Abu Dhabi: 24 hours in the life of top-manager

What does a typical day look like for the COO of Dubadu, an innovative real estate video platform, living in Abu Dhabi?

Maxym Seliuk, COO of Dubadu, brings over a decade of leadership experience in both the Middle East and international markets. Now based in Abu Dhabi, he shares what it’s like to live and work in one of the world’s fastest-growing business hubs—where family values, technology, and real estate come together in a city like no other.

How I ended up in Abu Dhabi

I’m no stranger to the Middle East. Years ago, I lived and worked in Saudi Arabia—seven years in the very heart of the Arab world. The lifestyle, mindset, and traditions were already familiar to me. Later, I worked for several international companies, including American firms, gaining over ten years of management experience along the way.

My wife and I have a big family—we’re raising six kids. At the start of the full-scale war, we were living in Vienna: a beautiful, predictable European city. But a well-connected Arab acquaintance—let’s call him a sheikh—invited us to move to Abu Dhabi. The city was growing fast and needed professionals. I had the experience, the energy, and the opportunity. So, we took the leap. Our older children stayed in Europe for school, and the two youngest—11 and 1 at the time—came with us.

Multiculturalism as a way of life

Abu Dhabi is a true melting pot—90% of the population are expats. It’s easy to feel lost here, but just as easy to find your place. The biggest challenge? The climate. Summer here is like stepping into an open-air sauna. That’s why we, like many expats, spend July and August in Europe. But winters here are pure bliss—sunny, 25°C, with warm seas and pleasant walks.

We live on Reem Island—a convenient, modern area with everything close by: schools, parks, waterfronts. That matters a lot to us with a two-year-old in the house. The infrastructure is top-tier—Reem Hospital, fitness centres, cafes, restaurants. It’s only 10 minutes to the city centre by car. Many buildings offer sea views, which is a dream for those who love the water. We certainly do—we often unwind at sunset along the promenade. Plus, the safety here is unmatched—even higher than in Dubai, some say.

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai

Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi isn’t focused on high-volume development. It’s a place where people buy to live, not just invest. Still, with Dubai’s prices soaring, more investors are starting to turn their attention to Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

There’s more land here, but it’s developed with care. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have divided their economic roles: this city is about oil and gas, while Dubai handles tourism, services, and real estate.

As a European, I find it very comfortable here.  For those asking where to settle, I recommend Saadiyat, Yas, or Reem Island. Great infrastructure, pristine beaches, top international schools, and cultural institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi make it ideal for families.

Dubadu: a different take on Real Estate

I lead Dubadu Portal, a video-first real estate platform for rentals and property sales. The core idea is simple: short, engaging videos instead of long, boring descriptions. Open the app or website and immediately see the atmosphere of a place—not just a few low-res photos.

We use AI and a suite of smart tech tools to turn property hunting into a pleasure. Currently, our focus is on the Dubai market, but expansion is already on the horizon—Kazakhstan and Germany are next in line.

Our clients range from large developers and real estate agencies to private brokers, investors, and everyday renters or buyers. In Dubai, everyone wants to stand out. Competition is fierce—and we help them do just that.

A CEO’s morning

My day starts early—around 6:30 AM. After breakfast, I take my daughter to school. Abu Dhabi has many international schools, most with English-language curriculum. We chose one of them, and she’s loving it—more than her previous school in Vienna, actually. There are also monolingual schools—French, Spanish, Arabic—but the international model fits us better. Most of the children are expats, which creates an inclusive, equal environment.

Then it’s coffee and straight to work: emails, messages, follow-ups. With a two- or three-hour time difference from Europe, things move quickly in the morning. Then come the meetings—some in person, some virtual. Our team is fully remote, with colleagues in Ukraine, Croatia, Turkey, Spain, and beyond. Most of our communication happens over Zoom and Google Meet.

A workday in motion

Because we’re in real estate, I often meet with agency representatives. We build partnerships, test new formats, and collaborate on projects. I also go to Dubai quite often — it’s just a 1.5-hour drive, and right now, Dubai is booming with construction and investment.

You really do need a car in Abu Dhabi. Public transport exists, but doesn’t cover the whole city. My work requires full mobility — visiting properties across town, often at opposite ends.

Contrary to stereotypes, people here are extremely punctual. Meetings are usually held in offices, and outdoor cafés are a winter luxury. In the summer, the heat drives everyone indoors. In Vienna, cafés line every corner; here it’s different. But the service quality is top-notch — closer, I’d say, to Ukrainian hospitality: they genuinely welcome you.

Lunchtime and local dynamics

I usually grab lunch at small local restaurants. Over lunch, I always read the news and track business trends. It’s a fast-paced region. In Europe, life often feels more settled and predictable — people can more or less see 10, 20, 30 years ahead. Here, it’s the opposite: if you know what you want, opportunities pop up everywhere.

Yes, there are formalities. Every type of business needs a license. Unlike in Europe, where you can often launch without much red tape, here everything is regulated. But that regulation brings stability—and revenue for the state.

Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a financial centre, competing with London and Frankfurt. One key attraction? No personal income tax. While taxes in Europe can reach 60%, here what you earn is what you keep. The corporate tax rate is only 9%—still significantly lower than in most Western countries.

Wrapping up the day

In the evenings, we usually spend time together as a family — walking, heading to the waterfront, or having dinner out. You’ll find nearly every cuisine in Abu Dhabi. Our favourite ones are Les Dengeraux and Valgerand — both on Saadiyat Island, offering beautiful sea views. It’s lovely to dine there and then take a slow walk by the water.

There's even Ukrainian cuisine in town now — we haven’t visited yet, but it’s on our list. We often meet with other Ukrainians — friends from our kids’ schools or business connections — and that sense of community really helps.

Sunset thoughts

One of my favourite moments is watching the sunset with a glass of wine. Abu Dhabi isn’t as hectic as Dubai, so you actually have time to pause, breathe, and look up. What struck me most about this place is how it blends deep-rooted traditions with breathtaking speed. It forces you to stay agile while holding on to your core — family, rituals, respect.

Do I want to stay here forever? I’m not sure yet. Abu Dhabi is an incredible place to work, grow, and earn. But when my golden years arrive, I might want a quieter spot — with soft weather and four seasons.

For now, though, this dynamic region brings richness and energy to everyday life. Living in a city like this is an unforgettable experience — one I’d recommend to anyone with a global outlook.