The Truck Just Left. Your Apartment Is Full of Boxes. The AC Isn't Working.
That moment when the movers close the door behind them and you're standing in your new apartment surrounded by cardboard. The bed frame is in the living room. The kitchen boxes are in the bedroom. Something labelled "FRAGILE — GLASSES" is on its side. And the AC unit is blowing warm air because nobody switched it from fan mode to cooling.
This isn't the fun part of moving. But the next 48 hours set the tone for your entire tenancy. Handle them right and you'll be settled, connected, and functional within two days. Handle them wrong and you'll be sleeping on a bare mattress with no internet for a week, wondering where you packed the bed sheets.
Here's the hour-by-hour playbook. We've refined this over thousands of moves through our apartment and villa moving services, and it works.
Hour 0-2: The Critical Checks
Before you unpack a single box, do these things.
Verify DEWA Is Active
Walk to every AC unit and turn it on. Run the hot water tap. Flip every light switch. If nothing works, DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) hasn't been activated — or the previous tenant's disconnection happened prematurely.
If DEWA is dead: open the DEWA app and check your account status. Emergency activation is available 24/7 through the app or by calling 991. It typically takes 2-4 hours for emergency activation. In the meantime, open windows for airflow — a Dubai apartment without AC in summer hits 40°C+ indoors within an hour.
Check the AC
Even if DEWA is on, the AC might not be cooling. Three common issues on move-in day:
- Remote control set to fan mode — switch to cooling, set to 22-24°C
- Circuit breaker tripped — check the electrical panel (usually near the front door) and flip any tripped breakers
- District cooling not activated — if your building uses district cooling (Emicool, Empower), you need a separate account. This takes 1-2 business days to activate. Your landlord should have handled it, but verify.
Photograph Everything
Walk through the entire apartment with your phone. Photograph:
- Every wall, ceiling, and floor — zoom in on any marks, scratches, or stains
- All fixtures and fittings — handles, hinges, towel racks
- Kitchen appliances — open the oven, dishwasher, fridge. Note any existing damage.
- Bathroom fixtures — any chips, discolouration, or leaks
- Windows and doors — check for cracks, broken seals, or misalignment
Most Dubai tenancy contracts give you a 7-day window to report defects to your landlord. This photo evidence is your protection when you eventually move out and want your security deposit back.
Hour 2-6: Making It Liveable
The Essentials Box
If you followed our Dubai moving checklist, you packed an essentials box that travels with you (not in the truck). It should contain:
- Bed sheets, pillows, and a light blanket
- Phone chargers and a power strip
- Toiletries — toothbrush, soap, towels
- Kettle and basic tea/coffee supplies
- Toilet paper (the apartment won't have any)
- Basic cleaning supplies — multi-surface spray, paper towels
- Important documents in a folder
If you didn't pack one: your nearest Carrefour Express or grocery store is about to become your best friend. Most Dubai neighbourhoods have at least one within a 5-minute drive.
Assemble Beds First
This isn't optional. After a moving day, everyone needs sleep. Get the beds assembled, sheets on, and a functional path from bedroom to bathroom. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.
If your movers provided assembly service, the beds should already be set up. If not, prioritize: master bed first, kids' beds second, everything else later. A Phillips head screwdriver and an Allen key set cover 90% of bed frames.
Kitchen Bare Minimum
Unpack one box of kitchen essentials: kettle, a few plates, cups, cutlery, a pot. You're not setting up the full kitchen tonight. You're making it possible to have tea in the morning and heat something from the takeaway you're about to order.
Day 1 Evening: Test and Document
Once you've got the basics set up, spend an hour testing everything:
- All appliances: Run the dishwasher empty, check the oven heats, verify the hob ignites, run the washing machine on a quick cycle
- Hot water: Check every tap and shower — water heaters in some buildings take 20-30 minutes to warm up on first use
- Electrical outlets: Plug something into every visible outlet. Dead outlets = wiring issue for the landlord to fix
- Drains: Run water in all sinks and showers. Slow drains are the landlord's problem if reported within the defect window
- Windows and doors: Open and close everything. Locks that stick or seals that leak should be reported immediately
Note every issue. Text or email your landlord or property management company tonight with a list and photos. The defect window is ticking.
Day 2: Getting Connected
Internet Installation
If you booked your Etisalat or du installation when you signed your tenancy contract (which you should have), the technician visit should be happening around now. If you didn't book in advance, expect a 3-5 day wait for the installation appointment.
The technician visit takes 1-2 hours. They need access to the building's comms room (your building management can arrange this) and your apartment. Be home for the appointment — missed appointments go to the back of the queue.
Grocery Run
Now you do the proper shop. Key options by area:
- Carrefour: Best for one-stop shopping. Locations in most major malls.
- Lulu Hypermarket: Best prices for bulk buying. Strong Indian, Filipino, and Arabic food sections.
- Spinneys: Higher quality fresh produce and meats. Premium pricing.
- Union Coop: Locally owned, competitive prices, good Emirati products.
Budget for your first shop: AED 300-500 to properly stock a kitchen from zero. That covers basics, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples.
Building Management Introduction
Visit the reception or management office and:
- Introduce yourself — they'll add you to the system
- Get your parking card or access fob
- Ask for the building WhatsApp group — most Dubai buildings have one. It's the fastest way to learn about maintenance schedules, pool rules, and community events.
- Ask about gym/pool access — some buildings require a separate registration
- Locate fire exits, utility meters, and the building's master water shutoff
- Download the building management app if they have one (most newer buildings do) — this is how you'll submit maintenance requests
Week 1: The Admin Wave
The first week is admin-heavy. Here's the priority order:
- Ejari registration — if not done already. Required for visa renewal, DEWA, and school registration. Costs AED 220.
- Update address on Emirates ID — through the FAIC (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) app. Free, takes 5-7 business days.
- Update address with your bank — visit a branch or update online. Some banks require proof of address (Ejari or DEWA bill).
- Register with nearest clinic/hospital — have your insurance card and Emirates ID ready. DHA facilities accept walk-ins for registration.
- School registration — if you have children, start the transfer process immediately. Popular schools have waiting lists.
Pro Tips From a Thousand Move-Ins
Small things that make a big difference:
- Save your DEWA customer number in your phone contacts. You'll need it more often than you expect — for Ejari, for address updates, for billing queries.
- Photograph your parking spot number. Every building has numbered spots. You will forget yours within a week.
- Introduce yourself to your immediate neighbours. The people next door and above/below you. If your pipe leaks into their ceiling at 2 AM, it helps to already know each other.
- Keep a screwdriver and Allen key set accessible — not packed in a box. You'll need them for furniture adjustments, curtain rods, and random fixes throughout the first week.
- Order a water cooler or refill service. Tap water in Dubai is safe for brushing teeth and cooking, but most residents drink filtered or bottled. Al Ain Water delivery costs about AED 5-7 per 5-gallon bottle with free dispenser rental.
Need help with the actual move? Get a free estimate from SAMA Movers. We handle the heavy lifting — literally — so you can focus on making the new place home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check first when moving into a new apartment in Dubai?
Check DEWA (electricity and water) is active, verify the AC is cooling properly, and photograph every room for defect documentation. Most tenancy contracts give you 7 days to report existing defects to your landlord. Test all appliances, outlets, and plumbing within the first 24 hours.
How long does internet installation take in a new Dubai apartment?
If you pre-booked with Etisalat or du when you signed your lease, installation happens within 3-5 days of your move-in date. The technician visit takes 1-2 hours. If you didn't pre-book, expect a 5-7 day wait from application. Always book internet the same day you sign your tenancy contract.
What admin do I need to complete in my first week after moving in Dubai?
Priority order: Ejari registration (AED 220, needed for visa and schools), update Emirates ID address via the FAIC app (free, 5-7 days), update your bank address, and register with a nearby clinic. If you have children, begin school transfer paperwork immediately as popular schools have waiting lists.
How much should I budget for first-week expenses in a new Dubai apartment?
Budget AED 300-500 for your first grocery shop to stock the kitchen from zero. Add AED 220 for Ejari registration, AED 50-100 for cleaning supplies, and AED 200-400 for any immediate household items. Internet setup is typically AED 350-500 for the installation and first month's plan.
