Abu Dhabi, UAE
One expat who moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE explains that moving to a Middle Eastern country is so different to other European countries. And, he feels that the greatest challenge is understanding how and why things happen in the workplace.
Abu Dhabi
No formal training. However I was living in Spain for 3 years, which in the south has many similarities in culture because of the Moorish influence so although not prepared, I could understand what was going on
Expats living in UAE interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
No. My employer said I did't need to learn Arabic as translators are provided (some of the time). I went on an Arabic course run by the Brisih Council, however it was social Arabic. Whilst I can understand some conversations, my Arabic is not a great deal of use.
No
Sirelo offers you a simple and hassle free solution to plan your move to UAE. You'll get up to 5 FREE quotes from trusted international movers. Takes 1 minute! No obligation. Save up to 40%. Only qualified and professional movers. Get your quotes now!
The culture shock is in the way work progress is achieved in the public services. Culturally there is little difference to Spain, however the short working days, the reluctance to make any decisions at all, the minor functionaries who prevent progress, are all still surprising to me.
I think I probably did, although at the time I didn't recognise them as such.
Certainly frustration, but none of the others.
The friendliness of the Emirati people. I have been made more welcome in the UAE that in several parts of the UK I have visited.
Moving to a middle eastern country is so different to other European countries, the greatest challenge is understanding how and why things happen in the workplace. One expects differences in food and the day to day shopping, bargaining etc. Working in Government I was and still am to a degree, challenged by the completely different way of internal working when compared to the UK. The language is a barrier, but it is also the unwritten codes of the tribes and families, the office politics etc which pervade every thing, every day.
I was visiting an office with a young Emirati colleague and was offered the customery Arabic coffee and dates. I had the coffee cup in my right hand, and took a date with my left hand. My young colleague was scolded by the more senior people, in Arabic, that he had not told me how to accept food - which he had indeed not. The correct way would have been to transfer the coffee cup to the left hand and then accept food with the right. The left hand is of course unclean, but early on, I just never thought and used both.
If you are moving to the Arabian peninsula, look for "27 Articles" by T E Lawrence (whose world are banned in the UAE). Although written for the British Army in 1917, if you strip away the military stuff and look beyond into the culture, the advice he gives for working closely alongside Arabian peninsula people is as valid (for me) in 2013 as when it was written in 1917. It helped me to understand some of the cultural issues.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in UAE from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Expats in Abu Dhabi enjoy a unique lifestyle in the Middle East, but the requirements for moving there are very specific. Find out what these are and what it is like to live in this truly diverse city.
Expats and people moving to the UAE have lots of questions. Healthcare and health insurance are often on the list. Here are 7 tips about healthcare, health insurance in the UAE, having a baby in the UAE and more.
Everything you need to know about shipping a vehicle to Canada. From permitted uses of imported vehicles, to duties on imports, to what side of the road to drive on, find out what you need to know about shipping your car to the UAE's most populous city.
Expats and people moving to the UAE have lots of questions. Healthcare and health insurance are often on the list. Here are 7 tips about healthcare, health insurance in the UAE, having a baby in the UAE and more.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in UAE from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Expats in Abu Dhabi enjoy a unique lifestyle in the Middle East, but the requirements for moving there are very specific. Find out what these are and what it is like to live in this truly diverse city.
Expats and people moving to the UAE have lots of questions. Healthcare and health insurance are often on the list. Here are 7 tips about healthcare, health insurance in the UAE, having a baby in the UAE and more.
Support your favorite restaurants in Abu Dhabi as they recover from the pandemic. Submit a free listing for them on Expat Exchange to help spread the word about them to the expat community.
An expat in Abu Dhabi talks about the quality of healthcare, recommends American hospitals for their standard of care, explains that many people skip the doctor and get prescription medicine from the pharmacy.
An expat talks about what it's like living in Abu Dhabi - stifling summers, lots of shopping malls and very little crime.
Everything you need to know about shipping a vehicle to Canada. From permitted uses of imported vehicles, to duties on imports, to what side of the road to drive on, find out what you need to know about shipping your car to the UAE's most populous city.
Expats and people moving to the UAE have lots of questions. Healthcare and health insurance are often on the list. Here are 7 tips about healthcare, health insurance in the UAE, having a baby in the UAE and more.
Copyright 1997-2021 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.