Moving House in Abu Dhabi Checklist

GI Movers team · November 9, 2026 · 4 min read

When you move house in Abu Dhabi, the main admin steps are: register the new tenancy with Tawtheeq, set up electricity and water with TAQA Distribution (formerly ADDC and AADC), close the account at your old home, and update your address with everyone who needs it. For many tenants, registering the tenancy with Tawtheeq also sets up the utility account at the new home. Procedures can change, so confirm current requirements with TAMM, TAQA Distribution and your landlord.

Tawtheeq: registering your tenancy

Tawtheeq is Abu Dhabi’s tenancy contract registration system. Tenancy contracts in Abu Dhabi city and the surrounding areas are expected to be registered with it, and the registration is used for many other services, including utilities and some residency and family-related procedures.

New tenancy: Check who will register the contract. In many cases the landlord or the property manager handles it, but confirm this before you sign.
Get proof of registration once it is done, and keep a copy with your move documents.
Old tenancy: When you leave, the contract for the old home is cancelled through the TAMM platform. Both landlord and tenant need to agree the termination date, and you can sign in with UAE Pass.

If you are moving within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on Al Reem Island, registration is handled by the ADGM Registration Authority rather than Tawtheeq. Ask your landlord which applies.

Electricity and water: moving in

Electricity and water for most of the emirate are now provided through TAQA Distribution, which brought together the former ADDC and AADC. According to TAQA Distribution, when a tenancy is registered with Tawtheeq (or with ADGM), the electricity and water account for the new home is set up automatically, without a separate move-in application. You then receive a new account number, which you use to activate your online account.

If your tenancy is not registered, or you are a new owner, you can apply online with your property and personal details and supporting documents, or visit a customer service centre.
Check that the account is in your name before moving day, so the power and water are on when the crew arrives.
Note the meter readings, or take photos of them, on your first day.

Electricity and water: moving out

Request account closure through TAQA Distribution’s “move out” option on its website or app, or through its customer service channels.
Cancel the tenancy in Tawtheeq if you leave before the contract expires. TAQA Distribution links account closure to the tenancy record.
Allow for a final meter reading. Smart meters are read remotely; older meters need a technician visit, so make sure the meter is accessible.
Pay the final bill. The account stays open until it is settled.
Keep the clearance certificate. It is emailed once dues are cleared, and your landlord may ask for it before returning your security deposit.

Other services to transfer or close

Internet and TV: Contact your provider early. Installation slots at the new home can take time to book.
Gas: If your building uses piped gas, arrange disconnection and a new connection with the gas provider.
District cooling: Some buildings bill chilled water separately. Ask building management who the provider is.
Parking and access cards: Return cards at the old building and register your vehicle at the new one.

Address-change checklist

Once you have moved, update your address with:

Your employer or HR department
Your bank and credit card providers
Your children’s school or nursery
Your health insurance provider
Delivery apps and online shops
Your vehicle records, where the address is shown

Some government services draw on your tenancy registration, so keeping Tawtheeq current helps. Check TAMM for any address updates that apply to you.

Building permits and moving day

Many apartment buildings and gated communities in Abu Dhabi ask residents to notify management before moving, book the service lift, and move within set hours. Before booking a date:

Ask both buildings whether a move-in or move-out permit or notification is needed.
Book the service lift and confirm where the truck can park.
Share the permitted hours and contact for security with your movers.

Villa communities can have their own gate access rules for moving trucks. Our villa moving guide for Abu Dhabi covers what to plan ahead for larger homes.

Suggested timeline

4 weeks before: Confirm the new tenancy and who is registering it in Tawtheeq. Book movers and request a survey or photo quote.
2 to 3 weeks before: Contact building management at both homes. Book internet installation.
1 week before: Confirm the new electricity and water account is active. Request closure of the old account for the day after you move.
Moving day: Photograph meter readings at both homes. Do a final walk-through before the truck leaves.
After the move: Pay the final bill, keep the clearance certificate, cancel the old tenancy as agreed, and update your address.

FAQ

Do I need to apply separately for electricity and water at my new home?

Often not, if your tenancy is registered with Tawtheeq or ADGM; the account is set up automatically. If it is not registered, apply to TAQA Distribution directly.

Who registers the tenancy in Tawtheeq?

It is commonly handled by the landlord or property manager, but this varies. Confirm it before signing.

When should I close my old electricity and water account?

Ask for closure from the day after you move, so you have power and water during the move itself.

Do I need my utility clearance to get my deposit back?

Many landlords ask for it before returning the deposit, so keep the clearance certificate once you receive it.