What to do before moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Are you moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Whether relocating to the capital city for a new job or a lifestyle change, the move can be stressful if you have never done it before. There are many things to do, from finding your new abode to disconnecting your DEWA account in your current residence in Dubai and choosing the right moving company. And it may all seem overwhelming.
For your convenience, MyBayut has curated a checklist to simplify the process. From picking the right property type to the appropriate moving services, here is everything you need to know before moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Things to Consider Before Moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Moving to the country’s capital from Dubai can be overwhelming if you have never moved homes between emirates before. To simplify the task, here is a list of priorities to add to your to-do list that you can check off individually.
Choose the right property type
First, your new home in Abu Dhabi must be worth the move. Your choice of residence must be suitable for the whole family. As a professional relocating to Abu Dhabi for work, it’s best to go for an apartment close to your employment or accessible by public transport.
As for the type of property, singletons or couples may opt for rental 1-bed apartments in Abu Dhabi. If you have small children, a 2-bed flat for rent in Abu Dhabi could be your best option. If you plan to stay long-term, you can also consider apartments for sale in Abu Dhabi.
If you prefer more spacious accommodations, consider villas for rent in Abu Dhabi. Are you looking for homes that are easier on your budget? Focus your search on the top areas to buy or rent affordable villas in Abu Dhabi.
- 5 BEDS
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- 6 BATHS
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- 2941 SQFT
Disconnect your DEWA account
Disconnecting your DEWA account is essential before moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the emirate’s sole public provider of electricity and water services. Cancelling your DEWA account is important. Otherwise, you will continue to receive bills even after you vacate your current residence.
If you are moving homes within the city, you can transfer your existing DEWA account. However, if you are relocating to another emirate like Abu Dhabi, you must disconnect it.
It’s recommended to deactivate your DEWA account at least seven days before your move.
There are two ways in which you can do this:
IN PERSON AT A CUSTOMER HAPPINESS CENTRE
Just head to your nearest Customer Care or Customer Happiness Centre to make the request. You will need a copy of your previous DEWA bill and your passport or Emirates ID. After the form has been successfully submitted, you will receive your final bill after two to three days of processing. You can pay the bill at the DEWA office and collect your deposit.
ONLINE VIA THE DEWA WEBSITE
You can disconnect your account offline or by logging into the DEWA website. After paying your bill, here is what you need to do:
- Select your move-out date and provide an active contact number
- Provide the payment mode of your DEWA security deposit at this point
- A move-out notification number will be issued and sent via email or SMS.
You must also pay AED 100 for disconnecting small metres and AED 300 for large metres. Following this, the supply will be turned off on your moving-out date, and the final reading on the metre will be noted. For more clarification on the process, check out our DEWA deactivation guide.
Get a move permit
Some buildings in Dubai require tenants moving in or out to acquire permits from the building developer or management. For example, you will need a move-out permit for Emaar projects. An Emaar move-in or move-out permit covers Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek Harbour and The Views. Additionally, before issuing the permit, you must submit documents like copies of your passport and visa and your tenancy contract, available on Ejari online.
To know if this applies to you, talk to your building supervisor before considering relocating to Abu Dhabi.
Hire a reliable moving service
If you are moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it pays to hire the best moving services. Hiring a reputable moving company can make the move easier and let your mind concentrate on other tasks. To find a suitable service, here is what you should look out for:
FLEXIBILITY
The service must be flexible enough to work around your schedule. For example, you may need one that offers round-the-clock services in case your tenancy contract is about to expire, and you need to move post-haste.
MOVING INSURANCE
Accidents may happen while moving furniture from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Fragile items may shatter en route during loading or unloading. It, therefore, pays to hire a service that is insured against damages and allows you to claim compensation if required.
CHOOSE A PACKAGE THAT SUITS YOU
With the sheer number of moving services in Dubai, choosing one that suits your preferences can be hard. It’s a good idea to research and outline your requirements before committing to any company.
For instance, you can go for a company that offers a “self-move” or a “fully-managed” move. The former is more cost-effective. But if you intend to move many items, a fully managed service will be the best option. For a start, you may consider companies like Mr Move and TruKKer, which are reputed movers and packers in Dubai.
Moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi -Transportation
After you have chosen the moving company, the next step involves the journey itself. Private vehicles are usually the preferred mode of transport for families or singletons moving to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. However, those who don’t have personal transport of their own can always rely on public transport services to get from one emirate to the other.
TAXI
Apart from driving yourself, the taxi service is the quickest way to travel between the two emirates. Depending on traffic conditions and the location of the new home in the capital, the ride may range from AED 250 to AED 300 for a one-way trip.
INTERCITY BUS SERVICE
If you are looking for the cheapest way of shifting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the intercity bus service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a suitable option. These include the E100 and E101, which pick up passengers from different locations in Dubai.
Before purchasing a ticket, don’t forget to buy a NOL card — an electronic bus pass system by the RTA. If you already have one, make sure that you check your NOL card balance online before heading out.
To better understand available travel options between the two cities, check out our full review of travel options from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1882 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 1009 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1372 SQFT
FAQs about moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
What is the cost of living in Abu Dhabi?
Moving to another emirate can be easier if you know what it will cost you. Calculating the average cost of living in Abu Dhabi can be helpful if you move to the capital. This includes everything from the price of groceries to housing.
How to live on a budget in Abu Dhabi?
Are you thinking to transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Moving to the capital can cost you less if you know what to do. Options like affordable housing and public transport can make living in Abu Dhabi on a budget possible.
This concludes our guide for moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Are you moving to another destination? Know what to expect while moving from Dubai to Sharjah if your final destination is this emirate. If you prefer the DIY approach while moving your valuables, check out our checklist for packing for a move.
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