Start Your New Life as an Expat in Abu Dhabi

Known as Dubai's less-brash city sister, Abu Dhabi is both the name of one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates as well as its capital. It is filled with high-end apartments, international museums, numerous malls, and white sandy beaches. The emirate also owns over 90% of the UAE's oil production, and the vast majority of its over 2.5 million strong population is made up of expats. The emirate's reputation for luxury is certainly well-founded, with some of its smaller islands serving their purpose as luxury resorts, with high-end golf courses and shopping malls. The it’s the cultural side is also continuously being developed, with a brand new culture district opening in 2015, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the floating Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Expats furthermore have the opportunity to enjoy an Abu Dhabi desert safari, an unforgettable experience including lots of fun, such as dune driving, belly dances and camel rides. Abu Dhabi is often considered as a family-friendly metropolis, full with wonderful parks and playgrounds, where children can be entertained for hours while parents can enjoy some greenery and fresh air — just wait for the worst of the heat to pass. The city abounds of many international and private schools, providing at the same time excellent teaching methods and a secure environment. Many expats move to Abu Dhabi for the tax free benefits, the job opportunities, the good schools, or simply to enjoy the unique flavor of this quickly developing city. With its unique desert landscape and beautiful beaches, it isn't just about work, there's also plenty of leisure time to be had. Whether you decide to live close to The Corniche or on Saadiyat Island, there is plenty to do and see in Abu Dhabi. With a large number of jobs not only in the oil and gas industry, the economy is booming.However, expats should be aware that while living in Abu Dhabi, you are expected to follow the local rules. Keep to a modest dressing code, especially during Ramadan and even when visiting the beach, and avoid insulting or threatening language and behavior, as well as kissing and cuddling in public areas.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Jeddah or Riyadh, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Social Network for Expatriates in Abu Dhabi

In joining the InterNations Abu Dhabi Community, you will become a member of our safe and secure network of and for expats. Membership is by approval only to ensure everyone has a good understanding of the core principles behind InterNations, as well as being friendly, honest, and open to other cultures. With our safe community, you can also extend your network locally and sign up to one of the many groups and events that take place in Abu Dhabi. If you had a hobby at home, you don't need to leave it behind; carry it on in your new home by joining one of the diverse InterNations Groups in the Abu Dhabi Community. From tango dancing to t scuba diving, there is a wide variety of activities you can be a part of. Join InterNations now and start making new expat and local friends in Abu Dhabi!