Expat Story: An American in Abu Dhabi

ABOUT

Amanda is an amazing teacher originally from the United States. She was born in the state of Indiana and was there until she was 22. She then moved to central Florida until she left the country in 2014. She speaks English fluently, and she speaks a bit of many languages…mostly Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin.

She moved to Abu Dhabi in 2014 for the first time. She left in 2016 to work in Beijing China and then came back in 2019. Finally she left the country for good in 2020.

Moving to ABU DHABI

How did you first become interested in Abu Dhabi?

I first became interested in Abu Dhabi when a friend told me that she and her husband were moving there. I’d never even thought about living abroad. I’d always wanted to travel abroad, but it’s just not something that was pushed in the US. The idea of moving to a whole new country was both exciting and scary-both things I needed in my life at that time. Money was definitely a factor too. Living paycheck to paycheck is just a way of life as a teacher stateside. Moving abroad meant that I’d have a bit more financial freedom as well as better access to different places.

What surprised you about life in Abu Dhabi when you first arrived?

Of course hearing call to prayer was surprising, but I think the most surprising thing was how much access I had to western items that I was used to getting stateside.

How did you get set up? (phone plan, bank ..)

My school did most of that. I just had to give them the paperwork they needed.

Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Not at all. My medical insurance was through my school and started as soon as my plane touched down in the country. It was super easy to use as well. You just presented your card, paid your co-pay, and that was it.

Did you experience any cultural shock?

I actually experienced more culture shock coming back stateside than I did coming to the UAE. It’s very easy to fit in there and make friends. The population is about 80% expatriate, so there are plenty of people from all over to create your circle.

What did you bring with you?

I brought 3 large duffels I filled to the brim with all the things lol. I have no idea what I even brought now.

Living in Abu Dhabi

What are the main differences between Americans and Emiratis people?

The main differences that you see are definitely dress. Traditional Emirati dress for women is an Abyay and sheila while men usually wear a kandura and ghutra. Americans don’t really have a traditional dress. Emiratis are also obsessed with smelling good. They are constantly using perfumes, oud, bakhoor, and other good smelling things for their homes and clothes. In America, of course people use perfumes and whatnot, but it doesn’t seem that it’s a cultural thing to have a specific scent.

What should people consider before deciding to move to the UAE?

Even though it is a very westernized country, it is still a muslim country and you must respect their rules and laws even if you don’t agree with them. As with every country that you visit or move to, you are a guest and you must act as just that.

Is it better to live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

I prefer Abu Dhabi. Dubai is great to visit, but it’s definitely a lot more western and fast-paced. I enjoy the culture and slow pace of life in Abu Dhabi more.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Abu Dhabi?

It’s getting more and more expensive to live there, but I was making about $4000/month and was saving quite a bit. It’s dependent on a lot of things as well. My schools covered accommodation fully and provided air fare during the summers so basically my only bills were for utilities and phone. I rented a car as well, so I had that monthly payment too.

Did you feel safe as a woman?

ABSOLUTELY! It was incredibly safe for women. I had to re-adjust my sense of safety when I returned home each summer.

What are some things to keep in mind as a woman living there?

As with anywhere, just be aware of your surroundings and don’t put yourself in compromising positions.

What do Emiratis wear at home?

Men usually wear Kanduras and ghutra (the red and white cloth for their heads) and I bet they probably wear regular shorts and t-shirt type stuff as well. Women wear jalabiyya under their abaya at home. It’s like a really beautiful loose fitting long sleeved dress that is colorful. The abaya is traditionally black.

Did you dress a certain way there?

At school I wore an abaya with regular clothes underneath. If I was going to the mall or something, I’d wear regular western clothes, but I usually wore a sweater or something long sleeved out of respect…and it was always super cold inside anywhere. When going to the clubs, western club clothes-anything goes there.

Was it easy making friends and meeting people; did you mainly socialize with other expats?

It was extremely easy to meet and make friends with people. When I went, literally hundreds of people were coming at the same time and going through the same process as me. Two of my best friends in the whole world I met during that first little bit I was in the UAE. They became my family.

Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

I went to the gym a lot and worked on health. One of the most fun things available there to do is BRUNCH!!! It’s not like brunch anywhere else. I went to yacht parties and even started scuba diving. You can pretty much do anything there.

Can Emiratis drink alcohol?

Depends if they are muslim or not. Muslims do not drink alcohol and I believe that all citizens are muslim by default.

Are Emiratis materialistic?

I wouldn’t say that. They definitely like nice things, but all of the Emiratis that I have come into contact with were very giving in nature. If you said you liked something, you’d probably have one the next day lol. It was wild!

Can you tell us something else about Abu Dhabi or the UAE that we might not know?

You need a license to drink there lol. It’s not checked often, but if you don’t have it and you’re drinking, you’ll get into trouble.

What are the biggest challenges the UAE faces today?

I feel that their lack of pushing education is going to affect the UAE sooner rather than later. They have depended on the money from oil for so long that many of their citizens don’t find it particularly necessary to have an education. The money will run out and they won’t have much to fall back on.

Final Thoughts

What have you learned about yourself from your explorations?

Really I’ve learned a lot about me as a person and what I want out of life. I’ve learned to ignore social norms and do what is good for you in the long run. I’ve learned a lot about my home country that you don’t really notice when you’re living there as well.

What does the future of the UAE look like?

I’m hoping they continue doing a lot with tourism and teaching people about Arab culture. I feel that a lot of people have learned about Arabic culture simply because of the UAE.

Are there any experiences there that you are particularly proud of or that surprised you ?

The fact that I moved abroad at all is seen to others as brave and I guess I should give myself a little more credit for doing so because a lot of people don’t leave where there are from.

What has been the hardest aspect of living in Abu Dhabi?

As an educator, work was hardest for me. While it was super easy and the work/life balance was really good, it was hard to teach there because the behavior of the kids and lack of importance placed on education.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING PARTICULAR?

Right now I’m teaching in India and hoping to make it to Thailand soon. I have a little girl who will be 2 in April and mostly just doing everything for her now. Planning raising her and retirement at the same time lol. I am working on using my savings to benefit us most by investing.

Thank you so so much Amanda for sharing your thoughts with me. Moving abroad can be intimidating and it definitely helps to have some perspective from expats who have experienced it themselves!