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City guide

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is Dubai's calmer neighbour: greener, slower-paced, very family-friendly. French culture is everywhere, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the Sorbonne, and two large French lycées share the community's children.

Currency
Dirham (AED)
Languages
Arabic (English covers daily life)
Time vs Paris
2 to 3h ahead
Emergencies
998 (ambulance), 999 (police)

FIAFE network

The Accueil for French-speaking families

In each city, a volunteer-run association from the FIAFE network welcomes, informs and helps French-speaking families settling in.

Abu Dhabi Accueil

Since 1988

Since 1988, Abu Dhabi Accueil has connected the French-speaking families of the capital: neighbourhood coffees, a book club, creative workshops and business lunches, with over 400 members.

Where to meet them

Neighbourhood coffee once a month; office in the Al Nahyan district.

Email the association See the FIAFE page

What they offer

  • Monthly neighbourhood coffee for newcomers
  • Book club and creative workshops
  • Business lunches between francophones
  • A support network of over 400 members

Other support networks

Two large national networks also support the French abroad, each with its local chapter.

  • UFE

    UFE Abu Dhabi

    The Abu Dhabi UFE chapter welcomes newcomers and keeps the community busy: afterworks, outings, member perks and a solidarity fund.

    Visit the website
  • Français du monde – ADFE

    Français du monde – ADFE Abu Dhabi

    The local Français du monde - ADFE section supports French residents of Abu Dhabi with their paperwork and relays their concerns to the consular authorities.

    Email the chapter

The French business network

The local French chamber of commerce (CCI France International network) is a real asset for work: networking, job offers and help to restart a career or start a business locally.

CCI France International

CCI France UAE

The Franco-Emirati chamber, active in Abu Dhabi too: over 800 members, a jobboard, regular networking events and hands-on support for families and partners settling into work.

Visit the website CCI country page

AEFE network

Accredited French schools

Schools accredited by the French Ministry of Education follow the French curriculum: your child can continue their schooling seamlessly, abroad and back in France.

💰 Compare school fees

Source: official AEFE directory, verified June 2026. aefe.gouv.fr

Tutoring and private lessons

To support your children's schooling across two systems, two solutions designed for expat families.

  • Axiom Academic

    Private lessons and tutoring for expat families: French curriculum, IB and British curriculum, at home or online, with teachers who know the schools in your city.

    Discover Axiom Academic

  • IB Tutor

    Tutors specialised in the International Baccalaureate: online lessons in every IB subject, to aim for top grades from MYP to the diploma.

    Discover IB Tutor

Schools and education

A rare privilege: the Lycée Louis-Massignon is one of the AEFE's directly managed schools, and the Lycée Théodore-Monod (MLF/AFLEC network) completes it on Saadiyat Island. Over 3,000 pupils in the capital's French network.

Good to know

  • Louis-Massignon (AEFE direct management) follows the agency's fee scales and direct steering: a network reference.
  • Théodore-Monod, on Saadiyat, attracts families from the northern districts and the island.
  • Private schools are regulated by ADEK (the local equivalent of Dubai's KHDA).
  • Apply as soon as the relocation is confirmed: key entry years fill up fast.

Children's healthcare

As in Dubai, health insurance is mandatory and tied to the residence visa. Care is excellent, anchored by large international hospitals.

Good to know

  • Check the family coverage of the sponsoring employer's policy before signing.
  • Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the big private groups provide international-grade care.
  • French-speaking paediatricians practise in several clinics across the city.
  • 998 is the ambulance number; in summer, activities move indoors.

French-speaking community

Cultural France is everywhere: the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the Alliance française. The French community is dense, organised and loyal to the capital.

Good to know

  • Abu Dhabi Accueil (FIAFE network) has animated the community since 1988.
  • UFE Abu Dhabi runs afterworks and welcome events all year round.
  • The Alliance française offers a media library and activities in French for children.
  • Family neighbourhoods: Khalidiya, Al Bateen, Saadiyat and Al Raha Beach.

Family outings and events

From October to April the capital lives outdoors: Corniche, beaches, mangroves. And all year, a cultural trio unique in the Arab world: the Louvre, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Yas Island theme parks.

Good to know

  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi has a children's museum and family workshops.
  • The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, free to visit, is an unforgettable outing (covering attire lent on site).
  • Mangrove kayaking, Saadiyat beaches and a bike-friendly Corniche.
  • Yas Island packs Ferrari World, Warner Bros and a waterpark for the hottest days.

These landmarks change fast: the MumExpat community will keep them up to date.

Coming soon: the full Abu Dhabi guide.

Verified addresses, paediatricians recommended by mums, a family agenda updated every week. Join the waitlist to discover the Abu Dhabi page first.

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