Has anyone lived, or is living, in Abu Dhabi?

[Palmwoods]

DH has been offered a job there for a couple of years and we are doing some research to see firstly, how safe it is and also about expat life, schools and healthcare. DD is 3 and DS is 6 months old. Would you recommend it?

I lived in Abu Dhabi about 10-15 years ago and it is an incredibly safe place, with great facilities (international schools, beach clubs, shopping etc). I prefer Abu Dhabi to Dubai because Dubai is overun with travel agents, airline staff etc which gives it a more of a costa feel and with the influx of tourists makes it seedier. I also lived in Kuwait for 5 years after Abu Dhabi which is a much harder posting on account of the ban on alcohol and generally harsher climate. No recent knowledge of Abu Dhabi but I can only imagine that it has developed further and I know they are trying to compete with Dubai for tourists, although lag far behind, which is not a bad thing for residents. Do not hesitate - it is very nice place to live.

Hi Palmwoods, we live in Dubai and don't know too much about Abu Dhabi but believe it is much quieter than Dubai, check out the website www.expatwoman.com, big forum on the UAE

HTH

Hello
I would second inthepink about expatwoman. It is a huge resource. It seems AD is much quieter, and lots of people seem to like that. It is def cheaper but I dont know if that is reflected in the salary. The UAE is a fab place to live. Its easy to travel and friendly. Hope you find the info you need.

Have a friend in abu dhabi with DS 3 and DD 6mths. They love it. Great place for families. Good expat scene. A lot less tacky than Dubai.

We have been in Abu Dhabi for 3 years now, my DD (2 years) was born here. Much much quieter that Dubai, but that is good as far as I am concerned ! And Dubai is only 1h30 drive away, so good for a day/weekend away !

There is a group called Abu Dhabi Mums (www.abudhabimums.ae) which is great for socialising with other mums. A few nurseries are available but they open from 7am to 2pm. For healthcare, make sure your DH gets a private insurrance from his employer, as the basic coverage made mandatory by the government is really basic.

ADMum, was it ok having your 2nd child there? my DH has put CV in for a job and as it's really long project, would be planning to have our eventual 2nd child there.

Also do you work, or SAHM, do you or anyone you know have nannies? don't think i'd work as well, but if i could get 3 days/week would consider it, so looks like nurseries wouldn't cover the full working day (this project would be 10hrs/day + travel time).

was wondering about the nannies if they all live in and are full time only, or if you can get them on a day to day basis, mind you i know they are cheap so could have them full time anyway (have lived in bahrain before), but wouldn't really like one to live in with us, would be a bit strange.

I wonder if I could bring this thread back to life. DH has a potential to work there for a couple years. Have one DS who's 2 in April and am almost 6 months pregnant. Probably wouldn't leave until after the baby's born but I'm not too sure.

I'm Canadian so used to being an expat but obviously not quite as much of a culture shock coming to UK than UAE! but I'm really excited about the idea and told DH to pursue it, but would like any more (recent) feedback on what it's like there for a young family. I read that the population of the city is about 80% expat which is crazy... but I wonder if there are playgroups and that sort of thing.

Also how do you handle the heat with a baby? Thanks!

dylansluckymum

There is a big mums group in AD, the St Andrews playgroup, everyone passes through it at some point (if they have small children). Lots of help with maids to live in, more nurseries now than ever.

Heat with a baby generally seems to be go home in the summer and use the ac for the rest of the hot months.

Health care is excellent, make sure it is covered in your package like wise school fees. Not many emplyers pay nursery fees

Accomodation is very expensive now, do your researcha nd again make sure it is reflected in the package. Generally Dubai/AD are not considered to be hardship postings any longer, certainly not when you have Ikea and M&S and Waitrose! Consequently there is no need to pay so much so do your homework properly.

Good luck,

Thanks Starmummy! One other thing, what's the housing like? Would we likely be in a flat somewhere or are there houses on the outskirts? Do they normally have all mod cons (I'm lost without my dishwasher )).

bump