sucre marron

I am a school teacher moving to Abu Dhabi in September. I have heard so many contrasting things about the place, can anyone please fill me in with the real deal?

Are there good opportunities to socialise and meet people? Is it as restrictive as people say?

Meow

Who says it's restrictive? Loads of opportunities to socialise.

Have you done any research before accepting this job?

-

Norm_uk

It's not very restrictive but keeping a low profile doesn't hurt.

There's plenty of socialising oppurtunities. I run an informal social/business networking group - you're more than welcome to join us for a drink after hours.

N.

Madam Medusa

hahaha, i'm taking a wild stab in the dark and guessing that'll be a no...

MM, xx

coffindodger

Sounds like it sounds like a nice place to go to.
The normal wanabee expat zero research very little planing.
If if some of these people read thoro some of the threads on these subjects !!!.

sucre marron

I have read through the majority of the threads on this website and have done as much research as I can via internet and word of mouth. Closest I have been is Muscat.

I hear so many contrasting things about abu dhabi, just wanted to hear from a an expat currently living there.

Is there a youngish expat crowd there? (25 plus)

For anyone who is moving there alone, when you hear there are strict rules on certain social issues, it does shake you a little

Millhouse

you really should visit first. But a fiver says you don't...

Anyway, you will be fine... it's normal. Well, you have to wear a burka, and you are not allowed to drive, touch the money and you have to get used to going for a poo without the luxury of toilet paper. But otherwise, Abu Dhabi really is very normal.

If I were you, I'd download some homebrew recipes.

Tockalosh

You are 25 and female so if you so wished; you could have a never ending life of nights on the town, all paid for by old bald married (with wife at home) expatriates
with a few "exotic" nights with married Emiratis who will pay for everything
and a few nights with greasy Lebos/Masris who will also buy all your drinks

With careless planning of your social scene; you should never have to buy food or drink for the duration of your stay and save every dirham you earn

Best practice eating with your burka on before you come out though as it takes some getting used to

Millhouse

There are also a number of bars where ladies drink for free at least once a week.

Never been in one myself, can imagine that they are interesting!

Eva

I bet youa Mama was a tentshow queen and all her boyfriends were sweet 16.....

Most important: who are you signed to?

Aldar or AD Govt or NordAnglia or Beacon etc,etc.

shakh your bootie

Really, people - since when did we become a bunch of smug, supercillious bitches?

Give the poor girl a break - if one of my kids was making a career move to the UAE I wouldn't wish her to receive such feedback. How many 25 yr olds have the spare cash to make a speculative visit before moving to a new country - applaud her bravery, not her ineptitude.

Which school will you be working for, angel? Be careful - some of them treat their teachers like shit. Make sure you have good rent allowance, health care and holiday, travel and gratuity. we can tell you what is a reasonable expectation.

Otherwise, yes, you can have a fun time in AD in your age group. What kind of things are you looking for - pubs, clubs, sports, travel??? Tell us more about yourself and people can advise you better. Once they get over themselves.

sucre marron

Thank you 'Shakh Your Bootie', I really appreciate it.

It's with Aldar, health care and accommodation is provided. I have been told the apartment is situated in the Tourist Club Area.

The school looks absolutely fabulous, that is not my concern. As I am traveling there alone, I just don't want to go there and find it difficult to meet people, spending evenings alone.

I love dancing, sports of all sorts, socialising, watching a footy game and having a drink.

To be honest only until I have spoken to people actually living in the UAE (and thats only today) have I become more confident about the move. A lot of people here have just spoken about the restrictions of cohabiting, boyfriends, alcohol and clubs in hotels and being covered even on beaches.

I have total respect for the culture there, but these restrictions enough could change someones outlook on a place. Just wanted to know if it really is like this, or is it just hyped up

Eva

Mea culpa Pater but that is exactly what I was doing,or thought so.While the herein erstwhile members were indicting what a fantabuloso time could be had I thought-transient I know-it would be prudent to point out to the young lady that the quality of her experience in UAE was to a degree determined by the quality of her employer.
Lookit, tis I who identifies the benefits of a good employer over other trivia...
Hmmmmmm You, you petunia plummaged perfectly shaped lampshade should know better.I am for :et tempore incommunicado

Eva

Oh and for the record you silly old scientist...

The op is called brown sugar.....opening line of my quote
''Tentshow queen.........''
Gone are the days you'd know that S?
Surely not?

Eva

So now Brown Sugar we know you are Aldar
Next we have to know....are you junior, middle or senior?
IF you are senior...there are only two schools you can go to.
One is Al Yasmina and the other is just opening in Sept 2010
can't remember where.
So tell me ...primary,middle or upwards??
You will still have a great life regardless of year groups