Forums
/ Role / Teaching overseas

Abu Dhabi: living and teaching

Last post 03/02/12 at 13:27 by jkhanom, 10 replies
Post started by Vilette on 23/01/12 at 15:46

Rate this topic

All Topics
Select colour:
  • Vilette avatar
    Offline
    1
    Posted by: Vilette 23/01/2012 at 15:46
    Reply
    Joined on 26/02/2010
    Posts 21
    Hi, I would be grateful for any information or advice concerning living and teaching in Abu Dhabi, good or bad experiences welcome. I am particularly interested in attitudes towards women and, in general, personal security. Thanks
  • ady_paula avatar
    Offline
    2
    Posted by: ady_paula 23/01/2012 at 16:26
    Reply
    Joined on 14/12/2006
    Posts 86

    Hi, I am currently in my 4th year teaching at an international school in Abu Dhabi (British curriculum based) and love it. The work is hard but the hours are good, the lifestyle is good and we are saving money. You can do anything really as a woman no real restrictions except going into male mosque or similar. Even have express ladies only check outs at the supermarket! I drive, have an alcohol license and even sponsor my husband and son to live here. It really is not that different to living in other countries however, it is (I feel) far safer than any country I have ever been to. Yes you have to be sensible but I will walk home alone in the middle of the night feeling safe and warm :) PM me is you need to know any further information, and of course this is just me view and feelings. Others may not like it so much. But you get that with all countries I left the UK as I don't like it but plenty are moving to it! Good luck hope that helps. x
  • the hippo avatar
    Offline
    3
    Posted by: the hippo 24/01/2012 at 09:53
    Reply
    Joined on 30/04/2008
    Posts 2,151

    I don't know much about Abu Dhabi, but Mrs Hippo and I were in the UAE for a bit. Now we are back in Qatar (just round the corner). Friends of mine in AD say that it is a fairly relaxed place, but of course some caution and common sense are required. When in doubt, it is a good idea to ask the Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers at your school and they will be happy to help.

    Too Hot to Handle? was a rather exaggerated piece that appeared in the TES about a year ago and it gave quite a negative impression of life for most teachers in the ME.
  • dianea avatar
    Offline
    4
    Posted by: dianea 25/01/2012 at 13:14
    Reply
    Joined on 15/02/2008
    Posts 2

    Hi,

    I'm due to take up a post in Abu Dhabi. The post will involve travelling in the Abu Dhabi an Al Ain region. My package includes an accomodation allowance  of100000 aed. I'm thinking  about renting an apartment in the Al Reef community. Will I be able to find much for the money? Also do you have any idea how much utilities might cost per month? and the cost of petrol?
  • catface656 avatar
    Offline
    5
    Posted by: catface656 25/01/2012 at 15:22
    Reply
    Joined on 22/12/2011
    Posts 5
    I don't live in Abu dhabi, but am in Dubai. It costs about 10 pounds to fill up my SUV, cheaper for a smaller car. Internet and TV are expensive, I pay about 80 pounds a month. i am lucky that I don't pay DEWA, electricity and water, as they can be quite expensive, it also depends on whether you have to pay AC charges. As you will need this for 8 - 10 months of the year. Hope that helps.
  • dianea avatar
    Offline
    6
    Posted by: dianea 25/01/2012 at 15:48
    Reply
    Joined on 15/02/2008
    Posts 2

    Thanks that's really helpful.
  • MC1977 avatar
    Offline
    7
    Posted by: MC1977 02/02/2012 at 13:17
    Reply
    Joined on 12/05/2007
    Posts 17

     What is the pollution like in general in the Middle East? I have a 10 month old daughter and want to make sure that it is a suitable environment to bring up a young child in. Levels of pollutants seem to be higher than most cities in SE Asia - I know this must be to do with the sand/dust so does it stop you enjoying sporting activites and walks outside?

  • rednelly84 avatar
    Offline
    8
    Posted by: rednelly84 02/02/2012 at 16:55
    Reply
    Joined on 11/09/2006
    Posts 478

    MC1977:

     What is the pollution like in general in the Middle East? I have a 10 month old daughter and want to make sure that it is a suitable environment to bring up a young child in. Levels of pollutants seem to be higher than most cities in SE Asia - I know this must be to do with the sand/dust so does it stop you enjoying sporting activites and walks outside?

     

     

    I currently live in the more populated area of AD, the Tourist Club and I have to say it is pretty clean.  The beaches, malls, supermarkets and public areas are very well attended to.  As for air pollution, it's not noticeable.  During the summer months the heat and humidity get you in the city more than the traffic fumes if I'm honest.  Now is the ideal time to get out and about and explore the city as the temperatures are very comfortable.
  • MC1977 avatar
    Offline
    9
    Posted by: MC1977 02/02/2012 at 19:51
    Reply
    Joined on 12/05/2007
    Posts 17

     Thanks rednelly84. Would you mind sending me a pm with any schools you'd recommend for British primary teachers?

     Thanks again.

     

  • Thisismytruth avatar
    Offline
    10
    Posted by: Thisismytruth 03/02/2012 at 08:27
    Reply
    Joined on 29/06/2005
    Posts 232
    Hi, I have a blog that has a number of articles on Abu Dhabi. Go to the homepage and type in a search. I am still living here with my wife and two kids and am loving it!
    http://homeandotherthoughtsfromabroad.blogspot.com
Back to top

Sign up – it’s free!

  • Don’t miss out on the latest jobs
  • Connect and share with friends
  • Download thousands of resources
  • Chat in the forums