Abu Dhabi vs Dubai – Which City Is Better For Entrepreneurs and Digital Nomads?

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On June 16, 2021

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Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are popular expat hotspots for a variety of reasons including zero income tax and a high standard of living. Statista reported that around 89% of the total UAE population in 2018 were expats.

The UAE also introduced a remote work visa in 2021 that suits both remote employees and entrepreneurs, after a similar visa program introduced by Dubai in 2020.

Let’s look at Abu Dhabi vs Dubai from digital nomads’ and entrepreneurs’ points of view and see what factors you need to consider before choosing one as your next destination.

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are Emirates and part of one country: The United Arab Emirates (UAE). The capital cities of the two Emirates are also called Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE as well.

Many people find the two cities to be remarkably similar, and here’s why:

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both wealthy. According to World Bank data, at the time of writing, the UAE had a GDP per capita (current US$) of over US$ 43,000 in 2019. The Purchasing Power Parity based GDP per capita in 2019 was approximately 70,000 in current international dollars, as per the World Bank data.

They both have a similar warm climate all year long. According to Meteodb, the average temperatures are around 40C during July and August, while the temperatures hover around 25C or less during December to February.

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are generally westernized, but they are part of a Muslim country and hence people are expected to dress and behave modestly. For example, covering knees and shoulders, is generally recommended.

Following some notable recent changes to laws as explained by Gulf Business, unmarried couples can now live together in the UAE. You also no longer need a license to consume alcohol if you are over the age of 21, according to the report, within the guidelines around where you can consume it. Remember to familiarize yourself with all relevant rules for your circumstances, such as for LGBT travelers, use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) apps, etc.

Both cities offer a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury living in attractive locations, as well as many fully equipped coworking spaces to choose from.

What is the difference between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

Not everything is similar between the two cities, however. So, let’s look at some differences, even if slight, of Abu Dhabi vs Dubai:

Dubai is becoming a digital nomad destination with its more westernized lifestyle including a vibrant nightlife, albeit the higher cost of living vs the typical digital nomad hotspots. While Abu Dhabi also has fun things to do, it is more traditional and calmer, and better suited for a family-oriented lifestyle.

Dubai is busier and has a higher overall cost of living compared to Abu Dhabi. The Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranked Dubai the 23rd and Abu Dhabi the 39th most expensive out of 209 cities, in 2020.

Dubai is a business hub with the presence of many international companies and is rapidly advancing in technology and innovation. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has an initiative called Dubai Startup Hub to empower entrepreneurs and support start-ups. It aims to be a smart city with several initiatives already launched. For example, Dubai aims to be the first city powered by blockchain, and the government aims to make their transactions completely paperless in 2021. Abu Dhabi isn’t behind and has its smart city project, and the UAE as a whole has a blockchain strategy, as well.

As discussed earlier, both cities have a variety of accommodation choices. Developers have also launched large co-living projects in Dubai that will suit many digital nomads.

Dubai has a range of modern transport methods including; a driverless metro, monorail, and trams; as well as buses, taxis, and a water transport system. The city is also moving to become more bicycle-friendly. Furthermore, Dubai is working towards more modern transport options such as driverless flying taxis and road transport. The transport options in Abu Dhabi include buses, taxis, and water transport. You can cycle in Abu Dhabi, especially during the cooler months. Both the cities have access to ride-hailing services including Uber, as well as bicycle sharing. You can also rent cars and scooters.

If you are interested in engaging in freelance activities, Abu Dhabi has a freelance license for residents and non-residents, in addition to citizens, that includes 48 different business categories. There are free trade zones in Dubai that offer freelance permits.

How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai and how to move between them?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are around 140km apart in driving distance. This proximity enables quick travel between the two cities, and there are convenient ways to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or vice versa. Here are a few ways:

Car

You can drive between the two cities in around 90 minutes. You will need a local driver’s license or an international driver’s license to drive in the UAE, depending on your circumstances.

Taxi

Both the cities have taxi options to travel easily between the two. Taxis can be expensive, however.

Bus

Buses are an economical way to travel between the two cities. While the buses are comfortable, they will take longer, and hence, expect the journey to be around two and a half hours at a minimum.

You can also take a tour or share a ride to reduce the cost of a taxi.

If the UAE’s Hyperloop transport plans proceed as expected, you will be able to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in as little as 12 minutes, in the future.

Digital nomad community

There are online communities to find fellow digital nomads and expats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here are a few ways to meet and engage with likeminded people:

Meetup has several groups you can join to meet entrepreneurs and digital nomads. The Digital Nomads Dubai group for remote workers has over 1,450 members and the Dubai Business Networking group has over 19,800 members, at the time of writing. There are also many entrepreneurship groups to choose from in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Consider joining the different digital nomad groups on Facebook and connect with members based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are also specific expat groups for Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Facebook.

The best things to do in Abu Dhabi

There are several things to do in Abu Dhabi as a single person, a couple, or a family. Let’s look at a few:

1. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This picturesque mosque, built by the founder and first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is considered one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. Some notable features include 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and rich elements, as well as different architectural styles from other countries.

The entrance is free, and you can also take a free guided tour, if that’s of interest.

2. See the Abu Dhabi skyline from the Observation Deck at 300

Soak in the 360-degree views of Abu Dhabi from the 74th floor of one of the Etihad Towers. You can also enjoy some tea and snacks at the café.

3. Do some adrenaline activities at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

If you are a fan of thrill-seeking activities or a Ferrari lover in general, here’s your happy place. The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has the world’s fastest rollercoaster; Formula Rossa, and the world’s tallest rollercoaster loop; Flying Aces. You can also drive or have a ride in a real Ferrari. There are activities for kids as well.

In addition to thrill-seeking rides, there are other things to enjoy including entertainment shows and shopping.

4. Walk or cycle the Corniche

The Corniche is an 8km stretch by the water that is ideal for scenic long walks or bicycle rides. There is a range of leisure activities to engage in including the beaches, restaurants, shops, and play areas for kids.

5. Kayak in the Mangrove National Park

If you like to relax in nature and observe some magnificent flora and fauna away from the buildings, visit the Mangrove National Park. You can observe the surroundings while kayaking along the streams.

A few more of the many activities you can do in Abu Dhabi are:

Visit the luxury hotel, Emirates Palace.
Shop or window shop at the different malls.
Explore the desert.
Visit the iconic museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi.

A few more of the many activities you can do in Abu Dhabi are:

Visit the luxury hotel, Emirates Palace.
Shop or window shop at the different malls.
Explore the desert.
Visit the iconic museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The best things to do in Dubai

You’ll have plenty of activities to choose from in Dubai to suit your preferences. Here are some interesting things you can do:

1. Visit the world’s tallest building: Burj Khalifa

You can buy tickets to the different observation decks and enjoy the views from the top. A key highlight is the Lounge from Level 152 to 154 with a luxury atmosphere, where you can enjoy the views, especially the sunsets while having some refreshments.

Remember to also enjoy the Dubai fountain, a choreographed fountain on Burj Khalifa Lake.

2. Explore the Dubai Marina

Go for a scenic stroll or take a cruise in the Dubai Marina. The sunset dinner cruises are a highlight. There is a range of other activities you can do including water sports, shopping, enjoying the cuisine and relaxing by the beach.

3. See the flowers at Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden, with over 150 million flowers, is thought to be the world’s largest natural flower garden and holds multiple Guinness World Records. The designs of this garden are stunning.

The Dubai Butterfly Garden, considered the world’s largest covered butterfly garden, is also next to the Miracle Garden.

4. Experience the vibrant Global Village

Global Village is a theme park that takes place from around October to April. You can enjoy a variety of activities here including thrill-seeking rides, entertainment shows, and different food. The Global Village is truly a global fair representing many cultures from around the world.

5. Visit the Palm Jumeirah Island

There are many fun things to do on this artificial island including kayaking, windsurfing, skydiving, relaxing by the water, dining, to name some. A key attraction is the Aquaventure Waterpark, one of the largest waterparks in the world, where you can indulge in many thrill rides. You can also visit the Lost Chambers aquarium and experience the marine life at Dolphin Bay.

Don’t forget to check out the Palm Fountain, the world’s largest fountain, with shows throughout the day.

A few of the many other activities you can do in Dubai are:

Visit the Jumeirah Mosque. It’s open to non-Muslims.
Go shopping. Remember to visit the Dubai Mall, with over 1,300 stores.
Kitesurf or kayak at Kite beach.
Engage in desert activities. You can also take a hot air balloon ride over the desert.
Visit the Dubai Frame; the world’s largest frame.

Cost of living in Dubai vs cost of living in Abu Dhabi

As discussed earlier, the overall cost of living in Abu Dhabi is lower than in Dubai. Numbeo stated on 01 June 2021, that consumer prices with rent were 8.42% higher in Dubai compared to Abu Dhabi.

Here is a few Abu Dhabi vs Dubai cost of living examples from Numbeo stats on 01 June 2021. All numbers except local transport ticket prices are rounded to the nearest $:

The average monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is US$ 1,242 in Abu Dhabi vs US$ 1,518 in Dubai. Note that the accommodation prices will vary based on the type of dwelling and location.
Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, on average, is US$ 141 in Abu Dhabi vs US$ 184 in Dubai.
A one-way local transport ticket costs US$ 0.54 in Abu Dhabi vs US$ 1.36 in Dubai, on average.
A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant would be about US$ 54 in Abu Dhabi vs US$ 68 in Dubai.

The best season to live there as a digital nomad

The best time to visit and stay won’t differ much between Abu Dhabi vs Dubai. The cooler months are from around November to February, and you can engage in outdoor activities during this time. Note that the winter months are the peak tourist season, and the costs tend to be higher. January especially will be crowded in Dubai, due to the Dubai Shopping Festival.

If you are planning a longer stay, consider extending your stay to include the spring and autumn months. These seasons are also pleasant, less hot than summer, and may have more reasonable costs vs the winter months.

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai. Which one is the best?

We’ve already looked at several factors of Abu Dhabi vs Dubai. While the choice may vary based on individual circumstances and requirements, we choose Abu Dhabi for longer stays especially for digital nomads, due to the lower cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, fewer crowds, and excellent infrastructure. If you need more excitement, Dubai is just next door for a getaway. Do you agree with our choice? We’d love to hear your choice too!