Gill, an Irish national, champions the capital as a safe place to live and bring up a family
Tell us a little bit of yourself
I’m Gill, an Irish expat and proud mum of three children. Louis, 19, my eldest, completed his secondary education here at BSAK and is now at Plymouth University in the UK. My daughter Lexi, 15, is doing her GCSEs and my youngest Georgia, 8, is a true Abu Dhabian having lived here since she was four months old. I’ve been lucky enough to do some freelance business development work in Ireland but been even luckier to enjoy raising my kids here in the Middle East.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
I moved here from Surrey, England in January 2016 for my ex-partner’s work. At the time my two eldest children were at school but my youngest was a newborn. I’ve always loved travelling and was excited to live in the Middle East and experience new places and cultures and making friends from all over the world. Having children in different age groups, it was easy to meet other parents in the community we lived in, at school and through social engagements.
How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
When I first moved to Abu Dhabi, I was really into fitness and keen to get involved in various sports and workout groups. Having struggled to find one in my then community on Reem Island, I set one up and within weeks I had over 200 like-minded ladies involved who participated in free bootcamps and group runs/walks. I made some amazing lifelong friends, and we supported each other above and beyond health and fitness which is testament to the community spirit in our beautiful city.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Abu Dhabi who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
My partner Ross. He has been my rock and my best friend for the last five years. We’ve grown, built and experienced a new expat life together, and he’s reignited my love of concerts and shows that we are so lucky to experience here in Abu Dhabi. Our diary is always full with the multitude of activities on our doorstep and there’s not enough weekends in a year to experience all of them, which is not a complaint!
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
I love how humble and understated Abu Dhabi is compared to other emirates. It’s got a quiet confidence and a chilled vibe – perfect for young professionals and established expats alike. The security and safety of the city cannot be underestimated also. Having raised three children here, I could not have asked for a safer environment where the community feels 100 per cent protected at all times, a rarity in our world today.
A myth about Abu Dhabi that you would like to bust
It would probably be that we are not as fun and vibey as some of our emirate neighbours! I’ve talked many an Irish/UK friend into exploring Abu Dhabi as a perfect holiday destination and they’ve not been disappointed. It’s long been the desert hidden gem, but it’s now Abu Dhabi’s time to shine.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
Again it would be enveloping the community to create a platform for friendship and support under the guise of fitness! There were many times when someone needed childcare help, emotional support or guidance and to see friendships blossoming in a community group is so fulfilling. Most of us are here without our friends and family so this is such a treasured trait of our country.
Also, online support groups are a valuable asset. Having gone through divorce, I found an amazing group of ladies going through similar situations and we continue to provide each other with advice, support and friendship to navigate difficult times. The people make this city and I’m proud to be part of that.
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