What are the best expat areas in Abu Dhabi?

Expert Info

on 18 Oct 2018

My husband is ready to accept a job offer in Abu Dhabi. We are anticipating to relocate from the US this Nov or Dec. We have two kids (age 6 & 9). We enjoy having restaurants and shops nearby so we are looking at high-rise buildings on the Corniche. Particularly Etihad Tower and Nation Tower. Several people advised us about the traffic there. I have been looking in the Al Raha Beach area thinking it might be an option to consider. Basically, I'm looking for easy access to food and entertainment, but still be part of a community where our kids can make friends with other expats children. Our housing allowance is pretty good (i think). 200,000 yearly and we are willing to go as high as 250,000 for rent. Any advice for us? If anyone lives in the Corniche area or Al Raha Beach area, please let me know your experience.

Daniela de Castro on 23 Oct 2018 - 08:08

Hi there

Have you decided on a school for your children yet? This will likely be one of the biggest factors that your family will have to take into account when choosing accommodation.

Have a look at our guides to accommodation and suburbs in Abu Dhabi for more information on what you can expect once you arrive. Our guide to the cost of living in Abu Dhabi might also be useful to you.

- Daniela

mylinda313 on 23 Feb 2019 - 18:02

Thank you so much for your suggestion.

Kristina1979 on 13 Dec 2018 - 09:30

Hello Mylinda

Have you move to Abu Dhabi already? Is yes, what are your first impressions? My husband got an offer and he is leaving in January and me and are planning to join him in June/July, to adjust before the school starts. any advice from someone already living there is more than welcomed. We were looking some schools and nurseries (kids are 2 & 4 YO) and Al Reem as an option for accommodation. As far as I am concerned, I like Al Khalydia and Corniche as well. Any tips? Thank you in advance :)

Kristina

mhs on 28 Jan 2019 - 23:17

Hello Kristina,

my husband got also an offer in Abu Dhabi. We are still waiting for the license, I don’t know how long it takes time exactly. Most probably he will move around April and I’m planning to come around June or July with the kids, 1 and 3 years old. We live in Berlin and I have no idea about the life there. If you have any tips, or get any info about nurseries please let me know. Thanks

Mona

mylinda313 on 23 Feb 2019 - 18:19

Kristina,

We are still in the US. Very frustrating process. I read about how slow things are out there in comparison to the US. At this point, we still don't have a move date. I researched some areas and based on what others have told me, traffic is really something to consider when looking for housing. We have decided to live in Al Raha Beach area so my husband doesn't have to endure a long commute. I'm told it's also a popular expat area. It is a bit out there, but still has accessibility to amenities. Another pro is that it's at the edge of Abu Dhabi, so Dubai is convenient. Plus, there are several schools highly rated in the area, so I think that'll be the best fit for us. At this point, I'm debating on staying behind and have our children finish off the school year in the states. Since we have two children, finding availability in schools is challenging. Sorry I can't offer you much help since I'm on the same boat as you are, but we have friends there that have been able to answer some questions for us. I'm not sure if you were already told this, but getting your marriage certificate authenticated is highly recommended and required for most companies. It is a lengthy process so I would advise you do that asap. Are you moving with a pet? That's another nightmare in itself. We are bringing a cat and it's an ordeal for sure. Are you American? Hopefully we can connect one day in Abu Dhabi.

mylinda313 on 23 Feb 2019 - 18:24

Just out of curiosity, how long did it take from the time your husband signed the job offer to when he move out there. In the case of my husband, it is taking an extremely long time. It is very stressful living in limbo like this.

Mylinda

JH King on 16 Jul 2019 - 08:40

Hi Mylinda,

Did your husband's job offer/ package/visa all come through in the end?

My husband had his offer come through in December and it took 6 months for all of the paperwork to come through. It's true the hiring process here can take a while, sometimes it's securing the funding for the role, visas, security checks, and even Ramadan can have an impact as everything slows down during this period.

Good luck, if you have made it across welcome and reach out if you have any further questions.

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