Roopali Mehra is an Indian expat who fell in love with this city. She shares her story with us this month:
“Abu Dhabi is one of the best places I have ever been to and I can assure you that I have done quite a bit of globe trotting. This city has a unique culture of building relationships. I have made some really wonderful friends during past 12 years. People from different cultures and nationalities are now like a family.
“I was born and raised in New Delhi. My husband, Manu and I got married and came to Abu Dhabi in December 1997. When we landed in UAE, we thought we will spend a year or two and then go back to our homeland, little did we realise that this city is going to be our home.
“I was always keen on being a working professional and that is what led me to educating myself even after marriage. I pursued a degree in Masters of Business Administration, from University of Bradford in England. Just when i thought I was ready to embark on a professional journey, God had other plans for me. I discovered I was pregnant. My first child my son was born in 2001 March and my second baby arrived in December 2002. Both my kids were born in Corniche hospital and since my kids were only 20 months apart I had my hands full. The working woman in me took a back seat.
“Abu Dhabi city offers a whole lot of activities for kids. From tennis to football to golf and lots of painting and art lessons for the creative minds. Since it is not a very big city, you dont waste time in travel because the distances are not too long. You have the best of the world brands and designer labels available in the world class malls here. Moreover it has the best restaurants and all cuisines are available to residents and tourists. From the hardcore Indian eatries to the lovely Italian pasta, Mexican enchiladas - you name it and they have it here!
“I love Abu Dhabi because it is indeed a very beautiful place with a lot of greenery. It is most definitely one of the cleanest cities I’ve seen. But what I like the most about Abu Dhabi is safety and security. My husband has to travel a lot due to work and I have never felt scared to be alone here with two little children.
“To all those who are reading this and are new to the city all I can say is give it time and you will soon discover that there in no better place to live than Abu Dhabi. When I compare it to the hustle bustle of a big city, I feel very comforted to see the peace and harmony of this place. Live your life to the fullest because you live only once.”