19.08.2025
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What are the general specifics of the area? The largest emirate of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, and especially its capital of the same name, is an excellent choice for both residence and business. This is mainly due to the high level of security, excellent healthcare and education systems, absence of bureaucracy and corruption, as well as very low taxes.
What to pay attention to? There are some disadvantages to living in Abu Dhabi as well, and to achieve success in business, entrepreneurs need to follow certain, sometimes quite strict, rules. However, the ratio of advantages to disadvantages clearly speaks in favour of the decision to relocate.
The name “Abu Dhabi” translates as “Father of Gazelle”. According to legend, hunters from the Liwa Oasis were able to find these wonderful places thanks to this animal. People covered vast distances, following the gazelle's tracks: first moving through sand, then reaching the Persian Gulf. There, the gazelle jumped into the water, crossed the gulf by wading, and ended its journey on an island near a freshwater spring. This is where the city was founded, which over time transformed into the capital of one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
Abu Dhabi was founded approximately in 1760 and was initially a small fishing settlement. One could only see sand dunes, huts built from palm leaves, and forts made of stone and clay. The situation improved when oil was discovered in that location in 1958.
A couple of decades later, Abu Dhabi became an enormous metropolis. Its modern appearance impresses with its scale, wealth, and beauty. Abu Dhabi is considered the safest and greenest city in the Middle East.
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. Its coastline extends for more than 400 kilometres. Approximately 200 natural islands are located along it. Most of the territory is desert with populated oases.
Abu Dhabi is both the capital of the emirate and the capital of the entire UAE. The scale of the city, located on the Persian Gulf coast and several islands, is enormous. The majority of resorts are located there.
The metropolis is the political, cultural, and economic (its contribution to the country's economy equals 56%) centre of the country. Oil production brings good profit and the financial resources are invested in Abu Dhabi's development, thanks to which it has become an unusual, well-maintained resort and transformed into an amazing city, which houses an international airport and the large Zayed seaport.
The area of Abu Dhabi is 972 square kilometres, and the metropolis has many high-rise buildings, tourist attractions, and beautiful parks. Guests and residents of the city appreciate its cleanliness and convenient layout. Abu Dhabi's streets are perfectly straight, forming a grid of six main thoroughfares. The best skyscrapers are located parallel to the seashore.
In the UAE, no one feels like an outsider. According to statistics, only 10–15% of people there are citizens of the UAE, while the majority are citizens of other countries. Life in Abu Dhabi resembles a round-the-world journey.
The United Arab Emirates' motto is: “We have defeated crime!” And this is true. Despite the fact that the UAE is primarily populated by foreigners, people are not afraid to leave their dwellings (protected only by symbolic locks), vehicles unlocked, and belongings unattended. They know that law enforcement agencies will definitely help if an unpleasant incident occurs. It's worth noting that even a minor offence will result in strict punishment and lifetime deportation. The UAE also practices capital punishment.
In the UAE, entrepreneurs can register a company within seven days: either independently in one of the free zones, or by teaming up with a local partner. Those wishing to find employment in Abu Dhabi can secure good positions. People also become residents by obtaining a visa through real estate investment — purchasing property worth at least one million UAE dirhams (272 thousand US dollars). It's worth noting that obtaining and extending such a visa is not difficult.
In the case of establishing one's own company or employment with a salary of at least 10 thousand UAE dirhams, a foreign citizen is granted the right to relocate to the United Arab Emirates together with their spouse and minor children.
Cultural life in Abu Dhabi is rich and diverse. As it is a tourist destination, one can find a large number of entertainment centres, water parks, zoos, gaming centres, restaurants, sports clubs, museums, and other venues.
Abu Dhabi also frequently hosts exhibitions, fairs, sporting events, and forums.
The United Arab Emirates is famous for its quality medical services. Both public and private hospitals maintain a high level of service. Specialists have excellent education and experience. A patient can receive medical care of any complexity, albeit at a high cost. To save money, one needs to purchase medical insurance.
It should be noted that not everyone, but only residents have the right to open a bank account in the United Arab Emirates. If you intend to move to Abu Dhabi, it means you have already obtained a resident visa. In this case, you have the right to open your first account.
There is an opinion that Abu Dhabi develops through low-paid immigrant labour. And this is true: construction workers and agricultural workers receive low wages. However, qualified specialists' work is highly valued. They can easily find work with a good salary.
Notably, in the UAE, all matters are conducted according to law, without any bureaucratic delays. And this cannot but please both businessmen and ordinary citizens. Any person has the right to obtain the certificate they need, register a company, obtain a licence, and receive the necessary documents in a short time. Good recommendations and honest advice from government officials will be of help to anyone going through those procedures.
The UAE is an Arab country where Sharia law applies. Despite their strictness (compared to European laws, they contain more prohibitions), people wishing to live in the United Arab Emirates need to adapt to them: dress modestly, carefully monitor their appearance, do not display emotions in public places (for example, holding hands is not allowed), do not consume alcoholic beverages anywhere except at home, bars, and restaurants.
The United Arab Emirates is characterised by a hot and arid climate. In wintertime, the weather in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi is mild, with temperatures staying around 20–25°C. In summer, sandstorms are common, and it's very hot, with air temperatures reaching 50°C in the shade.
Air conditioning is used extensively throughout Abu Dhabi to create favourable working conditions and combat the heat. It's cool not only inside buildings but also, for example, at bus stops (which in the UAE are enclosed, like kiosks). However, despite this, the climate still creates certain challenges.
The UAE consists of zones with free property sales (where costs are very high) and restricted zones (where foreign citizens cannot purchase houses or apartments).
While Dubai has a metro, Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, does not. A person who doesn't drive their own vehicle will need to use taxis or buses. However, it should be noted that there are few bus routes. Moving around the capital on public transport is more convenient than in Dubai, but taxis will still get you to your destination faster.
To become a UAE citizen, a foreigner must reside in the country for at least 30 years, have an impeccable reputation (which must be confirmed by several UAE citizens), and have a good source of income. But even if a person meets all these conditions, they may be denied citizenship.
Below are items that reflect the approximate cost of housing, food, electronics, and everything else needed by a person who decided to settle in the UAE.
Property prices in Abu Dhabi are not cheap. Of course, the cost depends on the city district, but based on the figures below, you can understand what kind of housing you can buy or obtain for temporary use at various prices.
Approximate monthly rental prices in Abu Dhabi:
Property prices in Abu Dhabi:
When comparing rental prices with other major world cities, one can see that in London prices are lower by 33.4%, in New York by 55.4%, in Toronto by 9.8%, in Melbourne by 37.42%, in Dubai by 8.3%, and only in Paris the prices are higher by 2.8%.
In Abu Dhabi, utility payments include electricity, water, gas, and waste collection. Residents pay approximately 250 UAE dirhams monthly for an 85-square-metre apartment.
The city of Abu Dhabi has a large number of restaurants, bars, clubs, and grocery shops.
Abu Dhabi has many excellent restaurants, with prices lower than in many major world cities.
For comparison, restaurant prices and food costs in Abu Dhabi versus other world cities:
To purchase alcoholic beverages, one needs to have a licence for buying them. Therefore, residents and visitors to the city happily spend time in bars, clubs, and restaurants, where access to alcoholic drinks is unrestricted. Below are approximate costs for beer and wine in supermarkets and restaurants:
However, one can save significantly by purchasing alcoholic drinks during “happy hours” — special promotions conducted by establishments at certain times of the day when alcohol prices are significantly reduced.
Below are prices for clothing, footwear, and some non-food items necessary in daily life:
If you rent accommodation in Abu Dhabi, it will be only partially furnished, and there will naturally be no electronics there. Those wishing to purchase a computer, laptop, refrigerator, and other items can afford it, as the price of household or computer equipment in the city is much lower than the average cost.
The city has two major internet service providers, both based on 12-month contracts: Du with a monthly fee (approximate cost of broadband internet for unlimited downloads) of 149 to 349 UAE dirhams (maximum download speed — 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps); Etisalat — 199 to 299 UAE dirhams per month (maximum download speed — 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps.)
In the metropolis, one can move around the city by buses. It should be noted that front seats in them are reserved for women. In a few years (by 2030), Abu Dhabi will also have a metro, thus solving the traffic congestion problem.
Below are approximate ticket prices:
The cost of pharmacy items is high. For example, for a pack of Coldrex, you need to pay 20–30 UAE dirhams (6–8 US dollars). To recover from an illness, a patient needs to spend considerable money. Therefore, it's better to have medical insurance. Fortunately, many employers provide it to their employees.
And in the case of purchasing insurance independently, you'll have to pay from several hundred to a thousand US dollars. But this is still cheaper than the cost of consulting specialists without insurance. For example, each doctor's visit costs about 70 US dollars. The price for dental filling is also expensive, at least 50 US dollars, for simple operations — 1,500 US dollars or more.
If you wish to relocate to the United Arab Emirates with your spouse and minor children, you need to consider the fact that you will have to find kindergartens or schools for them yourself, as Abu Dhabi does not provide these free of charge to immigrants. The cost of attending preschool and educational institutions depends on their reputation and educational programme.
For example, if you want your child to receive education in a school with a British curriculum, you'll have to pay 50,000 UAE dirhams per year (13,600 US dollars). In other organisations, fees start at 30,000 UAE dirhams.
The cost of a monthly gym membership is approximately 300 UAE dirhams. For two tickets to a theatre or cinema you need to pay 80 UAE dirhams. Prices for nighttime entertainment are much higher. For example, to spend time in a nightclub, a person needs to pay about 100 UAE dirhams. And a romantic dinner for two in a fine establishment will cost 250–350 UAE dirhams.
Many people wishing to relocate to Abu Dhabi aim to achieve success in entrepreneurial activities. Let's reveal the secrets of doing business in the UAE.
The UAE capital has all the conditions for opening a business and its successful development. Below is a list of the most important reasons for the emirate's great popularity among businesspeople:
Below are some disadvantages of doing business in Abu Dhabi:
The Emirate has a wide variety of legal models for setting up a company. Therefore, businesspeople will have no trouble selecting a form that will best satisfy their personal and commercial interests.
In the emirate, companies are offered the opportunity to register in three main formats: a mainland enterprise, a free zone company, or an offshore legal entity.
Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi have the right to engage in commercial activities not only within the country but also internationally. Previously, such companies were required to transfer the majority of shares to an Abu Dhabi partner. But due to changes in legislation, foreign investors have received the right to fully control their business, which allows strict supervision over their investments and operational activities.
Companies registered in the emirate's free zones are granted unique privileges. Foreign investors are given full company ownership rights, guaranteed returns on investments and profits, tax benefits, and 100% exemption from customs duties. Each zone manages a specific economic sector, providing companies with licences for specialised activities.
Offshore companies in Abu Dhabi are often involved in investment initiatives and property protection while minimising tax payments. These organisations offer confidentiality and create conditions for international expansion while reducing tax burden.
Based on set goals, existing tax obligations, and taking risks into account, businesspeople in Abu Dhabi have the opportunity to determine the most acceptable form for their own company. Company forms include:
Let's list the most suitable areas for doing business.
In the metropolis, all companies must strictly comply with laws aimed at ensuring fair competition, protecting consumer rights, and maintaining order in entrepreneurial activities.
Thanks to the fact that companies conscientiously adhere to the rules, the region's economy is developing well, which contributes to an increase in the number of investors from other countries.
The UAE capital Abu Dhabi is located 140 kilometres away from Dubai. Abu Dhabi emirate occupies a larger area (67,340 square kilometres) than Dubai (3,885 square kilometres), however, its population is almost half the size.
Compared to Dubai, Abu Dhabi is less susceptible to changes, has a homely atmosphere, and is an excellent place for families to live. Prices in Abu Dhabi are lower (by 13%) than in Dubai, and the standard of living is better.
In Abu Dhabi, the average salary is 21,000 UAE dirhams (5,700 US dollars) per month, or 252,000 UAE dirhams per year. The lowest annual income is 56,160 UAE dirhams (15,000 US dollars), the highest — 1,156,800 UAE dirhams (315,000 US dollars). The salary in Abu Dhabi is sufficient for living, however, residents receiving low salaries have to economise.
Starting a business will take 4–8 months, of which 2–3 months will be required to open an account (in the emirate’s banks, potential clients undergo lengthy verification).
Those wishing to start their own business and develop it in the United Arab Emirates in general and Abu Dhabi in particular need to be prepared for substantial expenses: just setting up a company requires at least 20–25 thousand US dollars. Additionally, one must pay annually for licence, state duties, and medical insurance. To open a bank account, a deposit of 15–240 thousand US dollars will be needed.
Due to the rapid economic development of all emirates and especially the capital Abu Dhabi, including the improvement of industrial sectors, the UAE is an excellent place for living and doing business. Entrepreneurs receive good profits from their activities thanks to government support, a moderate tax system, and access to global infrastructure.
