A well managed system to provide essential services to residents of Abu Dhabi is in place. The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Department (ADWEA) offers uninterrupted supply of power and water to villas and apartments for a deposit of Dhs 2000 and 1000 respectively. Deposits and monthly bills can be paid either at the ADWEA office or at designated banks. Meter readings are taken once in two months, with an assessed bill being sent every alternate month.

The ADWEA office in Abu Dhabi is located in Madinat Sayed, and open between 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM from Saturday to Wednesday

Electricity in Abu Dhabi is 220/240 volts and 50 cycles, and both three and two point plugs are in use.

Tap water is safe enough for consumption, but not very pleasant to taste. There are water suppliers who deliver the 20 litre mineral water bottles to your home which can be mounted onto a water dispenser for cold and hot water. Do check on the seal before you take delivery of the bottle, for it is not uncommon to have unscrupulous dealers filling it up with tap water.

A 20 litre bottle costs Dhs 5 – 7, and the deposit for the bottle is around Dhs 30 to 35.