Just arrived in Abu Dhabi...

Now what? 

I start work tomorrow, however figuring everything else out is a little overwhelming. From how to get a local phone to how to get around, or even just where to go.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Abadaba,

Does your employer not provide you with any assistance in settling in? I have been here for just over a week, but having previously visited the UAE on a number of occasions for work I was quite relaxed about moving here. Do you have a residents permit? If the answer is yes then you can get a contract phone, but if you are still on a visa you will have to use pay-as-you-go, which still works out pretty cheap. My residents permit hasn't been finalised so I can't get a mobile phone contract. I went to the Marina Mall, bought an I-phone and then I buy phone credit to the value of AED99 which gives me 1GB of data per month, and I supplement this with AED51 for calls, so AED150 per month which is expensed back to my UK office together with any other communication costs such as an I-phone. I would advise that you speak to someone at Etisalat, the main mobile phone service provider in the UAE. If you Google them you will find thier locations; but the one I went to was in the Marina Mall. Allow at least 1hour as this is the amount of time you will spend queuing unless you go to their head office. I had to queue for 15 minutes just to get a ticket to join the queue to see one of their advisors. I found the queuing system inefficient, and I had to restrain myself from applauding when an Emirati woman complaining about the lack of logic and efficiency behind this, but when in Rome my friend.........
There is an organisation called the British Business Group - Abu Dhabi which is great for networking and meeting other Brit expats. I guarantee you'll make a few friends at their networking events as everyone is super friendly

There is a British Business Group (BBG) -Abu Dhabi event either tomorrow or Monday that will be attended by Vince Cable, so you'll be sure to meet quite a few Brit expats there. I assure you once you've made a few friends you'll be fine.

you are limited if no visa but you can get a wasel account which is a pay as you go, either on etilsat or du, both the same company but du being the newer one its usually giving better deals, but etislat has better coverage. getting around get a rental car if you have a foreign licence, once you get your visa stamped in passport you must exchange for local driving licence and inform the rental company. you need to open a bank account ask which the company uses as it may be easier set up, if not stay away from hsbc! you will get used to the ways of the muddle east, the lack of logic, the queuing system, the driving etc etc all pretty quick. 

not all companies are good at providing a pro to do all the red tape..... you are very lucky if you are looked after all steps of the processes....

Just so you're aware: PRO = Public Relations Officer = the guy who your company employs to get all official things sorted (visas, attestations and the like). Make friends with him.

Other types of pros are available.

Buy the 'Explorer' guide on setting up here. Most book shops and some supermarkets sell them.

Hey Guys,

Thank you all for the reply's and the advise. I'll have to look into getting the guide and to attending the BBG meeting (if my work schedule permits). But yes, it would be great to know at least one person here in town, I could imagine it'd be easier.

I have been assigned a PRO, as you call it, however aside from purchasing the ticket and securing the work permit, I haven't heard much from his end. I'll meet him tomorrow so we'll see. 

Busybee2, thanks for the advice regarding HSBC, I was considering opening an account with them since they're global and I hope to travel from here periodically during my tenure, but I'll look elsewhere. I hear ADCB is relatively good?

Thanks again for the comments!

been with adcb 17 years not had many issues for a local bank, also nbad are good too... would avoid hsbc.... remember that everything here is a franchise so dont think that they are all run the same... its just the name!

get your pro to work for you... some will be good and take care of everything, especially american companies etc... others not so good.... so cannot tell you whether yours will be good or bad?

We've been here before, many times. I've had no problems with HSBC (Premier), and don't know many people who have. I also know several people who have had big problems with ADCB, so bad that they went through all the hassle of moving their accounts elsewhere. And one of those, who moved to NBAD, is quite unimpressed with them also, 5 months later.

That being said, I have read of people who have had problems with HSBC (clearly including busybee), and I am sure ADCB have plenty of satisfied customers - I'm definitely NOT defending HSBC, nor advocating them. I've yet to get the impression than any bank over here is that great. I'd say go for a bank that is conveniently located for you (or who will send someone to you to do all the paperwork in your office), and expect the worst. I do find the international nature of HSBC quite convenient - it has been useful for me a few times, but maybe you won't need it.

Where can one find the explorer guide?

Thank you