Abu Dhabi & Qatar
Discussion
I've just applied for a couple of jobs in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
Anybody on here had experience of living and working in either of these countries?
Whats it like for schools for the kids, as a living environment for the better half etc?
And more importantly, is it any good out there as a petrolhead :)
Anybody on here had experience of living and working in either of these countries?
Whats it like for schools for the kids, as a living environment for the better half etc?
And more importantly, is it any good out there as a petrolhead :)
Not lived in either but have visited both, of the two Abu Dhabi is much more western and IMHO probably the better place to live. It is also the capital of the UAE, adjacent to Dubi and Oman is across the mountains. If my memory serves me Qatar has more in common with the Saudi ways and is now the main US base in the Gulf region, with all the problems that can attract 
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I've spent a lot of time visiting and working in nearby Dubai over the last 10 years, just came back from there again on Monday.
As stated above, UAE is actually very western once you know the religion and social standards expected.
I'd happily live / work there. It's also very much a land of opportunity, best of luck.
As stated above, UAE is actually very western once you know the religion and social standards expected.
I'd happily live / work there. It's also very much a land of opportunity, best of luck.
I worked out of Abu Dhabi, and Dubai for years. Great places. Very tidy, some stunning buildings. When you forst get there you have a mindset of what a Middle Eastern place would look like. I was well off. It looked more like an American city than anything else. The vast majority of people there are imported Indian workers. They outnumber the Arabs by a huge amount, but they are really nice people. There are plenty of bars, eateries, beaches, and regular shops that you can find anything you want. Word of warning...it gets hot... VERY hot! I was lucky enough to get a stay in the Burj al Arab hotel, and what an experience that was. Never seen anything like it. Stayed on the 15th floor, and the room was out of this world. I'd go back tommorrow, as I loved every minute. There are ex-pat places too, like 'The george and dragon' where we used to watch the world cup, which is just around the corner from the 'Kamara market' where you can buy cheap electricals, and clothing. I'd chose tthe UAE ove Quatar anyday. You can drink in Quatar, but it is just a little too run down and scruffy, compared to the UAE. If you are into golf, they have the Dubai desert classic just outside Jebel Ali port...
I have been living in Dubai for the last 2 years. The lifestyle can be good if you manage to get enough time off work. If you are not used to it the hours in some industries out here can be difficult to get used too. Other than that lots to do and plenty expats to socialise with.
Not too sure about Doha but the UAE is great.
Not too sure about Doha but the UAE is great.
Thanks for the replies chaps. I've applied for a couple of design jobs in the civil and structural fields. I prefer the look of Abu Dhabi over Qatar to be honest.
Do any of you have any experience of the schools for kids, girls in particular, as it would be a case of bringing the whole family out with me.
Do any of you have any experience of the schools for kids, girls in particular, as it would be a case of bringing the whole family out with me.
Lived In Doha for a year, which is Qatar. UAE is definately an easier place to deal with. I had to register as an alcoholic just so I could drink in my own home. We used to get the girls from our apartment to smuggle back loads of spirits when they went to Dubai.
It was still a nice place to live, finished work at 1:00 everyday and went diving.
Loads and loads of engineers out there, both UAE and Qatar, so there's a big western community.
It was still a nice place to live, finished work at 1:00 everyday and went diving.
Loads and loads of engineers out there, both UAE and Qatar, so there's a big western community.
andy mac said:
There are 'western standard' schools in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, if I recall, but what they are like, I've no idea. Its a very modern place, so it would not surprise me at all that the schools would be of a good standard.
I grew up in Dubai & Oman & went to an "English Speaking School" - there are a few out there. My brother & I went to school from 8 - 12 often did school sponsored activities in the afternoon. When we came back to the UK we were leagues ahead of our classmates. IMO Kids will get an invaluable education just from being out there. That there are good schools there too just adds to it.
bga said:
I grew up in Dubai & Oman & went to an "English Speaking School" - there are a few out there. My brother & I went to school from 8 - 12 often did school sponsored activities in the afternoon. When we came back to the UK we were leagues ahead of our classmates. IMO Kids will get an invaluable education just from being out there. That there are good schools there too just adds to it.
Was it a Private school?
I too grew up in the Middle East. During our 5 years (1985-1990) in Abu Dhabi I was aged 6 - 11 and went to Al Khubairat school which was the local English speaking school. Excellent facilities with swimming pool, two huge playgrounds, a kindergarden, sports hall etc.
No idea what it's like now, but I liked it when I was there
Looks like they've got a website too:
www.britishschool.sch.ae/
Oh and in case you're wondering, I loved it out there! Most weekends were spent at "The Club" (think it's called the British Club). I'd love to go back there some day.
No idea what it's like now, but I liked it when I was there
Looks like they've got a website too: www.britishschool.sch.ae/
Oh and in case you're wondering, I loved it out there! Most weekends were spent at "The Club" (think it's called the British Club). I'd love to go back there some day.
No idea if its the same place, but when we were in Jebel Ali we used to take a small trip to 'the club' which was in fact the seamans mission... It was up on a hill about 2 junctions down from Jebil Ali... Is that it? we used to call it 'the club' and your post reminded me! It had a pool, pub, etc..
Not sure, but this is the one I was thinking about:
www.the-club.com/
My parents (and me and my brother) used to sail there, I think my dad was on the commitee at some point. There's loads of stuff to do. I can remember we used to take our powerboat out to a small island called "Jones Island" where we had the most fantastic tree house. We also used to water ski, go snorking, swiming etc. Really was a great life at a child
In fact, why the hell I am still in this country!!!
Edit: I'll also add that before we lived in Abu Dhabi, we lived in Saudi Arabia for 3 years. And after Abu Dhabi we lived in Bahrain until 1997. Bahrain was also great
Happy to talk more about my life out there if you want to.
>> Edited by KITT on Thursday 3rd November 15:14
www.the-club.com/
My parents (and me and my brother) used to sail there, I think my dad was on the commitee at some point. There's loads of stuff to do. I can remember we used to take our powerboat out to a small island called "Jones Island" where we had the most fantastic tree house. We also used to water ski, go snorking, swiming etc. Really was a great life at a child
In fact, why the hell I am still in this country!!!
Edit: I'll also add that before we lived in Abu Dhabi, we lived in Saudi Arabia for 3 years. And after Abu Dhabi we lived in Bahrain until 1997. Bahrain was also great
Happy to talk more about my life out there if you want to.
>> Edited by KITT on Thursday 3rd November 15:14
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