Time Out Kids meets Clare Miller, who lives in Al Khalidiyah with her husband and three-month-old son, Samuel
How long have you lived in Abu Dhabi?
I moved to Abu Dhabi from London last November so it has been a year already. I can’t believe how quickly time has flown.
What part of the city do you live in?
We live in Al Khalidiyah, which is just off the Corniche.
Why did you choose that particular area?
When my husband and I moved here we didn’t have our son so our choice was based on location, close to the beach and near to my husband’s work. It’s a great apartment and after living in London it’s considerably larger than what you’d find there, plus we love that there’s a pool on the roof of the apartment building.
What’s your neighbourhood like for parents?
We are incredibly lucky as it’s a very child-friendly area to live in. Now I’m a mum of a three month old myself, I’ve met loads of new mums and there are some great local cafes that are really baby and new-mum friendly. Many of the ladies in my apartment block organize events such as a Halloween ‘trick or treat’ with participating neighbours or an Easter Egg hunt in the spring. Some other women I’ve met with older kids tend to be shipping their little ones back and forth between activities so I know there are loads of things for my little one to try once he’s a bit older.
What facilities do you have nearby and do you use them yet?
Because Samuel is still very small, I’ve not really had the opportunity to use any local facilities, such as play groups or kid activities. Having said that, however, I think Abu Dhabi could really do with some more parent rooms. During a recent trip to Dubai, I was pleasantly surprised by the changing and feeding facilities provided in malls, which were clean, had room for pram access and a private area if you wanted to feed with an actual comfortable chair! Unfortunately many of the shopping centres here in Abu Dhabi are not quite so inviting.
Where do you like to buy clothes for kids?
I tend to buy clothing and toys from lots of different places, but the places that I like to shop at are Zara Kids, H&M Kids, Seed (an Aussie kids’ brand, www.seed.com.au), Petit Bateau and Jojo Maman Bebe. There’s the odd Gap Kids purchase in there and I tend to get things brought back when my husband travels, too.
Is it easy meeting other mums in Al Khalidiyah?
Actually it was extremely easy for me but I love to meet new people anyway. I have met some like-minded new mums through pregnancy yoga and also via friends of friends. When I was pregnant I found new mums’ yoga a great social melting pot. We are all from different countries and many of us don’t have a support network here, so it works well as we can help each other as we transition to one of life’s toughest roles: being a mum! I’ve also met some lovely mums within the apartment block who have been a font of knowledge.
Where do you hang out in Abu Dhabi?
Now the weather is a little more inviting I have been heading out to the beach in the late afternoon for a walk along the Corniche or sitting watching the world go by at the juice bar at the beach. Jones the Grocer is a fab place for good food and a catch up with friends for lunch. The staff are always lovely and happy to accommodate myself, the baby and the pram! We like a relaxed lunch at either Fanr at Manarat Al Saadiyat or the Hawksbill Restaurant at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on weekends.
Essentials
Shopping
• H&M Kids or Zara Kids for basics
• Mama’s and Papa’s for house kit – nursery furniture and toys
• Baby Shop for the rest.
Eating
• Jones the Grocer for brunch, lunch or dinner.
• Emirates Palace for coffee and if you’re lucky some traditional musicians
• Fanr at Manarat Al Saadiyat
• The Hawksbill Restaurant at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
