Dubai or Abu Dhabi: which emirate suits you?
Jobs, rent, commute, schools, lifestyle and pace of life compared. How to decide between the UAE's two biggest cities, and whether living in one and working in the other makes sense.
The UAE's two largest emirates are only 140 km apart, but they feel different. I lived in Dubai for three years before moving to Abu Dhabi for a project role, and people ask me all the time which one I prefer. The honest answer is that it depends on your job, your family and your personality.
The basics they share
- No personal income tax on salaries in either emirate
- The same federal residence system: employment visa, Emirates ID, medical test
- Mandatory health insurance, usually provided by your employer
- Very high safety, modern infrastructure and long, hot summers
- English is widely used at work and in daily life
Jobs
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