What It’s Really Like Living in Abu Dhabi Long-Term

A few days ago, I stumbled across a video by a woman who has been living in Abu Dhabi for over 11 years. She wasn’t showing off flashy cars or five-star hotels. She was simply sharing what it’s actually like to live there: how much she spends, how safe she feels, what she loves, and what’s wearing her down.

That one video sparked something in me. I opened Google Maps, scrolled through real estate listings, read dozens of expat posts, and spoke with people who’ve actually lived in the UAE’s capital. And what I found genuinely surprised me.

So if you’ve ever asked yourself “Could I live somewhere sunnier, safer, and maybe even tax-free?” — this article is for you. Consider this your brutally honest, numbers-backed, and experience-driven guide to living in Abu Dhabi.

Why Are So Many People Moving to Abu Dhabi?

1. Safety, but Like, Real Safety

Not the “I feel fine most of the time” kind of safety.
I mean leave-your-iPhone-on-the-table, unlocked-car-with-groceries-inside kind of safety.

• Crime rates in Abu Dhabi are among the lowest globally.
• Women walk alone at night without worry.
• Children play outside without constant supervision.
• Theft is incredibly rare.

It’s the kind of safety you don’t even know you’re missing—until you experience it.

2. Zero Income Tax. Yes, Really.

Let me repeat that:

• 0% income tax
• 0% tax on dividends
• No capital gains tax
• No inheritance tax

If you earn €5,000 or $5,500 per month, you keep every cent. No catch. No loopholes. Just more money in your pocket. For remote workers, freelancers, or investors, this is a game-changer.

💡 Example: Someone earning €4,000 per month in Berlin takes home maybe €2,700 after taxes. In Abu Dhabi? The full €4,000. That’s a yearly difference of over €15,000.

3. It’s Modern, Clean, and Hyper-Functional

• Top-notch hospitals and clinics
• Efficient public and private transport
• Beautiful roads, parks, beaches
• International schools, Western groceries, luxury and budget options
• Apps for everything—food, transport, deliveries, bill payments

And the cherry on top? English is spoken everywhere. You can live there for years without knowing Arabic (although locals do appreciate when you try!).

What’s the Cost of Living?

This part surprised me the most: Abu Dhabi is not cheap—but it’s not ridiculously expensive either. Here’s what I found out:

Monthly Costs for a Couple (No Kids)

💡 Realistic total:

• Frugal life: ~€2,400 / $2,600
• Comfortable: ~€3,600 / $3,900
• Luxury: ~€5,500 / $6,000

Is it cheaper than Asia? No. But compared to London, Paris, or New York—it’s surprisingly fair, especially when you consider the zero taxes.

Where Do People Live?

Abu Dhabi has many distinct neighborhoods. Here are the most popular among expats:

What About Visas?

You can’t just pack up and stay forever. But you do have options:

Employment Visa

If you’re hired by a local company, they sponsor your visa. Easiest route.

Property Investor Visa

Buy real estate worth at least 750,000 AED (~€187,000 / $200,000) and get a 2–10 year residency visa. You can renew as long as you hold the property.

Freelancer / Remote Work Visa

Popular for online workers. Requires proof of consistent monthly income (typically from €3,500+ / $3,800+). Includes access to healthcare and other services.

Business Owner Visa

Register a company in a “free zone,” and sponsor yourself. Good for entrepreneurs, consultants, creators.

Dependent Visa

For spouses, children, or domestic workers of main visa holders.

🛂 Most visas are extendable. Processing is fast (2–4 weeks), and many services handle everything for you—for a fee, of course.

Everyday Life in Abu Dhabi

☀️ The Weather

• October to May: Ideal. 25–32°C (77–89°F), dry and sunny.
• June to September: Brutal. 40–50°C (104–122°F) + high humidity.

During summer, life moves indoors: malls, gyms, cafes, coworking spaces—all air-conditioned.

🛍 Shopping

• Grocery chains: Lulu, Carrefour, Spinneys, Waitrose
• Delivery apps: Talabat, Instashop, Careem NOW
• Alcohol: Legal for residents with a license (easy to obtain)

🚗 Transportation

• Car rentals: ~€300–500/month or $330–550
• Uber & Careem (rideshare): Widely used, safe, not cheap
• Public buses: Reliable, cheap, but limited after dark

💡 Driving is easy if you have an international license. You can convert to a local one after getting residency.

🏥 Healthcare

• Private hospitals rival Western standards (Cleveland Clinic, Mediclinic, NMC)
• Health insurance is mandatory
• Basic plans: ~€600/year ($650), Premium: €1,500+ ($1,600+)

Walk-in clinics are common and affordable for non-emergencies.

What About Families?

• International schools galore (British, American, IB)
• Tuition: from €4,000 to €15,000 per year
• Gated villa communities with playgrounds, pools, and security
• Clean beaches, safe parks, indoor play areas

💡 Bonus: School buses, bilingual programs, and active parent networks.

Is It Culturally Difficult to Adjust?

💡 Most locals are welcoming, warm, and open-minded—as long as you’re polite and respect local norms.

What Surprised Me Most?

❤️ What I Loved:

• Walking at night without fear
• Full paychecks, zero taxes
• Grocery delivery in 30 minutes
• Gorgeous modern apartments
• A truly international community
• Year-round sunshine (almost)

⚠️ What I Didn’t Expect:

• Summer heat is overwhelming
• Bureaucracy can be tricky alone (but fixable with help)
• It’s not as “cheap” as some influencers say
• School and healthcare costs add up fast
• Dating as a single woman is… let’s say interesting

So… Could I Live There?

Honestly? Yes. And you probably could too—if you’re financially stable, open-minded, and okay with desert summers.

Here’s how I’d start:

1. Take a trial trip – 10–14 days living like a local
2. Explore neighborhoods – not just tourist spots
3. Talk to expats – Reddit, Facebook groups, LinkedIn
4. Do the math – how much you need to earn to live well
5. Pick the right visa – freelancer, investor, job-based, etc.
6. Get help – a relocation consultant or PRO agency makes life easier

Final Thoughts

That one video pulled me into a world I hadn’t truly considered. And now? I’m honestly considering trying life in Abu Dhabi.

It’s not a utopia. But it is safe, efficient, surprisingly welcoming, and—most of all—makes you rethink how life could be. A life without taxe and life where your 4-year-old can play in the park without fear. A life where January means 27°C (80°F) and lunch on the beach.

Maybe you came to this article just curious.
But if you’re still reading… maybe you’re more ready than you thought.

Travel Tip: Don’t Forget a VPN in Abu Dhabi

If you’re planning a trip to Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE, make sure to install a reliable VPN before you arrive. Some internet services are restricted in the country — for example, voice and video calls via WhatsApp, Skype, or Facetime may be blocked.

With a good VPN, you can:

• Use your favorite apps without limits
• Secure your data on public Wi-Fi (like in hotels or airports)
• Access your local Netflix, HBO, or other streaming platforms
• Bypass internet censorship or geo-blocks

✅ Choose a VPN that offers servers in the region (like Dubai), strong encryption, and obfuscation features. Trusted options include Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN — all of which work well in the UAE.

Anna

My name is Anna, and my daily life is a balancing act between family logistics, work responsibilities, and trying not to lose myself in the process. I cherish the moments when everything comes together – a good cup of tea, a calm morning, and our family all in one place. I'm not a perfectionist, but I do like things in order (especially in my head). I love planning trips, trying new recipes, and creating a home that feels good not just for us, but for anyone who walks through the door. And even when life gets a little chaotic, I believe that humor, openness, and love can do more than the most perfect plan ever could.

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