Are you a doctor or other healthcare professional considering relocating to the UAE? Maybe you are deciding whether to live and work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. What are the differences between these two cities, Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai: Which Emirate is Right for You? and your family?
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are only about 140 km (roughly 90 minutes by car) apart. The two cities share much in common, and both offer a fantastic lifestyle for expats. In InterNations’ 2022 Expat Insider survey, Dubai ranked 2nd and Abu Dhabi 9th for the best city in the world for expats.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also unique. Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, is situated on several islands, the majority of which are connected to each other and the mainland via roads and bridges. Further up the coastline of the UAE, Dubai is a popular tourism hub and tends to be more well-known.
How do you compare Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
Population
Dubai has a larger population; currently, there are around 3.6 million people, compared to around 1.57 million in Abu Dhabi. The populations of both cities are growing. Although Dubai is more densely populated than Abu Dhabi, its population density is still far lower than most other major international cities. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have large proportions of expat residents compared to Emirati citizens—around 85 and 88%, respectively.
Culture
In general, Dubai is more cosmopolitan and Abu Dhabi is a bit more conservative. However, both cities are very international. Dubai is an exciting and fast-paced business and tourism hub with something for everyone. While tourists do visit Abu Dhabi, it is less crowded with Western tourists than Dubai.
Those looking to immerse themselves in authentic local culture may prefer Abu Dhabi. The pace of life in Abu Dhabi tends to be a bit slower, with more focus on work-life balance. Both cities are family-friendly.
Cost of Living
In Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2023, Dubai ranked 182nd, and Abu Dhabi ranked 266th, out of 540 cities. This would make it seem that the cost of living in Dubai is a bit more expensive, but it is not a big difference. There is no income tax anywhere in the UAE, making it possible to save more of your salary.
Whether you live in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, your cost of living largely depends on your lifestyle and spending habits, with the area you choose to live in a major factor. It is generally more expensive to live in the central and coastal areas. Living further out reduces accommodation costs but may increase your commute time. It’s possible to lead an affordable or luxurious lifestyle in either city.
Schools
In Numbeo’s Cost of living index 2023, Dubai ranked 182nd, and Abu Dhabi ranked 266th, out of 540 cities. This would make it seem that Dubai is a bit more expensive, but it is not a big difference. There is no income tax anywhere in the UAE, making it possible to save more of your salary.
Whether you live in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, your cost of living largely depends on your lifestyle and spending habits, with the area you choose to live in a major factor.
It is generally more expensive to live in the central and coastal areas. Living further out reduces accommodation costs but may increase your commute time. It’s possible to lead an affordable or luxurious lifestyle in either city.
Places to visit and Entertainment
As a bigger city, Dubai has more entertainment options, nightlife, shopping and tourist attractions. Dubai is well known for Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping mall in the world. the Burj Khalifa is a hub of lifestyle and good nightlife Palm Jumeirah, the Atlantis resort, and a much more vibrant destination for expats.
However, Abu Dhabi also has a lot to see and do. Yas Island’s tourism and entertainment hub has theme parks including Yas Water World, Warner Bros. and Ferrari World, and you can watch Formula 1 at Yas Marina Circuit. Saadiyat Island’s cultural district is home to museums and galleries, including the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi. Stunning architectural landmarks in Abu Dhabi include the Presidential Palace and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Weather
The weather in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is almost the same, with year-round sunshine and minimal rain. From April to October, daytime temperatures range between 30 and 46 °C (86 and 115 °F), but there is air conditioning almost everywhere. From around the end of October to the end of March, the weather is very comfortable, with daytime temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F). The temperature rarely falls below 12 °C (54 °F) at any time.
Safety
Abu Dhabi ranked 1st and Dubai 5th in Numbeo’s 2023 Safety index which ranked 334 cities around the world. The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world due to its low crime rates. In 2024, Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to be among the safest cities in the world. According to the online database Numbeo, Abu Dhabi is ranked as the safest city globally with a safety index score of 86.9 and a crime index score of 13.1. Dubai follows closely, ranking fourth worldwide with a safety index score of 83.5 and a crime index score of 16.5. Both cities offer a high level of safety for residents and visitors, making them attractive destinations for living and working.
Travel
In both cities, the most convenient way to get around is by car or taxi. Petrol is cheap, and taxis are readily available with reasonable standardized fares. Both cities have good public transport networks (buses), but Dubai also has the Dubai Metro, trams, and water taxis.
The new Etihad Rail, linking Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other cities, currently operates for freight only but will open for rail passengers in the coming years. Both cities have major international airports that link them to the rest of the world.
How do I decide between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are unique cities, both are great places to live. The most important deciding factor, in most cases, will be your employment and place of work. Living and working in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai enables you to create a great lifestyle while also saving for the future.
If you are a highly skilled and motivated health professional looking to work in the UAE’s dynamic and growing healthcare sector, contact Allocation Assist today to find out how we can help you.
