Harriet lives in the city and loves seeking out those foodies budget restaurants
Tell us a little bit of yourself
I’m a 34-year-old freelance writer and journalist living in Abu Dhabi. When I’m not travelling, you’ll find me running on the corniche or doing yoga at the Galleria Mall. But on the other hand, I also really enjoy trying out all the city’s amazing restaurants and bars and discovering good deals and ladies’ nights. I am a big foodie, and I always like to be out and about.
I’m very lucky to have an amazing group of friends here from across the world. My other favourite things to do in my free time include going to the beach, pool days, hiking in the northern emirates and meeting up with my local book club.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
I’m originally from the UK, but I have lived in Abu Dhabi since August 2018. I have always loved to travel and dreamed of living abroad, but it wasn’t until I was 27 that I finally started applying for jobs overseas.
One was for a magazine in Abu Dhabi. I interviewed over the phone and got the job. I had never been to Abu Dhabi before, and I didn’t know anybody when I arrived. I didn’t really know what to expect. But I soon settled in and fell in love with the city.
When the pandemic started, I got one of the last flights out of Abu Dhabi back to the UK. I got a new job and thought I might stay in England. However, I soon started missing everything about the UAE: mainly how friendly, safe and multicultural it is. I moved back in February 2021 and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I can’t imagine living anywhere else any time soon.
Abu Dhabi has given me so many brilliant career opportunities and setting up as a freelancer here is easy and simple. I get to cover exciting local events such as the Culture Summit, and even sometimes write about my own travels – a dream job for me!
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How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
I think one of the most special things about Abu Dhabi is how friendly and inclusive it is. It is a place where everyone can feel at home, even though most of us have moved here from different parts of the world, and it’s technically not our original ‘homes’.
After five years here I feel like I ‘belong’ here more than I do in the UK. The sense of community in Abu Dhabi is very special. It’s easy to move here and make friends as everyone knows what it’s like to move to a new country. I don’t think you get this in many other cities in the world. I’ve made friends in all kinds of different situations and places.
The community is made up of all religions, nationalities and backgrounds, yet everyone exists peacefully.
We all accept and respect our differences. For instance, it’s amazing that Ramadan and Christmas are both celebrated equally. Places like the Abrahamic House and the new BAPS Hindu Mandir temple also symbolise this beautifully.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Abu Dhabi who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
Claire Micheletti, founder of Cosmopole Consultancy offered me a job after the pandemic and helped me move back to Abu Dhabi. She made sure I felt welcome when I landed and even sent over a bottle of wine and some basic supplies. I will never forget that! She is also a hugely inspirational figure to me. She is as a very successful businesswoman and mother, and an all-round lovely, kind and generous person. I am very honoured to have worked with her for many years and to be able to call her my friend, and grateful for all the exciting work opportunities she has given me.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
The multicultural nature of it. I love that everywhere I go I hear dozens of languages. Living here has helped me learn so much about other religions, cultures and countries. The diverse population also means that the food scene is incredible. For instance, I live in the Tourist Club Area and I can walk outside my door and try so many amazing authentic Indian curries for about AED 15. I also love that it caters to all budgets, I can go from fancy bars and fine dining restaurants to characterful cafeterias all within a short walk.
It’s also extremely safe. I can walk home by myself after a night out at 1am through Downtown and feel completely safe and comfortable or go for a run at 9pm and know that I will experience no cat calls or people making me feel uncomfortable. When I go back to the UK or to other countries where it’s not safe for women to walk or run alone at night it is a real shock.
A myth about Abu Dhabi that you would like to bust
That it is the ‘quiet’ emirate and that is just for families. Dubai might be bigger and busier, but Abu Dhabi has just as much going on. And no annoying traffic to deal with! I have no children and every weekend and weekday I am almost too busy with too many things that I want to do.
There are so many sporting and cultural events going on, and Yas Bay is particularly lively if you are looking for nightlife. There are lots of young single professionals and couples here. Whether you enjoy going to the beach, art, sports, or going out for drinks and socialising you will be able to find a lifestyle that suits you.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
This Ramadan I saw volunteers handing out iftar boxes to service workers, taxi drivers and delivery drivers. It was a truly heartwarming scene that summed up why this place is so special. I also always look forward to the ADNOC marathon every year. I have done the 10km three times and it’s such a lovely and very inclusive community event. People of all abilities do it and lots of residents come out to cheer us on. It’s a great reminder of how welcoming, friendly and diverse our community is.
To meet more Abu Dhabi People, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi