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Abu Dhabi Expat Feed
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Expat Report Dating and Marriage in Abu Dhabi, UAE was published
What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?
There are a number of "Ladies Nights" at local watering holes. These can be good places for meeting others. I am not into that scene, any more. I prefer to find someone by meeting him, first. I have also used dating sites to find someone. (Continue)
A reader commented on the Expat Report Review of American International School Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, UAE
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
The building is old and poorly maintained. There is however, promise as a new gym is under construction. There a smartboards throughout the school and children have access to computer facilities.
After school activities vary. In elementary there are clubs 3 times a year for 6 weeks with activities ranging from bowling and ice skating to craft and table tennis.
In high school there are opportunities for students to play sport in interschool competitions. (Continue)
A reader replied most recently with:
Make sure to allocate funding for tutors even for the best students, teachers regularly complain about keeping children focused taking away from valuable teaching time. Facilities are lacking, small overcrowded classrooms, small desks for high school kids, old textbooks +5yrs, not many field trips in a town that has so many educational opportunities. Request a tour during school hours to decide for yourself. No air conditioned lunchroom, limited covered play areas is a concern.
A reader commented on the Expat Report Review of Glenelg School in Abu Dhabi, UAE
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
The school is still relatively new and the facilities in the school are taking a lot longer than need be to get them up and running.
per se "the pool has collapsed, the fields are uneven and because of security concerns are not allowed to be used, and the library hasn't even started to be stocked." (Continue)
A reader replied most recently with:
I suppose that different people have different experiences with the same school. I agree with most of what was written in the review. However, just because this has been my experience does not mean that it will be yours.
A reader replied recently with:
I would like to know if this school is really true about what it written above?? I phoned a parent who he has 2 children in the school and what is written above is totally not true... I wonder who wrote this and why and how come I heard two different view and extremly away from truth... any explanation????
A reader commented on the Expat Report Culture Shock in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
Don't make these sites your only source of information about a culture. Read, go to university lectures, art exhibits, music concerts. Learn about the culture, not just others' opinions! Develop an appreciation and respect for where you're going, and be open to it. If you do this, you will find happiness wherever you go. (Continue)
A reader replied most recently with:
English is almost a first language in UAE, in Abu Dhabi all subjects at school are tought in English. you do not need to learn Arabic at all.
everything is in English. you get three local news papers in English. you do not need to worry about that what so ever.
A reader commented on the Expat Report Culture Shock in Abu Dhabi, UAE
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
They're incredibly generous. If I admire something of they own, they will try to give it to me. They are also highly hospitable. (Continue)
A reader replied most recently with:
This is a very accurate portrayl of life in Abu Dhabi. This person has a very clear and level-headed grasp of expat life and has an understanding of the culture that only repeated expat experiences can provide.
A reader commented on the Expat Report Moving to Abu Dhabi, UAE
What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
Make sure you negotiate with your employer to cover your accommodation or include high accommodation allowance. Living in a compound in a villa is the best choice - one can find many European expatriates to be among with. (Continue)
A reader replied most recently with:
Bring about 20 passport pictures. Make sure all of your documents have all the appropriate stamps and have been authenticated!!! They do not make getting your residency visa easy! With that said PATIENCE is a must. No one is in any hurry to do anything here. Good Luck!
Expat Report Moving to Abu Dhabi, UAE by ckeown was published
What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
You will need to make a trade-off between living "on-island" at a higher cost for a smaller place, or "off-island" for more space and a yard. Since social isolation is a big hazard, I would put a very high priority on living "on-island" rather than out in the boondocks where you need to drive long distances for amenities. (Continue)
A reader commented on the Expat Report Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE
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 (Continue)
A reader replied most recently with:
If 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.
Expat Report Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE was published
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
AWN American Womens Network (primarily Americans, but all are welcome...can tend to be a bit highbrow), WIAD Women in Abu Dhabi (A very international flair, this ladies group does some serious traveling!) (Continue)
Expat Report Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE was published
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Respect local sensibilities, and expect great fun. (Continue)
Expat Report Review of American International School in Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, UAE was published
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
Nice building, but poorly maintained since the owners pocket most of the tuitions in this proprietary school. Classrooms are lacking since teachers do not have their own classrooms. Construction occurs frequently to support a burgeoning student population.
. (Continue)
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