antes56, i lived in abu dhabi for over 10 years, and my parnets still live there.
ABu dhabi is a very family oriented place. I like it there cuz its easy going and stuff. BUT, and a BIG BUT, for example, if you have a hot or *flashy* wife/gf, DONT take her out in public less you want that unwanted attention if you know what i mean. This really bothered me when i was there recently. As soon as theres a person who doesn fit in with the norm, ppl tend to rudely stare you down.
This should give you a sense of what the people are like there.
The hot weather is good, but over the years, it does damage you. All that UV shining down on you everyday!
Other than what i mentioned and a few more annoying things (another biggie is TRAFFIC TRAFFIC TRAFFIC and this is getting really out of control, and NO PARKING SPOTS EVER) Id still rather live in Abu Dhabi b.c it is in my comfort zone.
Dont forget, ABu Dhabi does NOT want to be anything like Dubai.. DUbai is way way more westernized and you can see it in the population.. For example, when u walk into a mall in Dubai, u feel like your in Europe..but in Abu dhabi you walk into a mall, you KNOW you're in an Arab country from the make up of the crowd!!
Id still rather live in ABU DHABI although the ways things are going, increasing rent prices, i dont know what the future will behold. My folks rent was 85,000 per annum about 4 or 5 years ago and now its at 165,000! And this is subject to 5% increase every year
I hope this helps...i think anyone can get used to living anywhere, but some people are NOT meant for expat life! ANd the only way you can find out is if you just go thru it, unfortunealty.
Hope this helps
