Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Report of what it's like to live there - 01/31/10
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?
This is our second experience abroad.
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?
It's approximately 13 hours direct with Etihad to Toronto, but expensive in comparison to a Luftansa/Air Canada flight connecting in Frankfurt that is anywhere from 16 hrs +.
3. How long have you lived here?
This is our second year here.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
affiliated with the Canadian government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There are many high rises with apartments in the downtown core. There are villas too, however, more people are choosing to live in villas outside the downtown core due to cost, however the commute time is longer.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I find the groceries here are expensive, especially if they are imported. Local produce is cheap and good. There are 4 main grocery markets and one may have to visit all 4 to find what they are looking for. Many people stock up on their favourite things (for example Kraft mayonnaise) because once they are gone, you may not see them again for several months.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can pretty much get everything here. On summer visits back to Canada I always bring Kraft peanut butter, chapsticks, face wash and some choice toys for the children.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
One will find your typical fast food restaurants here such as McD's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway etc...There are many high end restaurants located in the hotels, but can be a bit pricey.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants everywhere!!
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is cheap for either live-in or live-out. Help can range from 700dhs to 2000dhs depending on the arrangement. Many people hire gardeners and drivers.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes there are many gyms to choose from.
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?
I use my ATM and credit cards without any problems.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is an Anglican and a Catholic church in Abu Dhabi.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
From what I understand, there are two cable pkgs for purchase. They are reasonably priced.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is spoken everywhere here.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yellow taxis are not equipped with seatbelts and most drivers do not speak english. The grey taxis are recommended. You can flag them down or by appointment and they have seatbelts.
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?
We have an SUV and our reason was because of the atrocious driving here. Should the unfortunate occasion arise of being in an accident, then at least we'd feel more safe in a larger vehicle. The majority of vehicles driven here are SUV's. Did I already say the drivng here is bad?You need two sets of eyes.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We've recently been installed with fibre-optic. We pay approximately 250dhs per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone here has one.
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
I'm not a pet owner but do know of two vet clinics in the area.
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?
Work is the reason expats are here. Tax-free income,need I say more?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Again you are in a muslim country so dressing conservatively is recommended.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I feel very safe here. I jog in the evenings and have never felt threatened.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There are many western-trained doctors available with several clinics to choose from.
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 seems to be ok. I cough a lot more now than before I moved here.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winter weather (November - April) is great with temperatures ranging anywhere from 19-28 degrees depending on time of day. It rains here but is infrequent. Many people leave the country in the summer (May-Oct) to escape the unbearable heat and humidity. Temperatures can reach 50 degrees.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I haven't heard any negativity regarding any of the international schools. My daughter goes to an American International school and the majority of the teachers are Canadian.
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?
Pre-schools are available throughout Abu Dhabi. There are a few popular ones like Stepping Stones, Bright Beginnings and Jigsaw. Waitlists can be an issue though so plan ahead. Most preschools offer only morning to early afternoon programs.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The schools offer sports programs. Outside of schools, there is an equestrian club, ballet for kids, martial arts training (somewhere), and swimming lessons offered at any of the clubs.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large. Everyone is from away. Locals make up of about 20% of the population.
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?
3. Morale among expats:
There are those that like it and those that don't.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a good city for families, singles and married couples.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
This is a muslim country so there is no tolerance for this lifestyle.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Jordan is a short flight from here. It's an interesting place to visit with lots of history to offer.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Desert camping, camping in Oman, clubs, golfing, dune bashing, shopping, day trips to Dubai, hotel clubs.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
carpet
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
This is a good post for virtually anyone.
11. Can you save money?
yes we have but there are many things we've had to sacrifice.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I don't think so. Although safe, I'm just not a fan of the sand.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothing.
3. But don't forget your:
sunscreen and bathing suit, but most of all patience.
