Living in Abu Dhabi: an expat guide
What to expect when moving to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi might be the largest and wealthiest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, but it is the second most populous city, behind Dubai. Like its neighbour, it’s home to a majority expat population, yet the local Emirati culture feels much more present here. As the centre of UAE governance and home to the UAE’s president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the city has a more conservative and reserved feel. Expats might even find that they engage more with Emiratis in Abu Dhabi, all while enjoying a lifestyle that is calm, active and community-focused.
Weather
Abu Dhabi has a hot desert climate, with around six months of the year seeing temperatures averaging highs of around 40°C. November to April is cooler yet still warm. Sandstorms happen occasionally, which can reduce visibility, and air quality is monitored, especially during the hottest months.
Dressing in Abu Dhabi
While modest dress codes have relaxed slightly for foreigners in some emirates of the UAE, Abu Dhabi remains on the conservative side. Covering shoulders and knees is encouraged all year round for both men and women, especially in malls, offices or attractions such as museums. Conservative dress is fully mandatory at cultural sites like mosques and during religious festivals such as Ramadan.
Where to live in Abu Dhabi
Where you choose to live depends largely on your lifestyle and budget. The city offers a mix of apartment living and villa communities, many of which are self-contained and family-friendly.
Popular areas include the high-end Saadiyat Island, which blends Emirati heritage with luxury – think white beaches alongside museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi for that cultural fix; Yas Island, which offers mid-to-premium accommodation set among leisure attractions including Ferrari world, Waterworld and Seaworld; and Al Raha beach, which is modern and luxurious, offering waterfront views.
For something more affordable, Al Reem Island (including Sun Tower) is a favourite among young professionals thanks to its studios and one bed apartments. Al Rayan towers, located between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Mangrove Marine National Park, appeal to those seeking proximity to parks and green spaces.
Newer residential picks are also attracting attention, including Al Jubail Island, which focuses on sustainable living and sits alongside extensive mangroves, explored via a two-kilometre boardwalk, and Fahid Island, located between Yas and Saadiyat islands.
Getting started in Abu Dhabi
Once your UAE visa and residency are in place (usually sponsored by your employer) everything else tends to flow quite smoothly. For visa applications, you will need a valid passport with six months’ validity, passport photos and attested documents (educational, professional and marriage certificates). Getting these sorted in advance will save time later. After that comes your Emirates ID which is key for setting up everything from bank accounts to utilities.
Opening a bank account
Popular banks in Abu Dhabi include: ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank), FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) alongside wider UAE banks such as Emirates NBD and HSBC UAE.
Getting a driver’s license
Many expats can transfer their existing driving licence by simply submitting paperwork and completing a local eye test (at any approved optician). It’s quite a straightforward process.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in your household (including nannies and drivers). Family health care is generally offered by employers and you can research health packages for others who live with you.
Day-to-Day living in Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for a family-focused, relaxed pace and lifestyle, Abu Dhabi will be right up your street. With beaches, parks and mangroves never far away, getting outdoors is easy as you are surrounded by nature at every turn. Traffic is generally manageable and the city offers a steady stream of cultural events and entertainment.
Seeking a night out in Dubai? As of 2026, Etihad Rail will connect Abu Dhabi with 11 other cities, putting Dubai just 57 minutes away.
Culture
Immersing yourself in Islamic culture is one of the highlights of living in Abu Dhabi. From learning about falconry to visiting historic landmarks, there is plenty to explore.
The city is home to beautiful, world-recognised institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi; the Zayed National Museum and teamLab Phenomena are both must-visits. One of the newest openings is the Natural History Museum, which is similarly impressive to the London version.
With beaches, parks and mangroves never far away, getting outdoors is easy as you are surrounded by nature at every turn.
Of course, no visit is complete without seeing the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whose breathtaking architecture perfectly embraces the cultural vision of the UAE, and the oldest stone structure in the emirate, Qasr Al Hosn, an historic fort, is well worth the trip.
Grocery shopping
Gone are the days of limited supermarket options. Historically, you might not have found the selection that you would like but now there are both a wide range of stores to visit (Waitrose, Spinneys, Lulu Hypermarket, Choitram, Grandiose etc) and several online convenience shops (Kibsons, Carrefour, Instashop). Imported products are widely available, so missing home comforts will be kept to a minimum.
What to do
Most residents love Abu Dhabi for its natural beauty. You can spend your time at the beach relaxing, enjoying dolphin spotting or visiting the mangroves. The city hosts major events throughout the year, from international concerts to sporting highlights such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and tennis championships. Theme parks such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld and Seaworld are particularly popular with families.
The last word
With its relaxed vibe, balanced lifestyle and growing energy, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming the rival emirate of choice to Dubai. High quality schools, thoughtfully designed communities and year-round sunshine make it an appealing place to put down roots. It is really no surprise that more people are choosing to call Abu Dhabi home.
