So, you're thinking about moving to Abu Dhabi?

A Note and Disclaimer: This is an on-going post. I'll continue to add as Rob and I continue to trek our way through our first year in Abu Dhabi.

The following is what worked for us and what we experienced in our move to Abu Dhabi. 

You will find that everyone's experience is just a little bit different. But that's the norm here in the UAE.

* * *

First, a piece of advice: do your research.

Before you interview, before you accept the job, before you touch down in Abu Dhabi, do your research.

This is what worked for us:

Cell Phones:

First and foremost, Rob and I are iPhone people and we wanted to remain iPhone people while in Abu Dhabi.  Now, I don't claim to be an expert on how cell phones work, but I did my research and guess what? Our phones work over here!

This is what we did:

• We no longer have US numbers or pay for a plan back home. We looked into keeping our numbers, but it was what we considered an unnecessary expense. You'll have to make that decision for yourself. We were lucky enough to be at he end of our contract with Verizon, so it worked out well for us.
• We purchased factory unlocked iPhones (an AT&T 4 and 4s) at a local retailer shop in Boise.  It is important to note that we bought UNLOCKED AT&T phones. Unlocked AT&T (along with T-Mobile) phones take and use SIM cards and because the carriers here in the UAE use the same type of SIM cards, they will work over here.
• A note: Back home, we both used a Verizon iPhone 4. Yes, Verizon would have unlocked the phone when we paid off our contract, but a Verizon iPhone 4 doesn't use a SIM card, so even unlocked, they wouldn't work over here. 
• Since we brought our phones from home, we use a prepaid system here in Abu Dhabi. We pay $25.00 a month for data and have together have purchased about $60 in minutes since October (I'm currently typing this the middle of January).
• One cell phone option that is available here is a one-year contract, that includes a new phone (iPhone 5c or 5s, Samsung, etc). Those plans run anywhere from $60-$100 a month.  We know quite a few people who ended up going with that option for convenience. The prepaid option (what we do) is less-expensive.

Other Technology:

• We brought the following Apple gadgets with us to Abu Dhabi:
• Two (2) iPhones
• MacBook
• iPad
  
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) - A VPN is technology that protects your online identity and your data as it is en route to your computer. The question everyone asks is, "Do I really need one?"
  
  The answer for us was simple: yes. Yes, we needed one.
  
  Basically, a VPN lets you access things like Netflix, ESPN.com, FaceTime, HuluPlus, etc. which are blocked in the UAE. And just to be clear, it is not illegal to have a VPN in the UAE.
  
  We currently use Astrill.com and couldn't be happier (and I'm not being paid to say that).
  
• Buffalo Router - This is the router we purchased and brought with us to the UAE. You can buy one through the Teacher Tech Shop (Amazon powered store which is ran by a tech support guy here in AD and again, I'm not being paid to say that!) and it was worth it. The Astrill VPN can be loaded directly onto the Buffalo Router, therefore, every device that connects through the router is using the VPN (aka, I can be watching New Girl on the iPad while my husband streams Sons of Anarchy on the laptop).
  
• SlingBox - This might be the best investment we made before moving to Abu Dhabi. SlingBox is a small box that you hook up to someone's US cable or satellite box. SlingBox uses the internet to allow you to access any recording as well as watch live TV, using the cable or satellite from back home. This allows us to record and watch any sporting event (mainly BSU and MSU basketball and football games) and allows us to keep up on all of our current TV series.
  
• We don't subscribe to any local cable channels. We connect our iPad to our TV and rely on Netflix, HuluPlus, Amazon Prime Streaming, and Slingbox. We've been really happy with that decision. But please note, you can only access these things if you have a VPN.

Outlets/Voltage:

• All of the gadgets we bought with us can handle to voltage used in outlets in the UAE, but the actual plugs won't fit. We purchased adapters through the Teacher Tech Shop (see the link above). We brought three adapters with us (one for each of our phones, plus and extra) and we have purchased two more here (you can find them at any store here for CHEAP). 

Hair Stuff (for the Ladies):

• I'm sorry to say it, ladies, but I didn't bring my curling iron, hair dryer, or straightener with me to Abu Dhabi. I bought one of everything here. Here's why: 
1. Most US hair appliances can't handle the voltage here aka they will short/fry out.
2. The plugs won't fit the outlets.
3. I didn't want to risk ruining my straightener, curling wand, etc from back home.
• I also didn't bring full-size shampoo and conditioner with me. I used the room and weight in my baggage for an extra pair (or two) of shoes. You can find almost every major (grocery store) brand here in Abu Dhabi - I'm not super picky, Dove does the trick for me and I can find it at anywhere.
• I've been very happy with my choice to buy hair stuff here, with the exception of hairspray. I've yet to find a hairspray that doesn't sting the back of my throat or smell like my grandma (and not the good smell). But, I haven't given up hope!

Teaching:

• Schools are segregated: boys and girls. Therefore, if you are a man, you will teach boys. However, if you are a woman, you will be placed at one of two options: a girls school or a feminized boys school (one that is staffed completely with women).
• Boys School Hours: 7:00am-1:00pm
• Girls School Hours: 8:00am-2:00pm
• Teaching in Abu Dhabi is unlike anything either of us have ever experienced back home. It's not bad, it's just different. If you have more specific questions regarding teaching in Abu Dhabi, email me at: faithalyssa@gmail.com and I'll be happy to reply.

Buying a Car:

• We are currently in the process. I'll let you know how it goes.

Again, this is a post-in-progress. As we experience new things, I'll be sure to add them. And if you have any specific questions about life in Abu Dhabi, feel free to email me at: faithalyssa@gmail.com.

-F

Here are a few other links you might find helpful:
Ask Ali
Abu Dhabi Teacher Tech (You'll have to request to join the group and then my advice would be to check out the "Files" tab. Don't bother with reading all the posts from people; it can get very overwhelming.)