Here at TOAD Towers, we’re rather fond of Abu Dhabi. And after callING out to the capital’s residents, it SEEMS we’re not alone. here’s why you love ad.
Abu Dhabi love is…
‘Beautiful madness’
Canadian Carly Tjader, 30, has been in the city two and a half years. She says, ‘My favourite thing about Abu Dhabi is the diversity of things to do and the people to do it with. From the entertainment on Yas Island and the culture on Saadiyat to the spiritual Grand Mosque and the buzzing Corniche, there’s so much going on. I love the shawarma stands and five-star restaurants, dirham plazas and the gold vending machine in Emirates Palace. The city’s personality is even better: Abu Dhabi is populated by so many residents from all different countries. It’s beautiful madness and we all contribute a little of all of us to the feeling of the city.’
‘The crossroads between two worlds’
Raphael Veyrines, 24, is French. He has been in Abu Dhabi for two years. He says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi as it is the crossroads between two worlds and at the same time a place full of identity and charm. We learn every day from this city and I love experiencing its intercultural side, which is full of discovery and compromises. I would say Abu Dhabi is easy to come to and hard to leave.’
‘Mystical charm’
Emirati Ahmed Al Hashemi, 30, was born in Abu Dhabi. He says, ‘It’s hard for me to describe exactly why I love Abu Dhabi, there’s just some mystical charm that draws me to it. I was born here, I’ve lived most of my life here, and most of my friends and family live here, too. I love its malls, its new attractions that keep opening, and even its older, less fancy neighbourhoods. Maybe it’s not that exciting, but it’s home.’
‘Toddler-friendly activities’
Brit Emily Osborne, 33, has lived in the UAE for six years – four in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi. She says, ‘I love AD for the opportunities it offers young families. We have an 18-month-old and baby number two is on the way. My husband and I work full time, so our weekends as a family are precious. From toddler-friendly activities and play-centres like the one in Al Wahda Mall, to family-friendly hotels such as The Westin and pregnancy massages at Radisson Blu Yas Island; Abu Dhabi is the place to raise a small brood.’
‘Home away from home’
Abdul Majeed Mamudu, 36, is Nigerian. He has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2011. He says, ‘I came to the city to study film at the New York Film Academy. I ended up having the best time of my life and Abu Dhabi became my home away from home. I made friends here, friends I will keep for ever. I discovered everything I love about this city in the company of these wonderful people. Basically, if you love the people, you can’t help loving the city.’
‘Sense of community’
Brit Laura Dunn, 34, has lived in the city five years. She says, ‘My first son was born at Corniche Hospital in September 2013. It was the happiest moment of my life, so Abu Dhabi will always be special to me. I love the city’s sense of community – wherever I go I usually bump into someone I know. My favourite place is The Club near Port Zayed, where I find I am always among friends and have so many things to keep me and my family busy.’
‘A peaceful place for camping’
American Aaron Jonathan Gray, 33, has lived in Abu Dhabi for the past 16 months. He says, ‘I love the beautiful nature in and around the city, from the beaches on the Corniche to the lush waterways that make up the Eastern Mangroves. Once you get outside of the city, the tranquil desert provides an ideal and peaceful place for camping.’
‘The best shawarmas in the UAE’
Rupal Bhatikar, 27, is from India. She lived in Abu Dhabi for four months in 2009 before moving to Dubai, and has just moved back to the capital. She says, ‘Abu Dhabi was the first city I lived in when I moved here five years ago and the taste of Lebanese Flower’s chicken shawarma in Khalidiyah – definitely the best in the UAE – instantly made me feel welcome. This is where my now husband and I first became friends and then we started a new life in the UAE. And as fate would have it, our careers have brought us back where we started. Now we’re happily settling into our new home in and looking forward to endless bites into those shawarmas!’
‘Best of both worlds’
Brit Arabella Willing, 26, has lived here 10 months. She says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi because it’s the best of both worlds: there’s a bounty of manmade and natural wonders. Within the space of 10 minutes I can swap an architect’s dreamscape in the city with the soothing expanse of white sand and turquoise water at Saadiyat beach.’
‘Unforgettable memories’
Anas Mahmoud Assalah, 28, is from Palestine, but was born and raised in Abu Dhabi. He says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi for its past and present. I love it for its simplicity. My life here is filled with unforgettable memories. I remember those beautiful moments vividly. Some memories are associated with failure and others with success. I am now living a very content life revolving around my family and friends. Abu Dhabi is my home and my loyalty to this city runs in my veins.’
‘Its multiculturism’
Australian Kavi Renganathan, 28, was born in the UAE and has lived in the capital since she was three. She says ‘Why do I love Abu Dhabi? Because there’s no place like it. Where else could you go to school and study in a classroom of 20 students of 16 different nationalities? Where else would you find a church and mosque as neighbours? Where else could you walk along a beach or park at night and find families out together, from grandmothers to grandchildren? I love Abu Dhabi for the ease of life, its true multiculturalism, its ability to treasure the simple things in life – family, social connectedness and hospitality – and for its knack of keeping people of all ages entertained, from numerous international restaurants and kids’ fairs to film festivals. There is always something to do; some way to socialise and enjoy the simple things in life.’
‘Peaceful and calm’
Gohar Hasan, 31, is from Pakistan. He has lived in Abu Dhabi for two years. He says, ‘The first thing that comes to mind when I hear Abu Dhabi is its peaceful and calm city life. This is a very rare combination. If you have a tiring day and want some peace of mind, you can go for a walk in the park adjacent to Eastern Mangroves. In winter and spring a cool breeze blows through the park which refreshes your mind and takes you to another world.’
‘A Mecca for travel gurus’
American Miranda Rundquist, 31, has lived in Abu Dhabi for 16 months. She says, ‘Abu Dhabi is the golden Mecca for all travel gurus. There is nothing better that living somewhere that allows you to jet off to an exotic destination every weekend. Fancy a three-day shopping spree in Milan? Easy. A safari in Nairobi or Sri Lanka? No problem. A quick romantic getaway to the Maldives? Of course! It’s all so close, you must go. There are no excuses not to travel everywhere when you live here. I love it.’
‘First-class living standards’
Brit Sophie Knight, 28, was born and raised in Sharjah. She has lived in Abu Dhabi for a year. She says, ‘I love the city because you get the best of both worlds. It has unspoilt beaches but first-class living standards, Arabic traditions and cultural landmarks with Western entertainment. It’s old meets new.’
‘You can achieve your dreams’
Jordanian Saif Al Naji, 22, was born and brought up in Abu Dhabi. He says, ‘Apart from the fact that Abu Dhabi is a place I call home, I love the city because it’s where I managed to achieve my dream of becoming a successful DJ and radio presenter. And let’s face it, where else can you bump into over 100 nationalities in one shopping mall, get McDonald’s delivered to your doorstep, go dune bashing in the desert and get the best chai karak tea for only Dhs1?’
‘Very few rainy days’ 
Heleen Laurisson, 25, is Estonian. She arrived in Abu Dhabi a year and five months ago. She says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi because of its diversity. I love the drastic difference between cultures and how perfectly it melts together. I love the everlasting summer and those few rainy days in a year. I love the crowded streets downtown and the solitude in the desert. I love seeing the city developing and growing right in front of my eyes. I love my Abu Dhabi!’
‘Very tolerant’
Henrieta Schreiner, 31, was born in Romania. She moved to Abu Dhabi in 2012. She says, ‘AD is perfect for me for many reasons. It’s a very safe city, so I’m never worried about me or my husband’s safety. I like its tolerance of cultures – I am Christian and my husband is Muslim, so for us it is better than living in a European city. I have learned so much here, about Emiratis, Indians and other nationalities, as well as how to bargain in the perfume and bag shop on the ground floor of Hamdan Centre! I’ve tasted the best Arabic bread in front of Abu Dhabi Media, baked on a hot rock.’
‘Adventure on your doorstep’
Brit Lorna Cole, 26, has been in Abu Dhabi for a year and four months. She says, ‘I love it because it can be whatever you want it to be. Life here is a blank canvas. For a touch of glamour, I have gorgeous bars on pristine beaches. Adventure is on my doorstep: I’ve experienced wakeboarding on the Corniche, cycling the F1 track and kayaking through the mangroves, and I’m looking forward to flyboarding on Yas Island. From craft workshops and camping to malls and paintballing, I have it all.’
Serene beaches’
Bara Hussain, 30, is Jordanian, but was born and raised in Abu Dhabi. She says, ‘Abu Dhabi has transformed dramatically since I was born. I have witnessed the phases of change, from its beautiful skyline to the cafes on the Corniche, and I can’t keep but falling in love with it every day. I love spending my weekends on its serene beaches, love the family-oriented community, love that it has all my childhood memories, and love that it was the place where I met my husband.’
‘Gorgeous weather’
Brit Olivia Reilly, 21, has lived in Abu Dhabi for 18 months. She says, ‘The weather here is just so gorgeous. Knowing I can go out and enjoy the day and not see dark clouds and rain just makes me wake up with a smile. I have also met so many amazing people here, from all walks of life. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and have fascinating life stories. They’ve become my close friends, people I never would have met unless I travelled to the Middle East. I met my fiancé in Abu Dhabi, thanks to our passion for watersports – I work in the watersports industry. So there is no single reason why I love Abu Dhabi. I love it for everything it has to offer – the people I meet and the lifestyle that the climate and the ocean let me lead.’
‘Tax-free salary’
Filipino Francisco Gallardo, 25, moved to AD in October 2011. He says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi because it’s a safe and very promising place to live. When I was a child I dreamed of boarding an aeroplane, travelling the world, eating in world-class restaurants, staying in fancy hotels, owning a sports car and watching F1 races. Abu Dhabi lets me do all that. It was the first destination I flew to, where I bought my first car, and now I work next to Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Viceroy hotel. There are a lot of wonderful gardens and beaches in which to relax. Plus the tax-free salary and cheap-as-water fuel is amazing!’
‘Tasteful and elegant’
Hande Unveren, 42, is from Turkey, and has been here eight months. She says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi because I’ve found peace and harmony here, as I work on my favourite beach in the UAE, on Saadiyat Island. The life here is tasteful and elegant when you compare it with other cities. There are lots of attractions in and around the city, and more are coming in the future. I am happy to be a part of this future progress. I also like that Abu Dhabi has international residents so you can exchange culture.’
‘A modern and forward-thinking city’
Gareth Howell, 31, is from Wales in the UK. He has been living in Abu Dhabi for two and a half years. He says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi because of the sheer variety that the city offers. You can sun yourself on a world-class beach on Saadiyat Island, indulge in shopping in one of its great malls or take a more cultural turn and marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is an ever-changing, modern and forward-thinking city which I am happy to be a part of.’
‘Always safe’
Rabih Zein, 30, is Lebanese. He has been living in Abu Dhabi for eight years. He says, ‘I heart Abu Dhabi because of its people – they’re very decent when dealing with strangers. The city has also a good law in order, and it manages nationalities of more than 150 countries very well. It is always safe coming back home, even after midnight.’
‘An understated desert haven’
Julius Larrobis, 30, is from the Philippines. He’s been a resident of Abu Dhabi since 2007. He says, ‘Why do I love Abu Dhabi? My family have lived in the city since the 1990s and it has become a second home to us. Like my siblings who were born here, Abu Dhabi has grown so much throughout the years. It has blossomed into a beautifully understated desert haven abounding with brilliant innovations. Cheers to more fruitful years to come!’
The TOAD team
Alex Hammond, editor, says, ‘Even though the city is full of people from different places, their principles and values are similar. People work hard, seek adventure, and want to experience the world. Expats and locals are friends; it’s just a great group of people.’
Sarah Riches, deputy editor, says, ‘There’s a lot I like about Abu Dhabi. It’s fascinating watching it grow before your eyes. I love being able to eat outside and feel warm. I love walking on Saadiyat beach, kayaking in the mangroves and eating in gourmet cafés.’
Caroline McEneaney, section editor, says, ‘I love Abu Dhabi because it’s introduced me to friends from all around the world. The community here is interesting, open-minded and welcoming. The beaches aren’t bad either.’
Caitlyn Davey, section editor, says, ‘I like that you meet someone from a different culture every day, and you learn something. When I speak to Indian taxi drivers, for example, I learn about their life back home. It’s a whole other world.’
Lisa Morgan, sub editor, says, ‘The city is like an exciting gift. The still blue-green waters, white sands, shiny skyscrapers and manicured gardens are the shiny wrapping – when you tear it off, the fun really begins.’
