Abu Dhabi - expatriate living

[Bradford]

I am pursuing an opportunity that may give me a chance to move to Abu Dhabi.

It would be a relatively senior position, so I would apparently be able to take my wife and kids.

Does anyone have experiences there or in the UAE in general?

Any thoughts?

 

[zjpj83]

Lots and lots and lots of money there.

 

[humza]

I haven't been to Abu Dhabi, but I've been to Dubai. I would guess that Dubai is more flashy, but Abu Dhabi is more of a business-y type place.

Dubai is nice, but I wouldn't bring my family there...useless info, but meh..

 

[oscarthewild]

Not dubai, but then it is not dubai!

If you have an expat package, you can live well. Can get servants etc. Good schools may not so easy to get admission into but are very good.

 

[globetrotter]

you can live very well, there are plenty of ex-pat schools, you will have servants, and the people aren't that bad. what will be tough - you will deal with people from many different cultures, indians, arabs, africans who work under you, and then bosses who are spoiled local emiratiees. you can't really walk anywhere, and traffic can be bad, you spend your time in houses, in malls, in the office and in the car.

good beaches. very easy to get to anywhere in the middle east, india, africa, europe - so over a few years your kids can see pretty much everyplace important. they will also learn to get along with people from other cultures.

if you have specific questions, pm me.

 

[teddieriley]

a cousin of mine who has an MBA just moved out there to do hospital administration and is helping start up a hospital/clinic. she took the chance to move out there, but she's single. but i would think it would be an awesome opportunity for you and the fam. If it sucks, you can always move back to the states.

 

[romafan]

Coming from AZ climate change shouldn't be a big factor...

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

a cousin of mine who has an MBA just moved out there to do hospital administration and is helping start up a hospital/clinic. she took the chance to move out there, but she's single. but i would think it would be an awesome opportunity for you and the fam. If it sucks, you can always move back to the states.

another issue - I think this is probrably the best gift you could give your kids. they will see a lot of interesting things, get to know people from all over the world, travel (if you use your time and money wisely). there is also a zero drug situation in the UAE, so its not like some places that you may be worried about your kids getting in with the wrong crowd.

 

[Orsini]

Stay out of trouble...

 

[kwilkinson]

Damn, moving to UAE?
That's major.

Good luck with whichever choice you make.

 

[rnoldh]

Given the current situation here in the US, I think it would be a great opportunity for you. Good Luck!

I have no experience there but I'm in Houston. Many of my energy industry friends have been there ( either single or with their family ), and every single one of them was glad they went.

 

[nate10184]

Hmmm what do you people who get to live in these amazing places do? I would go in a heart beat even without all the expat perks.

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by Bradford

I am pursuing an opportunity that may give me a chance to move to Abu Dhabi.

It would be a relatively senior position, so I would apparently be able to take my wife and kids.

Does anyone have experiences there or in the UAE in general?

Any thoughts?

I lived in Abu Dhabi several years ago. Luxurious, safe life without taxes. Strict laws against criminal activity or drugs, which means your kids won't be exposed to bad elements.

I say go for it.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

Lots and lots and lots of money there.

Isn't it all on credit and the bubble will burst soon?
Everyone has 15-20 credit cards because they will slightly alter or add an al-____ to their name etc?

 

[NaTionS]

Don't know if Abu Dhabi has this law but don't end up like this guy. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7674085.stm