Abu Dhabi

[Lyncca]

I just found out (there is nothing like a lot of notice) that I am leaving for Abu Dhabi for work on Sunday evening and returning August 1st (26 days). Has anyone been? I know it is going to be REALLY hot. I am a bit excited, because I probably wouldn't have ever gone to somewhere like this on my own, but I'm kinda nervous too.

I hear it is really Westernized and I look forward to getting some really cool pictures (I hope) but don't really know what else to expect...

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Been through the airport a good few times. Like most of the Emirates, they are building like it's going out of fashion. Very safe, very Westernised, very hot at the moment (45C here today, but a little cooler by the Gulf, though massively humid). You should love it, but be very grateful for a/c.

 

[clarinetJWD]

That's where Garfield always sent Nermal, right?

 

[Senor Hound]

I just found out (there is nothing like a lot of notice) that I am leaving for Abu Dhabi for work on Sunday evening and returning August 1st (26 days). Has anyone been? I know it is going to be REALLY hot. I am a bit excited, because I probably wouldn't have ever gone to somewhere like this on my own, but I'm kinda nervous too.

I hear it is really Westernized and I look forward to getting some really cool pictures (I hope) but don't really know what else to expect...

This sounds super cool. I hear some days it gets up to 120 over there, but its a dry heat.

I would be careful as a lady. Westernized or not, you may find there are certain things you can do here in the US, that would be a big no-no over in the Middle east (even in the comparatively liberal UAE). Whether or not this is a bad thing or good thing is another discussion, the point is to make sure you become well accustomed to the customs of Abu Dhabi. I think you'll have more fun yourself when you know enough about the culture to not make any serious faux pas.

Do you work for an oil company (Haliburton comes to mind)? You don't have to answer, but a Texan having to go to Abu Dhabi for business screams oil to me (personally).

BTW, 1000 posts!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

 

[Chris of Arabia]

This sounds super cool. I hear some days it gets up to 120 over there, but its a dry heat.

Wrong! It's as humid as hell around the fringes of the Gulf at the moment - dry it is not.

I would be careful as a lady. Westernized or not, you may find there are certain things you can do here in the US, that would be a big no-no over in the Middle east (even in the comparatively liberal UAE). Whether or not this is a bad thing or good thing is another discussion, the point is to make sure you become well accustomed to the customs of Abu Dhabi. I think you'll have more fun yourself when you know enough about the culture to not make any serious faux pas.

Let common sense be applied in any foreign country you visit - grab a Lonely Planet guide at the airport.

Do you work for an oil company (Haliburton comes to mind)? You don't have to answer, but a Texan having to go to Abu Dhabi for business screams oil to me (personally).

BTW, 1000 posts!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

 

[Senor Hound]

Wrong! It's as humid as hell around the fringes of the Gulf at the moment - dry it is not.

Let common sense be applied in any foreign country you visit - grab a Lonely Planet guide at the airport.

Thank you, sir. I learned something. Is it true shorts are a no-no for the ladies (and gents for that matter) over in UAE?

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Dressing modestly (i.e. no shorts or mini skirts) is probably a wise starting point and then judge for yourself based on what's happening round you. That said, you will probably find UAE womens fashion very much on the mark, particularly in the night clubs and so on. Shorts are perfectly acceptable for both sexes on the golf course out there. There is certainly no need to cover up in an abaya as my wife has to do when out and about in Saudi.

 

[Lyncca]

Been through the airport a good few times. Like most of the Emirates, they are building like it's going out of fashion. Very safe, very Westernised, very hot at the moment (45C here today, but a little cooler by the Gulf, though massively humid). You should love it, but be very grateful for a/c.

Yea, they are building like crazy! I'm not looking forward to the heat, but otherwise, I love learning about other cultures.

This sounds super cool. I hear some days it gets up to 120 over there, but its a dry heat.

I would be careful as a lady. Westernized or not, you may find there are certain things you can do here in the US, that would be a big no-no over in the Middle east (even in the comparatively liberal UAE). Whether or not this is a bad thing or good thing is another discussion, the point is to make sure you become well accustomed to the customs of Abu Dhabi. I think you'll have more fun yourself when you know enough about the culture to not make any serious faux pas.

Do you work for an oil company (Haliburton comes to mind)? You don't have to answer, but a Texan having to go to Abu Dhabi for business screams oil to me (personally).

No, I work at an aviation consulting business. We have recently (within the last 6 mths) moved into the worldwide market since being purchased by a very large world-wide corporation. I love that I have the opportunity to do this travel (and take my camera!)

Yea, it's very humid and they said it could be around 120 during the time we are out there. As far as being a woman, I have been doing quite a bit of research and have checked into the clothing, etc. I will start out pretty modest and go from there.

Let common sense be applied in any foreign country you visit - grab a Lonely Planet guide at the airport.

I will pick one up. I spent 14 days in Trinidad and it was very dangerous and poor. I was forbidden to leave my room without an escort. I don't think it could possibly be any worse than that!

 

[MissMia]

I just found out (there is nothing like a lot of notice) that I am leaving for Abu Dhabi for work on Sunday evening and returning August 1st (26 days). Has anyone been? I know it is going to be REALLY hot. I am a bit excited, because I probably wouldn't have ever gone to somewhere like this on my own, but I'm kinda nervous too.

I hear it is really Westernized and I look forward to getting some really cool pictures (I hope) but don't really know what else to expect...

What an amazing opportunity! Please post photos from your adventure.

 

[Lyncca]

What an amazing opportunity! Please post photos from your adventure.

You know it! I'm gonna go buy the 18-200 VR and just take that and my ultra-wide. I want to pack light, so I need a good walk-around lens that doesn't weight 20 lbs and draw a lot of attention to myself!

 

[Chris of Arabia]

You'd have more chance of getting mugged by an otter whilst stood in the middle of a penguin colony...

 

[Lyncca]

You'd have more chance of getting mugged by an otter whilst stood in the middle of a penguin colony...

LOL! Yea, I'm not concerned about my safety at all. I read it is one of the safest cities in the world. I just don't want to be walking around having to change lenses all day and I want to be a little discrete until I know where I stand as a woman there, especially since I am pretty independant and opinionated by nature.

 

[hovis]

Sounds like you've the right attitude to go there and enjoy yourself, and as an 18-200 user myself - excellent choice!

Been stomping round the middle east for years myself, and I have to say as a man, some countries are a lot easier than if I'd been female on my own - but that's part of the attraction, learning about different cultures. It will be warm, it will be photogenic, the seafood is to die for, and the gold souk can give some great bargains...

 

[Senor Hound]

I want to be a little discrete until I know where I stand as a woman there, especially since I am pretty independant and opinionated by nature.

Gotta love our American women. You're gonna have tons of fun, in-between working and sweating

 

[Lyncca]

Gotta love our American women. You're gonna have tons of fun, in-between working and sweating

OOPH, its getting 4 degrees hotter a week in the last 2 weeks I have been watching. They are saying 120+ by the time we leave. Shoot me now. Maybe I will sweat out 20 lbs or so by the time I get back. LOL.