Corkonians Abroad: Housing crisis led me to live in Abu Dhabi

THIS week, I caught up with Kevin Dooley, from Bishopstown, a school teacher who has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2021, and asked him about his life there.

How did you end up in Abu Dhabi?

There were a number of reasons. I was renting an apartment on Patrick Street in Cork city, which I loved. I loved living in Cork but I couldn’t see myself being able to buy a house if I stayed renting.

The cost of rent and house prices was a huge factor, so I wanted to go where there was more opportunity. The ability to travel to places I wanted to see also played a part, and obviously the fine weather. Also, I had lived in Abu Dhabi previously.

When Covid restrictions were bad in Cork, I saw some friends who were sitting by pools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), so that might have influenced me too!

What is life like in your new home?

Life in Abu Dhabi is good, but it’s not Cork, like, as we would say.

My school provides accommodation that has gyms, swimming pools, saunas, coffee shops, and lots of other amenities that I never use, like tennis courts, basketball courts, etc.

There is a huge Irish and western community here, a lot of whom are living in the same complex as me.

There are many sporting events to attend like the UFC, Formula 1 and boxing. I played for Abu Dhabi Na Fianna juniors up until Christmas, which is a fabulous outlet socially and for a bit of craic and exercise.

A group of us from Ireland and England have trained for a few half marathons also in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There is lots to do here, as you can see.

What has been the biggest challenge?

I am very close to my family and it is difficult being away from them. I have a great group of friends in Cork too that I’d miss catching up with.

I miss simple things like going to watch Cork City with the boys. I’m also a huge GAA fan so I miss watching the Rebels and Bishopstown too.

Then there is just heading into town for a coffee and strolling around, just the simple things really.

Also, the job is very demanding and the expectations can be very high and affect your work/life balance.

I have joined a GAA team, which we’ve had some great trips with. We have tournaments all around the Gulf, which are great days out and you get a sense of home. A great way to meet people too. My family have come to visit, which is nice.

How might you spend your weekends?

I like to do some training on a Saturday morning and then hit the beach or the pool. Catch up with friends for coffees and dinners, or we might have tickets to a sporting event or to see a comedian. There are amazing restaurants here so I often try them out.

Tell us a bit about the culture of where you live?

I live in a multi-cultural community where everybody is really friendly. The local population are Muslim and they are extremely friendly and welcoming too.

What are the main differences from Ireland?

There is no crime in Abu Dhabi so you always feel safe. It is really clean and has lots of public amenities.

It is possible to have a good quality of life and still be able to put away for a rainy day.

Any culture shock type moments for you over the years?

Not really. Everything is easy in Abu Dhabi and it is my second time living there. If anything, I was shocked to see how much it has progressed since 2011, but the people are amazing.

Tell us about your line of work/career?

I am a primary school teacher in a British school. I am currently on a career break from Greenmount National School, so a big shout-out to Finbarr Hurley and all the staff there.

Tell us your thoughts on opportunity - and how a different part of the world might offer more opportunities?

There is more opportunity. I found it very hard to get ahead in Ireland and I’m too old to live at home. 

It’s really sad to see a generation unable to afford rents and mortgages.

The standard of living is better here and you can get ahead while enjoying yourself.

I would rather live in Cork, but the housing crisis has me living thousands of miles from my family.

Are there any wider societal issues that you see in Ireland that aren’t a problem in your new home?

Homelessness and crime are very visible in Ireland. The UAE government ensure all their citizens have somewhere to live and a job to go to.

What has been your most memorable moment in your new location so far?

I have been able to travel lots as a result of being in Abu Dhabi. I have seen many places in the Middle East and Asia so I think the travel is definitely a memorable moment.

Going to see UFC in the Etihad Arena with my brother Brian was memorable too. We used to get up in the middle of the night, freezing cold, to watch UFC in Cork, so actually attending an event was a dream come true.

I have met some fantastic people too and will have friends for life.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

To my mam San, Ciaran and all my family out in Leesdale. The two Sheilas who are my grannies - two great characters and great for a chat about life!

All my aunts, uncles and cousins. Hi to all my family up North and to my dad and top umpire TT Spesh. We think he will predict a match correctly soon and lose the name ‘Sink the Titanic’. Hi to all my friends in Cork.

If you were back in Cork for one day, what would be the ideal day for you?

Up early for a run down the Lee Fields followed by the full smash breakfast. Coffee in Cork Coffee Roasters and a walk-up Patrick’s Hill. Down the Páirc for a championship double header and home for a big baiter Chinese with the family.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

My first nephew being born in July. Spending the summer in Cork because I spent the last two in Phuket training.

Is there anything that you especially miss about Cork?

The people, my family, friends.