If you speak to anyone living here, we guarantee most of them will say they moved to the UAE in the hopes of a new life, better career opportunities... and of course, to save money!
There's no denying that salaries here are more satisfying than what you may have been earning back home, but it should be unsurprising that higher salaries also equate to a higher cost of living.
There are many ways you can save money, by cooking at home, reducing your mall visits, and missing out that weekly after-work drink with colleagues, but nonetheless, no matter how hard you try, it's so easy to get carried away with the lifestyle here...
Here are 6 reasons that make it impossible to save money in Abu Dhabi:
1. Too many malls, too many many malls...
There are malls of all types and sizes around nearly every corner in Abu Dhabi. You can't avoid them, especially if you want to beat the summer heat. Well, once inside the mall, you can't avoid spending some money at least!
2. We are surrounded by amazing countries we "must" visit
Being in the UAE, we're fortunate enough to be close to some amazing destinations that you may not have necessarily considered while living back home. Places like Fiji, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan are all within a few hours flight distance.
3. There are just too many fine dining restaurants to choose from
In a country that prides itself on being a destination of so many 5* hotels, restaurants and bars, it comes as no surprise that there's an endless choice of amazing places to visit. In Abu Dhabi, you have weekly ladies nights, mouth-watering steak houses, 5* luxury dining, expensive food trucks and so many more options to choose from!
4. Brunch, brunch, brunch... All brunch everything...
Ahhhhh, those good old Friday brunches. They're a must-do experience for anyone living here, but beware, once you're hooked, they will eat away at the expense of your bank balance on a weekly basis. It's very easy to get carried away...
5. Sooooo many cool attractions in AD!
Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, Emirates Park Zoo, desert safaris, scuba diving, race-car driving, shooting ranges... There are just too many exciting things to do!
6. The excessive rents!
Paying rent in Abu Dhabi can get extremely expensive. Make sure you check out the best areas for you, your lifestyle and where your workplace is before you decide on handing over those cheques.