What do expats find most challenging?

We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Abu Dhabi. They wrote...

"The Emirati population is small compared to the rest of the country, so there are generally less of them around. As a woman, forming friendships w/ an Emirati man can be tricky. The concept of the platonic male/female relationship doesn't exist in their culture. On the flip side, the women tend to have a lot of familial obligations and, at times, limited ability to move freely without a male member of her family, so going out to a restaurant or coffee w/ just the girls has never actually happened for me," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Abu Dhabi, UAE.

"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Abu Dhabi is the conservative dress code. Women are expected to dress modestly and cover their arms and legs, while men are expected to wear long trousers and shirts with collars. Additionally, public displays of affection are frowned upon, and it is important to be aware of local customs and traditions when interacting with locals. Another challenge is the language barrier, as Arabic is the official language of the UAE and English is not widely spoken. Finally, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from cooler climates," commented one expat who made the move to Abu Dhabi, the UAE.

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What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Abu Dhabi, newcomers to Abu Dhabi would love to hear your answer to this question.