Culture in Abu Dhabi

PRO: A mix of cultures

Abu Dhabi basically feels like the centre of the world: there are so many different nationalities here, each contributing to the jumble of languages and dress, not to mention food and talents. Navigating the mix and mayhem can be one of the best things about living in the capital of the UAE.

CON: A mix of cultures

 
With all those nationalities, however, and their different languages, comes communication problems and culture shock confusion. A relaxed attitude and loads of empathy can help equip an expat to navigate their way through setting up life here.

For example your Pakistani taxi driver may have just arrived in the country yesterday, and your patience combined with a light heart will go a long way to helping make the experience less terrifying for him. The Filipina taking your restaurant reservation may never have heard your name before. The delivery man you are trying to direct to your home may not understand the landmarks you provide. You may soon find yourself dropping all extraneous words to help make yourself understood; and still there will be confusion and many sessions of deep breathing and counting to 10. Just remind yourself: Abu Dhabi will not turn me into one of those screaming expat lunatics I've heard so much about.

Accommodation in Abu Dhabi

PRO: The Corniche

Developed, then redeveloped to host adjacent activities for the recent Formula One in Abu Dhabi, this stretch of fine white sandy beaches (the sand was reportedly trucked in, less coarse than the native variety) adjacent to the Gulf is one of the best parts of the city. Bookended by Al Mina Port on one end and Emirates Palace and Marina Mall on the other, this is the place to be on the weekend. Loved by fitness fanatics, families and swimmers, there are stretches of boardwalk, beaches dedicated to families, showers and washroom facilities, not to mention a host of new shops and cafés, including Seattle's Best Coffee, Sugar Daddy's cupcakes, Yogaday frozen yoghurt and salad and shwarma shops, many with beachside tables. Bicycles and four-wheeled contraptions can be rented by the hour. On the weekends there are frequent art displays and events for children, including puppet shows. And almost always, there is sunshine.

CON: High rents and few living options

Though rent in Abu Dhabi had been astronomical in the past few years, it's starting to become more of a tenant's market. Still, expect to pay at least 2000 USD a month for a modest one-bedroom apartment in a less than exclusive area. Villas with pools are out of most people's budgets altogether, though, are still sought after.

Many people are moving to Dubai, where the high-rises cost less and are complete with fitness centres, parking and outdoor pools; but that 90-minute, twice-daily commute down Sheikh Zayed Road is a considerable obstacle.

CON: It will be hard to describe where you live

In 2010 the municipality announced that a new addressing system was on the way. But for now, any system that was previously put in place is ignored and everyone instead relies on a system of landmarks. Many people have their mail delivered to their office, but that still leaves food, furniture, guests and a host of other items that need to get to your home. The sooner you sort out your own set of directions that work, the easier your life will be. The system is supposed to be completed by the close of 2011, but only time will tell.