What is the social life like?

There is a large expatriate community, and as a result, people there tend to be highly sociable. Whether in a group or on your own, there is something to satisfy many interests, including art, tennis, mahjong, bridge, reading, walking, shopping, bowling, badminton, horse-racing, beaches, etc. At night, you can also enjoy the clubs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

What is the distance between the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

The drive from downtown Abu Dhabi to downtown Dubai is about 150km (93 miles), so in good traffic, it takes about 1.5 hours ... but it can definitely take longer.

Who makes up the expatriate community?

The expatriate community in the UAE is made up of citizens from around the world: Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, Germans, Irish, Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Egyptians, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Malaysians, South Africans, etc.

Will I be able to play any sports or workout while I'm in the UAE?

UAE offers a wide variety of sports and fitness activities; you'll have plenty to choose from whether you enjoy water sports such as swimming, windsurfing and scuba diving, team sports such as baseball and soccer, or activities such as tennis, running, cycling (see: Letter from Abu Dhabi) and horseback riding. There are even ice rinks for skating and hockey fans! Also, there are several fitness clubs and a number of fitness classes including aerobics, pilates, ballet, and aquafit. One of these is the Zayed Sports City, which includes sports fields, a skating rink, a pool, a bowling alley, tennis facilities, fitness facilities, etc.

Often the housing accommodations provided for expatriate staff have a pool, tennis courts, and/or a small gym.

Is there anywhere to golf in Abu Dhabi & Dubai?

There are a number of golf courses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (in Abu Dhabi), the Yas Links Golf Club (in Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, the Al Ghazal Golf Club (in Abu Dhabi), Dubai Golf Club, the Emirates Golf Club (in Dubai), and the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

Are there any local English newspapers?

Yes: Gulf News, the Khaleej Times, The Gulf Today, and The National.

And of course one can have online access to news broadcasters such as BBC, Al Jazeera, CNN, or others. One can also easily access one's home newspaper online.

What is available to buy?

Pretty much everything.

• Alcohol — Although the UAE is a Muslim country, purchasing and drinking alcohol in a licensed club, bar, or restaurant is legal for non-Muslims who are over 21.
  As of Sep 2020, a liquor license is no longer required to purchase alcohol. (While drinking is permitted as described, obviously, being drunk and/or disorderly in public is not permitted, and you will very likely be arrested). Please note, that Sharjah is a "dry emirate," and therefore alcohol is not permitted in this emirate.
• Pharmacies — Pharmacies are open at convenient times, and as in the West, many pharmaceuticals can be obtained over the counter.
• Clothing — "Regular" and high-end designer clothing and sportswear is easy to find. (See our video about shopping!)
• Bathing suits — These are easier to find in the UAE than in Saudi Arabia, but you will want to bring at least one with you.
• Electronics — Electronics stores abound, selling the latest in computer, audio, and video equipment. Videos and DVDs are also available, but some may have been censored.
• Jewelry — Jewelry shopping in the gold souqs is so popular with expatriates that most leave with a sizable gold collection.
• English-Language Books — English reading material can be found at book stores and grocery stores, but the materials are usually more expensive than in one's home country and the selections is not as varied. An e-reader may be your best bet, e.g., you can download to your Amazon Kindle in the major cities of the UAE.

What is the food like?

The UAE has a wide variety of restaurants, allowing expatriates to go on a culinary world tour sampling Arabic (such as tabouleh, hummus, pita, baba ghanoush, etc.), Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Mexican, Turkish, Indian, etc. cuisine. For a taste of "home," the standard American chains such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Dunkin' Donuts, and Dairy Queen are available. Supermarkets provide all sorts of food which you are accustomed to buying at home. Fresh produce is readily available.

Do most restaurants serve alcohol in the UAE?

Hotel restaurants and bars are usually licensed to serve alcohol; most other restaurants are not. The emirate of Sharjah is "dry," so alcohol is not permitted/served.

Can I bring alcohol into the UAE?

Yes. You can bring one bottle of liquor into UAE, except to the state of Sharjah, which is designated as a "dry" emirate.