“So how is your life in Dubai?” – “Well, I live in Abu Dhabi…” 

A comment which I am more than familiar with.
Ok, I understand that DUBAI is slightly more famous due to media/marketing and its breaking records…but hey, guess what, ABU DHABI is the capital of the UAE, not Dubai!

“Ah ok, same same – somewhere in the desert” 

Well, not really “same same”!

Skyline Abu Dhabi

My Abu Dhabi is the perfect mix of new buildings, malls, beaches, restaurants & greenery, nature, tranquility and coziness. It is the largest of the seven Emirates as well as the Capital of the UAE.
If you really want you will find everything you need in this beautiful city.

Skyline Dubai

However Dubai is well-known for its record breaking buildings (eg. Burj Khalifa); giant shopping malls; surreal attractions; busy nightlife and great open-mindedness towards the Western world.

Many people emphasize the “competition” between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From my point of view they actually compliment each other very well – especially for visitors but also us residents! Where else would you find such diversity within 1.5h drive?
What was that again about a “boring sandpit”? 😉