Unlocking a New Chapter: My Abu Dhabi Beginning

Abu Dhabi has a way of surprising you. When I first arrived here, I had already lived and worked across four continents — from the coastlines of South Africa to the classrooms of the UK, the deserts of Saudi Arabia, and the mountains surrounding Al Ain. I’ve worn many hats over the years: educator, coach, paramedic, mentor, governess, lecturer — all while navigating the beautiful chaos of being an expat. But when I landed in Abu Dhabi, something shifted. Even though I didn’t know exactly what to expect, I felt at home the day I arrived. I came with anticipation — not with a perfect plan, but I had the sense that opportunities would come, and that this city had room for people like me: flexible, globally minded, and ready to build something meaningful. After years of moving between roles and countries, I’ve now taken the leap into freelance life, and Keys to Abu Dhabi is part of that journey. It’s a place where I can draw on everything I’ve learned — from managing patients and classrooms to guiding international students through academic hurdles, preparing meals for hungry footballers to supporting athletes with performance lifestyle coaching, and from Oxford summer camps to working closely with Emirati and Saudi families. This blog is about more than relocation tips or property insights (though you’ll find those too). It’s about life in transition, the search for balance, and what it means to feel truly settled — even while building something new from the ground up. Whether you're new to the UAE, considering your next move, or just curious about what daily life on Yas, Reem, or Saadiyat might look like, I hope you'll find something here that speaks to you. Thank you for being here. This is just the beginning. Sincerely, Meagan