Relocation Guide: Housing, Schools & Long-Term Car Rental in Abu Dhabi

Relocating to Abu Dhabi can be an exciting yet challenging adventure. This booming UAE capital offers a high standard of living and a vibrant multicultural community. The good news is that Abu Dhabi is very expat-friendly, but thorough preparation is essential. From securing housing to finding the right school for your children, there are many decisions to make. Transportation is another key consideration — for instance, many expats debate whether to buy a vehicle or opt for a long term car rental Abu Dhabi providers offer. This guide covers the essentials of housing, education, and getting around, helping you transition smoothly into your new life abroad. With the right information, you can make informed choices and settle in with confidence.

Finding the Right Housing in Abu Dhabi

Finding a home in Abu Dhabi is usually the top priority for expats, and housing often takes the biggest bite out of your budget. While some employers provide accommodation or allowances, many newcomers navigate the private rental market. Key points to consider:

• Popular Areas: Popular expat neighborhoods include Al Reem Island and Khalifa City. Consider proximity to your workplace and schools when choosing a location.
• Rent Costs: A one-bedroom apartment averages around AED 60,000 per year, and a three-bedroom villa about AED 150,000–200,000 per year. Rent is often paid upfront for the entire year (in one to four checks).
• Leasing Process: Leases typically run 12 months and can be hard to break. Use licensed agents or property websites (Bayut, Dubizzle) to find rentals. Be ready to provide your passport, visa, Emirates ID, and a security deposit along with post-dated rent cheques.
• Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Most places are unfurnished (and cheaper). Furnished units cost more but are convenient for short stays. For a longer term, renting unfurnished and buying your own furniture can save money (many affordable furniture stores are available in Abu Dhabi).

Navigating Abu Dhabi’s Schooling Options

If you’re relocating with children, education will be a primary concern. Abu Dhabi offers both public schools and a wide array of private international schools. However, public schools teach in Arabic and are generally limited to Emirati nationals, so most expat families opt for private institutions. Planning ahead is crucial, as demand for spots at good schools is high. Consider the following factors:

• Curricula: Private schools in Abu Dhabi offer British, American, IB, Indian, and other curricula, with instruction usually in English. If you might return to your home country, choosing a familiar curriculum can help with continuity.
• School Fees: Annual tuition can range from about AED 20,000 at the low end to over AED 70,000 at top-tier schools. Remember to budget for extras like uniforms, books, and transport.
• Admissions Timeline: Many schools open applications up to a year in advance (often January for a September start). Popular schools fill up quickly (often with waiting lists), so apply early and consider multiple options. Entrance tests and application fees are common, and once a seat is offered you’ll need to submit the required documents and an enrollment deposit to secure it.

Getting Around: Long-Term Car Rental in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s hot climate and limited public transport mean that most expats find driving the most convenient way to get around. As a newcomer, you’ll need to decide whether to buy a car or opt for a long-term rental. Key points to know:

• Driving License: Tourists can drive with their home country license or an international permit initially. Once you have UAE residency, you’ll need a UAE driver’s license. Some countries allow a direct license swap, otherwise you must pass a driving test.
• Costs and Benefits: Long-term leasing eliminates the hefty upfront expense of buying a car and the worry of depreciation. Instead, you pay a fixed monthly fee. Numerous companies offer monthly car rental plans, with rates around AED 2,000 per month for a typical sedan. By contrast, buying even a used car means a large outlay up front plus ongoing insurance and maintenance costs. If your stay is short or uncertain, renting often works out cheaper overall.
• What’s Included: Long-term rental packages are generally all-inclusive. The monthly fee covers insurance, routine maintenance, and usually annual registration paperwork. Just be mindful of the mileage allowance (commonly 2,000–5,000 km per month) to avoid extra charges.
• Flexibility: Leasing offers flexibility that ownership can’t. You can upgrade or change the vehicle at the end of your term, and you won’t need to deal with selling a car when you leave. If necessary you can cancel a lease early (a penalty may apply), but overall it’s a hassle-free option if your needs change.

Owning vs. Long-Term Car Rental: A Quick Comparison

For those unsure whether to purchase a car or lease one, the table below highlights key differences between owning a vehicle and taking a long-term car rental in Abu Dhabi:

Aspect	Owning a Car (Buying)	Long-Term Car Rental / Lease
Upfront Cost	High — pay the full price or a large down payment, plus registration fees and insurance.	Low — just a refundable deposit plus the first month’s rent to get started.
Ongoing Expenses	Insurance, maintenance, repairs, and yearly registration fees come out of your pocket.	Included: the monthly rental fee covers insurance, routine maintenance, and registration.
Commitment	Long-term commitment; you must resell the car when leaving or when you want to upgrade (which can be time-consuming).	Short-term commitment; contracts can be as short as 1–12 months. Simply return the car at the end or renew if you stay longer (no selling hassle).
Flexibility	Limited — changing vehicles means buying and selling, so you’re stuck with one model in the meantime.	High — you can switch car models at the end of a lease term (or even mid-term with some providers) to suit your needs.
Depreciation	You absorb the car’s depreciation loss over time; it will likely sell for much less than you paid.	Not your concern — the rental company owns the vehicle, so they bear any loss in value over time.

Embracing Your New Life in Abu Dhabi

Moving to Abu Dhabi is a significant step, but with proper preparation it can be incredibly rewarding. By securing a comfortable home, enrolling your children in a good school, and arranging convenient transportation, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth transition. Remember to budget carefully for major expenses like housing and education, but also take advantage of perks like tax-free income. Once settled, you’ll find that Abu Dhabi offers a safe, family-friendly environment and a rich cultural experience. With the essentials in place, you can focus on embracing your new adventure — exploring the city, building your network, and enjoying the opportunities Abu Dhabi offers.