Teaching Secondary Science in Abu Dhabi?

Hi Cindy...I will be moving to Al Ain which is about an hour outside of Abu Dhabi to be a middle school principal. I have many of the same questions as you about culture shock, loneliness, and making connections. I do know that we don't have to be covered like Muslim women. However, we need to dress modestly...shoulders covered, pants/skirts below the knees. I have been told that it is very expensive to bring a dog and many of them do not adjust to the heat. You want to check with your school about a dog since they provide the housing. Some schools put you in shared housing if you are single from what I have been told. I have no idea what my housing will be like but I know that mine is not shared. I will be trying to negotiate for something larger than a 1 bedroom since my adult kids will be visiting. There are a lot of good forums online that answer a lot of general cultural questions. Are you working with ADEC? I will be in a private school and did not use an agency. I have been told that ADEC pays better but you don't know where you will live and teach until you arrive. That made me nervous. Also...I have yet to talk to anyone who says it isn't safe in Abu Dhabi...in fact everyone I talk to says it is safer than most US cities. Although I live in Vermont so it's oddly safe here. Kym