A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Abu Dhabi offers students a unique chance to experience a world-class education and a valuable period of cultural immersion in one of the world’s most impressive 21st-century cities.
For students of the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA Program, set to begin their on-campus studies in January 2025, establishing a base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be supported by the Stern at NYUAD Programs, Advising, and Student Experience (PASE) team. Offering guidance on accommodation and other practical matters, students can confidently plan, predict, and manage their student expenses in Abu Dhabi.
With a new academic year fast approaching, the PASE team has created a guide to living in Abu Dhabi. This guide offers practical advice on how (and where) to secure a residence in the UAE and how to manage student expenses while still allowing time to enjoy the very best that the Emirate has to offer.
Abu Dhabi Accommodation and Transportation Considerations
Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Muroor are popular among students in Abu Dhabi, as each area offers good transport links and a range of local amenities and facilities for residents to enjoy.
Al Reem Island
With its modern apartments and stunning sea views, Al Reem Island is a popular residential area for MBA students. Located a short drive from NYUAD, this area is convenient for daily commutes — approximately 10-15 minutes by car. Housing here is in the medium to premium price range. Public buses and taxis are readily available, providing reliable transportation to and from campus.
Highlights: Boutik Mall offers a variety of dining and shopping options; Al Reem Central Park is a great spot for outdoor activities and relaxation; Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island is located nearby, offering high-end shopping and dining experiences.
Saadiyat Island
This luxury neighborhood is closer to the NYU Abu Dhabi campus. While access to its beautiful beaches and boutique living experiences comes at a premium, Saadiyat Island is well-connected by road, making commuting to both the university and the city convenient. Taxi transfers are a common choice for students who reside there.
Highlights: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an exceptional museum with some of the finest art and artifacts in the world. Admission is paid, however student discounts are available; Saadiyat Beach Club is perfect for beach lovers, offering luxury beach experiences; Manarat Al Saadiyat is a cultural center hosting exhibitions, workshops, and events.
Al Muroor
If MBA students are looking to keep living expenses in Abu Dhabi to a modest level, a budget-friendly accommodation solution is Al Muroor—a mixed-use housing development that ranks among the top areas for renting affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi. Although it is slightly further from the university than the other featured neighborhoods, it remains accessible at just 20-30 minutes by car. Public buses and taxis are viable options for commuting from this area.
Highlights: Mushrif Central Park offers extensive green spaces, a petting zoo, and various family-friendly activities; Al Wahda Mall is a comprehensive shopping destination with numerous retail and dining options; Qasr Al Hosn is a historical site providing insights into Abu Dhabi’s history and culture. Entry fees are affordable, and there are various cultural events and exhibitions there throughout the year.
When researching places to live in Abu Dhabi, MBA students are encouraged to consult with the student support services teams at their university. Accommodation expenses in Abu Dhabi can vary dramatically, so leveraging local insight and connections as part of any property search is highly recommended.
Dining Experiences in Abu Dhabi – Eating Out | Eating In
Abu Dhabi is a cultural and culinary melting pot, offering a wide range of dining options to suit every budget. From modest Emirati cuisine at local cafes to fine dining restaurants and international fare in five-star hotels, the city has something for everyone. Its dining diversity reflects the tastes of the 200 different nationalities that live in the Emirates. Explore a world of flavor in Abu Dhabi, and take advantage of any available student discounts.
When it comes to home cooking, there is an impressive variety of local shops and markets in Abu Dhabi. Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, and Spinneys sell a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and international foods. For those who prefer the hustle and bustle of a food market, the Mina Port Fish Market and the Vegetable Souk are excellent places to find well-priced fresh seafood and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Cooking at home and buying fresh local produce whenever possible can help reduce the cost of living in Abu Dhabi.
Healthcare and Insurance in Abu Dhabi
To obtain a UAE residence visa, students must have local UAE health insurance, as global health insurance does not fulfill the visa requirements.
Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi MBA students are responsible for arranging their own local health insurance, either through NYUAD or independently. For those who do not yet have a UAE residence visa, there are two options for securing local health insurance:
- Recommended Option: NYUAD can arrange local health insurance through Oman Insurance Company (OIC) / Bupa. The cost for this coverage is USD $899 per year.
- Alternatively, students may choose to secure their own local health insurance. However, it is strongly advised to consult with the NYUAD team before purchasing any plan, as not all local policies are valid in Abu Dhabi. Students who choose this route must also provide proof of adequate coverage to the NYUAD Health Center.
As part of the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA Program, students will spend time studying in New York City. To ensure that adequate health insurance is in place during this period overseas, students are automatically enrolled in a GeoBlue insurance plan. The cost of this insurance is included in the program’s tuition fees.
Enjoy Free Time in Nature
Far from being a barren desert, Abu Dhabi boasts an archipelago of over 200 islands, a coastline spanning approximately 700 kilometers, and one of the highest mountain ranges in the Arabian Peninsula, the Hajar Mountains. With natural wonders on the doorstep, spending time in nature over the weekend can be a wonderful low-cost way to balance the academic demands of the working week.
For beach days, Saadiyat Beach on Saadiyat Island is just 10 minutes by car from the NYUAD campus, offering beautiful white sand and clear waters to enjoy—the perfect way to end the day. The Corniche Beach in central Abu Dhabi is about 25 minutes by car from Al Reem Island and Al Muroor. It is a public beach with a vibrant atmosphere and many local amenities.
For desert adventures, Liwa Desert is just under 170 kms from the NYUAD campus, where visitors can enjoy dune bashing, camel trekking, and overnight camping experiences. Al Khatim Desert, approximately an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, is also popular for desert safaris and a host of traditional Bedouin experiences.
For cultural tours and natural heritage experiences, Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park is just 15-20 minutes from the university campus. This park offers opportunities for kayaking, bird watching, and nature walks, making it a beautiful place to enjoy the UAE’s rich biodiversity. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, situated 25 minutes from NYUAD, is known for its flamingos and offers hiking trails and bird-watching spots. For other UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites and activities, please visit https://abudhabiculture.ae/en/unesco.
In Summary
Studying for an MBA in Abu Dhabi offers more than a world-class academic program; it provides students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. By immersing themselves in the modern Middle East, students can expand their regional knowledge and networks, deepen cultural experiences and understanding, and engage with the rich heritage and natural beauty of the United Arab Emirates.
To learn more about the upcoming Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA Program and discover how to join the class of 2025 in Abu Dhabi in January, speak to the Stern at NYUAD MBA admissions team. They are available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in both the Abu Dhabi and New York time zones. Contact +971 262 88777 or email sternnyuad.mba@stern.nyu.edu.