Moving into the intercity is quite common in the UAE. All the Emirates share something in common, especially when it comes to property buying, selling and renting. However, many sets of rules, authorities and processes may differ. Therefore, before you move, it is best to know about the Emirate’s tenancy laws, property buying policy, parking permits and a lot more. If you are moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, there are a lot of things that you should be aware of to make a hassle-free shift.
Here we have detailed important information to help you plan your move to Abu Dhabi from Dubai seamlessly. Read on to know the processes involved before shifting from Dubai and where you can head for all the services to settle in the capital city.
MOVING FROM DUBAI TO ABU DHABI
Below detailed are all the important information that you should know before you shift from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SETTLING IN ABU DHABI
If you are moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you should have information about the government authorities that cater to processes and procedures related to real estate and other sectors in the capital city.
You can get all the relevant information about the government authorities in the capital city and services at one place by browsing the TAMM Abu Dhabi official website and Abu Dhabi City Municipality website. The two portals can help you connect with the relevant department or apply for a particular service. Besides, listed below are the important things you need to know before you shift from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:
- Emiratis for the following property-related services can connect with Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA):
- Residential Land Grant
- Loan for Expansion and Addition to an Existing House
- Loan for Expansion and Addition to an Existing House
- House Maintenance and Expansion Loan
- Demolition and Reconstruction Loan
- Modify Approved Loan
- House Construction Loan
- Exchange Land for Other Land
- House Maintenance Loan
- House Purchase Loan
- Purchase Residential Land
Expats/ foreigners are only allowed to invest/buy freehold properties in designated areas of the capital city. Therefore, if you plan to invest in a property, you should go through the property buying and ownership laws in Abu Dhabi for foreigners.
Besides, businesses, expats and Emiratis can connect with TAMM for the following real estate related services:
- Residential Unit Verification Certificate
- Permit to Install Car Shed Inside the Plot
- Detailed Master Plan Approval (only businesses)
- Site Plan
- Amend Lease Contract
- Amend Property Details
- Divide a Land Plot
- Register Sale and Purchase of Plots or Real Estate Units (excluding development areas)
- Ownership Deed (only Emirati and expat)
- Property Mortgage Contract
- Property Mortgage Redemption
- Plot Location Identification
- Terminate a Lease Contract by Court Order
- Authorise a Consultant / Contractor for Infrastructure
- Modify a Property Mortgage Contract
- Photocopy of Property Document
- Residential Off-Plot Works
- Cancel a Lease Contract
- Close a Lease Contract
- Loan for Expansion and Addition to an Existing House (Emirati only)
- Change Property Ownership Information
- Issuance of Unit Ownership Deed
- Registering a new lease contract in Abu Dhabi is managed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. All the tenancy contracts in the capital city are to be registered with the Tawtheeq system. The landlord needs to initiate the application but a tenant may initiate a request to register a new lease agreement. However, the tenant will need the approval of the landlord. If you plan to rent an apartment in Abu Dhabi or a villa, you can apply for tenancy contract registration via the TAMM official website.
- Whether you want to rent or buy a property in Abu Dhabi, search for them via trusted channels. You can look for properties available for sale and rent on the TAMM Abu Dhabi property listings page. Also, you can browse through properties up for sale and rent online on dubizzle.
- Similar to Dubai, you need to set up your account for water and electricity connection in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) offers water and electricity services in the capital city. If you buy an apartment or villa in Abu Dhabi, you need to submit a few documents online on the ADDC official website or set up an account on the ADDC app (Android | iOS). Besides, when you register a lease agreement with Tawtheeq, you don’t need to set up an account separately. This is because the Tawtheeq system and ADDC are linked together. A tenant only needs to submit the required documents to activate the connection. The activation process takes about 48 hours and users are informed by ADDC via SMS and email.
- Those planning to live on rent in the capital city should be aware of the tenancy laws and tenant rights in Abu Dhabi.
- Similar to Dubai, there are balcony rules and regulations in Abu Dhabi. These laws are mandatory to follow by the occupant of every residential unit.
- When it comes to intra-city commuting, you can use any public mode of transport in Abu Dhabi. To pay public transport fares, you need to get a Hafilat card made. Besides, you can go for a car share or car rental service for your commute within the city using eKar and uDrive services in Abu Dhabi.
- Later once you are done with the shifting process, you may opt to buy a used car in Abu Dhabi. For this, a new Emirate specific driving licence is required. You can apply for an Abu Dhabi driving licence by opening a traffic file with the Emirates Driving Company.
- Once you own a car, make sure to go through the list of Abu Dhabi traffic fines that incur for violating traffic rules in the Emirate.
- The capital city has a comprehensive paid parking system ‘Mawaqif’ in place to accommodate vehicles in all areas. When you buy a car, it is suggested that you go through the car parking rules and system in Abu Dhabi.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING FROM DUBAI TO ABU DHABI
Before you move from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you need to consider the following:
FIND THE RIGHT PROPERTY IN ABU DHABI
Prior to moving to Abu Dhabi, you should start searching for accommodation options as per your budget and needs.
You may find rental apartments in the capital city at low rental rates as compared to apartments in Dubai. For example, a rental studio apartment in Abu Dhabi has a rent starting from AED 10,000. Whereas, the rental rate of a studio apartment in Dubai starts from AED 15,000.
It is worthwhile to note that the rental rates may vary from project to project as well as a location in both cities.
Besides, if you are interested in renting a spacious home, then these villas for rent in Abu Dhabi are worth considering.
If you are an expat and want to buy/invest in a property in Abu Dhabi, you can buy properties in the following areas only:
- Al Reef
- Yas Island
- Masdar City
- Saadiyat Island
- Lulu
- Sayh Al Sedairah
- Mariya
- Al Raha Beach
DEWA ACCOUNT DEACTIVATION
DEWA account deactivation is another important step before you move-out. You have to apply for account deactivation around seven days before your move-out date from Dubai. If you don’t deactivate the account, the bills will be generated in your name. For this, visit the DEWA Customer Happiness Centre or apply for account deactivation online through DEWA official website.
The DEWA disconnection charges are as follows:
- Small metres: AED 100
- Large metres: AED 300
- Knowledge and innovation fee: AED 20
If you hold a Sanad or Thukher card you can avail 50% discount on DEWA disconnection fees.
GET A MOVE-OUT PERMIT FROM THE PROPERTY DEVELOPER
Getting a move-in and move-out permit from Dubai Properties, Emaar and Nakheel is mandatory. Therefore, if you are living in any of the communities that come under these leading developers you have to get a move-out permit.
It is suggested to talk to your building or community supervisor about whether a move-out permit is required or not.
GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK FROM YOUR LANDLORD
As per the tenancy agreement, tenants pay an amount as a deposit to the property owner, when renting a villa or an apartment in Dubai. Ask your landlord to pay the deposit amount. The landlord is liable to pay the deposit back, once he scrutinizes the property, sorts all the legalities and ensures that all the bills are paid.
HIRE A HOME MOVING COMPANY
Hiring a home moving company makes moving out hassle-free, as they have trained professionals to pack, shift and set all the household furniture and fragile items. There are home moving companies in Dubai that also offer inter-emirate moving services.
However, it is recommended that before you finalise your move with a home moving company, research them thoroughly, read their customer reviews on different social media platforms and interview them to learn about their policies, rates, terms and conditions.
At your end, tell them the items you have to move to the other Emirate and the fragile stuff they have to carry.
Besides, you can check these home moving companies in Dubai when you plan your move to Abu Dhabi from Dubai:
- Smart Truck: +971-54-404-0181
- NR Movers: +971-55-925-0091
- Professional SH Movers and Packers: +971-55-737-0036
- Safa Movers: +971-6-539-3115
HOW TO COMMUTE FROM DUBAI TO ABU DHABI
There are different ways to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. You can choose to travel to Abu Dhabi by air. However, if you are considering economical transport options, then you can opt for Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus service. Besides, for a more private and comfortable trip, book an RTA taxi or commute via your car or rent a car.
Our guide to moving to Abu Dhabi from Dubai comes to an end here. Don’t forget to follow the steps detailed above to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.
Stay tuned to the top property blog of the UAE for more tips on moving from one Emirate to another, property buying and selling rules and a lot more.
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