Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Editor
March 12, 2023
Abu Dhabi is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting place to work and explore. With its modern infrastructure, world-class amenities, and vibrant culture, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to live and work remotely. The city is home to a number of international companies, making it easy to find work opportunities. Additionally, Abu Dhabi is a safe and secure city, with a low crime rate and a high quality of life. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it an attractive option for digital nomads. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi is a great place to explore, with its stunning beaches, desert landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. With its modern infrastructure, world-class amenities, and vibrant culture, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for digital nomads to live and work remotely.
Living in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
60%
Quality of life -
51%
Cost of living -
63%
Connectivity -
44%
Weather
65
General
| Currency | AED |
| Population (in millions) | 2.9 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 78 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% more expensive |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Carlsberg |
| Most popular local dish | Machboos |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi |
| Discount airline | Etihad |
| Major airline | Etihad Airways |
| Largest ride sharing company | Careem |
| Primary train stations | Abu Dhabi Railway Station, Al Bateen Station, Al Dhafra Station |
| Primary airports | Abu Dhabi International, Al Bateen Executive, Al Dhafra Air Base |
| Best rental car company | Hertz |
| Used car costs | 75000 AED |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 100 Mbps |
| Power socket type | G |
| Supply voltage | 220V or 240V |
| Best electronics store | Sharaf DG |
| Best internet carrier | Etisalat |
| Primary cellular carrier | Etisalat |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 200 AED |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Boots |
| Best restaurant chain | Nusr-Et |
| The best grocery store | Carrefour |
| The most popular fashion brand | Gucci |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $68,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $98,000 |
| Sales tax rate | 0% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 4.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 1000 AED |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Increasingly common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 999 (general), 998 (police), 997 (ambulance), 996 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 890 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 25 |
| Main religion | Islam |
Quality of life
60%
-
88%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
44%
Property to income -
12%
Crime -
71%
Healthcare -
44%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | AED 12,862 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 4.67% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | AED 2,289 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | AED 34,640 |
Cost of living
51%
-
Purchasing Power
116%
-
Rent
45%
-
Food
43%
-
Restaurant
59%
-
Workspace
46%
-
Transport
29%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | AED 5,774.45 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | AED 4,402.57 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | AED 10,311.58 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | AED 7,796.21 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | AED 141.05 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | AED 6.56 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | AED 4.72 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | AED 10.21 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | AED 28.86 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | AED 2.11 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | AED 60.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | AED 9.77 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 12.21 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | AED 22.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | AED 27.71 |
| Apples (1kg) | AED 7.93 |
| Oranges (1kg) | AED 6.38 |
| Potato (1kg) | AED 3.88 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | AED 4.61 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | AED 6.52 |
| Tomato (1kg) | AED 5.04 |
| Banana (1kg) | AED 6.09 |
| Onion (1kg) | AED 3.52 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | AED 39.72 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | AED 35.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | AED 232.50 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | AED 30.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | AED 40.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 40.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 3.49 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 1.25 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | AED 19.40 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | AED 629.45 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | AED 0.68 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | AED 376.53 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | AED 262.13 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | AED 141.05 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | AED 45.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | AED 2.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | AED 80.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | AED 3.83 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | AED 89,500.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | AED 75,800.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | AED 12.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | AED 2.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | AED 30.00 |
