Dubai or Abu Dhabi: which emirate suits you?

Dubai has the larger and more diverse private sector: finance, tech, marketing, tourism, hospitality, logistics, retail and startups. There are more jobs and more job switching.

Abu Dhabi is the capital and home of much of the UAE's oil and gas, government, defence and large infrastructure work. Salaries in government-linked entities are often competitive, with generous housing and schooling allowances. Private sector roles are fewer but growing, especially in finance through ADGM, healthcare and research.

Rent

Rents in both cities have risen a lot since 2022. Very roughly, in dirhams per year:

• One bedroom in a central Dubai area such as Downtown or Dubai Marina: 90,000 to 140,000
• One bedroom in a more affordable Dubai area such as JVC, Al Nahda or International City: 55,000 to 80,000
• One bedroom on Reem or Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi: 70,000 to 110,000
• One bedroom in Khalifa City or Mussafah, Abu Dhabi: 45,000 to 65,000

Rent is often paid in one to four cheques per year. Fewer cheques can get you a lower rent.

Getting around

Dubai has a metro, trams and buses, although most residents still drive or use taxis. Abu Dhabi relies more on cars and buses, with no metro. Both use road toll systems: Salik in Dubai and Darb in Abu Dhabi.

Many people commute between the two. It takes around 75 to 90 minutes by car, and there are intercity buses. It is manageable for a short time but tiring over years.

Family life and schools

Both have many international schools following British, American, IB, Indian and other curricula. Dubai has more choice at every price point. Abu Dhabi is often described as quieter and more family oriented, with beaches, parks and less traffic. The schools regulators (KHDA in Dubai and ADEK in Abu Dhabi) publish inspection reports that are worth reading.

Lifestyle

• Dubai: faster pace, more restaurants, nightlife, events, and a bigger mix of nationalities. Easier to build a social life quickly, easier to overspend.
• Abu Dhabi: calmer, greener in places, with the Corniche, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat beaches. Lower cost for similar quality of housing. Social life is more home and community based.

My verdict

If you are single, early in your career and want options, Dubai is hard to beat. If you have a family, work for a government-linked employer or value calm evenings, Abu Dhabi is excellent value. Moving saved me about 25,000 dirhams a year on rent for a larger apartment, and I get home in 20 minutes instead of 50.

This guide is general information for planning. Rules and prices change, so always confirm with the official source before you apply or sign anything.