Living in Abu Dhabi: What Everyone Ought to Know.

Thinking about living in Abu Dhabi?

Is living in Abu Dhabi safe?

OSAC's (Overseas Security Advisory Council) 2009 report claims crime is generally on the rise. Although it’s low in comparison to cities the same size.

Women are sometimes sexually harassed by taxi drivers and construction workers, though its normally harmless, just over zealous flirting. To avoid harassment travel in groups or with a big hairy bloke, as the taxi driver will likely prefer them.

You get a lot of reckless driving in Abu Dhabi, making road safety pretty poor.

What's there to do?

The Corniche (water front) is good for runners, cyclists and a spot of fishing, while the New Corniche, which is greener and more picturesque, is great for bbqs and picnics.

For the adventurous Noukhada Tours offers sailing and Kayaking. Dune bashing where you shoot around the dunes in a 4x4. While the Health and fitness club offer simulated indoor sky diving.

Alternatively, Abu Dhabi has some lovely health clubs, providing gyms, tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, spas and a range of other activates.

Abu Dhabi Night life, while not overly exciting and very expensive, has some good bars and clubs that are great for a few drinks after work or socializing on the weekend.

Kids living in Abu Dhabi find their options close to unlimited. Parks, swimming pools, beaches and play areas leave you spoiled for choice.

Can you buy alcohol?

Yes. The official drinking age is 21 and while you need a license (which you get from your employer), most places don’t ask to see it. Restaurants, bars and clubs have to be in a hotel or health resort to sell alcohol.

They’re are four different off licenses, African and Eastern, Gray Mackenzie’s, High spirits and Spinney’s owned. As far as I’m aware High spirits is the cheapest and Spinney’s the most expensive.

Is it a conservative or liberal country?

Compared to the West Abu Dhabi is conservative. Yet, it embraces other cultures, for example you can buy pork and practice your own religion. On the other hand, per-marital sex or displays of affection in public are frowned upon and illegal.

Publicly attacking the government or Islam isn't tolerated either.

Do women have to cover up?

Muslim women are expected to cover up, but expat women don’t have to. Wearing revealing clothes however can attract unwanted attention, so it’s best to dress sensibly and avoid low cut tops and miniskirts.

What's the shopping like?

Abu Dhabi has fifteen malls, Abu Dhabi mall and Marina mall being the biggest. Most are packed with high street brands, with everything from Gucci to Boots the chemist.

All the latest Ipods, books, fashions and styles are available for your consumer needs.

What's the standard of living like?

Abu Dhabi has a high standard of living, a tax haven with good housing, education and health care.

What's the weather like?

The summer is hot and humid and pretty much unbearable, while winters are cool with occasional rain fall. The best months are March till May and November to December as the weather at this time is fantastic.

What Language's do people speak?

Arabic and English are the official languages, while Urdu and Hindi are widely spoken.

Is there anything bad about it?

Of Course! No place is perfect.

Traffics a joke, the one saving grace is the smallness of the city, so you never have far to go. Buses help with the lack of taxis, but they often get over crowded.

Young people living in Abu Dhabi often find little to do here. People between18 and 21 don't want to hang around shopping malls or parks, they want beer and lots of it.

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