Sam Chui is 30 years old and has lived in Abu Dhabi for five months. He moved to Abu Dhabi from Sydney Australia and currently works in the banking/financing industry. Abu Dhabi Week asked

Sam what are the five things he likes most about living in Abu Dhabi.

No income tax
No… income… tax! I am earning my take home and half again. Can you imagine? Now I live here and I’ve had the chance to pay back all my debt and I have even started some real savings!

Cultural diversity
Abu Dhabi is like a mini United Nations. With so many people from so many countries living here, there is no better place to meet new friends and gain experience from their unique perspectives and backgrounds. It really helps that everyone is able to communicate in English - I don’t have to learn a new language to survive in a new place.

The Corniche
I love the Corniche. It is just simply a stunning landscape, and with beautiful sun, sand and sea! It is so peaceful, a nice and quiet place for a walk in the evenings, when it isn’t too hot of course. I really think it is the most beautiful road in the UAE.

The location
Abu Dhabi is in the middle of the world! It is within a few hours flight to reach other places in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and South Asia. I could never go to a new country or continent for a weekend when I was in Australia, but now I can! I have visited India, Nepal, Thailand and even Japan for weekends from Abu Dhabi – travelling is one of my hobbies.

The people
I have found the people in Abu Dhabi to be genuine and really have time for each other. I like my work/life balance in Abu Dhabi, and I have found that people spend a lot of time with their families and build good relationships with other people – this is sometimes neglected in some Western countries. People here always have time for you and listen to your problems, as well as sharing their experiences.