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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Internet Comparison
| Speed | Etisalat | Du |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Mbps | AED 329/mo | AED 299/mo |
| 500 Mbps | AED 449/mo | AED 399/mo |
| 1 Gbps | AED 599/mo | AED 549/mo |
What You Need for Setup
- Emirates ID (mandatory)
- Tenancy contract OR landlord's Emirates ID
- Security deposit: AED 300-500 (refundable)
- Tip: Some buildings have shared connections -- ask neighbors first
Temporary Internet Solutions
- Mobile hotspot: Use your SIM data plan
- Cafe WiFi: Most malls and coffee shops have free WiFi
- Hotel/Airbnb: Use their connection while waiting for installation
Step 4: Banking Made Easy
For Employees (Need Salary Certificate)
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- LuLu Hypermarket: Multiple locations, bulk discounts
- Abu Dhabi Co-op: Local chain, competitive prices
- Al Maya: Good for fresh produce
International Products
- Carrefour: French products, organic selection
- Spinneys: British/European brands, premium quality
- Waitrose: High-end international groceries
Basic Household Supplies
Day to Day (Electra Street)
- 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)
- Day trip: 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi
- Everything wholesale: Electronics, home goods, gadgets
- Best for: Bulk buying, unique items
Pharmacy & Health
Key Pharmacies
- Life Pharmacy: 24/7 locations, delivery available
- Aster Pharmacy: Multiple branches, good prices
- Al Safwa: Local chain, accepts most insurance
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
- Weekend sales: Most furniture stores discount Fri-Sat
- End of month: Better deals as salespeople meet targets
- Cash payments: Many places offer 5-10% cash discount
- Bulk buying: Team up with other newcomers for furniture shopping
Free Resources
- Facebook groups: "New in Abu Dhabi", "Abu Dhabi Expats"
- Meetup.com: Connect with other newcomers
- Company HR: Often provide setup assistance
- Hotel concierge: Can arrange services while you're settling
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best SIM card for newcomers in Abu Dhabi 2026?
For budget users, Etisalat Visitor Line starts at AED 49 (2GB + 30 mins, 28 days). For heavy data users, Virgin Mobile offers 21GB + calls for AED 150 (7 days). Du has tourist SIMs from AED 49 and monthly plans from AED 99. All three providers offer eSIM options. Get your SIM at Abu Dhabi Airport arrivals hall (24/7) for immediate use -- you only need your passport.
Where can I buy affordable furniture in Abu Dhabi?
For new furniture: IKEA Yas Mall (delivery AED 39-99, assembly AED 50-200), Pan Emirates in Mussafah (AED 50-150 delivery, installment plans), and Homes R Us on Airport Road. For used furniture: Mussafah Used Market (open 7 AM-7 PM, bargaining expected) and Dubizzle.com for online deals. Budget tip: Start at 50% of asking price at the used market and bring a pickup truck or arrange delivery for AED 100+.
How do I open a bank account in Abu Dhabi as a newcomer?
For employees: FAB (min salary AED 5,000), ADCB or Emirates NBD (min salary AED 3,000). You need Emirates ID, salary certificate, and NOC from employer. Account fees are AED 25/month (often waived with balance). For freelancers: Liv. by Emirates NBD (AED 15/month, needs Emirates ID + UAE number only) or Mashreq Neo (AED 0 with minimum balance). Visit 8 AM-2 PM for shorter queues. Bring original documents plus copies. Debit card is usually ready same day.
How much money do I need for the first month in Abu Dhabi?
Estimated first month costs (single person): Accommodation deposit AED 2,000-4,000 (refundable), rent AED 2,000-4,000, utilities setup AED 500-1,000, groceries AED 800-1,200, transport AED 300-500, miscellaneous AED 500. Total: AED 6,100-11,200. Family of 3: Add AED 3,000-5,000. Pro tip: Your employer may advance salary or provide temporary accommodation -- ask before arriving.
What should I do in my first week in Abu Dhabi?
Priority checklist: Day 1-2: Get SIM card (Etisalat/du, AED 49-125 at airport or mall), basic groceries and transport setup. Day 3-5: Apply for internet connection (AED 299-329/month), open bank account, arrange basic furniture. Day 5-7: Assembly and installation services, neighborhood exploration. Week 2: Internet installation, final furniture, join local groups and social activities. This guide provides complete step-by-step instructions for each task with verified 2026 prices.