Picture a lifestyle surrounded by stunning skyscrapers, pristine beaches and a lively ambience. This is what living in Abu Dhabi is all about, elegance combined with tradition. As one of the safest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi is a top attraction for expats and locals alike.
With high salaries, a community-centric lifestyle and year-round fun, there can be nothing more to ask for. If you want to relocate here, discover what lifestyle is like in this vibrant capital of the UAE. Let’s get straight into it.
- Overview
- Location
- Culture
- Historic Landmarks
- Popular Areas to Live in Abu Dhabi
- Housing
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Education
- Shopping
- Dining
- Hotels
- Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
- Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
- Summing Up
- FAQs
Living in Abu Dhabi – A Quick Overview
Abu Dhabi, the dazzling emirate, attracts expats and locals due to its adventurous and unmatched lifestyle. It offers a seamless blend of tradition with modern amenities. Another enticing point is that Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures, welcoming people from all backgrounds.
Let’s walk you through the lifestyle in Abu Dhabi to help you decide if the emirate is the right choice.
Note: Property prices are based on the Property Finder’s last twelve months’ data taken from Data Guru.
Location
Abu Dhabi is located along the Persian Gulf bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman. It is situated close to Dubai and the intercity travel time is as follows:
- Dubai: 1 hour and 58 minutes drive
- Fujairah: 2 hours and 41 minutes drive
- Umm Al Quwain: 2 hours and 51 minutes drive
- Ajman: 2 hours and 55 minutes drive
- Sharjah: 3 hours and 1 minute drive
- Ras Al Khaimah: 3 hours and 16 minutes drive
Culture
Abu Dhabi has an Islamic culture and the emirate upholds its traditions and values. There are mosques and museums built across the city. One of the famous mosques is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a top attraction in the emirate.
Historic Landmarks
The emirate has some landmarks that are famous in the world and are also the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Here are some of the main landmarks that enhance the beauty of the emirate:
- Qasr Al Hosn
- The Founder’s Memorial
- Al Dhafra Fort
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Al Jahili Fort
- Urban Treasures
Popular Areas to Live in Abu Dhabi
Although property prices can be a bit higher in the posh areas, the emirate also has budget-friendly areas. Whether you are after a family-friendly lifestyle or waterfront luxury, Abu Dhabi has something for every preference.
The choice of area depends on multiple factors like budget, preferences and distance from the workplace. Here we have listed the most popular communities to live in Abu Dhabi under different categories:
| Category | Top Pick |
| Luxury | Yas Island |
| Family-Friendly | Al Maryah Island |
| Waterfront | Al Raha Beach |
| Budget-Friendly | Khalifa City |
Freehold Areas in Abu Dhabi
Expats can rent a property anywhere in the emirate, however, property buying with complete ownership is limited to specific freehold areas. If you are moving as an expat and want to buy a property here, consider the following freehold areas in Abu Dhabi:
- Yas Island
- Al Reef
- Saadiyat Island
- Masdar City
- Al Reem Island
- Muroor Area
Housing
Abu Dhabi boasts residential units of every type, from apartments and villas to penthouses and duplexes. Residential units in Abu Dhabi are carefully designed with convenience in mind. Each unit has modern furnishings and is located close to top-notch amenities.
Property prices in Abu Dhabi are ideal for every budget preference. For instance, rental apartments in Yas Island start from AED 69K per year. On the other hand, apartments for rent in Khalifa City start from AED 30K per year.
Here are the average rental and sale prices in Abu Dhabi based on Property Finder’s last three-month listings:
Apartments
| Unit Type | Rental Price (Per Year) | Sale Price |
| Studio | AED 35K | AED 833K |
| 1-bed | AED 70K | AED 1.07M |
| 2-bed | AED 110K | AED 1.75M |
| 3-bed | AED 140K | AED 2.39M |
-
Apartment
Listed 3 months ago
260,000 AED/year
Canal View | High Floor | Balcony
Al Naseem Residences A, Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi
3
4
2,163 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
135,000 AED/year
Vacant | Spectacular 2BR| Ferrari +Canal Views
Waters Edge, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
2
2
1,080 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
123,750 AED/year
Fully Furnished ~ 12 payments ~ No Commission
Al Rayyana, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi
2
3
1,200 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
168,000 AED/year
No Commission | 12 Payments | 3 BR With Sea View
Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid at WTC, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
3
5
2,682 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
95,000 AED/year
No Commission | Direct Owner | Kitchen Appiances
Etihad Tower 2, Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
1
2
979 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
130,000 AED/year
No Commission With Kitchen Appliances | Available
Etihad Tower 4, Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
2
3
1,435 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
156,000 AED/year
No Commission 3 BR + Maid + Store Sea View
Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid at WTC, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
3
5
2,350 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
195,000 AED/year
No Chiller Fee | Luxury Apartment | Stunning View
Landmark Tower, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
3
4
2,700 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
135,000 AED/year
No Commission Kitchen Appliances Emirates Palace
Etihad Tower 4, Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
2
3
1,412 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
147,000 AED/year
0 Commission | Fully Serviced | All Bills Included
Etihad Tower 4, Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
1
1
932 sqft
Villas
| Unit Type | Rental Price (Per Year) | Sale Price |
| 2-bed | AED 139K | AED 2.1M |
| 3-bed | AED 170K | AED 2.9M |
| 4-bed | AED 200K | AED 4.5M |
Transportation
Abu Dhabi has well-developed infrastructure and roads, making it convenient for vehicle owners. Additionally, the public transport system in Abu Dhabi is exemplary with different modes including buses, taxis and marine transportation.
Residents using public transport can cut down on travel costs significantly. Additionally, senior citizens and people of determination can travel for free in Abu Dhabi buses using the Hafilat Card. Here are the fare prices for different modes of public transportation in Abu Dhabi:
- Bus:
- Local trips: AED 2
- Regional trips (suburbs): AED 2 + AED 0.05 per km
- Intercity trips: AED 10 + AED 0.1 per km
- Taxi: Starting AED 12
- Ferry:
- Vehicle: AED 100
- Adult (12 years and above): AED 20
Healthcare
Abu Dhabi has state-of-the-art healthcare facilities with skilled doctors, nurses and world-class equipment. There are government hospitals in Abu Dhabi that offer free emergency treatment such as:
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
- Sheikh Khalifa Hospital
- Mafraq Hospital
- SEHA Emirates Hospital
Other than this, some of the best hospitals in Abu Dhabi include:
- Burjeel Hospital
- NMC Hospital
- Ahalia Hospital
- Medeor Hospital
Education
Primary schooling is mandatory in Abu Dhabi for everyone and the emirate focuses on providing high-quality education. The UAE and GCC nationals can avail of free education in public schools in Abu Dhabi. Here is an overview of the best educational institutes in Abu Dhabi under different categories:
Nurseries
If you are searching for the best nursery in Abu Dhabi for your children, know that there are multiple options available. Enrol your children in the top nurseries to let their creativity shine:
| Nursery | Curriculum |
| Redwood Montessori Nursery | Montessori |
| Orange Seeds Nursery | Montessori |
| Falcon British Nursery | British |
| Al Forsan Nursery | British |
| Odyssey Nursery | American |
| Teddy Bear Nursery | American |
Schools
Schools in Abu Dhabi offer different curricula such as British, American and Indian. Additionally, private school fees cater to different budgets. These schools offer a good student-to-teacher ratio, technology-based learning and extracurricular activities. Let’s explore the best schools in Abu Dhabi:
| Curriculum | School |
| British Schools in Abu Dhabi | Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School |
| Repton School Abu Dhabi | |
| Al Basma British School | |
| Indian Schools in Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi Indian School |
| Global Indian International School | |
| Bright Riders School | |
| American Schools in Abu Dhabi | American Community School Abu Dhabi |
| GEMS American Academy School Abu Dhabi | |
| California American School Abu Dhabi |
Universities
Are you coming to Abu Dhabi for higher studies or have a grown-up attending university? There are some top-rated universities in Abu Dhabi such as:
- Abu Dhabi University
- Khalifa University
- New York University Abu Dhabi
- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
- Zayed University
Shopping
Did someone say shopping? Well, Abu Dhabi has a vibrant shopping scene with cultural souks, malls and supermarkets. Whether you prefer luxury items or local brands, there is something for every preference. Shop your heart out or stock on groceries at the following malls in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Mall
- Yas Mall
- Galleria Mall
- WTC
- Dalma Mall
Dining
Abu Dhabi has a diverse culinary scene, from Indian spicy curry to Japanese sushis. The emirate has luxury dine-ins, tucked-away cafes and brunch options to satisfy your cravings. The list of best restaurants in Abu Dhabi is extensive but here are some popular options to try:
- Bonna Annee
- Rashid Al Zaabi Mandi
- Famous Dave’s Barbecue
- Dampa Seafood Grill
- Hakkasan
- Zuma
Hotels
Tourists can enjoy a luxury or affordable stay in the Abu Dhabi hotels, offering comfort, tranquillity and convenience. Here are some affordable hotels in Abu Dhabi to plan a memorable stay:
- Aloft Abu Dhabi
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport
- Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
- Al Ain Palace Hotel
- Southern Sun Abu Dhabi
Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
The emirate boasts leisure spots for every age group, from kid-friendly activities to heart-pounding adventures. Living in Abu Dhabi gives access to picturesque beaches, lush green parks and popular tourist attractions such as:
Parks
Looking for a tranquil escape away from the bustling lifestyle? Head to these Abu Dhabi parks for a calming morning walk or a fun-filled evening:
- Khalifa Park
- Al Khalidiya Park
- Family Park
- Umm al Emarat Park
- Formal Park
- Heritage Park
Beaches
Water lovers can find their favourite beach spot in Abu Dhabi to spend time with family and friends. Whether you love water sports or watching the eleventh hour by the shore, these beaches in Abu Dhabi are a no-miss:
- Saadiyat Beach
- Corniche Beach
- Al Bateen Beach
- Yas Beach
- Hudayriat Island Beach
Attractions
Abu Dhabi is no short of adventure, fun and enjoyment, making it a top tourist destination. As a tourist or resident, add these fun places in Abu Dhabi to your bucket list:
- Ferrari World
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Palace
- Yas Waterworld
- Yas Marina Circuit
Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
It is important to budget your expenses before moving to Abu Dhabi to avoid future hassles. Although the living costs vary depending on lifestyle, here is an average living cost for individuals and families:
| Category | Average Cost Per Month |
| Rent of 1-bedroom apartment | AED 3.6K to AED 4.9K |
| Singles (without rent) | AED 3.4K |
| Families of four (without rent) | AED 12.1K |
Summing Up
Abu Dhabi offers a lifestyle that feels like a vacation with top-class amenities, housing options and educational institutes. Living in Abu Dhabi is ideal for those who appreciate a lively lifestyle where every day is a chance to experience the extraordinary.
FAQs
Yes! Abu Dhabi is preferred by expats relocating to the UAE due to its comfortable lifestyle, opportunities and culture.
It depends on lifestyle and expenses, for instance, some people save more while others spend more. For a single individual, AED 15K to AED 20K per month is an average salary to lead a decent lifestyle in the emirate. Those coming here must know about the highest-paid jobs in Abu Dhabi.
One major challenge of living in Abu Dhabi is that the high-end lifestyle comes with a high cost of living. However, following some tips like finding budget-friendly housing areas and shopping in bulk can help reduce the costs.
Abu Dhabi is a treasure trove of opportunities, leisure, shopping and fun. Consider the above-discussed factors to get a complete picture of living in Abu Dhabi. A convenient, comfortable and lavish lifestyle awaits in the capital!
So, what are you waiting for? Browse through the apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi and filter out the property of your choice. Those looking to buy an apartment in Abu Dhabi can also explore the listings.
New to Abu Dhabi? Explore the newest off-plan projects in Abu Dhabi to buy the house of your dreams. Additionally, learn more about Abu Dhabi on the Property Finder blog.
