10 reasons to invest in Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai

Abu Dhabi is closely following Dubai’s recent example, but with a few strong exceptions that are making Abu Dhabi look by far the better investment prospect:

1. Culture. Abu Dhabi already has satellites of the Louvre and the Guggenheim museum with more cultural attractions planned, including a Formula 1 race track complex that dwarfs the Dubai track.
2. Slower growth. Rather than rushing headlong into massive growth explosions, Abu Dhabi is taking a slower, more sustainable approach to growth, thus avoiding instances, particularly when several developments come on-line at the same time, where supply outstrips demand. Dubai is already showing signs of a glut of office space, yet development continues unchecked.
3. Timing. Dubai has already been through a major property value upswing and Abu Dhabi’s is only just beginning. Potentially with even greater rewards.
4. Taxes. While both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are tax free, Dubai’s oil supply is predicted to run out in the near future and there is already talk of introducing income and property taxes.
5. Proper development planning. The Abu Dhabi authorities are determined not to make the mistakes made in Dubai.
6. Build quality.Learning from mistakes made in Dubai, overall build quality of new developments in Abu Dhabi is now extremely high.
7. Oil supply. Abu Dhabi’s oil supply is considered to be the world’s fourth largest supply and constitutes 94% of the UAE’s oil reserves with 98 gigabarrels, predicted to last at least 100 years.
8. Rental incomes. Due to the slow growth rate, and a large imported labour force, demand for rental properties exceeds the supply and incomes are high compared to Dubai.
9. Lifestyle. Abu Dhabi has far more coastline than Dubai and much of the recent development is along the waterfront, creating a Mediterranean-like feel.
10. Internal investments. Much of the income into Dubai has fled the country, but Abu Dhabi is determined to invest in herself, with a new trade center valued at $95 million and a bridge to Saadiyat Island costing more than $150 million.

There is nodoubt that Abu Dhabi has a bright economic future. With a century of oil reserves, a modern infrastructure and a stable political system, no significant overseas debt and secure, sustainable growth planned. Abu Dhabi is the economic center of the United Arab Emirates and fully expects to become a world showcase for planned growth in the near future. Most importantly, they have learned from mistakes made in the past.