A Guide to Moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

It is pretty common to moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi today. There are various factors causing the move such as a new job, cost of living or simply a change of environment. Abu Dhabi offers a much more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle compared to Dubai’s bustling and busy life.

Moving from one city to another comes with a list of tasks. This makes the transition smooth and comfortable. The first thing you will think to arrange is probably accommodation. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi also offers plenty of housing options to choose from.

Abu Dhabi is more serene and culturally rich, so you are surely going to enjoy your transition. Let’s discuss the key tips and tricks that you need to consider while relocating to Abu Dhabi. These include differences in lifestyle, cost of living, housing options, etc.. 

• Environment of Both Cities
• Housing Options
• Cost of Living
• Public Transportation
• Cultural and Social Life
• Moving Procedure
• Legal Steps
• FAQs

1. Environment of Both Cities

Abu Dhabi is known for its relaxed, laid-back, and family-oriented lifestyle as compared to Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle. The city of Abu Dhabi is more open with wide roads and less traffic.
Abu Dhabi also offers plenty of job opportunities, mostly in the government and oil sectors.

On the one hand, Dubai is known for its skyline with some of the world’s tallest and most luxurious skyscrapers. On the other hand, Abu Dhabi also has modern architecture but most of it portrays traditional Emirati designs.

2. Housing Options

Abu Dhabi also offers new movers a range of housing options from apartments in high-rise buildings to villas in gated communities. The rental rates in Abu Dhabi vary from project to project and from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. You can check out rent prices on real estate websites.

Choosing the right neighbourhood is also important due to the range of different areas available. Some are good for people living alone while some are more suitable for families. Some popular areas among expats in Abu Dhabi are Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island.

3. Cost of Living

When moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you will observe that the cost of living in Abu Dhabi is almost similar to that in Dubai. Although rent can be cheaper, other expenses like groceries, utilities, entertainment, etc., are comparable to those in Dubai. 

Rent in popular areas like Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, and Saadiyat Island is significantly lower than Dubai’s most popular areas. If you are looking to buy property after shifting to Abu Dhabi, then it is also more affordable than Dubai. 

4. Public Transportation

Abu Dhabi has a reliable public transportation system with buses and taxis, although it is not as convenient as in Dubai. A metro system is under development in Abu Dhabi, which will significantly improve the city’s public transportation system.

Abu Dhabi also has the UAE’s second busiest airport, which has regular flights to all major cities around the world. The intercity public transport between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and other cities in the UAE is also very reliable. You can find more information about public transportation in Abu Dhabi online.

5. Cultural and Social Life

Abu Dhabi is known for its rich cultural heritage, museums, and slower pace of life. There are plenty of social clubs, community groups, and events that will help you to integrate in the new environment.

Highlights include the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is a symbol of the UAE’s cultural and architectural magnificence. Museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi show world-class art and exhibitions.

6. Moving Procedure

Here are the steps you should follow while moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:

• Obtain a moving permit from your developer in Dubai. Some housing developments in Dubai require tenants to get a moving permit before they leave the property.
• You may also consider hiring a trustworthy company offering moving services. Make sure to obtain insurance for the stuff that you are moving to cover up any damage that may occur while moving. Check out the best movers in Dubai.
• Disconnect your DEWA account before moving out of Dubai. If you don’t disconnect the account then you will continue getting DEWA bills.

7. Legal Steps

Here are a few legal considerations you must keep in mind:

• Make sure that your visa and work permits are updated with your new location.
• Update your new residential address for banks, utilities, and other services.

FAQs:

Conclusion

You might miss Dubai after moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. But we assure you that Abu Dhabi offers everything needed to live a high-quality life. It has nice beaches, plenty of shopping malls, an international Airport, good quality restaurants, universities, etc.

Abu Dhabi is a cosy, friendly, and relaxed version of Dubai with less traffic and less noise. If you plan ahead and make comfortable arrangements for housing, car, and other necessities, you will enjoy your move to a new environment to its fullest. 

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