Abu Dhabi vs. Ajman: Where Should Expats Settle?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and offers expats a variety of world-class luxuries and amenities whilst Ajman is a smalle, more tight-knit community with a more laid-back environment.
Are you looking for the best places to stay in the UAE? In this article, we will compare two cities, Abu Dhabi and Ajman, to help you decide which one will be the best fit for you. We will examine their amenities, lifestyle, work opportunities, and cost of living.
Exploring Amenities and Lifestyle in Abu Dhabi and Ajman
Abu Dhabi and Ajman offer unique living experiences to expats. Abu Dhabi, the capital, offers world-class luxuries whilst Ajman is more laid back. Choosing the best place for you depends on your personal lifestyle.
Amenities
When it comes to amenities, Abu Dhabi undoubtedly has the upper hand. As the capital city of the UAE, it boasts world-class infrastructure, excellent healthcare facilities, and educational institutions that rank among the best in the country.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi has an extensive public transportation system and a bustling international airport, making travel in and out of the city a breeze.
On the other hand, Ajman offers a more laid-back lifestyle, with a smaller community feel. While it doesn’t have the same level of amenities as Abu Dhabi, it still has all the essentials, including hospitals, supermarkets, and educational facilities.
It is worth noting that the cost of living in Ajman is significantly lower than in Abu Dhabi, making it an attractive option for expats on a budget.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Abu Dhabi is fast-paced and cosmopolitan. With a diverse population, the city offers a vibrant social scene, with an abundance of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs catering to different tastes and cultures.
Abu Dhabi is home to several cultural landmarks, including the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
Ajman has a more relaxed pace of life, with a family-friendly atmosphere. Its sandy beaches, such as the Al Zorah Beach, offer an idyllic setting for a weekend getaway.
Ajman is also known for its vibrant souks, where locals and tourists alike can shop for traditional handicrafts and spices.
- If you value high-quality amenities and enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle, Abu Dhabi may be the right choice for you.
- If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere and a lower cost of living, Ajman may be more appealing.
Work Opportunities in Abu Dhabi and Ajman
The job market in both Abu Dhabi and Ajan is relatively healthy, with a range of industries offering lucrative opportunities.
Abu Dhabi is generally considered the economic hub of the UAE, with a diverse economy spanning oil and gas, finance, and hospitality. Ajman, on the other hand, has a smaller but growing economy that is heavily reliant on trading, manufacturing, and services.
If you are looking for an international work environment, Abu Dhabi is your best bet, as the city boasts a large expat population and numerous multinational companies. However, Ajman also offers promising prospects for expats, particularly those looking for mid-level positions or entrepreneurship opportunities.
When it comes to work-life balance, Ajman is generally considered less demanding, with a more relaxed work environment. However, the salaries are typically lower than those in Abu Dhabi, where competitive pay is often tied to longer work hours and higher stress levels.
Cost of Living for Abu Dhabi vs. Ajman
One of the most significant factors to consider when deciding where to settle is the cost of living. Abu Dhabi and Ajman both offer unique lifestyles and amenities, but they differ in terms of expenses. The cost of living in Ajman is about 16% cheaper than Abu Dhabi.
The cost of living in Ajman is generally lower than in Abu Dhabi as general expenses such as rent, transportation, groceries, utilities, and entertainment expenses are all more expensive in Abu Dhabi.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the salaries in Abu Dhabi are also generally higher than in Ajman, which could offset some of the added costs.
Tourism and Attractions
Abu Dhabi and Ajman have plenty of tourist attractions and exciting activities that cater to different interests and preferences. If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate the rich cultural landmarks and museums in Abu Dhabi, such as the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Qasr Al Watan Palace.
On the other hand, Ajman offers a more tranquil atmosphere, with its stunning beaches and charming fishing villages like Ajman Corniche and Al Zorah Marina.
Abu Dhabi
The capital city of the UAE boasts of several landmarks, including the Emirates Palace Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is also a must-visit attraction for adrenaline junkies, as it houses the fastest roller coaster in the world.
For art enthusiasts, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum is a perfect destination to appreciate the beauty of ancient and contemporary art. On top of these attractions, Abu Dhabi also offers a plethora of shopping malls and exquisite dining options.
Ajman
Though it may not have as many famous landmarks as Abu Dhabi, Ajman’s attractions are still worth exploring. It has a beautiful beachfront and a family-friendly water park, Dreamland Aqua Park.
For those seeking a cultural experience, Ajman Museum is a great destination as it showcases the history and traditions of Ajman. The Al Zorah Nature Reserve also allows visitors to explore the flora and fauna of the UAE.
Ajman is also famous for its gold souk, offering a variety of jewelry and gold products. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine in the numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the city.
FAQ
What factors should I consider when deciding between Abu Dhabi and Ajman?
When deciding between Abu Dhabi and Ajman, it’s important to consider factors such as amenities, lifestyle, work opportunities, cost of living, and tourism potential. Finding the right emirate that suits your lifestyle will make your expat experience more enjoyable.
What amenities and lifestyle offerings are available in Abu Dhabi and Ajman?
Abu Dhabi and Ajman offer a range of amenities including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, recreational activities, and other essential services. The availability and quality of these amenities may vary between the two cities.
Which city, Abu Dhabi or Ajman, has better work opportunities?
The employment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and Ajman differ based on the job market, industries, work-life balance, and career prospects. It’s essential to consider your professional goals and preferences when evaluating the work opportunities in both cities.
How does the cost of living in Abu Dhabi compare to Ajman?
The cost of living in Abu Dhabi and Ajman can vary, including expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and entertainment. The cost of living in Ajman is about 16% cheaper than Abu Dhabi.
What tourist attractions and sightseeing options are available in Abu Dhabi and Ajman?
Both Abu Dhabi and Ajman offer a range of tourist attractions, including cultural landmarks, shopping destinations, entertainment venues, and outdoor activities. Exploring the tourism potential of each city can provide valuable insights when deciding on a place to settle.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of where to settle depends on your priorities and preferences. Do you prefer the high-end, cosmopolitan lifestyle offered by Abu Dhabi, or are you more for the laid back and family friendly expat life in Ajman?
Whilst the cost of living is higher, Abu Dhabi offers more modern cosmopolitan amenities and jobs with higher pay to offset the increased cost of living. The peaceful nature of the emirate makes Ajman more family friendly, but jobs tend to also pay less.
No matter which emirate you decide is better, it is crucial that you secure a health insurance plan, as medical coverage is mandatory in the UAE. This is where Pacific Prime can help you.
With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, our experts can help you find the right plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today and get a free obligation-free quote and a free plan comparison.
If you are interested in moving to the UAE, check out our expat guide on the best places to live in the UAE for more information on each emirate and why they are suitable for expats.
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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