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Newcomer Setup

Complete step-by-step guide to get you settled in Abu Dhabi within your first week

First Week Essentials (Priority Order)

Day 1-2:

  • SIM card (AED 49-125)
  • Basic groceries & supplies
  • Transport setup (bus card AED 10)

Day 3-5:

  • Internet connection (AED 300+/month)
  • Bank account opening
  • Basic furniture delivery

Week 2:

  • Complete furniture setup
  • Utility accounts transfer
  • Neighborhood exploration

Step 1: Stay Connected – SIM Cards & Mobile

Where to Get SIM Cards (Same Day Setup):

Abu Dhabi Airport (Best for Immediate Use)

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Location: Arrivals hall, multiple kiosks
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Need: Passport only
  • Advantage: Ready to use immediately

Mall Locations (More Options)

  • Abu Dhabi Mall: Ground floor, telecom section
  • Al Wahda Mall: Level 1 & 2, multiple stores
  • Yas Mall: Ground floor near entrance
  • Marina Mall: Lower level

Best SIM Deals for Newcomers:

Budget Choice: Etisalat Visitor Line

Phone: 101

  • Basic: AED 49 (2GB + 30 mins, 28 days)
  • Plus: AED 79 (4GB + 30 mins, 28 days)
  • Premium: AED 125 (8GB + 120 mins, 28 days)
  • Best for: Light users, temporary stay

Flexible Choice: Virgin Mobile

Phone: +971 4 388 0000

  • 7 days: AED 150 (21GB + calls)
  • 10 days: AED 200 (40GB + calls)
  • 15 days: AED 300 (unlimited data)
  • Best for: Heavy data users, app-based control

Long-term Choice: Du

Phone: 155

  • Tourist SIM: AED 49 (2GB + 30 mins)
  • Monthly plans: From AED 99/month
  • Family packages: AED 199+ (multiple lines)
  • Best for: Residents, family plans

eSIM Option (iPhone/Android)

  • Setup time: 5 minutes via QR code
  • Same prices as physical SIM
  • Advantage: Keep home country SIM active
  • Available: All 3 providers

Step 2: Home Setup – Furniture & Essentials

New Furniture (Best Value)

IKEA – Yas Mall

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Phone: +971 2 567 6555
  • Hours: 10 AM – 12 AM daily
  • Delivery: AED 39-99 (next day available)
  • Assembly: AED 50-200 per item
  • Best for: Complete room setups, Scandinavian style
  • Tip: Use IKEA app to check stock before visiting

Pan Emirates

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Locations: Mussafah, Al Wahda area
  • Phone: +971 2 555 7777
  • Delivery: 3-7 days, AED 50-150
  • Best for: Mid-range quality, local warranty
  • Payment: Installment plans available

Homes R Us

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Main store: Airport Road, near ADNOC HQ
  • Phone: +971 2 446 8888
  • Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM daily
  • Best for: Affordable basics, quick delivery
  • Tip: Frequent sales, check weekend promotions

Used Furniture (Best Bargains)

Mussafah Used Market

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Location: Mussafah Industrial Area
  • Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM daily (except Friday afternoon)
  • Best time: Weekend mornings for fresh stock
  • Bargaining: Expected, start at 50% of asking price
  • Transport: Bring pickup truck or arrange delivery AED 100+

Online Platforms:

  • Dubizzle.com: Largest selection, filter by location
  • Facebook Marketplace: Good deals, direct contact
  • WhatsApp Groups: "Abu Dhabi Used Furniture", "Expat Sales AD"
  • Tip: Always inspect before buying, negotiate price

Installation & Assembly Services

Professional Apps:

  • Mr Usta: +971 4 399 3883 (24/7 support)
  • ServiceMarket: Via website/app booking
  • The Fixers: +971 4 588 9191

Freelance Handymen:

  • Rate: AED 50-100/hour
  • Facebook groups: "Abu Dhabi Handyman Services"
  • Careem Plus: Furniture assembly available
  • Tip: Get quotes from 2-3 people, check reviews

Step 3: Internet & TV Setup

Main Providers (Fiber Internet)

Etisalat

Customer service: 101

  • Setup time: 3-5 working days
  • 250 Mbps: AED 329/month
  • 500 Mbps: AED 449/month
  • 1 Gbps: AED 599/month
  • Installation: Free (usually)
  • TV packages: From AED 99/month extra

Du

Customer service: 155

  • Setup time: 3-7 working days
  • 250 Mbps: AED 299/month
  • 500 Mbps: AED 399/month
  • 1 Gbps: AED 549/month
  • Installation: Free for 12-month contracts

What You Need for Setup:

Temporary Internet Solutions:

Step 4: Banking Made Easy

Best Banks for Newcomers

For Employees (Need Salary Certificate):

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Phone: +971 600 524 229
  • Minimum salary: AED 5,000/month
  • Account fee: AED 25/month (waived with balance)
  • Benefits: Largest ATM network, excellent app
  • Documents: Emirates ID, salary certificate, NOC from employer

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Phone: +971 600 502 030
  • Minimum salary: AED 3,000/month
  • Account fee: AED 25/month
  • Benefits: Good customer service, expat-friendly
  • Tip: Often has promotions for new residents

Emirates NBD

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Phone: +971 600 540 000
  • Minimum salary: AED 3,000/month
  • Account fee: AED 25/month
  • Benefits: Wide branch network, digital banking

For Freelancers/Self-Employed:

Liv. by Emirates NBD

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Phone: +971 4 316 0316
  • Requirements: Emirates ID + UAE mobile number only
  • Account fee: AED 15/month
  • Limits: AED 40,000 monthly transactions
  • Best for: Digital nomads, freelancers

Mashreq Neo

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Phone: +971 4 424 4444
  • Requirements: Emirates ID, basic income proof
  • Account fee: AED 0 (with minimum balance)
  • Benefits: Modern app, instant account opening

Banking Tips:

  • Visit during: 8 AM – 2 PM (less crowded)
  • Bring originals: All documents must be original + copies
  • Initial deposit: AED 1,000-3,000 depending on bank
  • Debit card: Usually ready same day
  • Online banking: Activated within 24 hours

Step 5: Essential Shopping & Services

Grocery Shopping (Stock Your Kitchen)

Budget-Friendly:

International Products:

Basic Household Supplies:

Day to Day (Electra Street)

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Everything AED 1-20: Kitchen basics, cleaning supplies
  • Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM daily
  • Best for: Immediate essentials, very cheap prices

Dragon Mart (International City)

📍 View on Google Maps

  • Day trip: 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi
  • Everything wholesale: Electronics, home goods, gadgets
  • Best for: Bulk buying, unique items

Pharmacy & Health:

Money-Saving Setup Tips

First Month Budget:

  • SIM card: AED 125 (tourist plan)
  • Basic furniture: AED 2,000-5,000 (used market)
  • Internet setup: AED 300 (first month + installation)
  • Bank account: AED 1,000 (initial deposit)
  • Total: AED 3,425-6,425

Smart Shopping:

Free Resources:

Neighborhood Setup Guide

Central Abu Dhabi (City Center)

  • Best for: Walking to work, restaurants, nightlife
  • Furniture stores: Homes R Us (Airport Road)
  • Internet setup: Usually fastest (existing infrastructure)
  • Banking: All major banks have branches
  • Tip: Higher rent but everything walkable

Al Reem Island

  • Best for: Modern apartments, family-friendly
  • Furniture delivery: All stores deliver here
  • Internet: Excellent fiber coverage
  • Banking: Shams Boutik Mall has all major banks
  • Tip: Plan for bridge traffic during rush hours

Khalifa City A/B

  • Best for: Spacious homes, family communities
  • Shopping: City Center Al Forsan for everything
  • Furniture: Good access to all major stores
  • Internet: Reliable, newer infrastructure
  • Banking: Local branches in most areas

Yas Island

  • Best for: Entertainment, theme parks nearby
  • Shopping: Yas Mall for all services
  • Furniture: IKEA on-site, easy delivery
  • Internet: Excellent coverage
  • Banking: All banks represented in Yas Mall

Essential Setup Contacts

Telecom Support:

  • Etisalat: 101
  • Du: 155
  • Virgin Mobile: +971 4 388 0000

Utilities & Internet:

  • ADDC (Electricity): +971 2 400 0400
  • Etisalat Internet: 101
  • Du Internet: 155

Banking Help:

  • FAB: +971 600 524 229
  • ADCB: +971 600 502 030
  • Emirates NBD: +971 600 540 000

Delivery & Assembly:

  • Mr Usta: +971 4 399 3883
  • ServiceMarket: Via app
  • IKEA Delivery: +971 2 567 6555

Emergency:

  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance: 998
  • Fire Department: 997

Your 2-Week Setup Timeline

Week 1: Essentials

  • Day 1: SIM card, basic groceries, transport setup
  • Day 2: Internet application, bank account opening
  • Day 3: Furniture shopping (measure spaces first)
  • Day 4: Furniture delivery arrangement
  • Day 5: Assembly/installation services
  • Weekend: Neighborhood exploration, social connections

Week 2: Comfort & Community

  • Day 8: Internet installation (if scheduled)
  • Day 10: Final furniture pieces, decorations
  • Day 12: Join local groups, plan social activities
  • Day 14: Full setup complete, comfortable living

Welcome to Abu Dhabi! Save this page for reference during your first month. Each step gets easier as you become familiar with the city.