🌍 the Arab world · City guide
Moving to Abu Dhabi: Language & First Steps
The UAE capital, more government- and culture-focused than Dubai.
Living in Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital — more government-, energy- and culture-focused than Dubai, with residency typically employer-sponsored; Al Reem Island, the Corniche area and Khalifa City are popular. English dominates daily life, with Arabic valued.
To settle into Abu Dhabi you'll need Arabic — and the practical kind: local residency (an iqama or residence permit) and address/registration steps that vary by country, opening a bank account, and seeing a doctor. Here's what to do first and the phrases to learn.
Sources: Language Lab's Arabic curriculum & culture notes; city/official processes vary — confirm with Abu Dhabi's local authority. · Join the beta →
What to do in your first week in Abu Dhabi?
- Register your address / residency — local residency (an iqama or residence permit) and address/registration steps that vary by country.
- Open a local bank account so you can get paid and pay rent.
- Register with a local doctor (GP) and sort health insurance.
- Get a local SIM / mobile plan and set up any required digital ID.
- Learn your transport options — tickets, passes and routes.
Arabic phrasebooks for Abu Dhabi
For the full country picture, see our guide to moving to the Arab world.
Arrive in Abu Dhabi ready.
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