Expat Community > The UAE

ndustire
Joined 2006
Posts: 5

UAE info

18 years ago

I am in Abu Dhabi and the problem I see here is the telecommunications blocking. The Telecomms Regulatory Authorit has ordered Etisalat, the phone company to block VoIP like Skype, and all voice messengers. This forces one to pay exhorbitant rates to Etisalat to phone home to talk to your family.
The web censors are mindless as well, even blocking engineering sites.
The stores here have pretty limited stuff that expats like, and stuff stays out of stock for months. I ascribe this to locals taking over managing positions, and only stocking what they know. It has definitely gotten worse in the last two years. Even the Indians are complaining about lack of better mutton from india, and only pakistani mutton at higher prices available. You have to get a liquor license to buy booze, and pork is only available in hotel restaurants. This with the locals being about 20% of the population, but the 80% expats are forced to live under their mores...
I have been here about two years and plan to move to Jordan soon. I have recommended that the company move as well.
In short, I would check the teeth of this camel closely to be sure you are not going to be frustrated.

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in UAE Guide

Guide to Living in UAE covering expat life, local culture, finding a home, diversity and more.

UAE Forum
Join our UAE forum to meet other expats and talk about living in UAE.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in UAE.

Best Places to Live in UAE

If you're thinking about living in the UAE, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in the UAE in 2023.

Healthcare in UAE

Expats and people moving to the UAE have lots of questions. Healthcare and health insurance are often on the list. Here are 7 tips about healthcare, health insurance in the UAE, having a baby in the UAE and more.