Pros and Cons of Moving to Abu Dhabi
Life in Abu Dhabi is mix of swings and roundabouts, peaks and troughs, pros and cons. In the end, the positives far out weight the negatives, as our Expert writer Ann-Marie McQueen explains...
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 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
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 cafes, including Seattle's Best Coffee, Sugar Daddy's cupcakes, Yogaday frozen yoghurt and salad and shwarma shops, many with beachside tables. Bicycle and four-wheel 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
Rents in Abu Dhabi, unlike Dubai, are still ridiculously high. Expect to pay US$2000 a month for a modest one-bedroom apartment. Villas with pools are out of most price ranges altogether. Many people are moving to Dubai, where the high-rises offer cheaper rent, 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
The good news is that the municipality last year 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 directions that work, the easier your life will be. The municipality announced last year that a new addressing system was on the way, so this quaint approach could soon go by the wayside.
Pro: Travel opportunities
Some of the most breathtaking and interesting locations in the world are less than a four-hour flight away: Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, destinations throughout the Middle East, much of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka; Turkey, Greece and so much more. People take a lot of vacations here, particularly during the hot summer months, and it can be a challenge to come up with one that will impress the veteran travellers surrounding you.
Pro: A wealth of hospitality options
Abu Dhabi is expanding at breakneck speed, and if the economic downturn is having an impact, it is not entirely obvious. New five-star hotels – and with them a variety of tasty and trendy eateries – are opening all the time, and not just downtown. Yas Island and the area by the Shangri-la Hotel near the Grand Mosque are exploding with new restaurant, bar and nightclub options, so many residents can almost make a game of racing to try them all first. Beware: these are expensive options.
Pro: Cheap eats
Alcohol is only served in hotels in the UAE; but bearing that in mind the capital offers a mind-boggling range of foods at restaurants on the street at extremely reasonable prices. Pakistani, Indian, Lebanese, Nepalese, Vietamese, Chinese, Ethiopian are just a few of the national foods on offer. Takeout food is also much less expensive than elsewhere in the world; a network of drivers on motorcycles will rush to get the food to your home or office and you will soon learn to rely on your favourites.
Pro: An emerging scene for culture and entertainment
Residents still tend to complain that there is not enough to do in Abu Dhabi, particularly during the hot summer months when the capital all but shuts down and it seems like the shopping mall is the only option. But the future looks bright: Saadiyat's Louvre and the Guggenheim gallery and museum are on the way. And in the meantime, for most of the year, there are loads of options. And the bright side is, although you might be unlikely to attend the symphony or a Formula One race in your home country, you might be more tempted to step outside your comfort zone in the UAE. Emirates Palace regularly hosts compelling exhibits and a brilliant series of classical performances, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage brings in interesting entertainment from around the world, Womad, the F1 and Ultimate Fighting Championship have all made Abu Dhabi a circuit date and big acts including Beyonce, Rihanna, Kings of Leon and the Killers have recently made the capital a stop on their tours.
Con: Being environmentally friendly is much more of a challenge
The municipality has also launched a door-to-door recycling pilot project, and promises a city-wide plan is on the way later this year. For now, attempting any recycling is an arduous process. There are several drop-offs around the city, although it seems many of them are not in proper condition prompting one to wonder if what is left there is recycled at all. Most expats who vow to be responsible in this area find themselves loading up their cars with bags of cans, bottles and newspapers and dropping them off at the Spinney's grocery store depot, down by the Corniche.
Con: Bureacracy and inefficiency
From reporting a car accident to getting internet access to hooking up electricity, the way things work – or don't – in Abu Dhabi can be incomprehensible to an outsider. Again, patience.
Pro: Near constant sunshine, higher-than-the-West salaries for professionals and tax-free living
In the end, after all the annoyances and differences are factored in, the weather and the lifestyle – and ability to save money – are what draws people to the UAE and keeps them here, many long after they had planned to leave.
Con: For women, you are on display
Women who move to Abu Dhabi from the west will find themselves being undressed by the eyes of men from more countries than they thought possible. Even if you dress modestly, covering your shoulders and much of your legs, this will continue to be an issue for the duration of your stay. Men will also honk at you, while others will stop to offer you a ride, lingering a little too long after you decline for your liking. Some women get used to this attention, others continue to complain and feel violated. A healthy dose of compassion – for men who are either far away from their wives and children in countries such as India and Bangledesh, or the many bachelor labourers who live in camps and have little hope or experience interacting with women in Abu Dhabi – can go a long way to moving on. It also helps to pretend you are famous.
Con: For men, a lack of women
There are definitely more men than woman in this country – blame the male-dominated oil-and-gas industry, for starters – and men who move here often complain that is hard to meet females. This can be particularly true for those working in government companies socialising with a mainly Emirati component, although expats working in private ventures will find themselves outnumbering the ladies too. Joining one of the many expat organisations, gyms and social clubs can help.
Pro: Cheap taxi fare
A standard taxi fare in one of the city's sleek new silver cabs is usually less than US$5.
Con: The traffic
People have streamed into Abu Dhabi for decades now – and continue to arrive every day – and the infrastructure has not been able to keep up. Massive roadworks projects (Salam Street reconstruction, the new Sheikh Khalifa bridge over to Saadiyat Island) are attempting to ease the flow of traffic, but they are either just finishing or mid-way through. The long and short of it is, if you move here, expect massive gridlock downtown. The worst of it is in morning rush hour (8am-ish) when school lets out (1.30pm to 3) and for some reason, most of the evening. Abu Dhabi's large grid system of multi-lane roads, U-turns, crowded back streets and preponderance of aggressive, horn-honking, light-flashing drivers further contribute to tough driving conditions. The closer to downtown and the Corniche, the worse it is. Many people move out to less congested areas, such as Khalifa City off the island, and the new developments out by the Shangri-la Hotel and Qariyat al Beri complex in Musharif.
Culture
Pro: A mix of culturesAbu 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 culturesWith all those nationalities, however, and their different languages, comes communication problems and 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
Pro: The CornicheDeveloped 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 cafes, including Seattle's Best Coffee, Sugar Daddy's cupcakes, Yogaday frozen yoghurt and salad and shwarma shops, many with beachside tables. Bicycle and four-wheel 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 optionsRents in Abu Dhabi, unlike Dubai, are still ridiculously high. Expect to pay US$2000 a month for a modest one-bedroom apartment. Villas with pools are out of most price ranges altogether. Many people are moving to Dubai, where the high-rises offer cheaper rent, 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 liveThe good news is that the municipality last year 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 directions that work, the easier your life will be. The municipality announced last year that a new addressing system was on the way, so this quaint approach could soon go by the wayside.
Lifestyle
Pro: Travel opportunitiesSome of the most breathtaking and interesting locations in the world are less than a four-hour flight away: Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, destinations throughout the Middle East, much of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka; Turkey, Greece and so much more. People take a lot of vacations here, particularly during the hot summer months, and it can be a challenge to come up with one that will impress the veteran travellers surrounding you.
Pro: A wealth of hospitality optionsAbu Dhabi is expanding at breakneck speed, and if the economic downturn is having an impact, it is not entirely obvious. New five-star hotels – and with them a variety of tasty and trendy eateries – are opening all the time, and not just downtown. Yas Island and the area by the Shangri-la Hotel near the Grand Mosque are exploding with new restaurant, bar and nightclub options, so many residents can almost make a game of racing to try them all first. Beware: these are expensive options.
Pro: Cheap eatsAlcohol is only served in hotels in the UAE; but bearing that in mind the capital offers a mind-boggling range of foods at restaurants on the street at extremely reasonable prices. Pakistani, Indian, Lebanese, Nepalese, Vietamese, Chinese, Ethiopian are just a few of the national foods on offer. Takeout food is also much less expensive than elsewhere in the world; a network of drivers on motorcycles will rush to get the food to your home or office and you will soon learn to rely on your favourites.
Pro: An emerging scene for culture and entertainmentResidents still tend to complain that there is not enough to do in Abu Dhabi, particularly during the hot summer months when the capital all but shuts down and it seems like the shopping mall is the only option. But the future looks bright: Saadiyat's Louvre and the Guggenheim gallery and museum are on the way. And in the meantime, for most of the year, there are loads of options. And the bright side is, although you might be unlikely to attend the symphony or a Formula One race in your home country, you might be more tempted to step outside your comfort zone in the UAE. Emirates Palace regularly hosts compelling exhibits and a brilliant series of classical performances, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage brings in interesting entertainment from around the world, Womad, the F1 and Ultimate Fighting Championship have all made Abu Dhabi a circuit date and big acts including Beyonce, Rihanna, Kings of Leon and the Killers have recently made the capital a stop on their tours.
Con: Being environmentally friendly is much more of a challengeThe municipality has also launched a door-to-door recycling pilot project, and promises a city-wide plan is on the way later this year. For now, attempting any recycling is an arduous process. There are several drop-offs around the city, although it seems many of them are not in proper condition prompting one to wonder if what is left there is recycled at all. Most expats who vow to be responsible in this area find themselves loading up their cars with bags of cans, bottles and newspapers and dropping them off at the Spinney's grocery store depot, down by the Corniche.
Con: Bureacracy and inefficiencyFrom reporting a car accident to getting internet access to hooking up electricity, the way things work – or don't – in Abu Dhabi can be incomprehensible to an outsider. Again, patience.
Pro: Near constant sunshine, higher-than-the-West salaries for professionals and tax-free livingIn the end, after all the annoyances and differences are factored in, the weather and the lifestyle – and ability to save money – are what draws people to the UAE and keeps them here, many long after they had planned to leave.
Sexuality
Con: For women, you are on displayWomen who move to Abu Dhabi from the west will find themselves being undressed by the eyes of men from more countries than they thought possible. Even if you dress modestly, covering your shoulders and much of your legs, this will continue to be an issue for the duration of your stay. Men will also honk at you, while others will stop to offer you a ride, lingering a little too long after you decline for your liking. Some women get used to this attention, others continue to complain and feel violated. A healthy dose of compassion – for men who are either far away from their wives and children in countries such as India and Bangledesh, or the many bachelor labourers who live in camps and have little hope or experience interacting with women in Abu Dhabi – can go a long way to moving on. It also helps to pretend you are famous.
Con: For men, a lack of womenThere are definitely more men than woman in this country – blame the male-dominated oil-and-gas industry, for starters – and men who move here often complain that is hard to meet females. This can be particularly true for those working in government companies socialising with a mainly Emirati component, although expats working in private ventures will find themselves outnumbering the ladies too. Joining one of the many expat organisations, gyms and social clubs can help.
Getting around
Pro: Cheap taxi fareA standard taxi fare in one of the city's sleek new silver cabs is usually less than US$5.
Con: The trafficPeople have streamed into Abu Dhabi for decades now – and continue to arrive every day – and the infrastructure has not been able to keep up. Massive roadworks projects (Salam Street reconstruction, the new Sheikh Khalifa bridge over to Saadiyat Island) are attempting to ease the flow of traffic, but they are either just finishing or mid-way through. The long and short of it is, if you move here, expect massive gridlock downtown. The worst of it is in morning rush hour (8am-ish) when school lets out (1.30pm to 3) and for some reason, most of the evening. Abu Dhabi's large grid system of multi-lane roads, U-turns, crowded back streets and preponderance of aggressive, horn-honking, light-flashing drivers further contribute to tough driving conditions. The closer to downtown and the Corniche, the worse it is. Many people move out to less congested areas, such as Khalifa City off the island, and the new developments out by the Shangri-la Hotel and Qariyat al Beri complex in Musharif.
