What to expect as a woman in Abu Dhabi?

Hi Yasil, it's true that the UAE is a conservative country, and in Abu Dhabi, there are certain cultural norms that may take some getting used to if coming from abroad. It's generally fine for a married couple to hold hands in public, but anything more than this is frowned upon. 

Have a look at our article on Local Laws in Abu Dhabi for more insights on this. Also, have a read of our page on Moving Pets to the UAE for more on what you need to know about taking your pet with you to Abu Dhabi.

Thanks a lot, Kate. You´re very helpfull

Hi Yasil, You'll soon find you adapt - give yourself 3 to 4 months but be open to the idea that you are living amongst people who have deep cultural and religious believes and wish that to continue. You will find that women are very respected (as long as you behave well and are dressed unpremisculously), you'll find alot of personal space and not many will approach you or talk to you at close proximity. You will miss these when you get back to European / western worlds.

Dear Yasil It's quite natural to get scared and worried while traveling to a foreign land. Keep your hopes high and its not as bad as u think. I agree that abudhabi is a conservative place and mostly for someone brought up in western countries it might be a bit difficult to cope up. But the good news is its not as conservative as Saudi Arabia or the other places in middle east. If you are married you can hold hands, but showing affection in public will be taken a bit seriously, and yes you can walk besides your partner and there is no need to walk behind him. You dont have to wear any veil but mini's and micro mini's are a no-no. Since UAE has around 70% of expats and a really hospitable local community you feel welcomed in this place and in no time you will fall in love with this place. Its a cultural melting pot, and be ready to have an entirely new experience. P.S : Jazeel Jabbar is a relocation's consultant specialized in providing relocation services(which includes Move Management, Immigration services, Home Search, Intercultural Training, City Orientation, Education Search and Registration, Pet Relocation, Insurance, Business Relocation) to individuals and corporate's moving to Dubai, UAE. You can reach him at +971 55 505 8806 or at jazeel@pack2go.ae.

Teachers in Europe or the United States may have heard other teachers returning and sharing their stories of what life was like for them as they engaged in an English teaching job in the Middle East, specifically the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If those stories pique your interest and you want to know more, let me share what such an experience can be like.