MUBADALA ONBOARDING

Contract: signing your contract marks the start of your Mubadala onboarding journey.

Relocation: For new joiners who are relocating to Abu Dhabi, we will provide you with relocation support through our partner Santa Fe Relocation. In the meantime, please review the New Joiner’s Pack for detailed information about the relocation process.

Visa: Step-by-step support for your visa, medical tests, Emirates ID, and dependent sponsorship – please see the New Joiner’s Pack below for more details

Joining: Once pre-joining steps are complete, you’ll receive a welcome email, a Day 1 checklist, and agenda. You’ll be assigned a buddy and given an orientation plan to help you integrate comfortably with your department.

Welcome to Abu Dhabi! The capital of the United Arab Emirates offers a unique blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage. The city is known for its impressive skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and warm hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as desert safaris, water sports, and leisurely strolls along the Corniche.

Cultural Insights

Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures with a significant expatriate community. While it is a modern city, it is essential to respect local customs and traditions. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, making communication easy for expatriates.

Climate

Abu Dhabi experiences hot summers (June–Sept) and mild winters (Nov–Feb). It is crucial to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially during the peak summer months.

Health Care

Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system is highly advanced, providing world-class medical services and facilities. The city hosts numerous internationally accredited hospitals and clinics, offering a wide range of medical specialties from primary care to specialized treatments.

Abu Dhabi offers a range of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets, including apartments, villas, and townhouses.

You can have a look at the Abu Dhabi Rental Index by clicking here.

Popular Residential Areas

• Al Reem Island: Known for its modern high-rise buildings and waterfront views.
• Saadiyat Island: Offers luxurious villas and proximity to cultural attractions.
• Khalifa City: Popular among families for its spacious villas and quiet environment.
• Al Raha Beach: A waterfront community with a mix of apartments and villas.
• Yas Island: Famous for its entertainment and leisure attractions. The island offers a mix of luxurious villas and modern apartments.
• Corniche: Renowned for its stunning waterfront views and lifestyle. It features a mix of high-rise apartments and luxurious hotels.

Top Housing Search Platforms

• Propertyfinder
• Dubizzle
• Bayut

Rental Process

The rental process in Abu Dhabi typically involves the following steps:

• Complete the visa process, obtain the Emirates ID and open a bank account.
• Research and shortlist suitable properties.
• Contact real estate agents or landlords to schedule viewings.
• Negotiate rental terms and sign a tenancy contract.
• Pay the security deposit and rent.

Additional Expenses

• Utilities: water, electricity, and cooling services.
• Internet and Communication: home and mobile plans.
• Maintenance fees: some properties charge maintenance fees.

Abu Dhabi offers a variety of schooling options for families, ensuring that children receive a high-quality education. Here are some key points to consider:

Types of Schools

To find out more about schools, please visit the Department of Education and Knowledge website

Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of entertainment options for all ages. Whether you enjoy cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or family-friendly attractions, there is something for everyone.

Top Attractions

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A stunning architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in the world.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: A renowned art museum with a diverse collection of artworks from around the globe.
• Yas Island: Home to attractions such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World.
• Qasr Al Hosn: A historical landmark and museum that tells the story of Abu Dhabi's past.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Abu Dhabi offers numerous opportunities for sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers:

• Running and Cycling: Abu Dhabi Corniche and Al Wathba Cycle Track are popular spots for running and cycling.
• Water Sports: The city's coastline offers activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
• Golf: Abu Dhabi is home to world-class golf courses, including Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
• Desert Safaris: Experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin camp activities.

Children’s Entertainment

Abu Dhabi has a variety of entertainment options for children, ensuring that they have fun and stay engaged:

• Kidzania: An interactive mini city where kids can role-play different professions.
• Yas Parks: Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. and Seaworld, four of the world’s leading theme parks in Yas Island

For more information on Entertainment and Experiences, click here

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a vibrant country that blends deep-rooted traditions with modern innovation. Comprising seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi being the capital, the UAE is known for its hospitality, diversity, and respect for cultural heritage.

Cultural Foundations

Islam plays a central role in everyday life, influencing customs, holidays, and social interactions. While the UAE is home to people from all over the world, Emirati culture remains proud and distinct, with a strong emphasis on respect, modesty, and community.

Social Etiquette:

As an expat, embracing local customs and being mindful of cultural sensitivities will enrich your experience and help you build meaningful connections. Following are some key do’s and don’ts to help you navigate life in the UAE with respect and confidence:

Do’s:

• Be mindful of social media content.
• Dress modestly.
• Respect personal space.
• Always show courtesy towards women.
• Be conscious of Ramadan-specific etiquettes.
• Request permission before photographing individuals.
• Be aware of UAE social media laws and follow the guidance for responsible digital behavior.

Dont's:

• Avoid initiating physical greetings (like handshakes) with the opposite gender. Male visitors should wait for a Muslim woman to extend her hand first.
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Refrain from smoking in public areas.
• Consume alcohol responsibly and in designated areas.
• Be conscious of foot positioning; avoid pointing soles at anyone.

Equivalency: As part of the onboarding process, all new employees who hold higher education degrees from foreign universities or private institutions within the UAE are required to obtain government recognition of their highest certificate. This step must be completed during the probation period. To begin the process and learn more, please click here. This requirement ensures that all qualifications are formally recognised by the relevant UAE authorities.

UAE National Medical: This is required to enrol UAE Nationals to the pension Scheme. You will receive an invitation letter, which you must present to SEHA to complete the medical screening process.

Biometrics for Emirates ID issuance: You will need to complete the Biometrics for Emirates ID (EID) issuance. If required, the visa team will ask you to visit a biometric service centre to submit your fingerprint data, photo, and digital signature as part of your residency process.