The cost of living well in Abu Dhabi.

Our verdict. Abu Dhabi suits a family that wants the UAE's tax terms at well under Dubai's cost. A four-bedroom villa on Saadiyat Island asks about AED 561,000 a year, and the British School Al Khubairat charges AED 74,560 for Years 12 and 13. A 20 m berth at Al Saadiyat Marina costs about AED 41,300, VAT included. There is no personal income tax, and the city's millionaires are up 80% in ten years. The catch is golf: none of the leading clubs publishes its fees, so golf is not counted here. Compared with Dubai, the school costs about a third less and the berth about a seventh as much.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£115k

   AED 561,000 a year · Average annual asking rent, 4-bed villa, Saadiyat Island (trimmed mean of advertised listings)

   dubizzle, Abu Dhabi Rental Market Report H1 2026, H1 2026

2. Senior school fees, two children2025-26£30k

   AED 74,560 a year a child · The British School Al Khubairat, Years 12-13 annual tuition

   The British School Al Khubairat, Fees, 2025-26 approved fees

3. Membership at a leading golf club—

   Abu Dhabi’s leading golf clubs publish no membership fees.

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht2026£8,455

   AED 41,339 a year · Al Saadiyat Marina (AD Ports), private wet berth AED 600 per ft per year x 65.6 ft (20 m) = AED 39,370, plus 5% VAT

   AD Ports / Abu Dhabi Maritime, Tariff & Services Rates for Public Marine Facilities, Amended Version 1, effective 1 Feb 2026

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2026£7,363

   AED 36,000 a year · Tadbeer full-time live-in package, 12-month term AED 3,000/month x 12

   dubizzle, All about Tadbeer in the UAE, Checked October 2026

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£7,363

   AED 1,500 a dinner · Talea by Antonio Guida (1 Michelin star, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental), "Il Nostro Percorso" tasting menu AED 750 pp x 2, food only, incl. service charges and VAT

   Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Talea food menu (PDF linked from restaurant page), Menu PDF dated 13 Feb 2026

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

• London£322k+122%
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Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.