What Living in Abu Dhabi as an Expat is Really Like

These days, the Living Overseas series requires us to the United Arab Emirates wherever we fulfill Jay, a Canadian expat who lives in Abu Dhabi with her spouse, Joe, and their two children. Here, we speak about the troubles of learning Arabic, well-liked snack meals (at any time listen to of luqaimat?), and how living in Abu Dhabi has challenged her original assumptions about the Center East.

Jay’s history: We moved to Abu Dhabi in August of 2016. from Stavanger, Norway.  Prior to that, we experienced been in Norway and Gabon. These times, I’m a full-time mom. But back again in the working day, I was a teacher.  I majored in English and taught middle faculty.  With my youngest now coming into faculty, I’m working on my next steps and hoping to go after some artistic ambitions.

Right after residing in Norway, Abu Dhabi was a relatively easy transition.  The support market thrives in this article and the inhabitants is 90% expatriates.  Culturally, it has been actually exciting experiencing the Center East and it has challenged and modified quite a few of my preconceived notions.

On the expense of living: The UAE is a lot more high-priced than the US in most regards. This is the spot to make revenue (there is no profits tax) but it’s also the area to expend dollars.

On finding out Arabic: I uncover Arabic unbelievably tough.  My son learns it in faculty and distant studying has genuinely place me to the test. Most absolutely everyone speaks English listed here so there is almost never a time wherever we are not recognized but I have picked up a several popular Arabic phrases – khallas [“enough”], inshallah [“God willing”], as-salamu alaykum [“peace be with you”], and alhamdulillah [“praise be to God”].

On Emirati foodstuff: For the reason that the large greater part of inhabitants are expatriates and most of the dining establishments are global, Emirati food items is not specifically widespread.  The origins of several Center Japanese dishes are usually up for good debate but biryani (a rice dish), hummus, and kebabs are prevalent and if you’re hunting for some thing fascinating, you can track down a camel burger.  Sweet shops and coffee sites are plentiful and typically entire of locals at all hours of the day. I like the luqaimat, a deep-fried ball of dough drizzled with day syrup.

On cigarette smoking hookah: It is basically known as shisha listed here! I assume we did as soon as when we experienced a close friend going to but it’s not anything we look for out.  There are numerous shisha bars and cafes although and it’s unquestionably effortless to come across.

On the neighborhood vogue: Area ladies in Abu Dhabi commonly have on an abaya, often black but not often, with a shayla, a thin scarf. Extravagant handbags and shoes are the norm. Males use a very long white gown identified as a kandora usually with a white ghotra, a scarf-like cloth, on the head. 

In Abu Dhabi, I normally costume a lot more conservatively than I would at house. I test to continue to keep my shoulders and knees protected when I’m out in the town.  As you invest time in this article you realize in which it’s additional acknowledged to costume down (intercontinental lodges, particular housing complexes) and where by it’s far better to be extra conservative (the put up business office, authorities properties, schools). That stated, items have modified a large amount in the 5 a long time I have been right here. I see women costume in all kinds of manners and it is much more recognized than it was when we to start with arrived.

On increasing children in Abu Dhabi: It is interesting staying a mom in Abu Dhabi mainly because we dwell amongst so numerous different cultures. My children’s college has in excess of 60 nationalities represented so we see a vast range of family members and values. The major contrast to other sites we’ve lived is the amount of money of aid and staff people today employ below.  We are a person of the several family members I know that do not employ a entire-time nanny. When I take my youngsters to the playground in our group, I’m usually the only mother among the nannies. Also, children keep out pretty late in this article! It is not uncommon to see little small children strolling the mall or in a cafe at 10 pm.

On security: Policies are demanding in Abu Dhabi it is these a risk-free place. We joke that you can leave your wallet on a table and arrive again the upcoming day and it would nonetheless be sitting down there. Road harassment is not a issue. I have never ever been harassed nor really felt unsafe (not like driving) in my 5 yrs right here.

On residing in Abu Dhabi all through Covid-19: It has been interesting and often frustrating. Procedures appear hard and speedy and you really don’t dare split them or criticize them.  Abu Dhabi itself has develop into a bubble even in just the UAE. Other emirates, which include Dubai, have taken a unique approach and we now have a long-lasting border among Abu Dhabi and the relaxation of the place exactly where you must exhibit a modern PCR to cross back into the cash. The UAE experienced the next-fastest vaccine rollout in the environment – I was fully vaccinated by the conclude of February – and has relied closely on considerable testing. I have been analyzed nearly 15 instances just since it is essential to enter structures or return to Abu Dhabi. Absolutely, there are occasions wherever guidelines don’t make feeling or I wished limits would lessen a little but it has also felt very risk-free.

On lacking home: We have been absent for around 11 decades now so there is not a great deal, materialistically speaking, that we skip anymore.  But surely, in mild of the pandemic, we miss out on our household.  We have not been home in two yrs and it is really hard not recognizing when we’ll be in a position to visit.  I also skip new air. The heat, humidity, and the sand of the desert just do not convey the crisp, cleanse air. 

On the most effective portion about living in Abu Dhabi: I enjoy the connect with to prayer. I adore that I can get unquestionably nearly anything sent. I appreciate valet parking in all places and lovely motels and restaurants.

On the worst component: It can be tough to reconcile that several of the items I like about residing right here appear at a cost in terms of the assistance and manual labor. People today are not dealt with equally right here. Also, the summer time warmth – it pretty much feels like living in an oven.

On dwelling in Abu Dhabi prolonged-phrase: We’ve been in Abu Dhabi for five yrs and feel fairly settled and comfy.  I’d be all right keeping for a further 12 months or two but my spouse is beginning to get itchy feet! Covid has definitely modified the video game even though so it seems like all the things from borders to prospects are all a ton a lot more difficult.

Many thanks, Jay! Your photographs are stunning.

P.S. The full Residing Abroad sequence and What Residing as an Expat in France is Definitely Like.

(Relatives photos courtesy of Luma Photography.)