Living in UAE > Abu Dhabi > 10 Tips for Living in Abu Dhabi
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 in Abu Dhabi enjoy a unique lifestyle in the Middle East, but the requirements for moving there are very specific and you should never be deviated from them.
An expat in Abu Dhabi reports that "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."
The expat in Abu Dhabi also writes that it is important to "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.
An expat who has lived in Abu Dhabi for 12 years reports that it is "the most diverse city on the planet, along with Dubai. Everyone, and I mean virtually EVERYONE is from somewhere else. Religions and cultures all intermingle peacefully and it's not a big deal to have a Buddhist, a Hindu, a Christian and a Muslim in a group of friends. They all get along just fine. Differences are what make this country the experience it is. Perhaps that's why as many as 60% of American expats who repatriate back to their home country encounter difficulty reassimilating and most find themselves coming back to the UAE for more of that openness."
Expats consistently report that clubs will help you get settled relatively quickly in Abu Dhabi. One recommended "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!).
Another expat in Abu Dhabi wrote that "clubs, sports and schools" will help you get settle in the UAE.
One expat who moved to Abu Dhabi suggested that expats "should definitely bring some shampoos from [home] as the quality of them over here is doubtful unless you buy them in salons. I would take many of my own language books to read - however one can easily find English good literature. I would take hair color as I am blond and the choices of blond hair colors in shops is poor. I would take plenty of patience over here especially while driving. Leave clothes, shoes, bags and cooking pots home."
Another expat who lives in Abu Dhabi would "bring another voltage converter, more garden tools and gardening supplies... Leave home [your]: bicyles, blankets, winter clothes.
One expat in Abu Dhabi reported that her "2 [bedroom] apartment in the city center... is typical" housing for expatriates and that the cost of living in Abu Dhabi is "much higher" than at home in Europe.
There are international schools in the UAE, and in Abu Dhabi a few options include the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, and American International School of Abu Dhabi.
One expat in Abu Dhabi noted in an expat culture shock report that "the warmth and care they show their families, especially their children, is truly heartfelt. Americans could learn a lot by watching the time the Emiratis devote to family."
Another expat in Abu Dhabi shared in an expat culture shock report that "as a woman, forming friendships with an Emirati man can be tricky. The concept of the platonic male-female relationship doesn't exist in their culture. On the flip side, the women tend to have a lot of familial obligations and, at times, limited ability to move freely without a male member of her family, so going out to a restaurant or coffee w/ just the girls has never actually happened for me."
One expat in Abu Dhabi said it is important to NEVER "offer up your left hand (even if the right hand is holding things) to shake someone's hand. All 'dirty' things happen with the left hand, and people are quite sensitive to it when it comes to eating."
Another expat recommended that new expats "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."
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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.
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.
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.
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of Joshua's more popular articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and 5 Best Places to Live in Spain. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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.
May 28, 2015
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 living in Abu Dhabi - from socializing in the golf scene to the shopping mall culture. Factors to consider: the heat and high cost of living.
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.
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.
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