Expat magnet. Why Abu Dhabi has become more popular among family buyers

In 2023, Abu Dhabi was named the most luxurious holiday and living destination, as well as the leader in popularity among family buyers. We tell you what attracts people so much to the capital of the UAE and why foreigners with children choose it to move to.

At the end of the 1st quarter of 2023, 5,472 transactions were registered in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, which was 66% higher than the same period last year (there were 3,304 transactions). Experts explain this significant growth by the increased investment attractiveness of the emirate, as well as increased interest in it among family buyers.

While the ultra-popular Dubai is chosen by buyers who prefer a vibrant and bustling metropolitan lifestyle, Abu Dhabi is famous for its calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. This family cluster is distinguished by an abundance of parks, beautiful beaches, golf courses, and a large number of attractions. In addition, Abu Dhabi, although inferior to Dubai in terms of the scale of projects, is no less interesting in terms of long-term investment solutions.

So, currently the cost of 1 sq.m. in Abu Dhabi is still lower than in competing Dubai, and the quality of construction and the amount of infrastructure in projects even often exceeds those in Dubai. The profitability of projects, according to company experts, can be up to 60% for further resale, and for leasing - up to 10% per annum. Limited supply compared to the Dubai market also makes the assets more resilient to stress.

The Abu Dhabi property market is heavily monopolized, giving investors the ability to control its pricing due to the lack of competition and surges during supposed stressful financial periods. Over the past few years, the market has shown that asset value growth, although softer compared to Dubai, is always stable.'

From the point of view of relocation, the Abu Dhabi family cluster looks especially attractive, since it is here that a large number of cultural centers and entertainment complexes for the whole family are concentrated, there is a preferential business tax system, and the best medicine and education system are available.

Calm, clean, safe

Compared to the noisy, vibrant and rapidly growing Dubai, the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, still looks and feels like a place for a calm and comfortable, albeit somewhat less eventful life. If Dubai lives almost 24/7, then Abu Dhabi wakes up at 8 am, and by 9 pm almost all institutions are already closed.

As those who have lived in both emirates testify, Abu Dhabi surpasses Dubai in terms of cleanliness and safety. Dubai authorities are proud of their city's achievements in these indicators, but in Abu Dhabi they pay even more attention. Finally, many note that the snow-white sandy beaches in Abu Dhabi are difficult to compare with those in Dubai, which are also very good and comfortable, but do not make the same impression.

Moving to Abu Dhabi is chosen, firstly, by families with children who value the already mentioned cleanliness and safety. Secondly, 95% of all oil produced in the UAE is concentrated in this emirate, and the offices of oil producing companies are located here - therefore, professionals in this industry are valued here. Also welcome here are specialists from the banking sector and experienced doctors: salaries for these categories in Abu Dhabi are higher than in Dubai, and in addition, their contracts often include a clause on payment of rent.

Research shows that people in the UAE feel safer walking at night than anywhere else in the world. To ensure a high level of security in Abu Dhabi, the government is investing heavily in improving police and security services.

Thus, the emirate established the Higher Committee for Crises and Terrorist Acts Management (HCCTAM) to increase the UAE’s resilience to possible attacks. In addition, the emirate's Urban Planning Council has released the Abu Dhabi Safety and Security Planning Manual (SSPM). This document combines three areas—physical, personnel and information security—with the goal of strengthening all aspects of protection. SSPM also includes various strategies aimed at crime prevention.

Culture, recreation, entertainment

The calm pace of life in Abu Dhabi does not mean that there is nowhere to go and nothing to see. The main attraction here is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest in the UAE and the eighth largest in the world. During its construction and interior decoration, white Italian marble, semi-precious stones were used: lapis lazuli, amethyst, rock crystal, agate, natural pearls - as well as 24-karat gold. In addition, here is the largest carpet in the world: its area is 5627 square meters. m, and weight 47 tons.

As for other places for recreation and cultural leisure, the following are open in Abu Dhabi:

The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum with its 12 galleries for the permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions bringing famous paintings to the Louvre in Paris and other museums in Europe and the world.

The National Theater hosts not only performances, but also exhibitions, lectures and conferences dedicated to the world of art.

The Yas Marina Circuit, where, among other things, Formula 1 takes place.

Wadi Adventure water park with rafting and kayaking areas.

Warner Bros. Theme Park World for fans of comics and films of the same name about superheroes.

SeaWorld Oceanarium, home to 68 thousand marine animals.

Al-Ain Zoo is the largest zoo in the Middle East.

Ferrari World theme park.

Umm Al Emarat City Park, where you can visit a camel farm, a botanical garden and a mini zoo.

Observation Deck at 300 is an observation deck 300 m above sea level, located on the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi hotel.

Mangrove National Park is a mangrove park with pink flamingos and reef herons.

Hot and sunny climate

The climate in Abu Dhabi is hot and deserted. The weather here is sunny all year round and there is practically no precipitation. The hottest and wettest months are June, July, August and September: maximum temperatures during this period average above 41 °C. However, air conditioners, which can be found even at bus stops, solve this problem.

But the rest of the year the weather is comfortable and warm and generally averages 27.9°C. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of about +23.5 °C.

High salary and exemption from income taxes

With a stable economy and extensive employment opportunities, many expatriates are considering relocating to Abu Dhabi to find employment, open and operate a business in the UAE capital. This results in many jobs for local and foreign workers.

An important advantage of working in the emirate is the absence of income tax in the UAE. This rule also applies to freelancers and self-employed people who have obtained resident visas.

Education

Schools in Abu Dhabi provide quality education as well as extra-curricular activities for students. British, American and Indian study programs are offered here.

Tuition fees vary depending on the form of study (you can choose a full-time or part-time program), as well as on the grade in which the student is studying. High school education is more expensive than primary education.

Indian schools are the most affordable. For example, the quarterly tuition fee for 6th grade at Abu Dhabi Indian School ranges from AED 2,120 to AED 3,250 ($577 to $885).