Looking for Indian Expats in Abu Dhabi?

Thinking about moving to Abu Dhabi as an Indian? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what Indian expats in Abu Dhabi wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• It's stable, safe, and well-run. 94% of expats in Abu Dhabi rate the state of the economy positively, 92% personal safety, and 88% political stability, with efficient, responsive authorities.

• Life is organized and peaceful. Indians describe a calm, well-ordered daily life, backed by 93% rating government environmental policy positively and 72% finding bureaucracy easy.

• Careers and healthcare are strong. 78% say the move improved their career prospects and 87% rate the quality of medical care positively, with tax-free pay.

• English gets you everywhere. 83% of expats in Abu Dhabi find it easy to get by without the local language, well above the 48% global average.

• Costs and housing bite. Just 34% of expats in Abu Dhabi rate the general cost of living positively and 26% housing affordability.

• The heat and thin nature wear on people. Only 35% rate the climate and weather positively and 60% the natural environment (vs. 84% globally).

• Work and pay can feel insecure. Only 53% are happy with their work-life balance, and job security and salaries set by nationality come up as concerns.

• Belonging takes time. Only 38% say making local friends is easy, and overall happiness (62%) sits below the global average of 70%.

For Indians, Abu Dhabi offers safety, stability, strong careers, and a calm, well-run, tax-free life. The trade-offs are the cost of living, the heat, and job security that can hinge on nationality. It rewards professionals who value order and peace over nature and nightlife.

With InterNations, Indian expats in Abu Dhabi are able to find both the help they need as well as lots of valuable information. The "Father Of The Gazelle" offers so much for expats to explore - our community helps you enjoy your stay to the fullest.

• Look through our Members Network to connect with Abu Dhabi’s Indian expats.
• Become active in our Expat Forums in order to find insider tips and suggestions from fellow Indian expats in Abu Dhabi.
• Make full use of the Expat Guide for Abu Dhabi to obtain important information on your temporary home abroad.

Our Abu Dhabi community is also lively and welcoming offline. The InterNations Ambassadors host regular get-togethers and a range of expat activities, e.g. a chic dining experience in Abu Dhabi’s trendiest restaurant or a get-away with fellow Indian expats to discover the richest city in the world. These activities make it easy for you to get to know other expats from India in your local community and meet Indians in the UAE in a comfortable setting. If this sounds interesting to you, simply sign up for membership – we are looking forward to welcoming you among our Indians living in Abu Dhabi!