What is it like living in Dubai/Abu Dhabi?

[user7637292]

Anyone on here lived or lives in the UAE? What's it really like?

I have an opportunity to move so I'm doing my research!

What is a "good" salary (with 2 kids)? What is life like? What do you do for fun and entertainment?

Have you considered their human rights record and whether you can be complicit with it?

No.

Anyone else?

It’s has many benefits, main challenge is being away from family network if you are used to that and obviously when it gets super hot around may-September. Most escape July/august and come back for September school start time. Even though it gets super hot, it just means more indoor time. Which we do in the U.K. anyway during winter. However, there are so many amazing indoor options, including indoor theme parks (many have an annual pass) , lovely soft plays (can get expensive unless you find a good deal) , entertainment in malls etc. Lots of great compounds with facilities like beach access, swimming, play rooms, expat communities. Find an expat group on Facebook to learn more :) also when people say “what about their human rights issues” I do wonder whether they boycott countries like USA too or whether they are unaware of Britain’s human rights record - which must obviously be perfect.

Also many people/women feel very safe, most places are very clean and presentable , great healthcare, private British schools available, amazing standard of facilities. In a great position for holidays to places that are normally very long distance travel. Extremely family friendly /Orientated

Abu Dhabi is lovely. So safe, huge apartments, beautiful pools, loads to do. Tax free aspect is pretty nice too.

Yes, the appalling human rights and terrible misogyny would put me off.
As well as the kitsch, gaudiness of the place.

Don't have any experience directly, but an old friend moved over there about 6 years ago, and what I can see from all their pictures is that they are having the time of their lives! It looks absolutely amazing! There seems to be soo much to do, especially for kids. They have built up quite a strong friendship/support network with other brits, which I think has definitely helped. They've actually ended up recently buying a house out there, and have no plans to leave anytime soon! They have 2 children who attend a British school, and they must be having the most amazing childhood!