Updated Jan 27, 2026
KEY STATS
1.8M
Population
972 km2
Area
350 Mbps
Internet
UTC+04:00
Timezone
OVERVIEW
Abu Dhabi's skyline of futuristic towers rises from the desert, blending opulent malls with serene corniche walks and world-class museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Nomads thrive on ultra-fast internet, tax-free living, and proximity to Dubai's airport. Year-round sunshine and cooling sea breezes make al fresco workspaces inviting.
QUICK FACTS
Country
United Arab Emirates
Region
Western Asia
Population
1.8M
Timezone
UTC+04:00
Currency
AED
Language
Arabic
Status
Capital City
GPS
24.45, 54.40
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Food
1,008 restaurants mapped in Abu Dhabi
Tech
350 Mbps average download — faster than most capital cities worldwide
Economy
46% cheaper than New York City based on overall cost of living index
Connections
Abu Dhabi has 11 sister cities worldwide
INFRASTRUCTURE
7,291 total POIs 7.5 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
1,008
Cafes
443
Bars
56
Fast Food
442
Shopping
Supermarkets
226
Convenience
416
Shopping Malls
74
Healthcare
Hospitals
71
Clinics
139
Pharmacies
219
Education
Schools
114
Universities
14
Libraries
5
Recreation
Parks
659
Playgrounds
157
Sports
271
Cinemas
6
Museums
14
Theatres
14
Transport
Bus Stops
503
Train Stations
5
Fuel Stations
54
Services
Banks
159
ATMs
227
Post Offices
48
Police
30
Fire Stations
7
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
350 Mbps
Download
179 Mbps
Upload
6ms
Latency
77,146
Tests
26,445
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jan - Mar
20°
J
21°
F
24°
M
28°
A
32°
M
35°
J
36°
J
35°
A
32°
S
28°
O
24°
N
21°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
CITY SCORES
10.0
Nomad Index
D
Livability
50.0
Culture
48.3
Overall
COST OF LIVING
CIndex relative to New York City (NYC = 100)
54.1
Overall
46% cheaper than NYC
42.3
Rent
58% cheaper than NYC
45.6
Groceries
54% cheaper than NYC
60.1
Restaurants
40% cheaper than NYC
FUN FACTS
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The city is the seat of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District, the capital city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the UAE's second-most populous city, after Dubai.
The city is situated on a T-shaped island, extending into the Persian Gulf from the central-western coast of the UAE.
Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, off the Central West Coast.
As of 2023, Abu Dhabi's urban area had an estimated population of 2.5 million, out of 3.8 million in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Abu Dhabi known for?
Abu Dhabi's skyline of futuristic towers rises from the desert, blending opulent malls with serene corniche walks and world-class museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Nomads thrive on ultra-fast internet, tax-free living, and proximity to Dubai's airport. Year-round sunshine and cooling sea breezes make al fresco workspaces inviting.
How fast is the internet in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has an average download speed of 350 Mbps and upload speed of 179 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the population of Abu Dhabi?
The population of Abu Dhabi is approximately 1.8M.
What infrastructure does Abu Dhabi have?
Abu Dhabi has 7,291 mapped points of interest, including 1,008 restaurants, 71 hospitals, 114 schools.
What country is Abu Dhabi in?
Abu Dhabi is located in United Arab Emirates.
