United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

Overview

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi is the capital of, and the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi houses important offices of the federal government, and is the seat for the United Arab Emirates Government and the home for the Emirati Royal Family. Abu Dhabi has grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism.

The United Arab Emirates is in the Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The climate is desert, but cooler in the eastern mountains.

The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and is the main business language. The main religion is Islam.

The economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is that of a developing country. The UAE currently has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Expatriate business dress is typically a suit. Dress codes in Dubai are relatively liberal however other areas such as Sharjah are more conservative. Expatriates should be careful not to offend Islamic sensitivities.

The security risk for expatriates in the United Arab Emirates is low. Risks include low levels of petty crime, the underlying threat of terrorism, and indiscriminate attacks on expatriates or foreign interests by extremists in the region.

The currency of United Arab Emirates is the Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham (AED). Banking is on a par with that of Western Europe and North America.

Medical facilities are good, however the cost of treatment for expatriates can be high. Proof of insurance or the means to settle any medical fees is generally required before treatment is provided. Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus have been reported.

The population of Abu Dhabi is 1.5 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 2% (June 2017).

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Abu Dhabi as at 1 July 2017 is very high in comparison to other places in the world.

In Abu Dhabi, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very High
2) Clothing: Very High
3) Communication: Very High
4) Education: Very High
5) Furniture & Appliances: High
6) Groceries: High
7) Healthcare: High
8) Household Accommodation: Very High
9) Miscellaneous: Very High
10) Personal Care: Average
11) Recreation & Culture: Very High
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: High
13) Transport: Very Low

Abu Dhabi is for example 32.5% more expensive than Houston TX for groceries, 112.1% more expensive for household costs than Kuala Lumpur, and -11.7% cheaper for transport costs than Dubai.

Abu Dhabi is ranked as a some hardship location.

The hardship premium for Abu Dhabi for an expat from Perth, is for example 10%, i.e. host location (Abu Dhabi) premium of 20% minus home (Perth) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Abu Dhabi as at 1 July 2017 is very high in comparison to other places in the world.

Abu Dhabi is ranked as a some hardship location.