If you are going to work for an oil company then your every expense will be taken care of. For you as an American I believe you will have good package. some nice villas in the island and off the island...! if your company pays that rent its good. coz its average 50K US$ per year. there is british school, American and Canadian, Australian schools..! rest its a nice cool place. I lived there for 6 years worked for Oil co. soo money was not bad... Abu Dhabi has all the luxury and fun for every kind of person. you will find a 7 star hotel with 10000$ a night and you will find a Indian tea stall with 2 dirhams... so its a nice place to live and enjoy some sunny weather. cheers and all the best
Foreigners in Abu Dhabi have to send their children to private international schools, and there are some great options in the emirate.
Have a look at our Education and Schools in Abu Dhabi page to get a sense of the system. Our International Schools in Abu Dhabi page gives a list of some of the most popular options.
We also have a great Kids in Abu Dhabi page that gives you an idea of what you could expect.
Hope this is helpful.
Best,
Xavier