To live in any gulf country you have to be pretty pro active about your social life. There are a lot of ex pats here of many different nationalities and career movement tends to be a reason most of them came out here. As for things to do here - it isn't the liveliest of places, I also came from London and it took a while to adjust! But there are bars and restaurants and things going on. The nicest beaches tend to be linked to a hotel or club and membership to the clubs can be pretty pricey and have long wait lists too. But you can get day or weekend passes to them if you know someone who is a member. If you are willing to make the effort to get out and meet people there seems to be a lot going on - from boat trips to desert trips! Happy packing and travel safe - enjoy the cool of the UK as it is still pretty hot out here!!!