Life in Abu Dhabi?

[gotelltheoldmandowntheroad]

Have any of you lived here or in Dubai? What's it like for women/children?

Nope, didn’t need a liquor license anymore.

Spent many months living at YAS as was working on a project at the airport. I did enjoy it, felt safe, some stupid rules which you get used to.
I hated the way migrant workers (from Pakistan, india, phillipines eyc) were treated.
Enjoyed living there for a but, but was nice knowing it wasn't permanently, couldn't move there long term.
Didn't like dubai one bit.

My bro and his family have lived there for nearly 20 years. It’s incredibly safe, clean, little to no crime i.e you can leave your bag on the table with no fear of it being stolen.

I’ve visited them many times. I love it there but wouldn’t live there. Not for any reason of me being female but just cos I’m uncomfortable seeing such a disparity of wealth. I definitely feel safe there as a female than I do in the UK

it’s an incredible place to live if you earn well.

How long did you live there?

If you don't want to live anywhere else but the UK I am confused about why you are asking what's it like to live in the Emirates?

I lived / worked in Dubai for 2 years and as a single woman in my early 40s loved it.
It was certainly safer than the UK (though most places are). I had a great social life - beach days, nights out, brunches, spa days, etc.
When I wanted a bit of time away from the 'fakeness', I'd go to the souqs, wander round the historical district etc, there were also weekends away... to other Emirates or over to other GCC countries or further .... Kathmandu for example.
I am however White British and female so life was easy for me. I state White British as there is a lot of racism, Eastern European ladies were often viewed as escorts/ prostitutes .... as were many other nationalities. I know some (not all) friends of other nationalities/colours had different experiences than mine but that can happen anywhere... it shouldn't, but it does.

I'd go back tomorrow if the right opportunity came up.

I’m not sure if your sources but in every single supermarket there is a seperate section for pork.

Ahhh I remember this and then heading to the offy which was in the arse end of the desert to stock up for a few months 🙈😂

OP
for some reason I get a sense you might have people commenting on your family history and that might be why you are asking?

or I'm projecting because I'm being driven nuts with it atm. Constantly having to say through gritted teeth "I'm English and bloody glad to be" while silently adding "now fuck off".

Nah. Op just asks some odd questions overall

Has anyone figured yet out who is forcing OP to live to Abu Dhabi?

Nah and Op moved on so we shall never know @sst1234

Yup. Goady thread tbh.

Yes millions of tourists go there every year and have no problem whatsoever.

The Arab police aren’t patrolling the streets looking to falsely accuse people of things.

*yet

What’s with all the faux innocence UAE bashing/beauty bashing/anal bashing/ threads at the moment 🙄

Threads like these are basically full of reverse snobbery. Criticizing Arab countries for everything. The irony is that most people criticizing have never actually been there, just regurgitating tired old lines that they pick up online.

Oh well, I’m not sure the Arabs give much thought to what a tiny island in the North Atlantic thinks. Especially as they don’t have to worry about switching on their Air con to stay cool this summer. Unlike what’s facing this country this winter.

I've lived in the gulf (but not Abu Dhabi ).

Day to day it is superficially lovely - there are great shops and restaurants and the transient community means lots of people are up for making friends.

But those lovely facilities are built by slave labour, and it's very safe because you're living in a repressive regime.

Our lovely villa had a tiny annex room, with bars over the window. We used it for storage, but it was intended for 'help' - the sort of help you lock in it overnight.

I couldn't stand taking part on such a repressive and undemocratic society, and I left as soon as I could.

I would add to maxelly's pont about divorce. I know 2 women whose husbands filed for divorce in the UAE so they ended up with practically nothing and one lost custody of their children. The law has recently changed so it is possible to ask the UAE courts to apply the law of the country where the couple were married but I would be seeking legal advice on how to protect yourself:

www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/family-law-blog/divorce-in-dubai-or-england-what-are-your-options

I know gay people who've happily lived in Dubai with a very active umm, romantic life.

Like anything in Dubai (drinking alcohol, unmarried sex...) as long as it happens fairly discreetly a blind eye is turned. Some laws are grey rather than black or white.

We have a great life there, amazing place for children

Let's not forget that these places are built on slave labour. And if you are gay, forget it.

This.

@AgentJohnson When did you live there?

Honestly. So is half a freaking uk with still existing modern slavery.
And re homophobia? Frankly, my gay friends are worried even in UK.
Clean up your mess before dissing others