Moving to Abu Dhabi is an exciting new chapter, but there is plenty to get your head around once you arrive.
Trying to figure out how to register your Emirates ID, how to get around, phone setup, bank accounts, and which apps to download, the first few weeks can feel like a long list of admin.
The good news? A little local knowledge goes a long way. If you have just landed in the capital or are still getting settled, here are some of the best apps, services, and communities worth knowing about.
Your Emirates ID
Your Emirates ID is the key that unlocks much of everyday life in the UAE. It is one of the most important pieces of identification you will have and is needed for many of the things you will want to set up once you arrive.
Opening a bank account, registering a permanent mobile line, and completing a rental agreement all requires this critical piece of brief.
Getting your Emirates ID is part of the wider residency process, which includes completing a medical fitness examination, with the results forming part of the process for obtaining a residence permit.
One of the best screening center’s to visit for the medical fitness examination is inside The Galleria Al Maryah Island – SEHA Screening Center | The Galleria, Al Maryah Island.
There can be a little waiting involved, but once that ID lands in your hands, things start to fall into place. In newcomer terms, once you have your Emirates ID, you are essentially golden.
For further information on how to apply, visit Emirates ID | The Official Platform of the UAE Government.
It’s also important to note that your employer can help and guide you through the process.
Your New Home
Once the Emirates ID is sorted, you can start ticking off another major part of settling in… finding your new pad.
Property Finder is a very good place to start your search, with listings across Abu Dhabi in different neighbourhoods and at different price points.
It is worth doing some research in different areas before committing, particularly if you are new to the city. Once you find the right property, your Emirates ID and other residency documents will need to be presented when getting your rental agreement in place.
Your UAE Driving Licence
If you plan to get behind the wheel in Abu Dhabi, you may be able to convert an eligible foreign driving licence rather than starting the process from scratch. The requirements vary depending on your nationality and licence, so check the latest Abu Dhabi requirements before heading to a licensing centre.
Read our latest piece on how to convert your foreign driving licence to a UAE one – Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence in Abu Dhabi.
Opening A UAE Bank Account
Opening a local bank account is another major milestone when settling in.
Banks including ADCB, HSBC UAE, FAB and Emirates NBD offer a range of personal banking options. Requirements and account types vary, but residents will generally need documents such as a passport, valid UAE residence details, Emirates ID, and proof of income. Some banks may also request proof of address, a salary certificate, employment documents, or recent bank statements.
It is worth checking the exact requirements for your chosen account before applying, particularly if you are newly employed or have only recently received your residency documents.
Getting Your Phone Set Up
Getting connected is another early priority. If you have just arrived and are still waiting for your Emirates ID, you do not have to spend weeks without a UAE number.
Virgin Mobile UAE and e& UAE both offer options for newbies using a passport, allowing you to get connected while your residency and Emirates ID are being processed.
e& specifically offers a Visitor Line that can be obtained with a valid passport and visa, with validity depending on your entry documentation.
Once your Emirates ID arrives, you can move on to a resident mobile plan. In general, you will need your Emirates ID to register a permanent resident line, with additional documents potentially required for certain postpaid plans.
Once your number is sorted, it’s easy movements from there.
Essential Government Apps
There are a few apps that will quickly become part of everyday life in the UAE. UAE Pass should be near the top of your download list, as it acts as a digital identity, allowing you to access a wide range of government and private-sector services and digitally sign documents.
TAMM is another essential for Abu Dhabi residents, bringing many government services together in one place, whilst your Daman app can be useful if you have Daman health insurance.
Depending on your policy, you can use it to check benefits, find healthcare providers, and manage critical claims.
Get To Know Abu Dhabi’s Taxi Apps
If you are new to the city and do not have a car yet, taxis are one of the easiest ways to get around. They are widely available and can be a convenient option without the expense of owning a car.
Yango is one of the best ways to get moving, with Uber also making it simple to book a ride directly from your phone.
One to note: Yango regularly runs introductory promotions for new customers.
Download These Money-Saving Apps
One of the quickest ways to make life in Abu Dhabi a little easier on your wallet is by downloading a few discount apps.
The Entertainer, Smiles, Groupon, Cobone, Supperclub, and Best Bites are all worth exploring, particularly if you plan on eating out regularly.
Offering everything from restaurant deals to buy-one-get-one-free offers, these apps will not just look after the pennies, but also make sure you get eyes on some of the best places to go in the city.
For further details, check out our guide to the Best Money-Saving Apps in Abu Dhabi.
Get Your Deliveries Sorted
You will soon discover that Abu Dhabi is a city built for convenience, and delivery apps are a big part of that.
Talabat, Deliveroo, and noon can cover dinner, groceries, and your everyday essentials. If you are ordering food after a long day at work or need something delivered to your door, having a couple of these apps ready will make settling in considerably easier.
Find Your People
Moving to a new city is not just about getting the admin sorted. Finding a community can make Abu Dhabi feel like home much quicker, and whilst knowing which app to download is useful, knowing where to find your people can make all the difference.
For football fans, Abu Dhabi Strollers is a community-focused football club that brings people together through the sport. Rugby players can look towards Abu Dhabi Harlequins, whilst cricket fans can check out Abu Dhabi Gentlemen’s Cricket Club.
If running or fitness is more your thing, Menathon has built a community around men’s fitness, while Abu Dhabi Striders is another name worth knowing for runners.
And for mums who are new to the region, there are several groups designed to meet new faces, including Eklektik Mama, MingleMama, Mama Tribe UAE, The ÔM Journey, Abu Dhabi Playdates and Raising Abu Dhabi.
Read our latest piece on some of the best mum communities to know about – Mothers Groups in Abu Dhabi.
Welcome To Abu Dhabi
There is inevitably a learning curve when you first arrive, but Abu Dhabi quickly becomes much easier to navigate once you have the essentials in place.
Get your ID, phone, and bank account sorted, download the apps that make daily life simpler, and then start exploring the communities, restaurants, beaches, sports clubs, and neighbourhoods that make the capital what it is.
Before long, you will be the one giving the newcomer advice.
Be sure to follow Secret Abu Dhabi for more news, events, and key updates in the capital and beyond.
