Abu Dhabi Relocation: An Insider’s Guide

Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world. Overlooking the alluring Arabian Gulf, this power house of government, business, art and innovation is the beating heart of the United Arab Emirates. For incoming expats there are so many amazing features that make it stand out from the crowd. It is a cosmopolitan capital city with an authentic heritage, traditional flavour and a modern outlook. Home to the President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this centre of commerce accounts for about two-thirds of the growing $400 billion UAE economy. If you are looking into an Abu Dhabi Relocation, here is our expert guide to this bustling destination.

Post Pandemic

Abu Dhabi has consistently taken a very pro-active approach to handling the impact of the pandemic, from slowing the spread to economic support. Like the UAE, they continue to have a mask mandate in place in public places and have strictly regulated the flow of visitors from abroad and other Emirates in order to reduce infections and keep residents safe. The requirements and protocols for incoming tourists, events and leisure venues continue to be adapted as needed, always with the top priority being the overall safety of the population. What this means for incoming expats and foreign investors is that Abu Dhabi is one of the most stable and secure cities in the post-pandemic climate. Those moving here can be assured of experiencing top level support and excellent care, as well as the protection of a government that is not afraid to act in order to achieve results.

Where to Live

With such a wide variety of industries spread across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding a home. With such an integrated infrastructure, you are never too far from the office or schools, whether you prefer city-centre living or something a little more remote. The Corniche has to be one of the top picks for those who prefer to be right in the hustle and bustle. Overlooking Abu Dhabi’s main beach, this cosmopolitan neighbourhood has a wide range of residential units to choose from, all minutes from great schools and hospitals.  Families with young children will definitely love the appeal of Khalifa City with its serene homes, beautiful shops and quiet parks. With a slightly lower price tag than the city, families are also drawn to the number of excellent schools and nurseries it has. For those looking to have it all and take full advantage of their new location, the top choice has to be Al Reem Island. Accommodation ranges from villas to townhouses, apartments to penthouses and comes with a city within a city vibe that includes plenty of retail, leisure and dining outlets for the whole family to enjoy. Its enviable location, with breath-taking views, also allows for quick access to the city centre, Saadiyat Island and the airport.

Schools & Clubs

For expats relocating to Abu Dhabi with families there are plenty of excellent schools to choose from and a variety of clubs to join for sports or hobbies. When it comes to schools, much of the decision making comes down to the curriculum type and teaching environment. Arab expatriates can find plenty of Arabic schools for their children, but all schools include the Arabic language as part of their curriculum so there are plenty of opportunities for novices to learn at that easier age. Top schools in Khalifa City include Horizon Private School with an American curriculum and GEMS American Academy which also includes the IB. Repton School Abu Dhabi has a British curriculum and is well placed for those living in Al Reem Island. Other great schools include Cranleigh Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island which has a British curriculum, Raha International School in Al Raha Gardens which has an International Baccalaureate curriculum and Brighton College near Khalifa Park.

Things to Do

As part of their innovative efforts to diversify the national GDP away from oil based revenues, Abu Dhabi has made massive investments in a variety of industries including leisure, culture and tourism. Within the city and its outskirts, there are a vast array of activities and sites to experience and see for people of all ages. Culture vultures won’t want to miss The Louvre or the stunning Abu Dhabi Music programme that celebrates Western and Arabic classical music. If you are keen to discover the heritage and story of Abu Dhabi, you can opt for a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or a trip to the Heritage Village with crafts, workshops and cultural events on the Corniche. Family fun days out can be had at Emirates Park Zoo, which champions local and international conservation efforts and protects over 2,000 different species, or up the adrenaline at the Ferrari World or Warner Bros theme parks. There are so many amazing locations for shopping and dining, not to mention some of the world’s most luxurious five-star hotel brands, perfect for meeting friends or treating yourself to a day of pampering! Those in need of a touch of nature can spend days exploring the beauty of the Eastern Mangroves in a kayak or trek around the brand new walkways of the Jubail Mangrove Park. There are also so many events that attract visitors from all over the world throughout the year, from literary festivals to global brand conferences, the F1 to major golf tournaments, celebrity concerts to award-winning firework displays. For the adults seeking more adventure and an active lifestyle, there are plenty of clubs, teams and groups to suit every sporting preference from sailing to riding, paintball to ultimate Frisbee! One thing is certainly true, you will never run out of things to do in Abu Dhabi, and that is before you have even explored the rest of the UAE…

The Perfect Day

To really encapsulate the wonders of Abu Dhabi in a short period of time, this would be our ideal way to spend the day…

Breakfast at Café 302

Morning:  Kayaking tour through the Eastern Mangroves

Lunch at Tasha’s (stunningly authentic Egyptian food)

Afternoon: A tour of the Grand Mosque and then browse the masterpieces of The Louvre

Dinner at Villa Toscana for a deliciously, romantic Italian feast

Evening: Take in a performance at the Emirates Palace Auditorium

Abu Dhabi is truly one of the world’s most ambitious capital cities.  It is the ideal environment in which to expand your brand and make a life for your family.  If you would like to talk to one of our expert Client Account Manager’s about your Abu Dhabi Relocation or expatriate relocation services for your company please get in touch via info@eerme.com or call us on +971 4 421 1819.