I’ve lived in Abu Dhabi now for 2 years. That’s just enough time to realize all the things you love to hate and hate to love about a place. I feel blessed to call this place my home for the time being. And when I go back to the U.S. now to visit family, I’m shocked to realized how much I’ve changed. Here are “a few” things I’ve learned about living here that I wanted to share with you all. But, keep in mind, this is mostly my perspective as an American, a wife, and a female. Enjoy đ
39 (originally 25) Signs You’ve Been Living in Abu Dhabi for Too Long
- You know that stop signs are purely for suggestion, turn signals are completely optional, speed bumps are more like hills, and you want to flip someone the bird at least once a week but canât because itâs illegal.
- Youâve gotten sunburned beforeâŚin December.
- Because of this, you wear sunscreen year round.
- Youâre friends are jealous because you post beach pictures all year long.
“Fauv Camel Mini” by Amira Rahim - Youâve looked up at least once because you thought someone was spitting on you, and then realized it was just the sky trying to rain.
- You canât get anything done between 1-4:30 because businesses close down for afternoon break.
- You know that finding a parking space in most places is a gift from God and you wiggle in your seat when you find one. OrâŚyou just do what the locals do and create your own.
- You or someone you know drives a Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol.
- You no longer double take when you see a Corvette, Masserati, or Bently. But you will stop for Ferraris, Maclarens, Lambourginis, or a beautiful vintage piece.
- Youâve gotten used to the creepy guys that stare at you like youâre from out of space.
- You have an umbrella that serves no other purpose other than sun protection.
- Youâve cancelled plans just because it was too hot outside and didnât feel like being slapped in the face by the humidity.
- Youâve ordered ridiculous things like toilet paper, a case of water, ice cream and more to be delivered to your doorstep and youâre not ashamed, even if the store is in your building.
- You brunch, lunch, and coffee morning with the best of them, and always looking for the next restaurant to spend a leisure afternoon.
- You know thereâs no such thing as customer service here, and that no matter how many times someone says âYes, Madammmmm,â in a sing-song tone, you still struggle to place an order, remedy a mishap, or file a complaint.
- Youâve switched 5-6 lanes in moving traffic and didnât feel like a complete douche.
- You swear your family back home has never tasted a proper shawarma, falafel, baklava, or hummus.
- Youâve gained at least 15-20 lbs (see the above) and have no idea how to drop it.
- Youâre constantly planning your next getaway, vacation, or exotic trip.
- You know that hiring help is perfectly necessary, and wouldnât dare live without your nanny, housekeeper, or live-in maid.
- You say things like âKhalasâ and âInshallahâ because no other phrase seems to express what you’re feeling.
- You know that most things are negotiable. Nothing happens on time. And “official” rules and regulations change regularly.
- You give friends directions to your house by citing the nearest mall, landmark, or GPS coordinates because there are no real addresses here.
- Youâve had so much things shipped to your home that youâre starting to feel like a cartel.
- You go to Dubai for shopping, good food, and fun on a regular basis.
- Youâve drank 14karat gold at Emirates Palace.
- You know how to order in broken English when necessary (i.e. âsame sameâ, âspecial fullâ, âbig big oneâ, etc.)
- You have friends from places youâve never heard of until several years ago.
- You look forward to cloudy days.
- You own at least one expensive pair of shades and donât sweat it because you wear them all year long.
- You know that if you search hard enough, anything can be delivered to your door. Even Pinkberry.
- Youâve ridden a camel, smoked shisha, got a henna tattoo, and attempted to belly dance at least once.
- You expect everything to be open until midnight. And know that during Ramadan the city never sleeps.
- Youâve had ongoing construction in every single neighborhood youâve ever lived in.
- Youâve seen a sandstorm and said several prayers because you were sure this would be your last day on earth.
- You live in a high rise apartment over-looking the city and you’re not rich.
- Youâve pulled up to a store or establishment in your car, placed the order, and then waited for the guy to bring it to your car door, like a boss!
- You know to buy perfumes to take back home to your family and keep some for yourself.
- Youâve made some of the best friends in your life and canât imagine ever leaving!
What else would you add to this list?
Blog of artist Amira Rahim