Abu Dhabi - prices in supermarkets and restaurants

Food prices in Abu Dhabi

If you are just planning a vacation or a longer stay, the first thing you need to know is the prices of basic products in the United Arab Emirates.
Many people compare them to Poland and find that although not everything is expensive, a large proportion of products, especially imported ones, are simply much higher in price.

What does a typical grocery basket in Abu Dhabi look like?

• Fresh vegetables and fruit - food prices in the UAE vary, with local products being cheaper and imported products being more expensive.
• Dairy products - the average price is higher than in Poland, e.g., milk: 7-8 dirhams, eggs (12 pieces): approx. 14 dirhams.
• Meat - prices can be significantly higher, especially for imported poultry
• Bread - moderate, depending on the store: around 10 dirhams

In supermarkets in Abu Dhabi, such as Lulu or Carrefour, grocery shopping for one person can be reasonably priced, provided that you choose local products rather than Western premium brands. If you are planning to live in Abu Dhabi for a long time, you will quickly realize that regularly checking current offers can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.

How much does lunch cost in Abu Dhabi?

• In a restaurant, lunch for one person in Abu Dhabi often costs between 50 and 100 AED. If you choose an inexpensive restaurant or local eatery, this is manageable. In more popular places, you sometimes have to expect higher prices.
• If you are planning a dinner for two in a simple local bistro, the cost can be around 100-200 dirhams. It is worth noting that by choosing a cheaper restaurant or inexpensive eateries, you can eat quite reasonably without putting too much strain on your budget.
• In the center of Abu Dhabi and near popular attractions, restaurants tend to be more expensive, especially if you want comfort, good food, or a view of the surroundings. In such places, prices can be much higher, especially in luxury restaurants.

Cost of living in Abu Dhabi

This includes many elements, from housing, transportation, and shopping to entertainment and small expenses. Here is a rough estimate:

• Renting an apartment in Abu Dhabi can be relatively expensive, depending on the standard, location, and whether furniture, fees, and a deposit are required. Rent in a good neighborhood can be significantly higher than in a less popular area. For example, a studio apartment: 35,000-50,000 dirhams/year, 1 bedroom: 55,000-75,000 dirhams/year, 2 bedrooms: 75,000-110,000 dirhams/year
• In addition to rent, you have to add bills, utility charges, internet, and other services. Your daily budget should also include transportation costs, i.e., taxi fares or public transportation. If you have your own car, you also have to add fuel costs and parking expenses.
• If you plan to engage in activities, entertainment, and sightseeing in Abu Dhabi, you will need to add admission tickets to attractions and eating out, which will increase your overall cost of living.

Where is the cheapest place to shop in Abu Dhabi?

The best idea is to use supermarkets and shops that are much less touristy than those in the city center. Away from tourist areas, prices are often lower. It is worth keeping an eye on current offers, promotions, and discounts, especially for groceries.
Many people recommend local shops and fruit and vegetable markets. Prices there are often much more affordable than in supermarkets with imported food. If you want to minimize your food expenses, this is where you should shop.

Comparison with Poland and other cities, e.g., Dubai

When thinking about life in Abu Dhabi, we often compare costs with what we know, e.g., Poland. In many cases, expenses are higher than in Poland, especially when it comes to the prices of imported food, services, fees, and rent. However, the standard of living, climate, access to the sea, sun, and proximity to tourist attractions compensate for the difference in costs.

When compared to the neighboring city of Dubai, Abu Dhabi often offers a compromise: prices may be slightly lower depending on the location, and the standard of living is similar. Of course, it all depends on how high a standard you choose and whether you are interested in a tourist lifestyle or a quiet, everyday life.

Summary

If you want to live “modestly” and economically, you should shop in cheaper stores, eat in inexpensive restaurants, use public transport or taxis occasionally. Then the cost of living in Abu Dhabi can be kept at a reasonable level.
If you plan on comfort, living close to the center, going out to restaurants, buying imported goods, staying in luxury hotels, going out often, and entertainment, be prepared for much higher expenses.

Questions and answers

1. Is food in Abu Dhabi expensive?

Food in Abu Dhabi can be more expensive, especially in restaurants located in the center or near tourist attractions, where prices can be higher than in Poland. However, if you choose local eateries, the cost of food can remain quite reasonable.

2. How much does lunch for two cost in Abu Dhabi?

Lunch for two in Abu Dhabi usually costs 150-300 dirhams if you choose a mid-range restaurant. In cheaper places, you can get away with spending less, while in places with a view or near hotels, the price will be significantly higher. It all depends on the cuisine and location.

3. How much does bread, milk, and vegetables cost in Abu Dhabi?

A liter of milk costs about 7-8 dirhams, a loaf of bread about 10 dirhams, and a kilogram of typical vegetables (e.g., tomatoes or potatoes) often costs 4-6 dirhams. Of course, prices may vary depending on the store, the season, and whether the vegetables are imported or local.

4. What are the living costs in Abu Dhabi?

The cost of living in Abu Dhabi varies, but here are some approximate prices: renting an apartment - a studio or small apartment (depending on the district) can cost around 35,000-50,000 dirhams per year, and a larger apartment for one or two people: 55,000-75,000 dirhams/year. On top of that, there are bills, internet, and services.