Expat Advice: Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Abu Dhabi
How long have you lived there?
6 months
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
American Women's Network, Women in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Womens Group, Abu Dhabi Ladies Group, all send newsletters to members
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Very diverse and very tolerant. However, there is not to much mixing among the three major groups, local citizens, western expats and expats from developing countries
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
You need a job BEFORE you get here. You cannot come to UAE without an employer sponser. Jobs are usually oil, construction, nuclear or academic related
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Negotiate a VERY comprehensive relocation package with your prospective employer, including school, housing, transportation and travel allowance, in addition to a generous salary, because the cost of living is not cheap here.
Moving to UAE soon?
More Expat Advice about Living in UAE
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Comments about this Report
guestIf you hope to get a flavour of the Middle Eastern culture in Abu Dhabi you will be disappointed. The local Emiratis do not share their culture or let you in to their lives or families as a friend or equal. With few exceptions the Ex pats, whether executive or service level , live in a parallel universe and are treated as a necessary evil by Emiratis. They need us for talent, knowledge, skill or labor but are merely a means to an end and very expendable. Never lived in locale where I was invisible before.
