At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the UAE and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Lady And Her Sweet Escapes
www.ladyandhersweetescapes.com
Lady and Husband Ed are Filipino expats who have been calling Dubai their second home since 2008. Being a weekend tourist and getting to see the world is what keeps this lab tech going throughout the working week. She has tested out plenty of budget friendly options for travellers and expats alike and gives you all the details in her in depth guides. Not one for cooking at home, the couple enjoy eating out and have reviewed quite a number of eateries both near and far, useful advice for any first timers in the country.
A Canadian in Abu Dhabi
www.annmariemcqueen.blogspot.com
Ann has shared her expat life on her blog since 2008. Expats will benefit from her tips because they come straight from her own personal experiences, even she goes back and reads her first few posts sometimes, to remind her of the new perspective she currently enjoys. You will also be introduced to other Canadians of the UAE, as well as all things Canadian and expat related and a lovely series called ‘Overheard in the newsroom’ which contains excerpts from her daily working life.
My Custard Pie
www.mycustardpie.com
Do not, I repeat, do not, approach this blog hungry! Food obsessed Brit Sally and her family have been living in Dubai since 2000. Whilst her writing is food (and drink) centred her opinions are always tempered by her expat life and experiences, looking for and creating tastes of home within her new life in the melting pot. Her stunning photography really makes this blog a delight to read and a great resource for visitors and expats in Dubai.
Arabian Notes
www.arabiannotes.com
Scottish Lindsey moved to Abu Dhabi in 2013; this was not her first expat experience though, having moved to Dubai in 2006 and Australia in 2011. She shares her insights into what life in the UAE is all about and has a fantastic group of posts directed at newcomers containing all the tips and tricks she has picked up and on occasion learned the hard way during her time there. You will find an always open minded and honest personal account of expat life in this blog.
Do In Dubai
www.doindubai.com
Brit Monica has lived in Dubai since 2006, after years of answering questions about life in Dubai she decided to collate all the information in one place, so in 2011 this blog was born. Honest advice and honest recommendations are what this mum of teenagers prides herself on. Schooling and study tips lie side by side with exotic travels, the hottest new eatery in town and advice on the second hand car market. An invaluable aid to travellers and expats alike.
Sum Of Jessie’s Mind
www.sumofmind.com
Belgian Jessie is currently enjoying life as a first time mum in Dubai. This self-confessed Arabophile started teaching herself Arabic as a child, so maybe it is no surprise where her expat life took her. She blogs honestly and from the heart about what’s on her mind, her writing and video blogs help clear her mind and focus on what is important in life. Her happiness project may resonate with longer term expats whilst providing a healthy perspective to new ones.
The Abu Dhabi PTA
www.theabudhabipta.com
When American Gina first moved to Abu Dhabi she joined the PTA at her son’s school. It turned out to be an outstanding move which landed her with a diverse new group of friends from the outset. The blog is a place where she shares her personal thoughts about, and experiences of, living in the UAE and her ‘moving to Abu Dhabi’ post will be especially useful to any prospective expat. With an easy wit she will dispel any concerns a prospective visitor or expat has about Abu Dhabi and give you the reality in which she is living.
Sand In My Toes
www.sandinmytoes.tk
Hailing from New Delhi, Tarana has lived in Dubai since 2010 with her husband and has two little boys. Follow her as she explores the vibrant country that she currently calls home. She also focuses on her role as a mother, discussing growing up in a multicultural environment and other dilemmas that are specific to expat parenting. Tarana also frequently explores places for interest for families in the UAE.
Exploring Kiwis
www.exploringkiwis.com
Sarah and Nathan moved to Abu Dhabi in 2015 from New Zealand. The aim of their blog is to ‘pay it forward’ and pass on their hard come by knowledge and information to anyone out there to whoever needs it. Their thirst for adventure is clear from their many trips inside and outside the UAE, the photos alone are simply stunning, but their itineraries and helpful tips give them plenty of extra value. Any prospective teachers will find a great deal of information here based on first hand experiences.
Lizzy Of Arabia
www.lizzyofarabia.com
Currently living in Abu Dhabi, American Lizzy started her blog to keep friends and family up to date on her adventures abroad. Her blog has morphed into a place where she can share her growing understanding of the culture in which she is living, which can sometimes be so very different from her own. Her expat advice is all delivered with a wry smile and a promise that she made the misstep so you don’t have to.
We’re always on the lookout for more sites to feature – if you run a blog about living in the UAE, leave us a link in the comments and we’ll take a look!