Working and Living in Abu Dhabi

[Just Plain Ruff]

hey Guys, I've got a question for those who have been to the Middle East and have lived there.

I have an opportunity that might be too good to pass up. I have the opportunity to go to Abu Dhabi and work on their emergency department computer systems. Not sure of when I'll be going but probably within the next two months. It will be a semi-permanent placement of at least a year.

Lots of benefits and the like. Plus pay is insanely good.

I'm concerned about a couple of thngs

1. How are christians treated there, are there christian churches that I and my family attend?

2. How are their women treated there? do women there need a male escort to go out and about

3. Food - are there fast food restaurants that my son can get his happy meal

4. What are the driving requirements.

Lots of others but those can start it all.

[Richard B the EMT]

My speculative answer, as I have never been even to the east side of the Atlantic, to number 3 is, as a Muslim country, they won't be mixing milk products with meat products, so there is a likelihood of no McDonald's there.

It is my understanding that Halal, for the Muslims, is as Kosher is for the devout Jewish. Both are religious food preparations under religious laws, and I understand might be considered by some to be equal.

[WestSideBorderPatrol]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1050.html

Incidents of verbal and physical harassment as well as isolated cases involving assault of expatriate women have occurred, including some incidents of harassment by taxi drivers. On more than one occasion, expatriate females have been sexually assaulted while walking alone through underground pedestrian walkways near the Abu Dhabi corniche. Female travelers should keep in mind the cultural differences among the many people who coexist in the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions may invite unwanted attention. Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab and should be sensitive that "small talk" can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by some taxi drivers. Victims of harassment are encouraged to report such incidents to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.

While individuals are free to worship as they choose, and facilities are available for that purpose, religious proselytizing is not permitted in the UAE. Persons violating this law, even unknowingly, may be imprisoned or deported.

Codes of behavior and dress in the UAE reflect the country's Islamic traditions and are more conservative than those of the United States. Visitors to the UAE should be respectful of this conservative heritage, especially in the Emirate of Sharjah where rules of decency and public conduct are strictly enforced. Public decency and morality laws throughout the UAE are much stricter than in the United States. Penalties for public displays of affection or immodesty can be severe. Travelers have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms for kissing in public. Homosexual activity is illegal in the UAE and is punished by imprisonment. Sexual relations outside of marriage and adultery are illegal in the UAE and have been punished by lengthy jail sentences.

Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the UAE. According to the World Health Organization, the UAE has the highest rate of road fatalities in the Middle East and one of the highest rates in the world. Drivers often drive at high speeds. Unsafe driving practices are common, especially on inter-city highways. On highways, unmarked speed bumps and drifting sand create additional hazards. Pedestrians should also use great care on the roads of the UAE – over 25 percent of road fatalities are pedestrians.

In order to drive, UAE residents must obtain a UAE driver's license. Foreign driver's licenses are not recognized. However, American non-resident visitors to the UAE can drive using a valid driver’s license issued by his or her state. An international driver’s license is no longer required. The UAE recognizes driver's licenses issued by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states only if the bearer is driving a vehicle registered to the same GCC state. Under no circumstances should anyone drive without a valid license.

Sorry, I couldn't find anything on McDonald's!

[Kiwiology]

Dude thats Dubai, not Abu Dhabi

[WestSideBorderPatrol]

Isn't Abu Dhabi part of the UAE?

[maverick56]

Isn't Abu Dhabi part of the UAE?

Yes, it is.

[chbare]

hey Guys, I've got a question for those who have been to the Middle East and have lived there.

I have an opportunity that might be too good to pass up. I have the opportunity to go to Abu Dhabi and work on their emergency department computer systems. Not sure of when I'll be going but probably within the next two months. It will be a semi-permanent placement of at least a year.

Lots of benefits and the like. Plus pay is insanely good.

I'm concerned about a couple of thngs

1. How are christians treated there, are there christian churches that I and my family attend?

Fairly well, remember, Islam is the state religion and you will have to abide by many of their customs. This is critically important during special times such as Ramadan. I felt very safe in the Emirates; however, the general attitude toward me was a little on the cool side. Stranger in a strange land and all; however, many expats can live without much difficulty provided they respect the culture and refrain from pushing an "American" view onto everything.

2. How are their women treated there? do women there need a male escort to go out and about

Fairly well, Abu Dhabi is pretty liberal.

3. Food - are there fast food restaurants that my son can get his happy meal

Yes. Do not expect much in the way of pork. Some stores such as the popular Spinney's chain (In Dubai at least) do sell products with expats in mind.

4. What are the driving requirements.

Varies, in Dubai many expats can drive and obtain licenses; however, the rules and regulations are very different. In addition, if you are not good with turnabouts, driving in the UAE can be a nightmare. I typically used a cab. Rather expensive in Dubai.

Lots of others but those can start it all.

While I lived in Afghanistan, our cooporate headquarters was in Dubai and one of the upper level clinical education managers lived in Abu Dhabi. In addition, we typically spent at least a day or two in the Emirates following a medevac and had some time between leave and deployments. I am more familiar with Dubai. Hope that helps.

Take care,

chbare.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Dude thats Dubai, not Abu Dhabi

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&source=hp&q=abu+dhabi&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Abu+Dhabi+-+United+Arab+Emirates&gl=us&ei=t7NXS_HiJs2Ptgehv-yqBA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CA4Q8gEwAA

[Kiwiology]

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&source=hp&q=abu+dhabi&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Abu+Dhabi+-+United+Arab+Emirates&gl=us&ei=t7NXS_HiJs2Ptgehv-yqBA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CA4Q8gEwAA

LOL Looks like I was wrong, my bad.

A lot of my classmates have gone over (or back) to Dubai they seem to like it.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Holy crap, someone on this site actually admitting they are wrong. I really wasn't busting your chops or anything like that. I originally thought it was Dubai but the company I'm trying to get on with corrected me too.

I'm looking forward to this possibility.

LOL Looks like I was wrong, my bad.

A lot of my classmates have gone over (or back) to Dubai they seem to like it.

It looks like this is going to be a longer proces than I thought. Maybe up to 2 months to get everything authenticated and processed for this company.