Living In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the largest of seven Emirates within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The vibrant culture of the Emirate fuses the modern with the traditional. New buildings, new industries and new ideas co-exist with a rich culture and heritage.

It is this combination of old and new, tradition and opportunity that makes the Abu Dhabi so distinctive and which is helping it to achieve its vision of a confident, secure society and a sustainable, open and globally competitive economy.

xLocation

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE lies on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and west and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast, while Qatar lies to the northwest. The country’s total land area is about 83,600 square kilometers and over 80% of this is occupied by the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

xPopulation

The UAE’s population of 8.26 million (2010 figures) comprises roughly 20 percent Emirati nationals with the rest accounted for mostly by Asian, African and European nationals. The emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai comprise over two-thirds (67%) of the country’s total population.

xClimate

Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical climate. Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter.

xGrowth and Development

Abu Dhabi’s growth over the last 50 years has been powered by its natural resources. The discovery and export of oil respectively changed the Emirate’s fortunes and allowed it to embark on a program of investment and diversification which continues today. Abu Dhabi holds nine percent of the world’s proven oil reserves and almost five per cent of the world’s proven supplies of natural gas. It produces nearly 90 per cent of the UAE’s oil.

Abu Dhabi has carefully planned its growth and development to ensure a deep connection with its people, its heritage and its environment. The proceeds of its finite oil resources are being used for the current and future benefit of the people of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

Increased financial transparency and accountability, the development of a robust regulatory framework and a coordinated approach to long term urban planning are all hallmarks of the Government’s approach. These initiatives, combined with business-friendly free zones for overseas investors, are supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and helping in the development of new knowledge based industries such as alternative energy, aviation, aerospace, biotechnology, life sciences, financial services, media, transport and logistics, tourism and basic industries such as aluminum and plastics.

xHealthcare in Abu Dhabi

The Government of Abu Dhabi is taking bold steps to improve access to world-class treatment and reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for care.

There have already been significant developments within regulatory landscape, such as the introduction of employer-funded medical insurance for all residents. These regulatory reforms, implemented by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi have paved the way for increased private sector involvement, international partnerships with world-class healthcare providers, and improved access to care for all.

For more information visit www.haad.ae

xCulture and Heritage

Abu Dhabi has a vibrant culture which fuses the modern with the traditional. New buildings, new industries and new ideas co-exist with a rich culture and heritage. It is this combination of old and new, tradition and opportunity that makes the Emirate so distinctive and which is helping Abu Dhabi to achieve its vision of a confident, secure society and a sustainable, open and globally competitive economy.

xSchools

There are some excellent daycare centers, kindergarten and nursery schools in Abu Dhabi that accept children ranging from six weeks old to school-going age. They follow a British, American or Montessori curriculum.

For primary and secondary education, there are a number options to cater to the needs of a very diverse global resident population. Click here for a guide to schools in UAE.

xLeisure

Abu Dhabi boasts a range of leisure activities; from luxurious hotels, restaurants, and golf courses to vast shopping malls featuring all of the world’s most famous brands as well as the more traditional souqs. For the adventurous traveler, there are trips into the beautiful desert sand dunes or a multitude of water sports that provide popular hobbies for both residents and visitors alike.

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