Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
#846
24.453835, 54.377401
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, known for its modern architecture, cultural heritage, and lush green spaces. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 80 Mbps, fast and reliable fiber optic connections available in most areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AED ≈ 0.27 USD, major banks include ADCB, FAB, and Emirates NBD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but many expats prefer bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Etisalat and Du are the main mobile providers offering various prepaid and postpaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and standard services offered by local banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Common options include Airbnb, long-term rentals through Dubizzle, and local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in shops, restaurants, and public transport. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels available throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Abu Dhabi Hostel and other budget-friendly hotels. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Creative 971, known for its vibrant community and excellent facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Arabian Tea House, offering a cozy atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized through platforms like Meetup.com, often held at local coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Abu Dhabi Expats Facebook group and various community events organized at local venues. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is widely used as it operates similarly to Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available via services like Qwik and local bike rental shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Corniche Beach, located in the city, is highly accessible and popular. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Etihad Airways, connecting to major global destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via Sheikh Zayed Road, facilitating travel to Dubai and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | NOL Card system for buses and metro available in Dubai. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services available to Dubai and other Emirates. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, known for excellent healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Abu Dhabi offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym located across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many laundries available, including Laundry Lounge for self-service options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo is popular for food delivery in Abu Dhabi. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mandi rice with chicken or lamb, a traditional Emirati dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Wild & The Moon offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baker & Spice, known for their organic baked goods. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Madinat Zayed and the Central Market. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Namshi for clothing, Carrefour online for groceries. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Farmbox and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Yas Island offers numerous bars and clubs like WHITE Abu Dhabi. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Abu Dhabi doesn't have a local brewery due to alcohol regulations. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Grapes Wine & Jazz Bar offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls in local markets providing traditional snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Zaitoon serves delicious Lebanese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Louvre Abu Dhabi, showcasing global art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Qasr Al-Hosn, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as a key place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Abu Dhabi Art fair. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Saadiyat Island, home to cultural institutions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Abu Dhabi Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk Qaryat Al Beri for traditional shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various venues like Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The urban art scene is emerging, with street art in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer lessons on Emirati cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Warehouse421 is a contemporary art venue showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The heritage district features various preserved structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Falconry is a significant part of Emirati culture showcased at various events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mangrove National Park, perfect for kayaking and birdwatching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Wathba Wetland Reserve for wildlife observation. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Corniche promenade offers beautiful paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Observation deck at Etihad Towers offers stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Al Hudayriat Island. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL available for domestic and international delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers repair services for electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Abu Dhabi Language Center offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the UAE is excellent for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On gaming lounge offers a great environment for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in the UAE. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 15,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 13,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 780,000) |
| 🏠 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 12,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 960,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 680,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0%, UAE has no federal corporate tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax applies in Abu Dhabi. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% of the property purchase price. |