Living in the UAE

My sister has lived in the UAE for the past three years now, and she has absolutely fallen in love with the culture, the way of life and beautiful setting.

Please note this is a collaboration post.

So here are some of the best things about living in the UAE from my sister’s perspective to help you make that BIG decision…

Living in the UAE – Shopping:

1. The UAE has so many HUGE and gorgeous shopping malls, but there are also some beautiful small boutiques and food festival/markets that can’t be missed. Many of the shopping malls also host entertainment, events and stuff that simply wouldn’t happen in our country. The traditional open-air marketplaces are also fantastic for purchasing locally produced spices and aromatics. Some of the best souks include: Abu Dhabi’s Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk, and Abu Dhabi’s Fish Souk.

Food:

1. Some of the abu dhabi restaurants are really well presented, and are of course the most ‘Instagrammable’ places on earth. Needless to say that when my sister was living out there, she came across loads of places that she fell in love with and one of the main places was…Flamingo Room by Tasha’s. They serve up fresh, flavoursome food for a very fair price, and the setting is very pink and stunning too. The perfect girly brunch venue.

Views:

1. Of course, some of the most known hotspots are Burj Khalifa and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, but there are also lots of hidden gems including Fossil Rock and Wasit Nature Reserves. My sister was forever making me jealous when uploading her incredible location pictures, and the unbelievable sea or desert views.

Living in the UAE – Culture:

1. My sister really embraced the culture whilst living and working out in the UAE. She speaks so highly of the people she encountered and the kindness she experienced on a daily basis. UAE culture is extremely different to our own, but a culture that is based on the Arabian setting, and the country’s historical population as a small tribal community. Although times have modernised, the culture remains very traditional, and is one that should be respected if you visit.

Lifestyle:

1. The weather is of course a big PRO for us Brits. We have to endure rain, snow and cold weather on an almost daily basis. Why wouldn’t you want to be able to camp under the stars, jump in the swimming pool or visit indoor ski slopes….? The lifestyle is the biggest difference, but my sister said that is what makes her want to stay out there. The lifestyle she is able to lead over in the UAE is so very different to what she would be able to do over in the UK. She’s met so many fantastic people, seen and done so many brilliant things and she works tax free!

So why wouldn’t you want to embrace the UAE and work/move over there? The appeal is evident. If I wasn’t a mum covered in snot and vomit most days then I would totally embrace the opportunity.