Lifestyle in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers a very pleasant expat lifestyle, anchored around shopping, relaxation and socialising at the many booze fuelled venues. There is plenty to keep the kids busy.Shopping
There is no doubt that the shopping is excellent here, with plenty of souks, malls and the airport duty free shops offering real bargains on consumer goods thanks to low import duties. Shopping malls open from Saturday to Wednesday, 10am to 10pm, Thursdays from 10am to 11pm, and Fridays 2pm until late. Souks (markets) are where to go for oriental carpets, gold and antique jewellery, electronic gadgets, designer clothes, cosmetics, spices and souvenirs. Head to Al Nasr Street, Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Khalifa, Iranian and Al Meena souks for the best range and prices. Typical gifts for expat family members back home include traditional coffee pots, Bedouin jewellery and antique chests.
In total expats can shop at 18 malls and centres each with the familiar western outlets and cinemas. The two largest are Marina and Abu Dhabi malls. The famous Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival, held in March each year, offers amazing bargain and shopping prizes that brings visitors from all over the world.
Nightlife
The nightlife is Abu Dhabi is surprisingly lively as the bars and clubs in the up-market hotels can serve alcohol under UAE law. The parties start late, from 11pm, and dress codes are enforced at most clubs. Popular bars include Harvester's Pub at Sands Hotel, the Jazz Bar at Hemingway's and the Irish pub at the Abu Dhabi Grand. Look out for regular live music, happy hours, quiz nights and ladies nights to spice up the regular routine.
Local nightclubs have tend towards international DJs style tunes and traditional Arab singers and belly dancers – both on the same night if you’re lucky. The top nightclubs are probably Le Meridien's Gauloises Club, and the Tequilana Discotheque at the Hemingway's complex.
Kids
Abu Dhabi has limited attractions to offer expat children, but there are some reliable things to see and do should the young ones get restless and tire of their Playstations.
Check out Marina Mall Fun City with its great range of cutting edge arcade games and fun rides to enjoy. Don’t miss the thrashing shark rollercoaster, the nippy little bumper cars and the intimidating though quite harmless 'Extreme Shock' machine. Another reliable option paintball or table tennis at the Armed Forces Officers' Club. The Olympic-size swimming pool is a big hit on the plentiful hot days. For an icy day in the dessert try out Hili Fun City, nicknamed the 'Disneyland of the Middle East' as it is the biggest theme park in the Gulf. Plenty of rides and attractions will have the whole family coming back fior more.
Attractions
Abu Dhabi appeals more to working expats than sightseeing tourists, but it does have its share of worthwhile things to see and do.
Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)
Abu Dhabi’s oldest building is known locally as the White Fort and was built in 1793 to house the former ruling family. After extensive renovation in 1983 it now houses the Cultural Foundation – don’t miss the tile work over the entrance.
Heritage Village
This living museum is designed to showcase the skills and lifestyle of the Bedouin, original inhabitants of this region. The Heritage Village over the Abu Dhabi Corniche has tents, courtyard houses, an working ancient irrigation system, and various workshops. Quite fun and not as lame as it sounds.
Petroleum Exhibition
A permanent exhibition of images and artefacts designed to showcase the history and evolution of Abu Dhabi’s 'black gold' and its impact on the region.
Telephone: 626 9715
Al Ayn
Head out of town for the day to the amazing oasis city of Al Ayn, 100 miles (160km) east of Abu Dhabi. It’s richly historic dating from 3000 BC, and very picturesque surrounded soaring sand dunes.
Liwa Oasis
Catch an organised day trip Numerous to famous Liwa Oasis, three hours drive along an immaculate highway. This verdant, lush agricultural land is at the edge of the Rub Al Khali ('Empty Quarter') desert and shows just what billions of litres of water can do to seemingly lifeless sand.
Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)
Abu Dhabi’s oldest building is known locally as the White Fort and was built in 1793 to house the former ruling family. After extensive renovation in 1983 it now houses the Cultural Foundation – don’t miss the tile work over the entrance.
Heritage Village
This living museum is designed to showcase the skills and lifestyle of the Bedouin, original inhabitants of this region. The Heritage Village over the Abu Dhabi Corniche has tents, courtyard houses, an working ancient irrigation system, and various workshops. Quite fun and not as lame as it sounds.
Petroleum Exhibition
A permanent exhibition of images and artefacts designed to showcase the history and evolution of Abu Dhabi’s 'black gold' and its impact on the region.
Telephone: 626 9715
Al Ayn
Head out of town for the day to the amazing oasis city of Al Ayn, 100 miles (160km) east of Abu Dhabi. It’s richly historic dating from 3000 BC, and very picturesque surrounded soaring sand dunes.
Liwa Oasis
Catch an organised day trip Numerous to famous Liwa Oasis, three hours drive along an immaculate highway. This verdant, lush agricultural land is at the edge of the Rub Al Khali ('Empty Quarter') desert and shows just what billions of litres of water can do to seemingly lifeless sand.
Tags
