12 Tips for Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE

By bbann230

An expat talks about living in Abu Dhabi - from socializing in the golf scene to the shopping mall culture. Factors to consider: the heat and high cost of living.

Expat Life in Abu Dhabi

Mostly for work and opportunity. The majority of the workforce is expat.

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Fairly high, comparable to New York City and other too metro areas in the states. But like most areas, there are places for all budgets.

Local Clubs and Organizations

We run in the golf scene. Many golf clubs to choose from and it becomes easy to establish a niche once in. Facebook is another good resource to check expat groups. A very social scene is the Friday brunches. Once in it is easy to meet people and start to establish groups. Also, many of the schools have groups together. This helped my wife and her network as well.

International Schools in Abu Dhabi

Any school is available in the region. American, canadian, French, Iranian, etc are there. School distance is relative to where you want to live. Completely up to you. Schools are also big business and continue to pop up everywhere.

Shopping in Abu Dhabi

Shopping malls are a big deal here. And in most cases there is a large grocery chain attached to each mall. Waiters, Geant and Carrefour are the biggest names. There are other little shops all over the city to grab quick things.

Public Transportation

Taxis are all over the place and booking one is as easy as opening your ap on the phone. Buses are used frequently as well. There is a metro system in Dubai that may connect to Abu Dhabi at some point. Very reliable and safe.

Climate

Extremely hot and humid in the summer months for 5 months. Winter is very mild. Jan and Feb are potential rain months, but not much.

Restaurants and Nightlife

You may choose from whatever budget you like. Heavy party scene with uppity people to the chill at the local bar scene. Whatever you want is available. We spend most times at the golf club.

What are local hospitals and emergency services like?

Hospitals are very close and provide adequate care. Like any area, you get what you pay for as well when it comes to the hospitals. The American hospitals are typically the most reliable for high level of care.

Recreational Activities in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has several golf clubs that we frequent. As well as several hotels that have fun brunches that are fun to attend. There are many hiking and outside activities in the northern Emirates. Not so much in Abu Dhabi. There is one club, the Tourist Club that is very popular with the expat community.

Residency and Visa Requirements

Not if not all are on work visas but you can get a residency with property purchase. Also, you may register in the free zones as well. Looking at 5-20k for the right to live there.

Crime in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Not much. Some breaking and entering in the city but mostly crime is eliminated due to the punishments. Plus, we stay away from any area that appears risky. Fairly safe is not the safest city to live in.