Originally from the United Kingdom, Sonal Patel lives in central Abu Dhabi with her husband, Archie, her two-year-old daughter, Keera, and her newborn baby son Devan (who arrived just days after our shoot).
How long have you lived in Abu Dhabi – why did you move here?
We have lived in Abu Dhabi for just over a year and a half. We moved from the UK when my daughter was seven months old and my husband was offered a job out here. We had always talked about working and living abroad so when the opportunity came up we decided to take it.
Did you think you’d still be here now?
We had never been to Abu Dhabi prior to our move. I think we initially we thought we could maybe be here a year and see how it goes, as I wasn’t sure what kind of environment I would be bringing my daughter up in, what it would be like being a stay-at-home mum, or how I would meet people and get out and about with my daughter.
However, we’ve found that Abu Dhabi is a great place for families, with lots going on for mums and kids. Where we live means I can get a taxi very easily if I need to go anywhere and I have been lucky enough to meet lovely people here and make great friends.
Why did you choose the area where you live now? Have you always lived there since you arrived?
We live in the centre of Abu Dhabi, about five minutes’ drive away from the Corniche beach. We were originally placed in an apartment through my husband’s work, but we moved in March to a larger place in the same area as the location is so convenient. My husband can get to work in 10 minutes and I can manage to get out to go grocery shopping to the malls, and playdates with my daughter without having to travel too far.
What family friendly facilities are there?
The Corniche beach is great for the family. It has a play area for the kids which has swings and climbing frames, and bikes that you can hire and ride around, as well as the obvious: sun, sand and sea!
Most of the malls have play areas that are great for younger kids. Marina Mall especially has a fun soft play area that my daughter loves. In general, Abu Dhabi has some great parks and during the cooler months it’s ideal for kids to run around or ride their bikes. Some parks also allow for BBQs, which is great for families like us who live in an apartment and do not have a garden or balcony.
What does your daughter think of the area?
My Daughter is two-and-a-half years old and I think she enjoys where we are as we can easily get around on foot. She loves walking so it’s great that we can get to nearby shops or just go for wander without having to take the car.
Is it safe for her to play in?
Although you need to be aware of vehicles it is definitely a safe area for her to play.
Has it been easy to meet up with other parents where you live?
Our building has a kids’ pool so I have been able to meet other parents in the building when taking my daughter swimming.
Are there any social groups or coffee mornings nearby?
Abu Dhabi mums group and St Andrews Church run playgroups throughout the week. These groups have been great for meeting other mums and for both my daughter and I to make friends, especially when we first arrived. We also attended music classes (Kindermusik) which she loved and gave her a chance to experience something different. With the new baby, I have been looking into other baby groups and activities and am hoping to try out classes such as swimming, baby massage or baby yoga!
Where do you like to go for a family day out?
In the cooler months we tend to spend a lot of our weekends down by the beach. It can keep my daughter entertained for hours and we would never get the chance to do it in the UK so we make the most of it whilst we can! We also enjoy going to Dubai for a day trip, we have friends who live there and can always entertain my daughter at one of the malls!
And what about just mum and dad – where do you both go for a well-earned evening off?
On an evening off we would maybe plan to go watch a movie or just go for dinner together or with friends. There are so many places to eat in Abu Dhabi, and with new ones opening up all the time we are spoilt for choice!
