Living in Abu Dhabi: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Abu Dhabi.
Capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the political and industrial center of the country. Modern metropolis, it attracts large numbers of expatriates.Foreign professionals will have to demonstrate high skills to be able to find a job within the assigned quotas.
The high cost of living would not be an issue for expats settling here to live and work, tax rates being attractive.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Abu Dhabi with general information to discover the destination.
Discovering Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a popular destination among those who want ...
Adjusting to the local culture in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is generally a city that tolerates a modern lifestyle, but minor adjustments are still ...
How to develop your social circle in Abu Dhabi
Expats in Abu Dhabi can establish a social network through various ways, such as joining expat ...
Work
Dive into the Abu Dhabi labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Abu Dhabi.
Working in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has joined its neighbor emirate of Dubai in being a hotspot for tourists and expats ...
The labor market in Abu Dhabi
With a relatively small local population, Abu Dhabi has relied strongly on the expat workforce to ...
Jobs in Abu Dhabi
Discover professional opportunities in Abu Dhabi and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Abu Dhabi. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Abu Dhabi
Accommodation is your next step after securing a visa to fully settle into your new life as an ...
Buying property in Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates has 9.06 million expats, and most of them spend about 30 to 50 years in ...
Find your ideal home in Abu Dhabi
Explore real estate listings in Abu Dhabi to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Abu Dhabi.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Abu Dhabi.
Getting around Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a relatively small city compared to Dubai and getting around is very convenient and easy. If you want to walk to your workplace or ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Abu Dhabi.
Things to do on weekdays and weekends in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a vibrant city full of life, and there are a lot of things to do both on weekdays and ...
Things to do in Abu Dhabi alone or with a group
Living in Abu Dhabi can be fulfilling and fun for an expat, whether you're living alone, with ...
Sports and outdoor activities in Abu Dhabi
There are various sports activities that expats can enjoy in Abu Dhabi. In fact, it hosts several ...
Articles from the magazine
Lizzy of Arabia
My name is Liz. I am originally from New Jersey in the USA, but we were most recently in the Seattle, WA area. We now live in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Amy in Abu Dhabi: "The United Arab Emirates is quite a forward thinking nation"
Amy comes from the UK. She moved to Abu Dhabi nine months ago after her husband was offered a job there. In this Interview, she shares her views about life in the United Arab Emirates.
Jo in Abu Dhabi: Life of a non-Muslim expat and avid blogger in the UAE
Since 2008, Jo has been living in Abu Dhabi, UAE's capital city. The Filipino expat opens up to Expat.com, and discusses everyday life in the UAE for a non-Muslim expatriate, and all the things that make this country a good place to live in.
An American expat in Abu Dhabi: The life of a travel writer in the Middle-East
To follow her husband, Christine decided to leave the dynamic city of New York, and head to Abu Dhabi, UAE. It's been two years since she has been living in the Middle-East, and she definitely doesn't regret her choice. She shares with Expat.com her expatriation experience in this eminent emirate.
Why buying property beats renting in Dubai
Renting a home in Dubai as an expat is becoming more and more challenging. Faced with skyrocketing rents, more and more expatriates are considering real estate purchases to continue living in the city. What are the benefits of this investment? How can one become a homeowner in Dubai? Here are some insights and practical advice.
The real expat life in Dubai: Beyond the glitz
Is Dubai truly the new haven for foreign ultra-rich and bold investors? Beyond the city's superficial image, expats reveal a different reality—a far more ordinary daily life than the extravagance seen online. Let's uncover the other side of Dubai.
UAE tax residency rules: Essential insights for expats
On September 9, 2022, the UAE, long regarded as a tax-free haven, announced the first batch of significant changes to its tax regulations. The changes affect both individuals and companies and, potentially, the business landscape of the country. The new rules also have direct implications for expats — with some finding themselves in a new tax residency status. So, what do the new regulations actually say?
The hidden risks of Golden Visa: Inheritance tax implications for expats
Does moving overseas allow you to escape taxation in your home country forever? That's what many expatriates thought when they moved to low-tax or no-tax countries. The United Arab Emirates is a favorite expat hotspot thanks to its Golden Visa program, specifically tailored to attract a range of profiles, from the wealthiest to the most talented. However, according to experts, there are some risks they might not have considered. When it comes to property taxes, moving overseas is not enough to break the link. So, what are the limitations of Golden Visas?
