Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
#846
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, located on a T-shaped island off the Central Gulf coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with fiber optic connections widely available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AED ≈ 0.27 USD. Major banks include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without purification. Bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets (British standard). |
| 📶 SIM Card | Etisalat and Du offer competitive prepaid and postpaid mobile plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services are catered for expats with options for local and international accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb listings, especially in areas like Al Maryah Island and the Corniche. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are accepted widely, especially in malls and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local property rentals are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Backpacker and cheaper hotel chains like Ibis. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Corniche offers beach access and numerous attractions, making it ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al Maryah Island is favored for its coworking spaces, cafes, and networking opportunities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Khalifa Park provides multiple coworking spaces with high-speed internet and amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Arabica Coffee in The Galleria Mall offers a great atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Connect with locals and expats at meetups hosted by Meetup.com and local community groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Abu Dhabi Expats Facebook group for updates on social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate effectively in Abu Dhabi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | There are few bike-sharing options, so consider renting from local shops or using electric scooters available in some areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Corniche Beach offers access to a beautiful public beach with facilities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Etihad Airways is the flag carrier and offers extensive regional travel options. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Etihad Airways and Emirates operate major routes globally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected highways like Sheikh Zayed Road facilitate travel within UAE. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Abu Dhabi does not have trains; the bus station near the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation serves local and regional routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No local transport passes; tickets can be purchased for individual journeys on buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai, Al Ain, and other Emirates. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a top-rated facility for healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Westin Workout and Yoga classes at various hotels provide wellness options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym offer various fitness facilities across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most hotels and local laundromats like Quick Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Zomato are popular food delivery apps in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Shawarma and Hummus are local staples worth trying. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Wild & The Moon and Life N' One are known for their plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Samadi Sweets for traditional Arabic desserts like Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market offers budget-friendly local and international food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Carrefour offer online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services like Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket are popular. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Yas Island area features several bars and nightclubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Abu Dhabi does not have local breweries; alcohol is generally available in hotels and licensed venues. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and cheese lounges like the 'Grape Escape' offer curated experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try food trucks and stalls near the Abu Dhabi Corniche and local markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Al Safa offers a range of international restaurants from Italian to Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan are iconic landmarks to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Louvre Abu Dhabi presents extensive art and cultural exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Heritage Village displays traditional Emirati lifestyle and culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Abu Dhabi Film Festival and Abu Dhabi Art are notable annual cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Saadiyat Island is key for cultural attractions with the Louvre and cultural institutions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Abu Dhabi Theatre hosts various performances and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Persian Carpet Souk and the Fish Market are great for local experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues like the du Arena host concerts and performances throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public art installations are found throughout the city, particularly on Al Maryah Island. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various culinary schools offer classes focusing on Emirati cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Hub in Abu Dhabi promotes works by both local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation showcases Emirati traditions and art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sir Bani Yas Island offers wildlife and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mangrove National Park is accessible for kayaking and nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Corniche offers an excellent promenade for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Observation Deck at 300 offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching in the mangroves is a popular activity. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Sas Al Nakhl offers designated picnic and bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and Emirates Post provide shipping and delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Al-Fahidi Tech Repair offers reliable device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Abu Dhabi Table Tennis Club hosts regular games and events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic and English courses across the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Abu Dhabi Public Library provides resources for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Cultural Foundation hosts community events and programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Center offers a social environment for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Abu Dhabi does not have casinos; gambling is heavily restricted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 13,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 520,000) in areas like Al Maryah. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 400,000) in suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 12,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 720,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 540,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 11,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 880,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 8,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 640,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% corporate tax for most industries. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; tax system favors free trade and foreign investment. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% VAT applied on most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules exist in the UAE. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; only a transaction fee during the purchase. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% transfer fee on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on worldwide income and no personal income tax make it attractive. |