LIFESTYLE AND LEISURE

Abu Dhabi Emirate, nearby Dubai and the wider UAE provides countless leisure possibilities.

From soaring mountains and endless ochre-tinged deserts to sparkling blue seas and white sandy beaches, there are enormous outdoor choices. Cultural opportunities abound as well, from concert series, art programmes and museums to traditional markets, cultural festivals, amusement parks and shopping malls. With a plethora of choices, Abu Dhabi and Dubai shopping malls feature hundreds of shops with brands from across the globe to countless restaurants offering every type of cuisine, from fast food to fine dining to coffee shops.

Entertainment is available at the malls as well, including cinemas, ice rinks, aquariums, and play areas. Numerous music, food, theatre and literature festivals throughout the year bring leading artists from around the world to the UAE, giving local residents exposure to the best in the arts. Sports fan enjoy world-class international events in fields as diverse as motorsports, tennis, golf, horse racing and rugby.

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

If there’s one thing that Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the UAE are famous for it’s the unmatched diversity of dining options.

From the most luxurious Michelin star meals to street food grabbed in the market, to fast casual and fast food, to an array of food trucks, coffee shops and home delivery options, the UAE is a foodie’s paradise.

As well, because the UAE is home to over 190 nationalities, you can enjoy authentic food from the four corner of the globe and you can do so at any price point. From American barbecue to Afghani grills, from French soufflés to Thai summer rolls, Indian curry, German sausage to Peruvian steak – whatever your taste buds desire, you can enjoy.

YEAR-ROUND SUNSHINE

Even more than its neighbours in the region, the UAE experiences year-round sunshine and temperatures rarely dropping below 20ºC.  It’s the ideal destination for sun lovers.

That means from September to May, you can sit out in the sunshine, whether on your balcony, backyard, park or beach with virtually no concern about clouds or rain. Barbecue or picnic, go for a dip in the sea, plan a camping trip – all without worrying about the weather.

In mid-summer, when the weather does get a little too warm and sticky, there’s infinite things to do at Abu Dhabi and Dubai indoor attractions – from theme parks to indoor skiing to shopping and ice rinks, there’s more than enough to do indoors.

WORLD CLASS HEALTH AND SAFETY

Abu Dhabi is one of the safest large cities in the world, thanks to a professional, well-respected police force and a world-class healthcare ecosystem.

Crime is low and virtually all incidents are investigated and solved in short order due to the advanced technologies and resources of police and security forces. While you must have private health insurance – provided by your employer – Abu Dhabi features a large number of high-quality hospitals and medical clinics, including world-renowned institutions, that provide high-quality healthcare. This quality of medical care in the country has made the UAE a magnet for healthcare tourism.

TOLERANCE AND HAPPINESS

With over 190 nationalities and countless religious denominations practicing their faith in a spirit of tolerance, the UAE is a welcoming nation.

Tolerance is part of a broader commitment to becoming one of the happiest countries on earth, with a Minister for Happiness tasked with achieving this goal. The effect is to encourage all aspects of life in the country to consider how decisions they make as an organisation – from government departments to private sector companies – has on the happiness of the citizens and residents of the UAE.

In this spirit, the UAE provides an open and welcoming environment. From the government leadership on down, tolerance and acceptance of the diversity reflected in the residents of the country is celebrated. From religion to national origin, the UAE positively embraces this diversity and works to ensure all feel included.

VIBRANT AND DURABLE ECONOMY

For more than 50 years, the UAE has shown itself to provide remarkably sustainable and steady economic growth.

The currency, the UAE Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US Dollar, so remained stable and strong. This, combined with an exceptional government commitment to drive the economy forward, the UAE remains a remarkably financially and economically stable destinations in the world.

With expatriates comprising almost 90% of the UAE population and critical to the nation’s economic life, attractive salaries and benefits are one of the defining aspects of the expat experience in the country. These benefits packages help fuel the high-quality lifestyles enjoyed by many expats making the move to the UAE – even as they also are able to save money for a financially secure future.

TAX FREE LIVING

With no income tax and only a very modest 5% VAT, the UAE offers a largely tax-free lifestyle.

This makes it even easier to save for the future and proves to be a huge advantage for many nationalities moving to the UAE.

HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION

As well, the government has encouraged a high-quality education sector that has allowed many excellent private schools offering all types of curricula to meet the needs of people coming from across the globe.

The International Baccalaureate, UK and US curricula are especially popular. As part of their compensation packages, many companies include full or partial support to school fees.

HOUSING

Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes – most in locations with an ocean view or just a short drive from the sea.

Both city centre and suburban environments are available, many offering community recreational amenities such as pools, gyms, playground, and jogging and cycling tracks.

Shopping and leisure facilities are always close by. So, whether you are single or married, with children or without, you have a wealth of choices for a home that’s just right for your needs and tastes.

Like other global capitals, Abu Dhabi experiences strong demand for housing, with this likely being one of your most significant expenses. That said, even more affordable accommodations would be considered luxury in many other cities. For example, access to beautiful, clean swimming pools is common, whether you are living in an apartment or villa. As in many urban centres, to meet your budget, you may have to live a bit further out, but wherever you land, your housing is likely to be high quality, modern and well fitted out.

WELL CONNECTED

Over the past 20 years, the Abu Dhabi government has made an enormous commitment to transportation and aviation infrastructure.

The road systems is one of the most reliable and modern in the world. Abu Dhabi has a state-of-the-art airport with easy travel links to most parts of the globe. Both Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, and Emirates airlines, based in Dubai, offer high-quality air travel on new, modern aircraft. Taken together, their route maps cover the globe. As well, low-cost carriers FlyDubai and Air Arabia offer budget travel to locations throughout the region and beyond. As a result, taking a holiday from Abu Dhabi is easy, accessible and often affordable.

SPORTS

Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE offer extensive opportunities to both play and watch a wide range of sport. Highlights of the live sporting calendar include the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Dubai World Cup horse race, and several top professional golf and tennis championships.

For those who like to be active, there’s something for everyone. The Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, hosts “Train Yas”, which allowing bikers and runners the opportunity to use the track. Nearby mountains offer hiking, mountain biking and camping, as well as the longest zipline in the world. Water sports abound as well, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking in the mangroves around Abu Dhabi, wind surfing, and snorkeling, just to name a few.