It's arguably better to live in AUH, because if you get bored, you can always go to DXB!
Jim, you are safer here than anywhere I can think of in the world. Crime is so low it is almost non-existent. This is evidenced by the rows of Mercs lined up in front of the shops during summer, with the keys in and engine running (to keep the aircon going). Where else could you do that? I can only recall seeing a fight in a pub once. I have only heard of someone being burgled once, and they were in Oman. Single females can walk thru the centre of town at any hour. Get the picture?
Before we go too far off topic (and I go thru all the negatives), maybe you should start a separate thread.
ps things to do (quickly). Centrally located to lots of interesting places, so travel. water sports, outdoor sports (half the year), indoor sports (other half), desert driving/camping, diving, clubs/hobbies (motor sports, Rc, ultralights, yachts, kite surfing etc). Just about anything, if you look. Ski fields of Lebanon, Romania etc not far away. Like anything, it's up to you. You can sit around and do nothing (plenty do), or do as many things as you want. There is even a small ice-hockey league.