Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Report of what it's like to live there - 09/12/17
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, I've also lived in Conakry, Guinea; Lome, Togo; Muscat, Oman and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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?
U.S. is home. If you take the direct flight from Chicago or DC it takes 16 hours, longer if you go through Europe.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Relatively large houses considering you are in a city. Some are in compounds, some are in neighborhoods. There are also high-rise apartments for singles/couples and families. Closer to the downtown area the houses are older and some of the apartment buildings are older but they are building new high-rises all the time. As you move away from the city, housing is more updated.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Comparable to U.S. prices.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can get everything here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything is here from all over the world. If you look you can find it and just about everything can be delivered. There are apps for restaurant delivery.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Bugs come inside when it gets to hot and dry outside -ants mostly but some roaches as well.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use DPO and pouch. Others use Aramax, FedEx, UPS and DHL. It seems fairly easy to receive international mail here.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Nannies, cooks, and housekeepers are all available from many countries. It can be challenging to find one person to do everything well. Costs from $700 - $1200 USD per month for a nanny/housekeeper. Cooks are more.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Everything is here. Physical activity is huge here. there are often community races, family events, etc. there are a variety of gyms and health clubs with varying costs depending on what you are looking for. Average is about $16 per exercise class.
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?
Yes, very safe. We use credit cards for everything.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, all are available, I think.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, everything is in English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
They can get around, priority parking is available, ramps and elevators are everywhere.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe but a bit expensive if you use them a lot. Uber might be coming back
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?
Bring what you like, there are a wide variety of cars here. It is nice to have a Jeep or other 4WD to drive in the desert and larger SUV is good from road trips and camping. Renting cars is easy here as well. You will see Ford next to Maserati next to BMW and Bentley.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it has some limitations for access but that isn't a big issue. Installation can be quick and the cost starts at about $100 per month with phone and cable included.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local provider, it's easy and works well.
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?
Lots of local vets. Some landlords don't allow pets at all, many don't allow dogs. Ask before you commit to anything. Importing/exporting pets is challenging and 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?
Many work at the Embassy or local schools. A lot have telework with a US employer. both part-time and full time are available.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
I would say business casual yet suites and ties are in many offices. There are some formal events requiring long dresses, not common to see cocktail dress at events.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None, this is a safe place. my kids walk everywhere
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is OK, apparently better in Dubai which is only 1 1/2 hours by car. People get all kinds of treatment locally.
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?
It varies, because of dust storms it can be bad sometimes. It does affect people with asthma.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
You can get a lot of stuff here for any dietary requirement. Locals use a lot of nuts in their food, be prepared.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
May-September very hot, October -April pretty pleasant and it can get chilly in January and February.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Lots of great options with American, international, British, Indian and other curriculum. All are pricey.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
This seems to be limited, you need to check with the school.
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?
Yes, and very expensive but they seem to be worth the cost. I hear that parents are very happy with the preschool options.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Tons! Rugby, soccer, basketball, American football, tennis, baseball - it is all here somewhere.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge! This is a country of expatriates.
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?
Sports activities, AmCham, there are lots of options.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for everyone, you can find what you need.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I hear it is okay if you don't advertise yourself. Homosexuality is illegal so it is a risk but there apparently is community
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not a lot. Gender issues are definitely there but they aren't too horrible. Men and women often don't socialize together. Some women will be covered but this is not required or expected for expats.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
It is a travel hub, you can go anywhere from here.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Driving to Oman, visiting the other Emirates, and camping in the desert.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really, everything is imported.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is almost like living in any other developed big city. Lots of opportunities.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The amazing architecture. It is just wow!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES!!!!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Everything, you don't need anything here.
4. But don't forget your:
If you forget it, you can get it here.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
National Geographic mega structures in Abu Dhabi.
