The city of Abu Dhabi lies at the tip of a T-shaped island protruding out into the Persian Gulf. A smart city of sleek office buildings and apartments, pleasant corniches, elegant fountains and green parks, the streets have a Manhattan style grid layout that make it easy to get around and a wonderful place to live and work.
Abu Dhabi's wealth is based on oil. in 1958, they discovered the world's fifth-largest crude reserve, 90 percent of which was under Abu Dhabi. When the oil started flowing in 1959, there was a population of just 44,000. Today, there are over 420,000 living in this modern, thriving city-state.

The wealthiest Emirate

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in terms of GDP and per capita income. Less flamboyant than Dubai, a friendly rivalry exists between these two fast developing cities. New developments on some of Abu Dhabi's 200 islands plan to increase the population of the city by up to 2,600,000.
Although Abu Dhabi‘s wealth is based on oil production, it has been quick to realize the need to diversify and has invested in financial services and tourism, as well as investing almost $1 trillion abroad. All eyes are on the future as the Emirate carries out plans for major development with the city vigorously planning and developing major cultural, infrastructure and business projects.

Where traditional meets modern

Combining modernity with traditional Arabic values, highly skilled expat workers enjoy living in a society where most of the comforts from home exists in a tolerant society with low crime rate. Highly skilled expats continue to be attracted by the tax-free salaries, year-round sunshine and a laid-back atmosphere. Socially, Abu Dhabi has an abundance of restaurants, ranging from Arabic, Mediterranean, Asian and Western - all tastes are all catered for. Much of the entertainment is hotel based with their own bars, nightclubs and live entertainment.
Many expats join clubs where sports and social activities can be enjoyed. Being an island state, there are plenty of watersports to enjoy amidst the 200 small islands that make up the archipelago.
The cultural centre of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi, is quickly establishing itself as a sophisticated hub, with a performing arts centre already built and plans for a National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. These developments are taking place on Saadiyat Island, which will become the cultural centre of the Emirate.
Indeed, some of Abu Dhabi's projects are as ambitious as anything ventured by Dubai. In Emirates Palace, they have the world's most expensive hotel, which cost a staggering £2 billion. A Grand Prix F1 circuit has been constructed on Yas Island and is now home to the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. New York University is to open a campus here - the first of its kind to be established outside America and 17 kilometres outside the capital. A major £15 billion car-free city called Masdar City is being created. Run entirely on solar power and renewable energy, eventually Masdar will be home to 50,000 residents and 1,500 businesses.

Michael Page International- recognising change in Abu Dhabi

With all these major developments taking place in Abu Dhabi and the Emirate looking firmly to the future, Michael Page recognises the government's recent ‘Emiratisation' polices and the need for companies to hire Emiratis. This is good news for UAE nationals looking to forge a career in one of the region's most dynamic business centres. Michael Page International is ideally placed to help well-qualified Emiratis find roles with a range of organisations in both the private and public sector.
Michael Page also recruits the skilled foreign nationals needed to bolster the local workforce. For expatriate mid to senior level professionals looking to work in Abu Dhabi, we can connect you with opportunities across a number of business sectors, including Banking, Manufacturing, Government, IT, Telecoms, FMCG, Retail and more.
For more information please contact us.