Living in Abu Dhabi: essential things to know

Living in Abu Dhabiis to live in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Very different from Dubai, the city boasts modern architecture and luxurious neighborhoods.

Let me tell you in detail about the things you need to know to live there!

Living in Abu Dhabi: article summary

How to get to Abu Dhabi

That's the first thing you need to know. Abu Dhabi International Airport links the city to many countries. It is one of the busiest airports in the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, it will qualify best airport in the Middle East. In addition, you can reach the city from other emirates by road, such as Sheikh Zayed Road linking the seven emirates.

What kind of climate can you expect there?

If you can't imagine your life without heavy snowfalls, there's nothing for you to do in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, lovers of sun and warmth will love it here. You can swim in the waters of the Persian Gulf and enjoy the sun all year round.

Living in Abu Dhabi: what is the local currency?

Just like in Dubai, the dirham is used in Abu Dhabi. Visitors entering the country have access to exchange offices at the airport and in various parts of the city.

What language do we speak?

As 90 % of the population are foreigners, we hear all the languages of the world, but we don't know how to speak them. the main languages are Arabic and English. There are many courses for those who want to study the language.

Which district to choose?

Considering that there are 57 neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi, including the suburbs, choosing the one that's right for you will be pretty straightforward. Yet there are neighborhoods more popular with immigrants than others. Here are three of them.

Downtown

Abu Dhabi's city center brings together the essential infrastructure. There are luxurious residential properties, massive shopping malls with everything you need, excellent restaurants and bars, the city's best kindergartens and schools, and much more. This neighborhood can be an excellent choice if you're not afraid of the hustle and bustle of the big city. The other disadvantage of living here is that the cost of living is high.

Madinat Zayed

If you don't like life in the center, but don't want to settle somewhere on the outskirts either, this neighborhood will be ideal. Real estate is not as new as in the center, but the cost is considerably lower. This area will appeal to home cooks, as there are many local bazaars selling fresh produce.

Al Raha

Al Raha's main advantages are its many beaches and wide promenade. It takes 25 minutes to get to the center, but the international airport is only 10 minutes away. This neighborhood has everything you need: a large shopping center, a good hospital, several pharmacies, an international school with an impeccable reputation, eating establishments, etc. More modest villas can be found in the coastal area, so renting them can be relatively inexpensive.

What are the advantages of living in Abu Dhabi?

In the United Arab Emirates, nobody feels like a foreigner. According to the latest data, only 10 to 15 % are native citizens. The remaining 90 % are foreigners from many countries. Living here looks like a trip around the world. As you meet people from all over the world, you'll discover their traditions and learn about the world's cuisines.

There is no no crime in Abu Dhabi either. The Emirates' slogan, "We've beaten crime!", is not an advertisement to attract more tourists, but a fact. Despite such an abundance of foreigners living in the UAE, purely symbolic locks are placed on front doors here, cars are unlocked and many personal possessions are left unattended. There are many reasons for this:

• Even minor offences are severely punished
• Remarkable police work.

There are several ways to become a resident

If you're an entrepreneur, you can register a business here within a week, either independently or by sharing the risk with a local partner. There are many attractive vacancies for those looking to work in Abu Dhabi. Or you can take advantage of the investor visa by purchasing a property for a minimum of AED 1M (€272,000). It is relatively easy to obtain and renew.

How much does it cost to live in Abu Dhabi?

The most considerable cost for anyone wishing to settle here is accommodation. Prices for furnished studios start at around AED 25,000 a year, or €6,800.

The minimum price for two-bedroom townhouses will be AED 50,000 per year, and AED 95,000 for a three-bedroom villa, i.e. €13,000 and €26,000 respectively.

If you intend tobuying a propertyget ready for pay a minimum of AED 10,000 per square metre.

Transportation costs

Public transport in Abu Dhabi is not very well organized. A few buses run here, but using them is not as convenient as in Dubai. A one-way ticket on a city bus costs AED 2 (€0.50), while a one-way ticket on a local bus costs AED 2 (€0.50).a monthly subscription costs AED 80 (€21). Cab services are relatively inexpensive.

If you live permanently in Abu Dhabi, it's easier and cheaper to buy your own car. In the United Arab Emirates, a liter of petrol costs from AED 1.5 (€0.39). If you have an international license, simply convert it. Otherwise, you'll have to take your license in the Emirates. I have dedicated an entire article on the subject here.

The cost of entertainment in Abu Dhabi

A monthly gym membership costs from AED 300 (€78). Two tickets to a theater or cinema cost AED 80 (€21). Nightlife will cost more: to go clubbing, you'll need to budget at least AED 100 (€26) per person. A romantic dinner for two in a good restaurant will cost between AED 250 and 350 (€65 and €92).

Communications costs

Almost all houses and apartments are equipped with landline telephones, but mobile communication is much more popular. The standard price for one minute of mobile communication is AED 0.36. If you need unlimited communication, the monthly payment will be 300 AED (€78). Internet in the Emirates is not a cheap pleasure. Charge AED 350 (€92) per month for limited access.

There are many things you need to know before moving to Abu Dhabi. However, I'm sure you'll love your new life in the city!

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