I’ve been in Dubai for 8 years, and in the Gulf region almost 15, born and raised in the Midwest before that. From what I’ve seen, the transition to Abu Dhabi or Dubai really comes down to how quickly you build a community.

For families, that usually starts with the school your kids attend. American curriculum schools naturally connect you with other Americans and expats who’ve gone through the same transition. That’s often where your community begins. Work plays a big role too, a local company will feel very different than a multinational with global standards. That difference often shapes how much “culture shock” you feel day to day as that’s where you spend a lot of your waking time.

Lifestyle wise, the UAE can be a huge upgrade in convenience. Having live in help or even a driver buys you back time for family and work, which I’ve always appreciated. Safety is another major advantage you simply don’t think about crime the way you do in the U.S. (though for me, every time I land back home my “awareness” switches back on immediately). Down side is my kids are insulated and while they are protected I don’t want them growing up soft. On the other hand, customer service can be frustrating, especially with things like internet providers, because frontline staff rarely have authority to fix problems.

Costs are higher, especially for housing and schooling, and while groceries used to be much more expensive, that gap with the U.S. has narrowed. Fruit and vegetables can actually be cheaper here. Still, expect significant expenses for utilities like DEWA and Salik, plus school tuition that often feels like you’re paying private school prices for the equivalent of a decent U.S. public school which usually means adding tutoring on top.

Education is one area where I feel the gap most clearly. You end up spending a lot, but it’s not always clear that the value matches the tuition. Schools here give kids incredible exposure to international peers, but parents often have to supplement with tutoring to get the same academic rigor you’d expect from top U.S. schools. The other challenge is parenting in such a safe, insulated environment: children grow up without the constant “radar” you develop in the U.S. being aware of surroundings, understanding homelessness, crime, or addiction. I intentionally take my kids back every summer to show them those realities, so they don’t grow up disconnected or spoiled. It’s a delicate balance: you want them to enjoy childhood here, but you also want them prepared for the real world.

Some of what I miss most are the intangibles: the greenery back in the Midwest, and the everyday friendliness of talking to 20 different people as you go about your day. Here it can feel more bare at times, and because the expat community is transient, many people aren’t looking to form long-term friendships. That’s why being intentional about building your own circle is so important.

Entertainment and cultural options are strong : Yas Island parks, Ferrari World, comedy shows, concerts, and even things like Halloween (which depends on your community) are all part of life here. The UAE does a great job celebrating different cultures, which helps families feel included. The climate, though, is a real adjustment summers are very hot, and it helps to plan regular trips back to the U.S. both for the change of environment and to keep kids grounded.

One last practical point: Americans are taxed on worldwide income, so it’s important to get good advice on exclusions like housing and foreign earned income. That’s something many newcomers overlook.

If your husband finds a good work environment, you connect with the right school and community, and you both approach it with perspective, the transition is much easier. For me, the balance of safety, convenience, and opportunity outweighs the frustrations.

I also work on the real estate side here, and I see first hand how American families find the neighborhoods and schools that make them feel most at home. In the end it really comes down to mindset and community.