesome. No need to pack any snacks. They also offer spring, summer, winter camps, which again is great for working parents.
A school year (5 days/week, 8am-2pm) costs around $10,000. (8am-6pm) costs around $11,400, or less $ for fewer hours and/or days.
They have been really great with our special needs boy, too, and can provide an excellent IEP.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Most schools and even some nurseries will offer afternoon classes. There are also several outside clubs, but I have no idea how much they cost.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge expat community (87% of this country). You can find friends from all over the world. Morale seems to be pretty good from what I can tell. The UAE feels like a very westernized country.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
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.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think this city is great for everybody. Dubai might be slightly nicer for singles, but I think Abu Dhabi is still a great place for everybody.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I don’t think you are allowed to show your affection publicly (gay or not), but I’m sure there are all types of groups here, but people can't be as open here as, for example, in Europe or in the US.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I would think so. We haven’t really met many true Emirates, but the ones we have met, have all been very open and friendly and inviting. Like in many Middle Eastern countries, since most workers/nannies come from the Philippines or from Africa, there might be some prejudice, but I haven’t talked to anybody from these places about it yet. I don’t think they would feel it in every day living, though, since this country is such a melting pot and Emirates are much more tolerant towards people than people from other Middle Eastern countries.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Of course, like in many countries, women fulfill still more the role of a homemaker and gender equality might be lacking in some areas just like even in other developed countries, but I have never felt treated unequally as a woman here.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
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.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visiting the Grand Mosque and taking a tour is very interesting. The presidential palace is great, Al Hosn, going to Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, Warner Brothers Studio Park, Yas Mall, enjoying the beautiful beaches. Going on a desert safari tour with sand dune bashing, glamping in the desert, and so on. Lots of things to do here.
And then there are, of course, lots and lots of fun things to do in Dubai. Entrance fees can be high, but looking for deals on the Entertainer App, Groupon, Isme (for Jumeirah-related restaurants, spas) can lower costs. There are also many great deals during Ramadan for daily or yearly passes to parks.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
We are not much into buying souvenirs, but many people will buy carpets here. I don't think you get amazing deals here, though, like in other cheaper carpet producing countries.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
There are so many fun things to do. And you can do as many things with others as you want or do your own thing. I absolutely love the grocery stores here that I’m sure I will miss one day when we’re at a different post. For a big city, driving is pretty easy here and there is rarely any bad traffic, which I find very surprising for a capital.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Emirates are very forward thinking, very modern, very open and tolerant. Having lived in their neighboring country Saudi Arabia, I didn’t expect things to be so easy and nice and modern here.
Making friends can take a little longer here, too, because the embassy is so big and housing is so spread that it’s more difficult to figure out who's here. Once you reach out, it’s easy to make good friends here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, definitely. We have been very happy here. Life is pretty good here, and it's a nice bonus to get 10% differentials (you earn them though with the summer heat, air pollution and other restrictions).
We don’t think we’ll ever live at a post like this every again (that’s not in Europe) that can offer all the things the UAE offers, while still getting differentials.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Great savings ambitions: money doesn’t go far here and there are lots of fun things to spend it on
4. But don't forget your:
50 SPF sunscreen.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
I just watched a bunch of youtube videos about the UAE. Khalid Al Ameri is a famous Emirati YouTube, who gives a great insight into life and culture in the UAE.
