When you arrive make sure that you stop at the Etisalat kiosk at the airport and get a SIM card with a local number. This is extremely important as just about everything that you apply for including Drivers License, Emirates ID and Covid 19 test results will be tied to your phone number. Make sure that you download WhattsApp right away as many agencies will contact you through this app. If you bring a phone with you, many cellular services will lock the phone (Verizon for example) and a UAE SIM will not work. The Eitsalat employees will be happy to assist you with installing the SIM and verifying that the phone works. If it is locked, there are inexpensive phone options available at the kiosk.
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Everyone uses WhatsApp in UAE. Make sure you have this app set up as soon as possible because everyone will want to contact you through this App.
Abu Dhabi Police
You will use this app to get your Drivers License and to manage everything related to transportation.
ALHOSN
This is a Covid 19 tracking app which will keep track of your last PCR test.
DAMAN
This app will show all of your Health Insurance related information
ABU DHABI TAXI
You will need this app to get around for the first several weeks until you secure your own vehicle. Taxis respond quickly to requests from this app.
Etisalat
We recommend Etisalat for Cellular Service. This app will help you manage your visitor cellular service until you get a contract plan.
ZOOM
ZOOM works reliably for video chatting in the UAE.
NOON
NOON is a goods delivery service like AMAZON. They deliver reliably to Al Dhannah
Talabat
You can use this app to have groceries and restaurant food delivered to your door
Have your VISA Credit Card from your home country and make sure that you notify them that you will be travelling. This is to ensure uninterrupted service while travelling to UAE.
Have the equivalent of at least 2500 AED in cash when you first arrive. We recommend about 7000 AED if you do not have a credit card. When you exchange the money make sure you get most of it in smaller bills as Taxis and some smaller restaurants carry do not take credit.
Eye exam
First you need an eye exam. You can go to Yateem Optician at the Al Dhannah Mall Request a eye exam for the drivers license.
License Translation
When you complete the eye exam you need to get your foreign license translated. We recommend Alsun Translatin Services the cost is 200 AED Contact them through WhatsApp 971 50 387 0033 and they will walk you through the process.
Provide Alsun with:
Abu Dhabi Police
When you complete the translation process Alsun will automatically send your info to the Abu Dhabi Police. You will then need to go into the Abu Dhabi Police App and find the button “Replace Non UAE License” and complete the process. You will pay 600 AED to the Abu Dhabi police for the processing.
Vehicles and Drivers Licensing Directorate
You will receive a text message when your license is processed. You will then proceed to the Vehicles and Drivers Licensing Directorate in Abu Dhabi opposite the Thai Embassy near the Mushraf Mall. Enter the building and check in at the front desk. They will direct you to a desk to pick up your new drivers license!
American Citizens should register with the US Department of State to ensure that you receive any communications.
Go to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or "STEP" at Travel.gov
STEP is a free service that allows US citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest US embassy or consulate.
When you enter the Hospital you will go to the General Practitioners Desk and give them your Emirates ID for your insurance info. It’s that simple! They will take it from there and direct you to a nurse who will give you an initial examination. When your examination is complete they will make an appointment for you to see a doctor.
It is not unusual for your passport photo to not be acceptable for some of the badging processes.
You can easily get a perfect photo at one of the following:
Bin Hamaad Photo Studio
Al Ruwais Studio
The cost is about 15 Aed. For the service
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