'It felt like coming home': Why do so many expats leave Abu Dhabi only to move back?

The pandemic turned so many people’s lives upside down, including my own.

Managing to grab one of the last flights to the UK before the lockdown began in March 2020, I convinced myself that this was a sign that my time in the UAE had come to an end. So I got a new job and attempted to settle down.

But I really, really struggled, and it wasn’t just the amazing weather, tax-free earnings and beautiful beaches that I was ‘home’ sick for. I missed having friends from every corner of the world, the safety, the opportunities, and Abu Dhabi’s welcoming and inclusive community.

It was a case of reverse culture shock, and it didn’t improve. So, almost exactly a year on from when I left, I returned to live in the UAE Capital. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

I’ve since discovered that my story is hardly unusual.

Below, four other Abu Dhabi residents share why they left the city, but then quickly felt compelled to return.

'It doesn’t matter where you're from or what your religion is, everyone is welcome here'

Marketing Director Louise Desfrenne, 28, moved to Paris in 2019 and returned in February 2023.

“I really didn't want to leave Abu Dhabi in the first place. But my boyfriend was living back in France and I felt like I wasn’t complete without him. I missed my family as well. But I came back because today’s Europe is not what it used to be. We are facing inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, and the major cities don’t feel safe. Someone once tried to steal my phone right out of my hand on the Metro in Paris. That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come back, I always feel safe here."

“Of course, Abu Dhabi also has the sun, beaches and good salaries. The people here are so friendly too. It’s embarrassing to say but we French are not welcoming at all. I missed how international it is here. In Abu Dhabi it doesn’t matter where you're from or what your religion is, everyone is welcome. I love how we celebrate Christmas as much as Ramadan."

“Also, my job wasn’t challenging me anymore and I wanted to go back to tourism hospitality, and there’s nowhere better to do that than Abu Dhabi. I get so many more opportunities here that I wouldn’t have had in France.”

'I had become accustomed to the level of safety in Abu Dhabi'

Artist and editor Alexa Mena moved from New York City to study at NYU Abu Dhabi in 2013. The 27-year old’s attempt to return home in 2022 lasted only three months.

“I never imagined I’d still be here a decade after starting university, but the opportunities are so endless here, and so staying on for one year after graduating quickly turned into ten. In fact, the opportunities are one thing I love most about this city."

“When I did eventually move home, I lasted only three months. While I love New York, I had become accustomed to the level of safety in Abu Dhabi. Plus, even though I come from one of the most dynamic cities in the world, nothing tops Abu Dhabi’s diverse events scene or extensive cultural offerings. Although it’s a big city, it still feels like a loving community, and the leaders care about us, too. These are just some of the reasons I am proud to call Abu Dhabi home.”

'I missed how easy my life was'

Marketeer Marina Milic, 36, moved back to Serbia for seven months in 2015.

“I had no intention of coming back when I left. I had been working so hard in the Abu Dhabi hospitality industry for many years and I felt like I needed a break. However, much of the world was going into recession and it was very, very difficult to get work in Europe. I was desperate, and doing interviews for jobs I would never normally have considered.

“I didn’t apply anywhere in Abu Dhabi, but destiny clearly had different plans for me. A couple of people reached out with opportunities, and I realised I needed to come back. I missed Abu Dhabi deeply, and how easy my old life was. Although the second time round kind of felt like restarting, it was still like coming back home. Abu Dhabi has a special place in my heart and I’ve been here almost 13 years. I can't imagine would have happened if I left permanently because it’s such a big part of who I am. I’ve built my career here, and I’ve forged friendships that I know will last forever.”

'In Abu Dhabi, you are rewarded for the effort you put in'

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