What's it like to live in Abu Dhabi?
For people moving here, not just investing: what it costs, where to live, schools, healthcare, getting around, and the honest downsides.
Comfortable, family friendly and calmer than Dubai, with beaches, world-class museums and theme parks close by. The big costs are rent and school fees: a one-bedroom on Al Reem averages about Dh74,000 a year, [1] and the top-rated schools charge from about Dh26,000 to over Dh100,000. [2] Summers are very hot. [6]
What does it cost to rent?
| Area | Home | Average rent a year |
|---|---|---|
| Al Reem Island | One-bedroom apartment | Dh74,000 |
| Al Reem Island | Two-bedroom apartment | Dh104,100 |
| Yas Island | One-bedroom apartment | Dh90,800 |
| Yas Island | Two-bedroom apartment | Dh134,900 |
| Saadiyat Island | Two-bedroom apartment | Dh142,700 |
| Al Reef | Two-bedroom townhouse | Dh87,400 |
| Mohammed Bin Zayed City | Three-bedroom villa | Dh122,300 |
| Khalifa City | Three-bedroom villa | Dh160,900 |
Good news for tenants: since 3 June 2026, landlords can't raise the rent when you renew, because the permitted increase is 0% until further notice. [1] Every lease must be registered on Tawtheeq.
Which area suits you?
Each area has a different feel. Not sure? Our area finder picks the best two for you in four questions.
Families who want schools nearby
Saadiyat, home to Cranleigh and the American Community School, and Khalifa City, with two Outstanding-rated schools. [2] See Saadiyat Island.
City living
Apartments on Al Reem Island, close to the centre and the ADGM financial district.
Beach and leisure
Yas Island and Al Raha Beach, between the city and the theme parks.
More space for the money
Villas in Al Reef and apartments in Masdar City, near the airport.
How do schools work?
Most expat children go to private schools, which are inspected and rated by ADEK, the education regulator. In the 2025 ratings, 13 schools were rated Outstanding. [2]
Curriculums
The Outstanding schools teach British, American, IB and Canadian curriculums. [2]
Fees
From Dh26,200 to Dh105,980 a year across the 13 Outstanding schools for 2025 to 2026, before transport and other charges. [2]
Where they are
They include Cranleigh and the American Community School on Saadiyat, Repton on Al Reem, and two schools in Khalifa City. [2]
How does healthcare work?
Through health insurance, which your employer has to provide. [3]
Your cover
Employers and sponsors in Abu Dhabi must provide health insurance for their employees. [3]
Your family
Cover usually extends to one spouse and up to three children under 18. Check whether your employer pays for them, or you share the cost. [3]
Your visa
Health insurance is needed to issue or renew a residence visa. [3]
How do you get around?
Mostly by car, with buses and taxis across the city and passenger trains on the way.
Buses
You pay with a Hafilat card, and fares start at Dh2. [5]
Etihad Rail
Passenger trains are planned with stations on Al Reem, Saadiyat and Yas, and about 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. [4] Check the latest timetable before you rely on it.
Driving
Most residents drive. The E10 and E11 link the islands, the city centre, the airport and Dubai.
What's the weather like?
Warm, sunny winters and very hot, humid summers. [6]
| Season | Months | Daytime temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | December to mid-March | Around 25°C |
| Summer | Late May to September | Around 45°C, with 80 to 90% humidity |
Winter is the outdoor season for beaches, parks and terraces. In summer, most of life moves indoors.
What is there to do?
More than most people expect, from world-class museums to theme parks.
Culture
The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace.
Theme parks
Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld, all on Yas Island.
Beaches and the outdoors
Saadiyat's beaches, the Corniche promenade, and the beaches and cycle tracks on Hudayriyat Island.
Sport
The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit every year.
Should you rent or buy?
It depends how long you'll stay. Buying costs 4 to 8% on top of the price, so it suits people staying several years. See what it costs to buy.
Renting
Flexible, and rents are frozen on renewal for now. [1]
Buying
Expats need a deposit of at least 20% on a first home up to Dh5 million, plus fees, and service charges every year. See mortgages.
Do the sums
Compare a year's rent with the monthly cost in our mortgage calculator.
What's the catch?
Read these before you sign anything.
The summer.
From late May to September, daytime temperatures average around 45°C, so outdoor life largely stops. [6]
School fees add up.
At the top-rated schools, two children can cost well over Dh100,000 a year before transport. [2]
You'll probably need a car.
Buses and trains help, but most daily life is built around driving.
Your visa usually depends on your job.
Most residence visas come through an employer, unless you qualify for a Golden Visa through property.
Sources
- Engel & Völkers: Abu Dhabi rental index, using ADREC market data (September 2026)
- The National: Abu Dhabi's 13 best ranked private schools and how much they charge (July 2025)
- Gulf News: Who is responsible for providing health insurance in the UAE? (updated September 2025)
- Gulf News: All you need to know about Etihad Rail before passenger trains launch (2026)
- Gulf News: New standardised bus fare in Abu Dhabi
- Visit Abu Dhabi: Weather in Abu Dhabi
What should you read next?
Three guides that follow on from this one.
See all guides
Moving here and still have questions?
Ask us anything about buying in Abu Dhabi. We'll give you a straight answer, usually the same day.
Free, with no obligation. We reply on WhatsApp.