Sanaa is a seasoned Global Mobility professional with nearly 10 years in the relocation industry. She joined Crown Paris as a Mobility Advisor and, in 2018, moved to Crown UAE as a Senior Residential Consultant. In 2022, she became a Business Development Manager, supporting organizations in the Middle East with tailored Global Mobility solutions, including immigration, employee and family support, and transportation services. 

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Name

Email

Subscribe

One question we're often asked is whether people should move to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. While these cities are just an hour apart, both offer very different experiences for expats. This guide will help you understand the key differences and similarities between Abu Dhabi and Dubai so you can decide which city is best for you.

Dubai is well known for its fast-paced, vibrant, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is a city that never sleeps, with plenty of entertainment options, shopping malls, and a lively nightlife. The city is home to  landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island that hosts luxury resorts and residences. 

Dubai's diverse population brings a wide array of international cuisines, cultural festivals, and shopping experiences, making it a hub for global culture and commerce. The city also hosts various international events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Dubai World Cup, and the Dubai International Film Festival.

In contrast, Abu Dhabi is more relaxed and conservative, making it ideal for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The city is known for its beautiful Corniche, which offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. 

Abu Dhabi's cultural scene is rich, with many museums, art galleries, and traditional events. The city is also home to several parks and green spaces, providing a more serene environment. Additionally, Abu Dhabi hosts significant cultural and sporting events, such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Festival.

  

The cost of living can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and personal expenses. Dubai is known as the UAE's most expensive city, largely due to its status as a luxury tourist destination. The city offers a wide range of high-end restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, which can drive up living costs. Housing in prime areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah is particularly expensive.

Abu Dhabi is slightly more affordable but still offers high living standards, many business opportunities, and rich cultural experiences. While the city also has luxury options, there are more affordable housing areas such as Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City. When planning your budget, consider housing, transportation, schooling, and general living expenses. Both cities offer a variety of supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and leisure activities to suit different budgets. 

Rental prices in both cities depend on location and property size. Generally, Dubai's rental market is more expensive than Abu Dhabi's. Landlords in both cities often expect the annual rent to be paid upfront, but it has become more common to negotiate multiple post-dated cheques, ranging from 1 to 4 cheques per year.  In Dubai, you will generally rent directly from a private landlord, while in Abu Dhabi, properties are often managed by companies that handle a compound or building, not private landlords.

Additional costs include a security deposit, real estate agent commission, municipality tax, and utility connection fees. It's important to note that while Dubai caps yearly rental increases at 20%, Abu Dhabi's cap is 5%, though actual increases can vary. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi landlords can terminate a tenancy without reason with 60 days' notice before the contract ends. 

  

  

Both cities offer a range of excellent international schools with UK, IB, European, and US curriculums. With its larger population, Dubai has more schools, giving parents more options, but it also has slightly higher school fees. Schools in Dubai offer state-of-the-art facilities, a wide variety of extracurricular activities, and high academic standards.

In Abu Dhabi, schools maintain high educational standards, with many institutions offering a similarly broad curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. The quality of education in both cities is commendable, making them both suitable for families with children. 

We recommend starting the school search as soon as possible to get your child into your preferred school. It is also advisable to consider the school's location relative to your home and work to minimize commute times.

  

With nearly half of Dubai's population, Abu Dhabi experiences less congestion and is generally less busy. Both cities have excellent public transportation networks with extensive bus lines. However, the most convenient way to get around in both cities is often by car or taxi. 

Dubai offers more options for getting around, including two metro lines, trams, and water taxis. The upcoming Etihad Rail will further enhance connectivity across the UAE, linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi with other emirates and neighbouring countries. Both cities also boast major international airports that connect them to the rest of the world, making travel convenient for residents.

Choosing between Abu Dhabi and Dubai depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. Whether you prefer the fast-paced, cosmopolitan life of Dubai or the calmer, family-oriented atmosphere of Abu Dhabi, both cities offer unique advantages that can cater to different tastes and requirements.