Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a mixture of Arabic and western cultures. A growing city, it is filled with gardens, sculptures, shopping, and grand architecture. Everything seems new and shiny – most places have been built or rebuilt in the last 20 years. While in the capital of the UAE, I made new friends from around the world, who work in all kinds of industries. Where else can you live downtown on the waterfront, with perfect weather year-round?

New malls and shopping areas are cropping up everywhere, and the waterfront has been extended. Shopping includes both western and local retailers. You can buy hand-made imports for far less than you could buy them at home: hand-made teak furniture, silk cushions, hand-carved wooden chests ....

The city is good for urban walking – there is an almost endless garden-lined path along the waterfront, with periodic parkettes with benches and fountains. The sidewalks fill with people as the sun falls under the horizon. Small food-stands open up in the parks, and families picnic under the trees. Since it rains very little each year, residents can go to private or public beaches daily to work on a tan or socialize.

Unlike some other areas in the Middle East, women are not expected to wear head coverings, bars serve alcohol to non-Muslims, and couples mingle openly in the streets.

For adventure, go outside the city for dune-bashing, desert hiking, or camping. The sand is fine, soft, and warm, and the sunsets are spectacular!

To sum up Abu Dhabi in one word, I would say that it is relaxed. People don't hurry, and things generally move at a slower, more peaceful pace. A working contract here could lower my blood pressure, I am sure!

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