Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Report of what it's like to live there - 08/25/09
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?
First experience.
2. How long have you lived here?
I have been here a year, will leave in the summer of 2010.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign Service.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
You can fly direct from Atlanta or Chicago to Dubai, but then you must drive to Abu Dhabi. My preference is US to Frankfurt or Amsterdam, then direct to Abu Dhabi.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Concrete homes, windows are kind of drafty. Downtown Abu Dhabi is crowded, and traffic can be dense. I live off-island and it is much more managable. Going downtown from home takes 20-30 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Carrfour, Spinney's and Abela are grocery and general supply stores. Cough syrup can ONLY be gotten at a pharmacy.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Deodorant from the states is better quality than the same brand bought here. Same goes for shampoo. If you are particular about q-tips or toilet paper, you might want to ship those items. Cereal is expensive, and those with children ship it.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC, Fuddruckers, McDonald's, etc. Lots of fried chicken here, but no pork on pizzas. Pork is available only at 2 grocery stores and one restaurant. Nice restaurants are expensive and harder to get to. There are few places for just a casual meal at a reasonable cost. Going to dinner is an AFFAIR and will take a lot of time and will cost you.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants, and lizards inside sometime, but not often. Flies and mosquitoes can become an issue in the winter.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
PO Boxes-there are no street addresses in the UAE.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Not sure of the cost, but helpers are readily available.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Everywhere.
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?
ATMS are everywhere, and exchanges are everywhere, with so many expats here from all over the world. Expats make up 90% of the population.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a couple of religious services available in Abu Dhabi, Christian and Orthodox. Several languages.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, cost is not prohibitive.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very little, most speak English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Drivers are not careful and would hit anyone who does not move fast enough. Ramps are becoming more available downtown and in the newer areas, but it is difficult to even ride a bike in most places because of the 10" curbs.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No trains, bus service is new and usually used by workers (crowded and smelly), taxis are prevalent and affordable. Women should be careful with drivers and all should make sure the taxi uses a meter. I have seen drivers refuse to give change and take your money. Make sure you have small bills. Any driver turned in for bad conduct could be deported, so get the driver information before a problem happens.
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?
Roads are great. Emiratis use them as raceways. Large expensive vehicles are treated with a little respect on the roadway, smaller ones are considered annoyances and will get pushed off the road. But smaller is easier to park in the crowded downtown area. Gas is reasonable and carjackings are non-existent. Crime in general is very low, but car accidents happen often. Usually with a serious speeder. Ticketing is done by camera, and you will only know you have fines to pay when you try to register your vehicle (unless you check).
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, about 65 dollars a month for unlimited usage. It is difficult to get service from the provider, but it is good when it works.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
They are everywhere, easy to get, and there is only one company-owned by the government.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No, but the shots required are a bit different than in the states-check early. Best source of info is the British & American Vets. They can also help with importing things. ALL pets must arrive as CARGO-cannot be in the cabin.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
British Vet (best!) and the American Vet Clinic. AVC has a kennel, but its the only one I know of.
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?
For those specialized and connected, yes; for ordinary worker people, they can hire a 3rd-worlder to do whatever they need cheaper than most westerners.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
For ladies: covered shoulders and knees-reasonable dress. No shorts or tank tops. Business attire is always appropriate.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate, mostly air pollution, dust/dirt in the air. There doesn't seem to be any open burning allowed, and they try to keep vehicles that spout smoke off the road.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
I have them all!
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Nothing major.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Most things are available, if just a little difficult to find.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Oct thru April is wonderful at 70 F for daily highs. Skies are clearer. Summer hot, usually 115 F, with dirty skies. Buildings begin to look very old in the summer. There is of course no rain, just a few hours in the winter. It is desert.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
HUGE! Lots of Brits, Americans, and more.
2. Morale among expats:
Pretty good. It is a place to come make money, so as the market goes...
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Dinners out, golf and spending time among friends.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families seem to do okay, but they often leave in the summer with children, as there is little for them to do in the heat. Night life in Abu Dhabi is much more sedate that in neighboring Dubai, but the slower lifestyle is more to my liking. There are nice places to go, but they are expensive. In the winter there are lots of cultural activities. Desert safaris, boat cruises and water activities are always available.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Men regularly hold hands with one another, but they say it is not gay. UAE does not recognize gay couples, but it is harder for an unmarried man and woman to live together than for two males or two females.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Islam dominates and men outnumber women by a great margin. As a woman, get used to being stared at-though they probably don't know any better. A single woman may have trouble "sponsoring" a maid or a spouse, because the Emiratis expect a man to be doing it. It is difficult but doable.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Desert Safari, shopping in Sharjah, scuba diving. Spas are abundant.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Emirati-sized gold, diamonds. Emiratis are worse than Texans in that EVERYTHING is bigger.
9. Can you save money?
Not really. You still gotta eat.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
umbrella.
3. But don't forget your:
sense of humor.
