Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Report of what it's like to live there - 02/01/20
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?
Yes, this is our first.
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?
We have lived all over the US. The flight from DC was seven hours to London and seven and a half hours to Abu Dhabi... we had a seven hour layover too.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
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?
We have pets, so a villa was our only option. We live about 25 minutes from the Embassy, depending traffic. There are mix of villas and apartments of varying sizes. We live in a mixed community with expats and locals, it is gated and has a club house (gym, pool...etc), restaurant, and mini-mart (Baqala).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get everything here (except good paper towels, Dr. Pepper and Root beer) as the US... the grocery chains are Lulu, Carrefour Spinney's (pork products too) and various CO-OPs. Generally most things here are more expensive, especially good that are imported from the US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We ship in dryer sheets, paper towels, dog food and some cosmetics, but these are really for preference and price. We shipped out three Costco-sized paper towel packages and it didn't last nine months.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
You can pretty much get any American fast food and restaurants here... and most deliver through various apps (Deliveroo, Zomato, Uber Eats... etc). We found Texas Roadhouse, Texas De Brazil, CPK, IHOP, Olive Garden, Chilis, TGI Fridays, PF Chang... lots of choices. The Lebanese and Indian restaurants are top notch here.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We have not had any issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO is generally three to four weeks. There is local post offices but we have only received few items. We can ship straight from China in three days, but there are customs fees (not much).
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We do not employ domestic help, but I understand it is very reasonably priced.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Our community has a small gym but most other gyms are expensive... like most everything else.
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?
Credit cards are safe and apps such as Carrefour, Zomato, Uber and Deliveroo take Apple Pay.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are some denominational and non-denominational churches, but not many and they have service on Fridays
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None as the language of business is English. I've not even spoken to an Emirate directly. There are places to learn, but can be pricey.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No, there is ample parking for handicap (determined) persons, there are lots of sidewalks and the doors seem pretty wide.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The public transport here in not fully developed. Now that there are tolls on all bridges into the city, I hope it gets better. Uber and Careem are good along with local taxi services.
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?
Any car will do, but keep in mind the local cars have bigger cooling systems due to the summer heat and tires need to be replaced more often.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Basic package starts at 250 mps with TV and phone for a bit over $100. However, VIOPs are blocked as are most VPNs... and VPN websites. There are some that work and some that are very slow. A DNS proxy is effective streaming Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Sling.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Google Fi works here, but they cut off your data if you are overseas longer than six months straight. I recommend getting a local SIM from Virgin mobile because you can prepay for 12 months and save 50%. We have 200 local minutes, 200 international minutes and 5GB data for under US $40 per month...
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?
There are lots of vets here, but they are pricey. No quarantine but it is expensive to import pets. They have to arrive via cargo, which is not an option from April to November, and the import permit requires a titre test, for dogs at least. We used Club Pet and the German Vet Clinic and were very happy with their services.
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?
Most work at the Embassy or volunteer. We have full and part-time positions at the Embassy.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are a few, but not too many.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Typical office attire depending on your job. The dress code is generally conservative and you can be ask to leave malls and stores, but I've never actually seen it happen.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Abu Dhabi is one of the safest places to live in the world. There are so many cameras, that if crimes are committed, they are solved quickly. There are some regional tensions, but nothing has spilled over to the UAE yet.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The air pollution can be bad, but there are decent medical and dental option available.
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?
There is almost always dust in the air, but changing of seasons makes it worse.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Nothing specific that I know of...
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Mall fatigue? if that is a thing. Even the grocery (hypermarkets) stores are in malls.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
November to March is nearly perfect... June, July, August and September can be hot and humid. The locals don't go out much until 9pm or later.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are lots of choices for schools.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I don't have first-hand knowledge, but a co-worker has a special need child and is happy with the accommodations here.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Lots of expats live here. I think UAE is 85% expat.
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?
The CLO has events, there are always events going on here and lots of things to do
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is good for families, couples and singles.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I can see.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
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.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
No hidden gems yet, but we are still exploring.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
People buy carpets, gold and perfumes here.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is modern, safe and has all the shopping options one could ever want but less crowded than Dubai.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Get a VPN flashed router before arriving and bring OTC meds (cold and allergy).
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter coats.
4. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen and hat.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are lots of videos on Youtube.
