Abu Dhabi
Arabian Gulf · UAE · Middle East
Polished, planned, and tax-free — petrodollar calm with a growing arts ambition.
Abu Dhabi is the UAE's wealthier, calmer capital, offering Gulf beaches, gleaming modern districts, tax-free income, and a more family-oriented pace than neighboring Dubai. It's safe and polished, with strong infrastructure and a growing culture scene anchored by the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Summers are punishingly hot and humid, life is car-dependent, and costs run high. It fits well-paid professionals and families who want Gulf comfort and stability with less of Dubai's frenzy.
comfortable monthly budget
1-bed rent, good area
Best for
Not for
A heavily expat population from across the globe, organized largely around work and family; the scene is comfortable but can feel transient and segmented by nationality. Nightlife is more restrained than Dubai, with an upscale, family-friendly tilt.
Where to land
The scorecard
Tax in UAE
Special regime: 0% personal income tax; 9% corporate tax only on business profit above AED 375k
No personal income or capital gains tax, but a 9% corporate tax now applies to business profits over AED 375,000.
Representative estimate — not tax advice. · source
Make the move to Abu Dhabi
Some links are partner links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Is Abu Dhabi your place?
Take the 60-second quiz and see how well it actually fits you — and what beats it.
Find my placePhoto via Wikimedia Commons · source