In order to have a successful transition to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one needs to have some information regarding the utilities and services available. These are some of the basic necessities that are necessary in people’s lives such as electricity and water, internet, and waste management services.
Let’s take a look at the services and utilities in the UAE that you can avail.
Electricity and Water
Electricity and water utilities in the UAE are government-controlled. The primary suppliers are DEWA in Dubai, ADDC in Abu Dhabi, and SEWA in Sharjah.
Electricity
The availability of electricity in the UAE is stable and has been maintained to a high standard consequently, power failure is a rare event in the UAE. The voltage used is 220-240V and the frequency is 50Hz while the power sockets are of Type G similar to those of England.
Water
The water which is available in the UAE is tap water and it is safe to use in homes for washing purposes and cleaning. Despite the fact that it is safe for drinking, many residents use water from plastic containers, bottles for drinking and for cooking because of taste. Normally the establishment of electricity and water services is not problematic. When you are in any kind of housing situation you have to seek help from your real estate agent or your landlord. You will have to connect with the company in charge of the utilities, and a deposit may be charged as well. The monthly charges often involve both electricity tariffs and the water tariffs and these differ with the amount consumed.
Gas Services
In some residentials especially in the old structures or villas, the use of gas in preparation of foods is common. Actually, the major kind of gas services are given by the private companies not the government ones. There are two main types of gas services: Piped Natural Gas and Bottled gas.
Air Conditioning
As the UAE is always hot, air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury in modern houses most of the time. Seventy five percent of the residential houses, offices and business establishments are equipped with central air conditioning systems. The cost of air conditioning is reflected in your electricity bill, meaning you should be keen on the amount used, especially in summer when the usage is high.
There is nothing more damaging to an air conditioning system than lack of maintenance and here are some recommendations. It is common for many landlords to require that they be responsible for the maintenance of the air condition system hence it is always helpful to check this point while signing a lease agreement with the landlord.
Internet and Telecommunications
The UAE has a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure, with two main service providers: Telecommunication Companies in UAE namely Etisalat and du. The two companies provide many services to their consumers such as internet services which include browsing services, mobile phone services and television services.
Internet
Broadband internet is well developed in the UAE and both, Etisalat and du provide a selection of packages. There are possibilities like fibre-optic broadband where users are able to get increased speed and More reliable networks. Broadband packages always bring along other services such as the telephony and the television services.
Mobile Services
In terms of mobile phones they both provide prepaid and postpaid. These are typically SVoIP, SMS and data and these can also feature international call and mobility. It is quite simple to sign up for a mobile plan, all you will require will be your Emirates ID and your passport. When applying for these services you must produce a valid ID and proof of residency which may include a lease with your landlord. And, it is also important that one compare the packages and go for the package that best suits their needs or wants.
Waste Management
Municipalities of the UAE are responsible for waste management which is a top priority issue in the UAE concerning cleanliness and the environment. This waste is usually collected in certain points in the residential areas, and they are collected on a set time.
Recycling
Recycling of wastes is promoted in the UAE by the provision of structures for the disposal of items such as papers, plastics, glass and metals. Almost all cities use recycling bins or bins where people can drop off their recycled materials; others use recycle pick-up services where you leave your recyclables by the roadside.
Hazardous Waste
In regard to hazardous waste it is addressed that materials like batteries, electronics, or chemicals need the proper means of disposal. These items are banned and some municipalities offer drop off points or special collection services where one can be assured that the items will be disposed of properly. With regards to waste disposal and recycling, one must make sure to adhere to the proper codes of the community to ensure proper sanitation and proper disposal of wastes.
In order to be comfortable in this country and not think about complex problems with utilities and services it is good to know more about them in the UAE. The infrastructure of the UAE is well developed; ranging from efficient electricity and water supply systems to efficient Internet and proper waste disposal for various groups of people. This way, you could learn about the providers, the tariffs and everything that is required in order to get access to all that the UAE can offer. If you are in the UAE for a short term or are a long term resident it helps being abreast with the credible information from these vital services which makes your stay in the UAE endearing.





