Your Guide to Moving to Abu Dhabi from the UK

Once a small oil town, Abu Dhabi has flourished into a dynamic, international city. The sleek urban views of high-rise buildings and gardens of date palms create a bustling atmosphere in and around the main commercial centre. Today, Emiratis make up less than 20% of the 2.5 million inhabitants, with expatriates from across the Arab world, the Philippines, India, Pakistan and beyond calling the city home. 

For expats moving to Abu Dhabi, especially those more familiar with Western culture, it’s natural to have questions about what life here is really like. Our international moving guide will walk you through everything you need to know about living in Abu Dhabi, from housing and jobs to transport and daily life. Plus, we’ll explain how our relocation services can support your move from the UK.

Making an international move is a major decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your personal circumstances – family, work, and lifestyle preferences will all take precedence when considering your move. Carefully consider factors such as finding a suitable job, whether you can afford to move, and whether the new climate and culture will be a good fit for you and your family. If possible, visit Abu Dhabi beforehand to get a real sense of life in the city.

If you’re relocating for work, our global mobility services can help streamline the process for both employees and HR teams.

One of the first steps when moving to Abu Dhabi is understanding the visa and documentation requirements. UK expats will need to navigate several key elements.

• Employment visas: Most expats will require a work visa sponsored by their employer. The type of visa depends on your role, salary, and length of stay. 
• Sponsorship: Your employer or a UAE-based family member who meets a specific criterion will act as your sponsor. Sponsorship is required for residency and work permits. 
• Emirates ID: This official ID card is mandatory for all UAE citizens and residents and is used for banking, healthcare, travel, and more. 
• Medical exam: A series of thorough tests is required to complete your residency visa application, including blood screening and a chest X-ray. 
• Bringing dependants: Family members can join you on a dependants visa, but certain salary requirements apply.
• Timeframes: The visa process can take several weeks from application to approval, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Understanding these steps early on in the process will help ensure a smooth relocation to Abu Dhabi and avoid delays or complications. 

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi 

The cost of living is one of the most important factors when considering a move to Abu Dhabi. Housing is typically the largest expense, with rental prices varying depending on the location and type of accommodation. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet should also be factored in. 

Groceries and daily essentials are generally more expensive in Abu Dhabi than in the UK, particularly for imported goods; however, on average, excluding rent, Abu Dhabi is 32.8% less expensive than London. Families should also consider schooling costs, as international schools often charge substantial fees. 

Salaries in Abu Dhabi are often tax-free, which can offset some of the higher cost of living expenses, but it’s important to ensure your relocation package aligns with your lifestyle and family needs. Planning ahead will help you understand your budget and ensure you can maintain a comfortable standard of living.

The climate can be a surprise for UK expats, with almost year-round sunshine. Summers are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C. Occasional sandstorms can occur, which can affect Abu Dhabi city. 

Winter is mild, with daytime temperatures around 15°C-25°C. Rain is infrequent and usually falls between December and March, so the city remains mostly dry throughout the year.

Our international moving service ensures that moving to Abu Dhabi and settling into your new home is as smooth as possible, providing support and guidance every step of the way.

For UK expats moving to Abu Dhabi, understanding the local job market is an important part of planning your relocation. The city offers opportunities across several major industries, including oil and gas, finance, healthcare, education, and technology. 

Working hours in the public sector in Abu Dhabi are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, and Friday, 7:30 am to 12 noon. The private sector operates a Monday to Friday work week. Labour laws protect the rights of employees, but work culture can differ from the UK, with a more hierarchical structure and formal business etiquette.

There are many housing areas popular among expats in the city. As there is no defined city centre, if you are moving to Abu Dhabi, it is best to choose a location that is convenient to your workplace, schools, and facilities. You will likely be looking at moving into a high-rise apartment, although some districts also offer townhouses. In recent years, more housing has been offered furnished with basic facilities, but make sure you know exactly what you’re moving into. House prices are becoming more reasonable, but expats can still expect to spend a large percentage of their wages on rent.

Districts preferred by expatriates looking for houses in Abu Dhabi include Bateen, Karama, and Khalidia. Khalidia is especially popular with families, as it has many international schools. For expats looking to rent an apartment, the Corniche offers beautiful sea views, great entertainment facilities, and a lively nightlife. For a more affordable, residential, and less traffic-congested option, many choose to move further out of town to areas like Mushrif.

For families moving to Abu Dhabi from the UK, education is a key consideration. The city offers a wide range of international schools, including many that follow the British curriculum, making the transition easier for children familiar with UK schooling. Teaching standards are typically high, and extracurricular opportunities are extensive. 

School fees can be substantial, particularly at well-regarded international schools, so it is important to factor this in when planning living expenses. Admissions vary by school, but many popular institutions have waiting lists due to high demand. Transport options to and from school are often available, which can be a convenient option for working parents.

Healthcare is an important factor for anyone moving to Abu Dhabi, particularly UK expats who are used to benefiting from the NHS. The city offers a mix of both public and private facilities, with private hospitals generally providing faster access and a wider range of services. That being said, public hospitals and clinics offer high-quality care that meets international standards. 

All expats are required to have health insurance, which is often included as part of an employment package. UK expats should check whether their employer-provided insurance covers dependents.

In any new country, you are bound to experience a certain level of culture shock as there are new customs and practices to get your head around. If you are moving to Abu Dhabi from the UK or any other Western culture, you will notice many differences in lifestyle that you will need to accept. With Abu Dhabi’s highly international population, it can be overwhelming at first with the sheer volume of different languages, cultures, and laws. Patience is essential when adapting to life in Abu Dhabi.

For single expats, the difference in the number of men and women can be hugely surprising. The high volume of men compared to women can make it hard for men to meet a partner, while the women who relocate to Abu Dhabi may find themselves receiving a lot of attention. 

Islam is the most widely practised religion in the city. While Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated, particularly commercially, UK expats should be aware that Muslim holidays, such as Ramadan, affect daily life and must be respected.

To help you prepare for relocation, we offer relocation management services to reduce any issues you might experience. This includes culture and language training, aiding you in making your relocation process more seamless.

When it comes to travelling around the city, traffic is often heavy, particularly during rush hours, which is to be expected in any large capital city. Taxis are reliable, easy to hail, and fairly inexpensive, making them a convenient option for getting around without the need for public transport or a personal vehicle, which can add stress to expat life. 

There are also local buses as well as buses to other cities, running regularly and equipped with air conditioning. However, these can be badly affected by heavy traffic.

With the sandy beaches, sophisticated shopping facilities, and cosmopolitan feel, there really is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi. The city is rich in art and music, with concerts and festivals throughout the year. Thanks to the great weather, moving to Abu Dhabi means that exercise and water sports are accessible for the whole family.

The Corniche is one of the most popular areas for both entertainment and fine dining. Its coastline, boardwalks, and newly developed cafes and restaurants make for the best place to be on the weekend. Families living in Abu Dhabi will enjoy renting bicycles, attending art shows, or watching puppet shows put on for young children to enjoy. While traffic can be heavy in this area, the Corniche remains a great day out for people of all interests.

As with any international relocation, it can be difficult to know where to start, and moving to Abu Dhabi is no different. Preparation and planning are essential, so it’s crucial to research thoroughly before you begin any processes. 

The relocation process typically involves several key steps, including securing a job or sponsorship, applying for a visa, arranging your Emirates ID, and completing the required medical check. You will also need to consider housing and school (if applicable), as well as shipping your belongings to the UAE. Many expats find it helpful to hire a relocation specialist to manage logistics, customs, and paperwork.

If you need more information about passport and visa requirements, read our UAE moving guide to get you started.