Offered Role in Abu Dhabi, Single (Divorced) Woman

[MrsGethinJones]

Most posts seem to be about moving families out to Abu Dhabi, however my DD will go off to university after the summer and my manager has offered me a role on our team in Abu Dhabi. Im 43.

I have visited Abu Dhabi with work several times before qnr know that its a lot quieter than Dubai. Would anyone there be able to advise me how easy it would be to make freinds and settle in as a ‘mid lifer’?!

My plan would be to work there for 3 years, returning back for an internal role back in my own company around the time that DD finishes university.

im recently divorced so the thought of being home alone without DD is promping me to evaluate what to do next - Im just not sure if Abu Dhabi is a step too far!

I think you'd be mad to make any huge changes as two huge changes just happened.

Is your DD pretty independent?
At that age I would have been very upset not to be able to come “home”. When my first serious BF dumped me my Mum came and got me from Uni
I know 18 year olds are adults and some people will go on about how they had a flat, a job and 2 kids by then but they are all different and I would have struggled without parental back up
I am not saying don’t go but it’s something to consider

Hi Both - thats good advice.

I would keep our property in London and would be visiting once a month for work so was hoping (perhaps naively) that this means that our home would still feel like a ‘base’ for DD, given that her father and aunts are nearby. You are correct that its lots of change though, lots to think about.

Abu Dhabi as a woman by yourself? Not for all the tea on China.
Read up on how women are regarded there, how other foreign workers are treated. I wouldn't go there for a week, let alone 3 years.

My DSD ( We have sole custody) is in her final year at uni. She comes home at least once a month and will spend a week or two in the holidays. Shes also been home when unwell or her MH has been bad, sometimes for a month or two at a time. Shes only a bus ride away so has still attended uni, but when her MH is bad she really struggles to stay in her uni digs with all the noise and bustle. Shes also had the usual boyfriend/friend dramas when all shes needed is to come home, have a cuddle and some homemade cottage pie. I would seriously consider moving to the other side of the world as your daughter will need you at times.

I would go for it! You will be very safe, you will meet friends through work as well as through FB or Meetup, you won't pay income tax and will be able to save a lot of money which will help you in your future as a single woman. Take care not to spend too much time in the UK as you do not want to become liable for UK tax - it's ok to have a property there that you visit but you need to be non-resident for tax purposes. Happy for you to DM me if you have questions.

It costs £4 for a cucumber

Personally I wouldnt even visit and line their coffers considering how they treat women and their views on homosexuality, let alone move there for 3 years

@ReachedTheEndofCake Where on earth do you shop? Usually no more than 3aed per kilo in Carrefour.

Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world. It feels much safer than any city in the UK, especially at night. I would say go for it! I suspect some of the comments above are from people who have never visited. There are lots of ways to meet people, plenty of women’s groups and so much to see and do. If your employer is helping you to relocate that will help a lot with the admin associated with moving. The weather is good for 7 months and then (for me) too hot for the remainder but it’s set up for that - lots of indoor activities - galleries, museums etc including the Louvre. Assuming you’ll benefit from tax free status it’s also a good way to help build a nest egg for the future. There are downsides, it is expensive, but if your package is good and includes housing costs etc it can be a great lifestyle.