Abu Dhabi: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest and richest emirate. The economy rests on oil and gas, sovereign investment funds, finance, industry, tourism and culture: the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the islands of Saadiyat and Yas are here. The city is calmer and greener than Dubai, with a more family-oriented pace.

Abu Dhabi suits professionals in oil and gas and finance, investors and family offices, and families who value safety, schools and zero income tax. It suits less those seeking lively nightlife and affordable rent: for that people more often choose Dubai.

Districts

• Al Reem Island - modern residential towers near the financial centre, popular with young professionals.
• Saadiyat Island - beaches, museums, villas and international schools, one of the most expensive areas.
• Yas Island - theme parks, the racing circuit and new family residential complexes.
• Corniche and downtown - the waterfront, offices and older quarters, easy without a car.
• Khalifa City and Al Raha - villa districts closer to the airport, more spacious and cheaper than the islands.

Housing and prices

Rent in the UAE is calculated per year. A one-bedroom flat on Al Reem, Yas and Saadiyat costs 65,000-95,000 dirhams a year in 2026, roughly $1,475-2,156 a month. It is usually paid with one or several cheques in advance. Groceries, restaurants and schools are expensive, while petrol and taxis are cheap. The currency is the dirham, firmly pegged to the US dollar.

Taxes

There is no personal income tax in the UAE. Corporate tax is 0% on profit up to 375,000 dirhams and 9% above, and VAT is 5%. In free zones a zero rate remains for qualifying activities. More on the page about taxes in the UAE.

Practicalities

• Entry. Russian citizens receive a free 90-day visa on arrival.
• Climate. Summers are very hot, often 40-45 degrees by day with high humidity, and life moves indoors. From November to March it is warm and comfortable.
• Transport. The city is built for cars, with buses and taxis. Zayed International Airport is 30 kilometres from the centre, and Dubai is about an hour and a half by motorway.
• Language. Arabic, but English is used almost everywhere at work and in daily life.
• Healthcare. Health insurance is mandatory for residents and paid by the employer or visa sponsor.

Moving and legal status

You can live in the UAE on an employer's work visa, through your own free-zone company, on the remote work visa with income from $3,500 a month, or on the 10-year golden visa, for example by buying property worth 2 million dirhams or more. Abu Dhabi has an international financial centre with English-style law, popular with funds and family offices. More on the pages about UAE residence by investment and the remote work visa.

Family and schools

Abu Dhabi has many international schools with British, American, French and International Baccalaureate curricula, but tuition is expensive and places at the best schools are booked in advance. The city is safe, with parks, beaches and family entertainment on Yas and Saadiyat.

Business

A company in Abu Dhabi is set up either on the mainland with a licence from the economic development department or in one of the free zones: the international financial centre for funds and holding companies, Masdar City for tech and climate projects, or industrial zones for manufacturing and logistics. The company owner receives a residence permit as an investor, and banks check the source of funds and real activity in detail when opening an account.

Is Abu Dhabi worth considering for life

Pros: no income tax, safety, quality of life, strong schools and healthcare, a 10-year golden visa and easy entry for Russian citizens. Cons: summer heat, expensive annual leases, status tied to an employer or company, and a car-dependent city. Abu Dhabi suits families and high-earning professionals. Write in the chat and we will choose a visa and company for your goals.