Living in Abu Dhabi as an American: Cost, Neighborhoods, Visas, Pros and Cons
My First Honest Impression of Abu Dhabi
What surprised me about Abu Dhabi is how deliberately calmer it is than Dubai. From an American point of view, the surface adjustment is similar — English works everywhere in daily life, roads and infrastructure operate to high international standards, malls and apps handle daily logistics, and safety is genuinely high. Service culture is polished. Within two weeks of arrival, you can be operating like a resident.
But Abu Dhabi is fundamentally a different kind of UAE city than Dubai. As the federal capital, it hosts the seat of government, most federal ministries, embassies, and a substantial sovereign-wealth and energy industry concentration. Abu Dhabi Emirate population was reported at 4,135,985 in 2024 per Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre (SCAD), with around 7.5% population growth over 2023 revised data. The median age is around 33, with roughly 54% of residents in the 25–44 age group — a working-population city.
The city itself sits primarily on a chain of islands and the connected mainland. Abu Dhabi Region (the city and immediate surroundings) accounts for roughly 68% of the emirate's population. Al Ain Region (the inland oasis city) accounts for about 24%. Al Dhafra Region (the vast western desert, including the major oil and gas areas) accounts for about 8%. When Americans say "moving to Abu Dhabi," they usually mean the city — Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Khalifa City, and the central mainland districts.
The adjustment many Americans will feel first is that Abu Dhabi rewards different priorities than Dubai. Where Dubai is built around commerce, nightlife, retail, real estate, and constant tourism, Abu Dhabi is built around government, corporate work, family infrastructure, cultural institutions, and longer-term residency. The city has invested heavily in culture — Louvre Abu Dhabi (opened 2017), Qasr Al Hosn, the developing Saadiyat Cultural District with Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. These aren't tourist trappings; they're long-term cultural investments meant to anchor a different kind of city than Dubai.
But Abu Dhabi is also not a cheap escape, just like Dubai isn't. Rent in prime areas (Saadiyat Island villas, Al Reem high-rises, Yas Island family compounds, Al Maryah Island business apartments) approaches Dubai pricing for similar quality. International school fees are real money. The city is meaningfully more car-dependent than Dubai (no metro system; buses and taxis only). Summer is the same 5+ months of brutal heat, with the same ADRO-confirmed 35–42°C range and 60-100% humidity.
The honest first impression: Abu Dhabi is one of the most rewarding international bases for Americans wanting UAE benefits in a calmer, more family-oriented frame. It's also not "Dubai with less stuff." It's a different city operating under different priorities, with its own strengths and its own friction. Knowing which version of the UAE move you're making matters here — and Abu Dhabi rewards the family-and-stability-oriented Americans more than the lifestyle-and-business-pace-oriented ones.
What Daily Life in Abu Dhabi Actually Feels Like
Daily life in Abu Dhabi is built around three things: your air-conditioned routine, your vehicle access (car or taxi), and your neighborhood choice (which decides school logistics, beach access, commute, and social scene).
Calmer UAE rhythm is the most defining feature of daily Abu Dhabi for many Americans. Where Dubai operates at constant marketing intensity, Abu Dhabi operates at the pace of a working capital. Streets are quieter on weekday evenings. Restaurants are less crowded outside the peak weekends. Social calendars run at lower density. The pace gap is real — and for some Americans is the entire reason to choose Abu Dhabi.
Family-oriented daily life structures most resident experience. Abu Dhabi has built itself around schools, family communities, parks, beaches, and child-friendly entertainment in a way Dubai's Marina/Downtown core never quite achieved. The city's villa communities (Khalifa City, Al Raha Gardens, Saadiyat Beach Villas, Al Reef, Mohammed Bin Zayed City) form the backbone of expat family life. Weekend rhythm centers on Saadiyat Beach, Yas Island family activities, the Corniche, and cultural venues.
Air-conditioned living is structural. From May through September, outdoor daytime activity is genuinely uncomfortable or dangerous. Indoor life dominates — malls (Yas Mall, Marina Mall, Galleria, Reem Mall, Al Wahda Mall), offices, gyms, restaurants, homes, cars.
Car and taxi routines define most residents' mobility. Abu Dhabi has no metro system. The city's bus network is decent for some commutes but doesn't substitute for car-based daily life. Most expats drive (with the Mawaqif paid parking system in central areas and Darb electronic tolls on certain bridges). Others rely on Careem and Uber. Living without a car is feasible if you live in Al Reem, Al Maryah, or central districts and work nearby; structurally impossible if you live in Khalifa City, Yas Island family communities, or anywhere suburban.
Government and corporate work culture is one of Abu Dhabi's distinguishing features. The energy industry (ADNOC and its subsidiaries), sovereign wealth (ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ), federal government, healthcare (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Burjeel, NMC Royal, SEHA hospitals), education (NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne, Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Khalifa University), aerospace, and major corporate sectors define the professional ecosystem. Networking happens in business contexts, conferences, embassy events, and the cultural venue circuit more than nightlife.
International community is real but more contained than Dubai's. Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, French, South Africans, Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Egyptians, Lebanese, Iranians — Abu Dhabi has substantial communities across nationalities, often anchored by employer or school connections rather than expat-neighborhood density.
High safety perception is consistent with the rest of the UAE. Streets are safe at all hours in expat areas. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Road safety is the meaningful risk — Abu Dhabi has real traffic accident rates, particularly on the inter-emirate Sheikh Zayed Road.
Summer vs. winter lifestyle mirrors Dubai but with slightly different rhythm. Summer Abu Dhabi operates indoors — shopping, dining, indoor activities. Winter (November-March) is when the city fully comes alive — beach clubs, outdoor dining, sports, F1 race weekend (Yas Marina Circuit), desert excursions, hiking in the nearby Hajar mountains.
What feels easy: English-friendly environment, polished infrastructure, safe streets, family-oriented neighborhoods, beach and cultural access, strong schools, healthcare infrastructure with insurance, time zone for European/Asian work.
What feels quiet or expensive: nightlife and entertainment scale (compared to Dubai); rent in Saadiyat and other prime areas; international school fees; car costs and parking logistics; the structural car dependency that makes some daily-life decisions feel logistically heavier than Dubai's Marina-area Metro convenience.
The honest pattern: Abu Dhabi rewards Americans with stable income, family priorities, and tolerance for slower pace. It frustrates Americans hoping for Dubai's energy at a discount.
Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi for Americans
Abu Dhabi's cost structure is in the same ballpark as Dubai for premium living, more moderate for non-premium choices, and noticeably tighter for family life. Treat the ranges below as approximate.
Solo American professional budget
A solo American professional on a moderate-to-comfortable lifestyle — one-bedroom apartment in a good area (Al Reem, Al Maryah, central mainland, Yas Island), car or taxi combination, gym, occasional dining and beach access — typically lands in the AED 16,000–32,000/month (~$4,400–$8,700) range. Below AED 14,000/month is possible with discipline.
Couple budget
Couples sharing a one-bedroom or small two-bedroom typically run AED 22,000–48,000/month (~$6,000–$13,100). Abu Dhabi's couple-stage value can sometimes be slightly better than Dubai's equivalent areas.
Family budget
A family with one or two children, real two- or three-bedroom apartment or villa, private health insurance, two cars (or one car plus driver/taxis), international school tuition, occasional travel, and Abu Dhabi family-lifestyle baseline typically lands in the AED 45,000–110,000+/month (~$12,300–$30,000+) range. International school tuition is the biggest variable — top schools (American Community School of Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Repton Abu Dhabi, GEMS World Academy, Aldar Academies network) can run AED 50,000–100,000+ ($13,600–$27,200+) per year per child. Mid-tier schools run AED 25,000–50,000/year.
Remote worker / consultant budget considerations
Americans on Abu Dhabi's Remote Work Visa face a specific cost structure. The visa has minimum income requirements (USD 3,500/month per official documentation) and requires health insurance — and the visa threshold is far below what sustainable Abu Dhabi living typically requires. Practically, comfortable Abu Dhabi life for remote workers usually requires meaningfully more income than the minimum threshold.
What usually costs more than Americans expect
Saadiyat Island and prime island rent: villas and premium apartments command real premiums.
International school tuition: matches U.S. private schools.
Annual rent payment structure: 1-4 cheques per year is standard — single cheque payments require significant upfront capital.
Cooling and utilities in summer: AED 1,000–3,000+/month for larger apartments.
Car costs: while gas is cheap, Mawaqif paid parking (AED 2-3 per hour in many central areas, monthly residential permits required), Darb tolls (AED 4 per gate crossing), and insurance add up.
Health insurance for older Americans or self-employed: rises sharply with age.
Family activities and Yas Island entertainment: Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld day passes run AED 250-400+ per person.
Imported groceries at Spinneys, Waitrose, Lulu Hypermarket international sections.
Domestic help: many families employ housekeepers, drivers, or nannies (formal sponsorship arrangements required under UAE law).
Where Americans may save money compared with U.S. cities
Personal income tax: UAE doesn't levy it.
Gas and fuel: dramatically cheaper than U.S. coastal cities.
Ride-hailing: Careem and Uber meaningfully cheaper than U.S. equivalents.
Domestic help: housekeepers, nannies, drivers at fractions of U.S. cost (formal sponsorship required).
Healthcare with good insurance: most routine care well-covered.
Phone and internet: Etisalat e& and du offer high-speed fiber and mobile competitive with U.S.
Asia, Europe, Africa travel: Zayed International Airport (AUH) hub connectivity has expanded dramatically — 39 new route launches and 7 new airlines in 2025.
Why income, school planning, and lifestyle discipline matter more than averages
Two American families on identical incomes in Abu Dhabi can have radically different financial outcomes. A family in Khalifa City with kids at a mid-tier international school, modest lifestyle, and one car can save substantially. A family in Saadiyat Beach Villas with kids at top-tier international schools, two premium cars, and full lifestyle baseline can save nothing. The decision is almost entirely about school choice, area, and lifestyle structure.
Best Neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi for Americans and Expats
Al Reem Island
Vibe: Modern high-rise island living connected to Abu Dhabi mainland by bridges, with water views, walking promenades, growing café and restaurant scene, and a younger professional and small-family demographic. The most "urban" feeling area outside the central mainland. Cost: Mid-to-high — one-bedrooms typically AED 65,000–110,000/year. Transport: Bus access; walkable within Al Reem; car or taxi for everywhere else. Who it suits: First-time American arrivals, professionals, couples, smaller families wanting modern apartment living. Tradeoff: Tower density; traffic and parking can be challenging; ongoing construction in some sections.
Saadiyat Island
Vibe: The premium cultural and beach district — anchored by Louvre Abu Dhabi, the developing Saadiyat Cultural District (Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi planned), Saadiyat Beach Club, NYU Abu Dhabi, and luxury villa and apartment communities. The version of Abu Dhabi people see in cultural magazines. Cost: Among Abu Dhabi's highest — villas can run AED 250,000–600,000+/year. Transport: Bus access; car essential for most needs. Who it suits: Higher-income American families, culture-focused expats, NYU Abu Dhabi-affiliated families, executives. Tradeoff: Real money. Some sections still developing.
Yas Island
Vibe: The entertainment and leisure island — Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit (Formula 1), Yas Mall, multiple hotels, modern apartments and villas. Active family lifestyle. Cost: Mid-to-high. Transport: Bus access; car essential for most off-island trips. Who it suits: Active families, lifestyle-focused Americans wanting entertainment access, expats working at Yas Island employers. Tradeoff: Can feel destination-like rather than fully residential; weekend tourist traffic.
Al Maryah Island
Vibe: The business and luxury retail island — Abu Dhabi Global Market (financial center), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, The Galleria luxury mall, Four Seasons Hotel, Rosewood. Walkable, high-density. Cost: Very high — among Abu Dhabi's most expensive. Transport: Walkable within Al Maryah; bridges to mainland. Who it suits: Finance professionals (ADGM), executives, higher-income Americans wanting walkable urban living. Tradeoff: Smallest by area; can feel quieter outside business hours.
Al Raha Beach
Vibe: Waterfront residential area along the coast east of central Abu Dhabi, family-friendly, mix of apartments and villas, calmer suburban-resort feel with beach access. Good for Yas/airport/Khalifa City access. Cost: Mid-to-high. Transport: Car-dependent. Who it suits: Family-oriented Americans wanting waterfront living with proximity to Yas Island and Khalifa City schools. Tradeoff: Distance from central mainland; car-dependent.
Khalifa City
Vibe: The major suburban villa community on the mainland north of central Abu Dhabi — family-oriented, with villas, gated communities (Khalifa City A and B), schools nearby, more space, and a structurally family-focused identity. Cost: Mid-to-high for villas. Transport: Car-dependent. Who it suits: American families wanting villa lifestyle with space, schools, and family infrastructure. Tradeoff: Genuinely car-dependent; commute to central Abu Dhabi at peak can be real.
Al Bateen
Vibe: Established, central, coastal, with a more residential and diplomatic feel. Older Abu Dhabi prestige, some embassies, calmer pace. Cost: Mid-to-high. Transport: Car-dependent; close to central mainland. Who it suits: Diplomats, established professionals wanting central but quieter living. Tradeoff: Less amenity density than Al Reem or Al Maryah; older infrastructure in some pockets.
Corniche
Vibe: The iconic Abu Dhabi waterfront promenade and the central mainland districts adjacent to it. Walking paths, public beach, parks, family-oriented public space, plus higher-rise apartments and older mixed-use buildings. Cost: Wide range. Transport: Walkable along Corniche; central mainland buses; car needed for most needs. Who it suits: Americans wanting central mainland living with iconic waterfront access. Tradeoff: Older buildings in some sections; varies sharply by sub-area.
Al Mushrif
Vibe: Established central residential area, family-friendly, with schools, mosques, parks, and a more local-feeling daily life. Calmer than newer islands. Cost: Mid. Transport: Car-dependent. Who it suits: Families wanting central but quieter villa living, more established Abu Dhabi residential experience. Tradeoff: Less polished than Saadiyat or Khalifa City; varies by sub-area.
Al Reef
Vibe: Community-oriented development further out, with affordable villas and apartments, family-friendly layout, distinct architectural styles (Arabian, Mediterranean, contemporary villas). Genuinely more affordable than central areas. Cost: Lower. Transport: Car-dependent. Who it suits: Families optimizing for value, those okay with longer commutes. Tradeoff: Distance from central Abu Dhabi; commute planning matters.
Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Vibe: Large suburban mainland community south of central Abu Dhabi, with villas and apartments, family-oriented, more value-priced. Cost: Lower. Transport: Car-dependent. Who it suits: Families wanting more space at lower cost, those okay with commuting to central Abu Dhabi. Tradeoff: Genuinely far from central; structurally car-dependent.
Masdar City
Vibe: The sustainability and innovation district near the airport, with research institutions (Khalifa University, Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence), tech companies, planned car-light layout, and a unique architectural identity. Cost: Mid. Transport: Designed for reduced car use within the city; car needed for outside trips. Who it suits: Researchers, tech workers, sustainability-oriented Americans, niche choice. Tradeoff: Smaller residential scene; ongoing development; less amenity density than other areas.
Al Khalidiyah
Vibe: Central mainland area with older Abu Dhabi character, dense restaurants and services, more local feel, mix of older and newer buildings. Cost: Mid. Transport: Walkable for some daily errands; bus access; car helpful. Who it suits: Americans wanting central mainland convenience over island prestige, those wanting more local-feeling daily life. Tradeoff: Older infrastructure in some sections; less of the expat scene than Al Reem.
Al Muroor
Vibe: Central-mainland practical area, mixed residential/commercial, more local Emirati and Asian community feel, less polished than premium districts. Cost: Lower for similar size. Transport: Bus access; car helpful. Who it suits: Budget-conscious Americans wanting central access, those engaging with non-expat daily life. Tradeoff: Less expat density; more Arabic in daily commerce.
Al Ain (broader emirate, not Abu Dhabi city)
Vibe: The inland oasis city in Abu Dhabi Emirate, about 1.5 hours from Abu Dhabi city. Greener, traditional, family-oriented, university town (UAE University). Different lifestyle than Abu Dhabi city — slower, more traditional, more local. Cost: Lower than Abu Dhabi city. Who it suits: Americans working at UAEU, families wanting traditional inland lifestyle, those wanting genuinely different Emirati daily life. Tradeoff: Not the same as living in Abu Dhabi city — different daily rhythm. Long commute to Abu Dhabi for business.
For most first-time American arrivals, the practical defaults are Al Reem Island (urban-island modern), Al Maryah Island (premium urban professional), or Saadiyat Island (premium cultural/beach for higher-income). Families more typically land in Khalifa City, Saadiyat Beach Villas, Al Raha Beach, Yas Island villa communities, or Al Reef depending on school and budget. Budget-conscious arrivals often start in Al Khalidiyah, Al Muroor, or Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
Housing Reality in Abu Dhabi
Housing in Abu Dhabi is not only about rent. It is about commute, school location, AC costs, parking, building quality, healthcare access, traffic, and whether the area fits your family or work routine.
Apartments vs. villas is the first major decision. Most singles, couples, and young families live in apartments (Al Reem, Al Maryah, Yas, central mainland). Most families with school-age kids live in villas or larger apartments in Khalifa City, Saadiyat Beach Villas, Al Reef, Al Raha Gardens, or Mohammed Bin Zayed City compounds.
Furnished vs. unfurnished: Most Abu Dhabi rentals are unfurnished. Budget AED 20,000–80,000+ for furnishing a one-bedroom or family villa.
Island living vs. mainland living: Island areas (Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Al Maryah) generally feel more modern and amenity-rich at higher prices. Mainland districts (Al Khalidiyah, Al Mushrif, Al Bateen, Khalifa City) feel more established and varied at sometimes lower prices.
Rent payment structures typically involve 1-4 annual cheques. Single-cheque payment earns better rates but requires significant upfront capital. Plus typical 5% deposit, 5% agent commission, Tawtheeq registration fees, and ADDC utility deposits.
Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi's tenancy registration system) is mandatory for legal tenancy protection and Emirates ID/services linkage. Verify your landlord registers Tawtheeq properly.
Cooling and utilities are real costs. Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) covers electricity and water. Many developments have separate district cooling charges. Summer cooling can run AED 1,000–3,000+/month for larger apartments.
Building amenities matter — pools, gyms, security, parking. Standard in tower buildings.
Parking: Most central areas use the Mawaqif paid parking system. Tower buildings typically include 1 parking space; additional parking is paid or unavailable. Residential permits in Mawaqif zones are required for street parking in some neighborhoods.
Traffic and commute reality: Sheikh Zayed Road / E10 (the spine highway) and the various bridges connecting islands to mainland can see significant peak-hour traffic. Khalifa City to central Abu Dhabi at peak can be 45-60 minutes; outside peak, 20-30 minutes.
School-location decisions for families often dictate housing more than any other factor. Top international schools cluster in specific areas — many families pick housing based on school first, neighborhood second.
The most common American mistake is choosing housing based on weekend appeal (Saadiyat sunset views) rather than weekday logistics (school commute, work commute, family routine).
Remote Work, Business, Internet, and Everyday Convenience
For American professionals, founders, consultants, and remote workers, Abu Dhabi can be one of the most strategically valuable bases in the Gulf — if the income math works and the visa path is clear.
Abu Dhabi Remote Work Visa: 1-year residence visa for eligible Americans working remotely for an entity outside the UAE. Per ADRO documentation, requirements include passport valid for relevant period, proof of remote employment outside UAE, monthly income of at least USD 3,500 or equivalent, bank statements demonstrating consistent income, valid health insurance covering UAE. Applied through Abu Dhabi Resident Office (ADRO). Verify current requirements directly with ADRO or ICP — regulations evolving and the income/insurance thresholds have been tightening in some categories. This is not legal advice.
Government and corporate work ecosystem is one of Abu Dhabi's strongest features. The energy industry (ADNOC and subsidiaries), sovereign wealth (ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ), federal government, healthcare (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Burjeel Hospital, SEHA network), education (NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, Mohammed bin Zayed University of AI), aerospace, defense, AI, and cultural institutions create a distinctive professional ecosystem heavily weighted toward government-and-major-corporate work.
Free zones and company setup: Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on Al Maryah Island is one of the Middle East's most respected financial free zones with English common law jurisdiction. Other free zones include Masdar Free Zone, Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD), twofour54 (media), and Industrial City of Abu Dhabi.
Internet and mobile are excellent. Etisalat e& and du offer fiber at 250 Mbps to 1 Gbps for AED 350–700/month. Mobile 5G widely available.
Coworking and business centers are growing but more limited than Dubai. WeWork Hub71 on Al Maryah Island, Hub71 ecosystem for startups, A4 Space, Cove Coworking, multiple options in ADGM. Day passes AED 50–150; monthly memberships AED 800–2,500.
Banking and Emirates ID follow standard UAE patterns. Emirates NBD, FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank), ADCB, Mashreq are major options.
Time zone tradeoffs favor Europe/Asia/Africa work. UAE runs GST (UTC+4) — 8 hours ahead of New York, 11 hours ahead of San Francisco. East Coast U.S. clients map to UAE afternoons; West Coast clients mean late-night calls.
Daily errands work efficiently. Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem Food for delivery. Noon, Amazon.ae, Carrefour for e-commerce. TAMM Abu Dhabi app handles government services.
Healthcare and Insurance in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's private healthcare system is among the strongest in the Middle East, anchored by major institutions.
Major private hospitals include Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (one of the region's most prestigious hospitals, on Al Maryah Island), Burjeel Hospital, NMC Royal Hospital, Mediclinic, HealthPlus, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, and the SEHA network (Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Mafraq Hospital). These offer English-speaking specialists and care comparable to U.S. private hospitals at substantial discounts for insured patients.
Insurance is required under Abu Dhabi's health insurance framework. Abu Dhabi has long had a mandatory health insurance system for non-UAE national residents and their dependents, with employers required to provide coverage for employees. UAE mandatory health insurance coverage was expanded across all emirates for private sector employees and domestic workers starting January 1, 2025.
Insurance costs: Annual premiums for a healthy adult range AED 4,000–25,000+ for solid plans through providers like Daman (Abu Dhabi's main insurance provider), Bupa, AXA Gulf, MetLife, Cigna. Family coverage and older Americans pay substantially more — AED 25,000–60,000+/year for premium family plans.
For dependents, ensure your employer's insurance covers spouses and children — many plans require add-on coverage.
For self-employed Americans on Remote Work Visa, arranging compliant insurance is essential — the visa requires it.
Specialist care in Abu Dhabi is strong, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi as a regional referral center for complex cardiology, oncology, neurology, and other specialties. Some Americans still travel to London, Bangkok, or Singapore for specific procedures, but Abu Dhabi's depth has improved substantially.
Pharmacies are widely available (Boots, BinSina, Aster Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy). Most medications accessible with appropriate prescription. Follow UAE law and consult professionals.
This is general information only, not medical advice. Verify your specific situation with a licensed insurance broker and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi.
Getting Around Abu Dhabi Without a Car
Abu Dhabi is meaningfully more car-dependent than Dubai. Living car-free in Abu Dhabi is possible in specific areas (Al Reem, Al Maryah, central Corniche) but harder than in central Dubai.
Public buses through Abu Dhabi Mobility are extensive — over 100 routes covering the city, intercity routes to Dubai (E100 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Ibn Battuta/Al Ghubaiba; E101 to other Dubai destinations), and routes to Al Ain. Fares are AED 2-6 per trip. Routes work for some commutes but don't substitute for car-based life for most expats.
Taxis (Abu Dhabi Taxi/TransAD) are reliable, metered, plentiful. Short trips run AED 12-30; longer trips AED 40-100.
