Why move to Abu Dhabi?
Thinking of moving to Abu Dhabi from the UK? We help families and professionals make this move every week, so we know what really matters: how much you can earn and save tax‑free, where you will live, how safe it is, and what everyday life looks like once the boxes are unpacked.
We will walk you through the key things our clients ask us about before they commit: salaries and living costs, neighbourhoods and schooling options, climate and local laws, plus the real pros and cons of staying in the UK or choosing the United Arab Emirates instead.
When you decide Abu Dhabi is right for you, we can also take care of the move itself, arranging a fully managed international removal from your UK home to your new address in the UAE, including export packing, shipping, customs clearance and delivery.
What is life like for expats in Abu Dhabi?
Life in Abu Dhabi is smoother than you might think. The roads are wide and well-kept, supermarkets are spotless, and healthcare is top-notch. Most buildings are air-conditioned, and almost everything—groceries, furniture, even government documents—can be ordered online.
It’s a place where high-rises meet quiet suburbs. You’ll find luxury, yes, but also community-focused neighbourhoods, leafy parks, and beaches you can enjoy all year. And while Arabic is the official language, English is spoken everywhere—from shops and offices to hospitals and schools.
There’s also a strong sense of order. Things run on time. Public transport is improving. And the police? Efficient and respectful. Most expats say it’s one of the safest places they’ve ever lived.
For more cultural tips, read 10 things to know before moving to the UAE.
Where do British expats live in Abu Dhabi?
The best areas for British expats strike a balance between comfort, convenience and value:
- Khalifa City – Ideal for families. Villas, parks, British schools nearby. Rent: approx. AED 60,000/year (£13,000)
- Al Raha Beach – For coastal living. Close to Yas Island and the airport. Rent: AED 70,000/year (£15,000)
- Al Reem Island – High-rise flats with sea views. Good for young professionals. Rent: AED 55,000/year (£11,700)
- Saadiyat Island – More premium, with art centres and private beaches. Rent: from AED 100,000/year (£21,300)
For more budget-friendly housing with space for families, areas like Al Reef and Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ) are popular. These offer spacious villas, family parks, and good schools—ideal if you’re relocating on a mid-range salary or prioritising value over luxury.
Tip: Always negotiate. Many landlords are open to discounts for upfront annual payment.
How much do you need to earn to live in Abu Dhabi?
We get asked this a lot: Is 15,000 AED a good salary in Abu Dhabi? The honest answer is that it depends on your household and lifestyle, but we can give you solid ranges based on what we see British clients spending each month.
For a single professional, a package in the region of AED 16,000–20,000 per month (roughly £3,400–£4,200, depending on exchange rates) usually covers a comfortable lifestyle in a decent one-bed or shared two-bed, regular meals out, transport and some savings—especially if your employer contributes to accommodation.
For a couple or small family, targeting AED 22,000–28,000 per month (around £4,700–£6,000) gives you more breathing room for a good neighbourhood, one car, private healthcare and at least part of the school fees.
Here’s what expats typically spend per month
| Expense | Single person | Family of four |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed flat, mid-range area) | £1,200–£1,400 | £1,800–£2,400 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, AC, internet) | £100–£130 | £190–£240 |
| Groceries | £320–£380 | £650–£850 |
| Transport (fuel, taxis or car costs) | £90–£140 | £150–£230 |
| School fees (annual, per child – British curriculum) | – | £9,000–£22,000 |
Quick snapshot of average monthly costs
- Single person: AED 6,500–11,000 per month, including rent, utilities, groceries and transport.
- Family of four: AED 18,000–24,000 per month, including mid-range rent, utilities, groceries, transport and typical schooling costs.
Excluding rent, typical monthly expenses are closer to AED 3,700–4,200 for singles and AED 12,500–14,000 for families, which is where the real saving potential of a tax-free salary starts to show.
Fuel remains noticeably cheaper than in the UK, and everyday services like taxis, basic dining out and domestic help are often more affordable, helping many expats save a larger share of their income than they could at home.
What everyday expenses are cheaper in Abu Dhabi?
- Petrol: AED 2.95/litre (≈ £0.80) vs UK average of £1.45
- Utilities: AED 543–608/month (£118–£133) vs UK £239
- Public transport: Monthly pass: AED 90 (£19.65) vs ~£70 in UK
- Dining out: Inexpensive meal: AED 40 (£8.73) vs ~£15 in UK
Essentials like bread, eggs, chicken and rice are on par or cheaper, especially when shopping at local supermarkets.
Is Abu Dhabi better than Dubai?
That depends on your lifestyle.
Abu Dhabi is:
- Quieter, with a slower pace
- Cheaper for rent and schooling
- Less touristy and more “local”
- Great for families
Dubai is:
- Busier, more nightlife
- Fast-paced with lots of events
- Better metro and public transport
- Popular with singles and younger professionals
While both cities offer a high quality of life, many British families find Abu Dhabi’s lower cost of living, less tourist-heavy feel, and stronger sense of community a better long-term fit. Dubai may win on metro connectivity and nightlife, but Abu Dhabi often wins on day-to-day liveability.
You don’t need to choose one forever – many expats work in one and live in the other.
Is Abu Dhabi safe?
Yes! Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world, regularly taking the top spot in global safety indexes with a score close to 90 out of 100, ahead of many major capitals in Europe and Asia. Street crime is rare, women commonly walk alone at night in busy areas, and children play outside in residential communities that usually have 24/7 security, controlled access and CCTV.
Police presence is visible and respected, and the city feels calm and orderly in day‑to‑day life. As long as you follow local rules around alcohol, public behaviour and modesty (which we answer in the common questions just below) most expats find Abu Dhabi a very safe and predictable place to live.
To make the move easier, we offer managed removals to the UAE with customs help included.
What are the rules in Abu Dhabi expats should know?
British expats often ask about everyday do’s and don’ts before they move, especially around alcohol, clothing and behaviour in public. Here are the basics you should be aware of:
Can I drink in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, alcohol is legal for non-Muslims in licensed venues such as hotel bars, restaurants and beach clubs, and in private homes. Drinking in public places like streets, parks and beaches is not allowed, and being drunk in public or drink-driving is treated very seriously.
Can I hold hands in public?
Holding hands as a couple is generally tolerated, but keep public displays of affection modest, especially in malls, family areas and during religious periods.
Can I wear shorts?
Yes, shorts and lighter clothing are fine in many casual settings, but dress more modestly in malls, government buildings and cultural or religious sites—shoulders and knees covered is a good rule of thumb.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
No, English is widely spoken in Abu Dhabi’s workplaces, schools, shops and hospitals, so most expats manage daily life in English, but learning a few Arabic phrases is appreciated and shows respect.
Can I take photos freely?
Be careful about photographing people, government buildings or sensitive locations and always ask permission before taking close-up photos of locals, especially women and families.
Is public drunkenness allowed?
No, being visibly intoxicated in public can lead to fines, arrest or other legal consequences, even if you have been drinking in a licensed venue.
Can I kiss in public?
Kissing or more intense public affection can be treated as a public decency offence and may result in fines or worse if someone complains.
Is swearing acceptable?
Avoid offensive gestures, swearing or abusive language in public or online, as it can be classed as an insult or public indecency and lead to penalties.
Abu Dhabi does enforce these rules, but if you dress modestly, keep affection low-key and behave respectfully, most expats find day-to-day life smooth, safe and very manageable.
What are schools like in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has over 200 private schools, many offering the British curriculum, such as:
- The British School Al Khubairat
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi
- Al Yasmina Academy
Tuition fees range from £8,500 to £20,000+ per year, depending on age, curriculum, and extras.
Note: Top schools often have waiting lists—apply early and factor in uniform, books and bus fees.
Which sectors are hiring UK professionals?
Demand for UK-qualified professionals in Abu Dhabi remains strong, especially in roles where international standards and English-language skills are important. The sectors we most often see British expats moving for include:
- Healthcare: doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare managers for public and private hospitals, clinics and specialist centres.
- Education: British-curriculum teachers, senior leadership (SLT) and specialist roles such as SEN and STEM across international schools.
- Engineering & energy: civil and mechanical engineers, project managers and specialists working on major infrastructure, construction and energy projects.
- Consulting & finance: business analysts, finance managers, risk and compliance professionals in banks, advisory firms and in-house corporate teams.
- Technology & digital: software engineers, data and AI specialists, cybersecurity, cloud and digital transformation roles, plus digital marketing and e-commerce.
For mid- to senior-level roles, packages often combine a tax-free salary with benefits such as a housing allowance or company accommodation, private health insurance, education support and annual flights to the UK.
Housing allowances typically fall between AED 8,000 and 15,000 per month for professional and managerial roles, making relocation financially attractive to skilled candidates.
What about healthcare?
Healthcare in Abu Dhabi is high-quality and modern. Most expats use private clinics or hospitals such as Cleveland Clinic or NMC.
- Basic insurance plans cost around £110–£325/year
- Premium plans with extras: £650–£1,300/year
Emergency care is efficient. Many doctors are UK- or US-trained, and English is spoken throughout the medical sector.
How Total Moving Solutions helps UK families relocate
Moving to Abu Dhabi isn’t just about packing a few boxes. You’ve got customs, paperwork, shipping times—and possibly pets or kids to think about.
That’s where we come in. TMS offers:
- Door-to-door international removals
- Full packing, shipping and clearance
- Pet relocation and short-term storage
- Expert help with paperwork
Whether you need a full container or shared shipping, we tailor every move to suit your needs. Get a free quote in minutes.
Is moving to Abu Dhabi from the UK worth it?
If you’re looking for a safer, sunnier, and more financially rewarding lifestyle, the answer is yes.
Abu Dhabi offers:
- Tax-free salaries
- Top-tier schools and healthcare
- Low crime and high cleanliness
- Diverse communities and endless sunshine
There are challenges—yes, the heat is intense in summer, and school fees can be steep. But thousands of British expats agree: the trade-offs are worth it. Want a full overview of visas, healthcare, housing and more? Read our UAE Moving Guide for a complete breakdown of everything you need to know before relocating.
Ready to make the move? Let’s talk. TMS can help you relocate to Abu Dhabi with zero stress and full support—from the UK to your new home in the UAE.