Living in Abu Dhabi: Top Things You Will Need to Know

Countless expats flock to Abu Dhabi, drawn by career opportunities and personal adventures. Expats we have spoken to have shared stories of their incredible experiences, though not without a few adjustments to the country. By understanding and embracing these changes, you can smoothly transition and fully immerse yourself in the vibrant, exciting life this city offers.

Abu Dhabi offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with its towering skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. As an expat, it’s crucial to be aware of various aspects of life in this dynamic city to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

From understanding the local culture and climate to managing the cost of living and navigating legal considerations, we aim to provide you with valuable insights to help you adapt to your new environment. We’ll also touch on important topics such as accommodation options, the healthcare system and employment prospects and much more.

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1. Embracing the culture in Abu Dhabi

One of the key things that expats are going to need to get to grips with if they move to Abu Dhabi is the differences in cultures. Abu Dhabi has deep roots in the Islamic culture and those who live there will be expected to not only understand these key cultural points but respect them.

Those living in and visiting Abu Dhabi should try their best to dress modestly and dress in a way that covers their skin as much as is comfortable. Not only does this help to keep with the modest expectations but also protects them from the sun.

Other key cultural things to keep in mind include avoiding public displays of affection with partners, not smoking e-cigarettes (this is illegal in Abu Dhabi) and not taking and posting photos of people without their consent (this is also punishable by law).

It is vital that you recognise when Ramadan is happening in Abu Dhabi too. Whilst non-Muslims are not expected to fast during Ramadan, many will refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. This shows that you are respectful and considerate of fasting Muslims.

2. Adapting to the the hot weather

Another part of living in Abu Dhabi that can be hard to get used to is the climate. This is particularly true if you have been living in a much cooler country. In Abu Dhabi, you will find that the climate is hot and arid. Summers in Abu Dhabi are noted to be extremely hot. Much of the time the temperature will exceed 40°C (104°F).

During the winter, which is usually November to March, the temperatures do drop slightly, and many expats will find that this is when they will spend more time outside. It can take some time to adapt to the high levels of heat, however, it is something that many expats say they do get used to over time.

3. Managing the cost of living in Abu Dhabi

Compared to other countries, the cost of living in Abu Dhabi can be high. This is particularly true when it comes to both housing and schooling. That said, the good news is that the salaries that you can expect to earn here are higher to reflect the costs, which means that if you are an expat living in Abu Dhabi then you can find the quality of life to be very good.

The average monthly salary for someone working in Abu Dhabi is around the AED 18,000 (£3000) mark. For a single 1-bedroom apartment that is based in the city centre, the monthly cost for rent will be around AED 4720 (£1000). You will then need to add up your utilities such as electricity, heating/cooling, and water as well as a mobile phone and internet. These will often add up to around AED 1227 (£260) per month for the more basic packages.

Whilst rent and bills are going to be your main consideration when it comes to life in Abu Dhabi, it is important to remember that there are other costs of living that you need to consider to fully enjoy Abu Dhabi. For instance, if you enjoy eating out every now and again, a meal in a mid-range restaurant for two will be around AED 283 (£60), but it is important to remember that there are both cheaper and more expensive options that you can consider.

4. Understanding Accommodation Cost 

We have already looked at the costs of renting in Abu Dhabi, but what does your money get you?

Much like any city, the housing options in Abu Dhabi will vary depending on your preference as well as your family circumstances. Some may prefer to live in luxurious apartments, whilst others prefer the idea of a villa standing alone.

Most expats will prefer the idea of living in a community with other expats. That way they can have the support and friendship that is so necessary when you are moving to a new country. Many expats therefore choose residential towers, or perhaps in gated communities.

As well as the cost of renting, which as we have said is around the AED 4720 (£1000) mark, you will also need to consider the other costs that come with accommodation such as utilities and additional maintenance costs that are often applied to shared buildings.

If you are looking to stay in Abu Dhabi long-term, or you simply prefer the security of owning your own property, then you may find that you want to buy a property there.

Apartments are priced at around £3000 per square meter. If you consider that a 1-bedroom property will often be around 60 square meters, then you can see how the price of property can be costly here. However, property prices do seem to hold in the city, which means that it can be a sound investment for you to make if you can afford the price tag.

5. Comprehending the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi

It is recognised that the health care in Abu Dhabi is excellent. This includes both the private and the public healthcare that can be accessed by those in the city. That said, if you are an expat who is living in Abu Dhabi, then you must know that you will be expected to have private health insurance to enable you to access healthcare there.

This often will be provided by an employer, particularly if you are moving over there to follow a job role. You should discuss this with your employer before you make the move and ensure that you understand what this includes and does not include. If you are paying for healthcare, then you should expect it to cost anywhere between AED 4720 (£1000) and AED 9440 (£2000) for a single person per year.

However, this will give you access to the healthcare that you need whilst you are in the city and will allow you to stay healthy. Those who have healthcare and still plan to access the public health system will need a valid Emirates ID. There is not only an application process for this, but there is also a fee that will need to be paid.

6. Navigating the education system 

If you are planning on moving to Abu Dhabi with your children, or perhaps children are in the future for you; then you are going to want to know more about the education system here.

The good news is that there are several options open to you when it comes to schooling and the education system quality in Abu Dhabi is recognised as being of a high level. This means that you have plenty of options to consider.

For expat families, the most common choice is one of the private international schools. Whilst these do come at a cost, it is important to recognise that these schools are going to make the settling (and learning process) much easier for your children.

International children can be accepted into public schools, but they will find the cultural and language barriers much harder to learn with; as well as having possible issues with the curriculum that is taught in these schools.

It is important to note that whether you opt for a private or a public school, as an expat you are going to need to pay the associated fees. These fees will vary on the school that you choose and will be linked to the location of the school as well as the curriculum(s) that they teach. Additionally, the fees that you pay will not include admission fees, transportation, uniform, and books/learning materials either.

You can expect school fees in Abu Dhabi to vary anywhere from AED (£500) per year for the lower-rated schools right up to £20,000 for those that are higher ranked.

For younger children, you will also find a variety of nurseries that are catered to expats and their young children. Just like here in the UK, there is a fee that needs to be paid to these nurseries for their services. This will be charged monthly and will depend on their location and their reputation too.

You should expect to pay somewhere in the region of AED 2832 (£600) right up to AED 8000 (£1700) for these nurseries each month.

7. Getting around – transportation in Abu Dhabi

There is a good public transport setup in Abu Dhabi. The buses here are modern and are air-conditioned, which means that you are in for a comfortable ride. They also operate around the clock, which is helpful to get around the city if you need to.

The only downside to the public transport network is getting to grips with how it works. There is a standard service fare which includes not only a boarding fee but also a charge applied to each kilometer that you travel.

If you do need to switch buses during your journey, then you have a maximum of two transfers that you do not have to pay for (so long as they are within 1 hour of your original payment).

The boarding fee is only AED 2 (£0.50) and you will be charged a very small amount for each KM that you travel.

Whilst the option of traveling by bus is there, many expats choose to drive. This is largely because it is much easier and more convenient to move around. It is worth noting that whilst it can be quicker to travel by car, there can be quite a lot of traffic on the roads during peak times, which can then lengthen your journey. Although, this is something that happens just as much in the UK.

If you do not want to buy a car, then there is an option to rent one instead, with many car rental companies in the city. Or you can always utilise the local taxi drivers to move around.

8. Job market and employment

Many of the people who move to Abu Dhabi will already be moving due to their jobs or careers which means that they will not need to worry too much about employment there.

However, even those who already have a job should consider their future career options, just as much as those who move without a job lined up.

There are plenty of job options for those who live in Abu Dhabi, it is a hub for a variety of industries including oil, gas, finance, tourism, and construction.

If you are working in the city then you are going to need to apply for a work visa, however, for many people, this will be something that your employer will organise for you.

There are lots of places online where you can find the right job role for you, as well as make sure that you use the power of networking to help you find your dream job in the future.

9.  Enjoying an active social life in Abu Dhabi

If you are moving to a new country then there is always a chance that you may feel slightly concerned about making friends. This is entirely normal and is something that everyone has a concern about.

The good news is that in Abu Dhabi there is a vibrant social scene that has lots of different activities and clubs that you can join. This varies from outdoor leisure activities, beach clubs, and attending cultural events.

You can find yourself on a social network in a variety of ways. This includes joining online groups or perhaps attending art fairs, poetry nights or even volunteering. All of which can help you to meet like-minded people and develop strong friendships with them.

Once you have developed those key friendships, then you can start to plan social events with those people. This includes heading to one of the local malls, restaurants or events in the city.

10.  Understanding legalities

Before you move to Abu Dhabi it is important that you are aware of the local laws and regulations. Particularly those that may have a legal implication to you. Not only can getting into trouble because of your issues personally, but it can also impact both your employment in the city and your visa to be there.

One area that is different to the UK is alcohol consumption. Whilst in the UK this is much freer, in Abu Dhabi you must only consume alcohol in a licensed venue. As well as this, the drug laws in Abu Dhabi are much stricter than they may be in other places. This is something that you need to always stay mindful of.

Are you looking to move to Abu Dhabi?

Moving to Abu Dhabi (including Dubai) as an expat is an exciting journey that offers numerous opportunities and experiences. However, it also requires careful preparation and a willingness to adapt to new cultural, climatic, and social environments. By understanding the key aspects of life in Abu Dhabi, from its rich cultural heritage and hot climate to the cost of living and legal requirements, you can ensure a smoother transition and a more enjoyable experience.

Embrace the vibrant social life, explore the diverse job opportunities, and take advantage of the high-quality healthcare and education systems. By integrating these elements into your new lifestyle, you’ll be well on your way to thriving in Abu Dhabi.

Remember, every expat experience is unique, and the challenges you face can be transformed into enriching experiences with the right mindset and resources. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate your new life in Abu Dhabi with confidence and ease.

If you require any assistance moving your household belongings to Abu Dhabi or the UAE, make sure to contact PSS International Removals. With over 40 years of experience in the shipping industry, we will ensure that your belongings arrive in perfect condition from the UK.