Relocating in Abu Dhabi... What's it like?
So that's it, you're decision is made. You're moving to Abu Dhabi. Now you want to know what to expect from your new city.
Or maybe you haven't made up your mind yet because you need more information!
I guess I can help you with that.
Just before I get started, let me tell you more about myself. Not that you should be particularly interested in who I am, but since this blog is going to deal with cultural perception a lot, you might want to know where the advice is coming from.
So I am 28, I am a female. Duh, I guess you could have guessed that based on my screen name and my profile picture at least! I am French, but I have lived for a while in Miami, Florida, and I've travelled quite a lot in my live. Without saying that I am a perfect expert of Islam, I am semi familiar with its cultures because there are a lot of African people in France (who are predominantly Muslim). Moreover, I've had a short work experience in Hyderabad, India, where the Muslim community is pretty dense.
For some reason I've always been interested in the Middle East, so coming to live in the U.A.E. was never too scary for me - but I know that for a lot of people it is!
Well, good news is, there isn't much to be scared about!
Obviously it is not Miami, or France, but it is not that different from living in a Western country. Expat women are not expected to cover their head, although it is preferable to dress respectfully (i.e., covering your shoulders and your knees). That pretty much says it all in terms of how much Muslim traditions will affect you. In the everyday life, you will be able to find most of your home country's (or at least continent) consumption products, so if you start feeling home-sick, a nice plate of comfort food shouldn't be an issue. You will be able to find all the electronics, clothing, cars, and so on that you want, so you don't necessarily need to "stock up" before you leave.
You will also be able to stay in touch fairly easily with your loved ones back home : contrary to what a lot of people say, Facebook, Skype, and emails are not censored. Actually most websites are allowed as long as they're not offensive to Islam and don't promote behaviors frowned upon by religion (crime, drugs, out of marriage sex). The internet network is pretty efficient, so it is really easy to maintain a good quality communication with your family and friends. You can also get a phone plan that includes international minutes, in case you want to call your grandma who doesn't have Skype ;-)
You see, no biggie, really.
Or maybe you haven't made up your mind yet because you need more information!
I guess I can help you with that.
Just before I get started, let me tell you more about myself. Not that you should be particularly interested in who I am, but since this blog is going to deal with cultural perception a lot, you might want to know where the advice is coming from.
So I am 28, I am a female. Duh, I guess you could have guessed that based on my screen name and my profile picture at least! I am French, but I have lived for a while in Miami, Florida, and I've travelled quite a lot in my live. Without saying that I am a perfect expert of Islam, I am semi familiar with its cultures because there are a lot of African people in France (who are predominantly Muslim). Moreover, I've had a short work experience in Hyderabad, India, where the Muslim community is pretty dense.
For some reason I've always been interested in the Middle East, so coming to live in the U.A.E. was never too scary for me - but I know that for a lot of people it is!
Well, good news is, there isn't much to be scared about!
Obviously it is not Miami, or France, but it is not that different from living in a Western country. Expat women are not expected to cover their head, although it is preferable to dress respectfully (i.e., covering your shoulders and your knees). That pretty much says it all in terms of how much Muslim traditions will affect you. In the everyday life, you will be able to find most of your home country's (or at least continent) consumption products, so if you start feeling home-sick, a nice plate of comfort food shouldn't be an issue. You will be able to find all the electronics, clothing, cars, and so on that you want, so you don't necessarily need to "stock up" before you leave.
You will also be able to stay in touch fairly easily with your loved ones back home : contrary to what a lot of people say, Facebook, Skype, and emails are not censored. Actually most websites are allowed as long as they're not offensive to Islam and don't promote behaviors frowned upon by religion (crime, drugs, out of marriage sex). The internet network is pretty efficient, so it is really easy to maintain a good quality communication with your family and friends. You can also get a phone plan that includes international minutes, in case you want to call your grandma who doesn't have Skype ;-)
You see, no biggie, really.
