Brit living in Abu Dhabi issues stark warning to others as she reveals huge downside to life in the UAE
A British woman who made the move to Abu Dhabi four years ago has revealed what it's really like to live there.
Rachel Burns, a radiographer from Newcastle, moved to the UAE capital in 2021 and has a very luxurious lifestyle.
"I don't think I'll leave anytime soon," the 35-year-old admitted.
However, she says that living in Abu Dhabi - which is around an hour's car drive to Dubai - can be much more expensive than the UK, even with the tax benefits.
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Although you generally don't pay any income tax in the UAE, Rachel insists that luxury brunches, clubs and day-to-day life does come at a cost.
Adding to her £12,700 rent, paid in six-month or yearly upfront payments, she has to pay a £500 (five percent) commission fee on top of that.
Groceries such as bacon are to be avoided, Rachel says, as it can cost up to £14 a pack.
Apparently, it's usually bad quality meat too, because consuming pork is against the Muslim religion.
"You'd be very hard pushed to find somewhere that charges monthly," she said. "Another surprise was paying five percent commission on top of the rent, as well as your deposit.
"Fees just seem to pop up here and there all the time but it does add up."
There's also the cost of air conditioning you have to consider, as Rachel was forced to fork out a £600 deposit, as well as £100-a-month usage charges.
She said: "The internet is really expensive too - there are only like two providers in Abu Dhabi.
"You have to pay for an influencer permit and trade licence (£500 to £3000) here if you make any money online.
"And if you ever take a video you have to get permission from everyone in it, even if they're in the background."
When it comes to night's out, Rachel added: "With ladies nights, it's like £20 or £30 to drink all night. Most people do that.
"You might pay £15 for a glass of wine, or £8 for a pint here if you buy drinks individually.
"I went out to a club in Dubai with a friend for a night, on a Thursday, we had three cocktails each and a snack platter to share - and we paid £75 each."
Despite all those downsides though, Rachel says there's also genuine positives about living in Abu Dhabi.
As well as year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and facilities, there are tax-free salaries, much cheaper fuel, while water and electric costs are comparable to what they were in the UK before 2020.
The UAE capital isn't far from Dubai either, one of the most-visited cities in the world.
"I don't have a massive amount spare each month but you pay for the amazing lifestyle here," she said.
"I love it and won't be leaving anytime soon - but you have to be at the top of your game to live here sustainably."
Anish Vij