Living as an Expat: Abu Dhabi Versus Dubai
From the rich Islamic cultures and roots to the modern hyper-luxurious options they have to offer, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both extremely attractive destinations for expats to relocate to. It can be hard to choose between the two emirates.
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Are you having trouble deciding between Abu Dhabi and Dubai? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two emirates, focusing on what it’s like to live as an expat in each city and how you can protect yourself with different insurance plans.
Exploring the Attractions and Tourist Destinations
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both packed with numerous tourist destinations and are considered some of the best places to live in the UAE. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, modern architecture, or thrilling adventures, both cities have a lot to offer.
The Top Attractions in Abu Dhabi
As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is packed with incredible attractions that capture the mesmerizing Islamic cultures and the hyper-luxurious impression that is synonymous with the country.
Here are a few of the top attractions you can find in Abu Dhabi:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, featuring 82 domes and a capacity of 41,000 worshippers.
- Emirates Palace
With a private beach, marina, and the now iconic gold vending machines, the Emirates Palace is one of the fanciest luxury hotels you can ever visit!
- Ferrari World
The first ever Ferrari-branded theme park in the world, featuring a variety of thrilling rides and attractions.
- Yas Island
An entertainment destination featuring an F1 racetrack, the Yas Waterworld, and numerous shops and dining hotspots.
The Top Tourist Destinations in Dubai
Dubai is the most powerful emirate in the UAE, and the emirate embraces modern luxury and features glamorous tourist destinations to match!
Here are some of the top tourist destinations in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters with an observation deck on the 148th floor.
- Dubai Mall
The largest mall in the world by total area, the Dubai Mall features thousands of shops, an aquarium, and an indoor theme park.
- Palm Jumeirah
A man-made island featuring luxury hotels, villas, and a boardwalk, Palm Jumeirah is a tourist destination that gives tourists an experience unique to Dubai with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
- Dubai Miracle Garden
Featuring over 45 million flowers in various shapes and colors, the Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest flower garden!
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have numerous other attractions and tourist destinations to explore, ensuring that you will never run out of things to do and places to see.
Embracing the Culture and Lifestyle
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai blend traditional Arabic customs with modern Western influences, creating a unique cultural experience that is both authentic and cosmopolitan.
Local Customs
In Abu Dhabi, locals tend to be more conservative when it comes to dress and behavior, so it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully in public places. In Dubai, there is more flexibility in what you can wear, but it’s still important to be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
Learn more about the laws expats should be aware of in Dubai in our guide to Dubai Laws for Expat.
Festivals and Cuisine
Abu Dhabi and Dubai both have a rich cultural heritage, with festivals and events throughout the year celebrating everything from traditional music and dance to camel racing and falconry.
When it comes to cuisine, both cities offer a diverse range of options, from traditional Arabic dishes like shawarma and falafel to international cuisine from all over the world.
Expat Community
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a large expat community, with many events and social activities aimed at bringing people from different cultures together. Whether you prefer a laid-back lifestyle or a more active social scene, both cities have something to offer.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Both cities have modern infrastructure and amenities, but there are some differences to consider. Abu Dhabi may be a more affordable option when it comes to housing, while Dubai has a more developed public transportation system, making it easier to get around without a car.
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | |
| Housing | More affordable, with a variety of options from apartments to villas | More expensive, with a higher concentration of luxury properties |
| Transportation | Less developed, with a limited public transport system and a greater reliance on cars | More developed, with an extensive metro system and buses, as well as taxis and ride-hailing services |
Cost of Living Comparison
While both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer an extravagant lifestyle, it’s essential to evaluate which one fits your budget and lifestyle needs. Both cities have a high standard of living, but Abu Dhabi is known to be more expensive due to its location as the capital city of the UAE.
| Expense Category | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Housing | Expensive. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,700 per month. | Less expensive than Abu Dhabi. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,400 per month. |
| Transportation | Public transportation is limited, and taxis and ride-sharing services can be pricey. A liter of gasoline costs around $0.65. | More developed public transportation system, including a metro, tram, and bus network. A liter of gasoline costs around $0.60. |
| Healthcare | Expensive for private healthcare services. Prices range depending on treatment and provider. | Similar to Abu Dhabi. Private healthcare services can be costly, but government hospitals offer affordable healthcare options. |
| Education | Expensive for private education options, with many international schools available. | Similar to Abu Dhabi. Private schools can be costly, but government schools offer affordable options with good quality education. |
While Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer similar shopping and entertainment options, prices may vary slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between living in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as an expat?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and has a higher cost of living despite being known for its more relaxed and traditional atmosphere. On the other hand, Dubai is a more affordable option for expats and boasts a bustling cosmopolitan city with a vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle.
What attractions and tourist destinations can I explore in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
In Abu Dhabi, you can visit the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, explore the luxury of Yas Island, or experience the culture at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Dubai, on the other hand, is famous for its towering Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall.
How can I embrace the culture and lifestyle in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
You can immerse yourself in traditional customs, visit cultural festivals, and try local cuisine to understand the unique heritage of each city.
How do I choose the best city between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for my expat life?
Choosing the best city between Abu Dhabi and Dubai should depend on various factors, including career opportunities, quality of life, infrastructure, and personal preferences. Consider what you value most in a city, such as community and cultural offerings.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best city for you as an expat in the UAE will depend on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the cost of living, culture, and healthcare factors including clinics and hospitals available in each city when making your decision.
If you are having trouble deciding between the two, maybe one of these articles on the best places to live in Dubai and the best places to live in Abu Dhabi can help you with making the final decisions.
Wherever you choose to relocate it, it is important that you secure your own health insurance plan on top of your employer-provided plan to ensure that you have access to the medical treatments and facilities of your choice.
If you are looking for an insurance plan for an extra layer of protection during your stay in the UAE, Pacific Prime Dubai can help you navigate through the complicated insurance processes and shuffle through numerous plans from different insurance providers.
As a global insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime’s team of experts can help you filter through countless plans from different insurers to help you find the best insurance plans.
Contact us today for a free plan comparison and an obligation-free quote!
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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