Week 2

2 weeks in and I feel more settled, but I have yet to master a consistent routine. Everything at work is off to a great start and we are preparing for the Resident Assistants (RAs) to arrive on August 14.  This will be followed by a 10 day training which includes a retreat to Dubai; looking forward to that excursion. In the meantime, I have not had time to catch up on personal emails, or any other social media yet. Currently my priorities have been:  finalizing my banking needs, unpacking my remaining boxes, and replenishing household goods or other accessories to make my new home comfortable and cozy.

Day to Day:
To accomplish some of these tasks, I have HAD to go explore a few malls and other home stores.

Al Wahda Mall is a mix of local and regional stores.

2nd largest mall in Abu Dhabi with 300 stores including Mercedes-Benz and Burberry; it also has a bowling alley, skating rink and lovely cinema below.

I hear movies are really cheap.



I like to call this the space needle- but haven't figured out it's really name. I have heard the restaurant at the top is amazing.

First time at IKEA!

As you can see, these are a few reasons why exploration of Abu Dhabi is very fascinating.

In addition, the work week is Sunday to Thursday. I have heard my people use the catch phrase “Thank Allah it’s Thursday” (TAIT) instead of “thank God / goodness it’s Friday” (TGIF).  The hump day during our work week is Tuesday. I am still not used to this pattern.  On top of that, Friday are extremely quiet in Abu Dhabi.

• The real reason:  Fridays are designated as for prayers and services.  Several people are either at the Mosques or at home.
• The superficial reason for me: the internet is out at NYU due to ITS updates from 6am-1pm.
• A true bonus: Brunch on Fridays :)

In order to maintain employment in Abu Dhabi and gain residence, several steps must be fulfilled:

• The securing clearance which is supposed to take 1-2 weeks, but has potential to take 4-6 week or longer
• You need an eye scan via immigration at the airport (as soon as you land)
• Blood tests and xrays
• Multiple sets of fingerprints including palm prints too
• Picture for an Emirate ID, in which you are not allowed to smile
• Finally for an Emirate license, this requires a stop at the DMV-like office that is located inside a very beautiful mall.

Now if you choose to get an alcohol license, it will cost you 550 AEDs=$150. Paying the cost is a better alternative than being arrested without one. If the cost is too much, you can stick to the hotel bars or designated restaurants. You will be in the clear unless they choose not to serve you without an id. Nonetheless, (if you choose to drink) paying the cost might be a better alternative or seek out friends to purchase items for you.   

Given the UAE laws and perception about Islamic culture, it was hard to envision what nightlife would look like in Abu Dhabi. I had first-hand experience, when I was invited to a nightclub for an expat social. It was wonderful to be surrounded by other people from around the world. Sort of like a mini UN Social minus in-depth conversations about policies. 

It was a great opportunity to network and meet other people. The scene was just like a typical NYC outing with the exception of the indoor smoking. There is not a designated smoking area, and those who choose to light up have the freedom to do so in any area of the club. Nonetheless, I did not let this ruin my first expat activity.

The View of the City

Architecture

Some of my favorite things about Abu Dhabi (thus far) are the architecture and the amazing blue water. The architecture is unlike anything I have seen and I cannot really say it is cookie cutter. For example, these buildings have been the core of my architecture infatuation.

At a distance you are not really sure what it is supposed to be.

Here again it is next to the Emirates Palace, which also serves as a hotel.

From a distance, this apartment/condo building looks like it is swaying:

Like NYC, construction is happening everywhere and there are plenty of high rises in the area.

That’s Sama Tower behind Etisalat (one with globe on top), the communication and cable company for Abu Dhabi. In our neighborhood, Sama Tower is currently the tallest, open residential building. In a few months, this will definitely change.  

The Corniche

The Corniche can be best described as a boardwalk with direct access to the beach, shopping, beautiful parks, walkways, and luxurious hotels overlooking the breathtaking water. However, due to high temperatures, no one is going for a swim. Jet skis or boats perhaps, but not for a dive. 

Around the Corniche

One a good part of the day, traffic is extremely limited and roads are very peaceful.

There are several yielding points and Uturns on Abu Dhabi roads, so one must be extremely attentive and well aware of the various turning points.



Respect to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he played a pivotal role in the UAE foundation



Interesting enough, if you want to obtain an Emirate Driver’s license, no driving test is required. Submitting your own “home” license, will allow you to get one from the UAE. Then you are eligible to join the multitude of drivers on the roads including the infamous taxis - like the one picture above in silver.

What I have learned:

• Sama Tower meets the true definition of fish bowl. Cameras everywhere and majority of the Public Safety staff know you by first name.  On one occasion, a coworker was lost in the building and a guard managed to see this on the camera and went to the floor to help her out. They are also helpful in getting assistance with your belongings  once a taxi drops you off.
• In order to hail a taxi your hand is expected to be pointing towards the ground, versus the way we do it in NYC as a wave.
• When you are at the cashier, do not be surprised to have an Emirate cut in front of the line; although I think mostly men regardless of citizenship tend to do this. The first time you see it, you may want to react. Instead I recommend, taking deep breaths and going along with the flow. If you are lucky, the cashiers will call them out and serve those already in line.
• I miss a Swifer mop, which is not available in Abu Dhabi.  Probably one of the best inventions in keeping your apartment clean; no other mop can substitute. this will also be one the items on my must buy list and pack in the suitcase, the next time I go to the States; my supervisor got the memo in advance and managed to get his own a year ago.
• Store clerks will often refer to you as Sir Mum –no matter your gender and Hello Mum for the women.
• When speaking with customer service especially over the phone, they will often ask “What’s your good name?” aka your first and last name.
• I miss the quick ability to walk to and from a restaurant of choice. While there are several options around Sama, 1) you must really think about the heat and whether it’s worth it. 2) Can you get there by taxi?
• You can get a ticket and fine (250AED) for having a dirty car.
• In some cases, you may also not be permitted to drive a car older than 10years old, especially if it does not meet inspections; I do not know how this is enforced, but I am determined to see if I can these older cars.
• I currently have basic TV with a few American Shows such as Hawaii 5.0, 24, CNN, David Letterman, the Good Wife, CSI, Mentalist, etc.  These shows are sporadic so scanning through the stations reinforces the reasons why I should learn Arabic. Just when you think you have found an English speaking TV show such as ER, Private Practice, Army Wives (which are all older seasons), they are dubbed over in Arabic.
• Originally I had lost hope about American TV but then my laptop was configured with an NYU/NYC Proxy, which allows me to access Hulu and other TV shows online.

BONUS THIS WEEK:

When you see something like this, you ask yourself, what exactly is happening?

ANSWER:

A campaign for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXTs to encourage shoppers to enter for the raffle  to win a vehicle. After the entire exhibit, I forgot to enter the raffle.

NEXT Week 3: Ramadan begins and the temperatures take sizzle to another level.