Abu Dhabi

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Utilities and Services

Sections

1. Electricity and Water

In Abu Dhabi, electricity and water services are provided by the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) or Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC), depending on your location.

Setting Up Electricity and Water Services

  • Step 1: Register with ADDC/AADC

    • Visit the ADDC website (www.addc.ae) or their customer service center.
    • Provide the following documents:
      • Emirates ID (mandatory for residents).
      • Passport copy and visa page.
      • Tenancy contract (Tawtheeq document, which is the official tenancy registration in Abu Dhabi).
      • Security deposit payment.

  • Step 2: Pay the Security Deposit

    • For apartments: AED 1,000.
    • For villas: AED 2,000.
    • The deposit is refundable when you close your account and move out.

  • Step 3: Activation

    • Once the documents and deposit are submitted, the service is usually activated within 24-48 hours.

Costs

  • Electricity: Charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Rates vary depending on whether you are a UAE national, expatriate, or business.
    • Expatriates: AED 0.30 per kWh (approximate).
  • Water: Charged per cubic meter.
    • Expatriates: AED 2.09 per cubic meter (approximate).
  • Monthly Service Fee: A small fixed fee is added to your bill.

Billing and Payment

  • Bills are issued monthly and can be paid online via the ADDC website, mobile app, or at kiosks and banks.
  • You can set up automatic payments for convenience.

Local Tips

  • Monitor your consumption to avoid high bills, especially during the summer when air conditioning usage increases.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures to reduce costs.

2. Gas

Gas is commonly used for cooking and sometimes for water heating in Abu Dhabi. Depending on your accommodation, you may have centralized gas or need to arrange for gas cylinders.

Centralized Gas

  • If your building has centralized gas, the service is typically managed by the building management or a third-party provider like Ruwais Gas or ADNOC Distribution.
  • Costs are included in your monthly utility bill or paid separately to the provider.

Gas Cylinders

  • For villas or older apartments without centralized gas, you will need to purchase gas cylinders.
  • Procedure:
    • Contact a licensed gas supplier (e.g., ADNOC Distribution or private suppliers).
    • Provide your address and request delivery.
  • Costs:
    • A standard 25 lb gas cylinder costs around AED 60-70.
    • Delivery charges may apply (AED 10-20).

Local Tips

  • Always ensure your gas supplier is licensed for safety reasons.
  • Regularly check for leaks and maintain your gas appliances.

3. Internet, TV, and Landline

Telecommunication services in Abu Dhabi are provided by Etisalat and du, the two main service providers.

Setting Up Internet and TV Services

  • Step 1: Choose a Provider

    • Visit the Etisalat (www.etisalat.ae) or du (www.du.ae) website to explore packages for internet, TV, and landline services.
    • Packages often include high-speed internet, TV channels, and a landline.

  • Step 2: Submit Documents

    • Emirates ID.
    • Passport copy and visa page.
    • Tenancy contract (Tawtheeq).

  • Step 3: Installation

    • Once your application is approved, the provider will schedule an installation appointment (usually within 2-3 days).

Costs

  • Internet packages start at AED 300-400 per month for basic plans (100 Mbps speed).
  • Bundled packages with TV and landline may cost AED 500-800 per month, depending on the features.

Local Tips

  • Compare packages from both providers to find the best deal.
  • Look for promotions or discounts, especially for new customers.

4. Waste Management

Waste management in Abu Dhabi is overseen by Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management).

Residential Waste Collection

  • Waste collection is managed by the municipality and is included in your housing fees.
  • Bins are provided for general waste and recyclables.

Recycling

  • Abu Dhabi has a growing focus on recycling. Look for designated recycling bins in your community for paper, plastic, and glass.

Costs

  • Waste management fees are included in your ADDC bill under the "Municipality Fee" section.
    • This fee is 5% of your annual rent, divided into monthly payments.

Local Tips

  • Follow the waste segregation guidelines provided by your building or community.
  • Dispose of bulky items (e.g., furniture) by contacting Tadweer for special collection services.

5. Other Local Considerations

Municipality Fees

  • A municipality fee of 5% of your annual rent is added to your ADDC bill. This fee is mandatory for all residents.

Tawtheeq Registration

  • Ensure your tenancy contract is registered with Tawtheeq, as it is required for setting up utilities and other services.

Smart Apps

  • Download the ADDC, Etisalat, and du mobile apps for easy management of your accounts and bills.
  • Use the Abu Dhabi Pay platform for consolidated payments of government services.

Emergency Numbers

  • ADDC Customer Service: 800 2332.
  • Gas Emergency: 800 555 (ADNOC).
  • Waste Management (Tadweer): 800 555.

Summary of Costs

| Service | Setup Cost | Monthly Cost (Approx.) | |----------------------|------------------------|----------------------------| | Electricity & Water | AED 1,000-2,000 deposit | AED 300-1,000 (depending on usage) | | Gas (Cylinders) | AED 60-70 per cylinder | Varies based on usage | | Internet & TV | AED 300-500 (monthly) | AED 300-800 (package) | | Waste Management | Included in ADDC bill | 5% of annual rent (monthly) |

By following this guide, you should be able to set up and manage your utilities and services in Abu Dhabi efficiently. Let me know if you need further assistance!