Here, communities connect under year-round blue skies, surrounded by culture and nature. Find the stories of the people who call it home
Live Wonder
Beachfront living, welcoming people and world-class education are just some of the reasons why Abu Dhabi is one of the best places to live in the world
Connecting cultures through food
Living in Abu Dhabi, I realised how diverse the people are. The home became the centre of our social life, because we were all new to the city. Bit by bit, meal by meal, we built our community. We built our friendships around the table.
Hanan Sayed Worrell
Flavours of the city
Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene offers food from around the globe, from unpretentious Arabic specialities and authentic Szechuan eateries to elaborate European smorgasbords in a five-star hotel or beach club.
Live the Abu Dhabi life
Make lifelong memories in this dynamic city on the water, where every day is warm and sunny, and people can slow down to enjoy the good things in life.
Creating an urban ecosystem
Many people have called this home for decades. This is an open, tolerant, safe community that has opened its doors to everyone from across the globe to work, live or visit.
Talal Al Dhiyebi
Did you know?
Abu Dhabi has been voted ‘Safest City in the World’, according to crowd-sourced data website Numbeo
It's the fourth year in a row Abu Dhabi has been awarded this accolade for its extremely low crime rate
Meet the residents
Live near the beach. Train at the F1 track. Browse colourful food markets. Hear the stories of the people who call Abu Dhabi home
Going Green
Abu Dhabi is committed to protecting the environment and its rich natural biodiversity. From phasing out single-use plastic, to innovating in renewable energy, it is working towards a cleaner, greener world.
Office to ocean
Hit the beach for a swim, explore the mangrove preserve via paddleboard or cast off from the marina and be in the open water in minutes. In Abu Dhabi, you are never far from the sea.
Outdoor living
Abu Dhabi is a city rich with greenery, where parks and open spaces form the centrepiece of its many vibrant neighbourhoods. From skate parks and splash parks to playgrounds with petting zoos and picnic spots, there are plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors.
Moving to Abu Dhabi
Relocating to a new country means navigating the basics that allow you to settle in and make it your home, whether that’s finding a school for your children, buying or renting a home, or finding a world-class healthcare provider.
Living the good life
What sets Abu Dhabi apart is the complete lifestyle package. I can own my own business, raise my family in complete safety and the outdoor activities are amazing.
Tim Fletcher
Ready to take it further?
Relocating to a new country can be an exciting prospect. From how to find a school, to renting a home by the sea, find everything you need to know about life in Abu Dhabi
- How do I find a school for my child?
- Can I study at university level?
- What is the healthcare like?
- How can I find out about public services for people with disabilities?
- How can I find a home to rent?
- Where can I cycle in Abu Dhabi?
- How can I get a driving licence?
- Do I need a SmartPass to use government services?
Finding a school
Education in Abu Dhabi is world-class, with a school and curriculum to suit everyone.
The emirate is home to a number of international education providers, including the internationally renowned Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi.
In total, Abu Dhabi offers 15 curriculums: American, Bangladesh, British, Canadian, French, Germn, IB (International Baccalaureate), Indian, Iranian, Italian, Japanese, Pakistan, Philippines and SABIS (an education system founded in Lebanon in 1886 and now taught in schools in 20 countries).
Find a school
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has a detailed overview of the schools and education available in Abu Dhabi
ADEK schoolsTAMM, a governmental portal that centralises government services in one platform, has an A-Z guide to how to find a school and register your child
Visit TAMMStudying at university
Tertiary education in Abu Dhabi is excellent, with Abu Dhabi University - which has campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai - rating among the top 2.8 per cent of universities in the world.
Other universities include Zayed University, Khalifa University, The Higher Colleges of Technology, Mohammed V University Abu Dhabi, and United Arab Emirates University.
New York University opened a portal campus – NYU Abu Dhabi – in 2010, which serves as a liberal arts and science college; while Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was awarded best University in the Middle East for humanities by Forbes Middle East Education awards 2019.
Find a university
TAMM, a governmental portal that centralises government services in one platform, has an overview of higher education in Abu Dhabi
Visit TAMMHealthcare in Abu Dhabi
The UAE was rated best in the Middle East and 10th in the world for healthcare in 2018, according to Bloomberg’s Health Care Efficiency Index.
Partnerships with Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins have seen state-of-the-art hospitals open in locations across the emirate.
Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) owns and operates 12 government hospitals, accounting for more than 2,600 beds, which are available to anyone with a health card.
Find a doctor
TAMM, a governmental portal that centralises government services in one platform, has information on how to access medical treatment
Get treatmentServices for people with disabilities
Abu Dhabi prides itself on being an inclusive society. In 2019 it hosted the Special Olympic World Games, which saw 7,500 athletes from all over the world compete in locations across the emirate. As a result, there has been a marked improvement in public services for people with disabilities.
Services for people with disabilities
TAMM is a portal that centralizes government services in one platform. Find out how Abu Dhabi is supporting people with disabilities
Visit TAMMRenting a home
From luxury beachfront villas, to modern, open-plan apartments and community-driven developments with green, open spaces and leisure facilities, Abu Dhabi has a home to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Renting a property is most peoples' first stop when they arrive in the UAE. Rent is paid in advance for the year, usually in several pre-dated cheques.
Rent a home
Tamm is a portal that centralises government services in one platform. Here, you can find guidance on how to rent a home in Abu Dhabi
Visit TAMMCycling in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has ambitions to transform itself into a cycling and walking- friendly emirate by 2020. In 2013, it opened Al Wathba Cycle Track, a 16-km circuit on the outskirts of the city that is a regular destination for cycling enthusiasts. Don't worry if you don't have your own bike; you can rent one on-site.
Nearer the city, the Corniche offers an uninterrupted 12km-stretch of cycling path; while Yas Island and Al Raha Beach offer an affordable 24-hr bike share scheme, with 50 stations and over 300 bikes across Abu Dhabi.
Explore cycling
Visit Abu Dhabi has plenty of information about where and how you can cycle around Abu Dhabi
Visit Abu DhabiGetting a driving licence
While visitors can use an international driving licence, residents wishing to drive in Abu Dhabi will need to apply for a UAE diving licence. If you already have one from your country, most nationalities can easily transfer it to a UAE one once you have your residency permit. However, some nationalities will need to take a UAE driving test.
Get a licence
TAMM is a portal that centralises government services in one portal, and features an A-Z guide on how to get a driving licence
Visit TAMMDo I need a SmartPass to use government services?
From getting a vehicle licence to paying an electricity bill, many government services require you to use a SmartPass, which is applicable across all portals.