Abu Dhabi with (slightly older) kids

[Huifen]

Had a job offer in AD, good salary, large allowance towards school fees and housing. I'd love to go but worried about DC who are 9 and 11 (going into y5 and y7). We have actually already lived overseas in Singapore for several years when they were quite young and have been back in the UK 3 years. We have a nice enough life here and the kids are happy and settled, but neither DH or I have been able to settle. Living abroad was a fantastic experience for all of us, and I feel we would have a better life for various reasons overseas for the next few years.

Is it awful to move kids at this age? Especially if they're a bit reluctant and would miss their friends.
Here they would go to decent state schools, if we move they would be at international school.

Any experiences of life in Abu Dhabi with this sort of age child? Or moving overseas generally with this age group and how to get them on board.

I can't talk as a parent of a school-aged child, but as an AD resident and school leader I would absolutely recommend the move. It's flipping hot just now, of course, but beautiful in so many ways especially compared to Dubai. We have a great life here, as do many of my friends and colleagues who are raising children here.

Search TAMM school finder and you can filter schools, and whichschooladvisor for reports and reviews.

Thank you @useitorlose - have you been in AD for a long time?