The first 24–48 hours in your new accommodation are critical. Use these checklists to document everything, protect yourself legally, get utilities running, and start settling in properly — whether you are in a hospital compound or a private rental.
Most nurses arrive with their accommodation pre-arranged by their employer. Understanding what type you have sets the right expectations from day one.
Most common in: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman — especially at large government hospitals
Most common in: UAE (especially Dubai/Abu Dhabi) — many hospitals give a housing allowance instead
Common across all GCC countries — especially for nurses on tighter budgets or during initial months
Complete these tasks on the day you collect your keys. Document everything in writing. Your phone camera is your best tool for protection.
Complete on arrival day before unpacking
Private rentals carry more legal responsibility. Use this checklist to protect yourself, your deposit, and your tenancy from day one.
Complete before signing lease and on move-in day
Hospital compound rooms are typically furnished with the basics but often miss practical everyday items. Here is what to prioritise buying first.
Utility setup processes vary significantly between GCC countries. Select your country below for specific guidance.
Set up via the DEWA app or website. Requires your Ejari registration number, Emirates ID, and tenancy contract. Account activation typically within 1–2 business days. Monthly bills around AED 200–500 for a studio/1BR depending on A/C usage.
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company handles electricity and water. Registration via the ADDC website or Tamm portal. Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi rental registration) is required, equivalent to Dubai's Ejari.
Mandatory in Dubai. Links your tenancy contract to DEWA. Usually handled by the landlord or agent — confirm this. If not done, you must register yourself via the Ejari app or a typing centre. Cost: ~AED 175–220.
Many newer buildings in Dubai/Abu Dhabi use district cooling billed separately. Check if your building uses it — it cannot be switched off and can add AED 300–800/month to costs. Ask your agent before signing.
Two providers in the UAE: Etisalat (e&) and du. Home broadband packages start around AED 249/month for 100 Mbps. Installation usually within 3–5 business days. Requires Emirates ID. Apply via their apps or websites.
New residents register at an SEC service centre or via the SEC app (My Account). You need your Iqama number and tenancy contract. Hospital compound nurses: SEC account usually managed by the hospital — confirm with HR.
National Water Company (NWC) in most cities. Registration similar process to SEC. For hospital compounds, water is typically managed by the hospital facilities team.
STC (Saudi Telecom) is the dominant provider. Mobily and Zain offer alternatives. Home broadband 100 Mbps packages around SAR 200–350/month. Iqama required for contract registration. Hospital compounds often have WiFi included.
Most Saudi Arabia nurses in hospital compounds do not need to set up utilities independently — the hospital manages accounts. Confirm with your HR contact exactly what is included and whether any usage thresholds apply.
Kahramaa is the sole provider for electricity and water in Qatar. For private rentals, landlords typically transfer the account to tenants. Allow up to 1 month for a new connection. Requires your QID (Qatar ID), lease contract, and previous meter reading.
Ooredoo is the main provider with good coverage. Vodafone Qatar is a competitive alternative. Home broadband 100 Mbps around QAR 200–350/month. QID required for registration. Apply online or visit a store.
Kahramaa account transfers can take 2–4 weeks. During this period, utilities typically remain on the landlord's account. Confirm this arrangement and get it in writing to avoid any disconnection risk.
In Kuwait, the Ministry of Electricity and Water manages utilities. For expat residents, the landlord typically maintains the utility account — it is rarely transferred to the tenant's name. Confirm the arrangement with your landlord.
Zain and Viva are the main providers. Ooredoo Kuwait is also available. Home broadband packages start around KWD 15–25/month. Civil ID required for registration. Fibre connections available in most urban areas.
Many Kuwait rental agreements for expats include utilities (particularly electricity and water) within the rent. Check your contract carefully. Electricity costs in Kuwait are heavily subsidised — bills are very low by GCC standards.
The Electricity and Water Authority is the sole provider. Registration for a new account requires your CPR (Central Population Registry) number and a tenancy contract. The process is relatively straightforward — visit an EWA service centre or use their online portal.
Batelco is the largest and most established provider. Viva and Zain offer competitive packages. Home broadband around BHD 15–25/month for 100 Mbps. CPR number required. Fibre rollout is extensive across Manama and surrounding areas.
Bahrain has one of the simpler utility setup processes in the GCC. EWA accounts can be set up in 1–2 business days. Internet connections typically installed within 3–5 business days. Bahrain is a small country — service centre visits are rarely more than 20 minutes from most residential areas.
Electricity distribution in Oman is split by region. In Muscat, Muscat Electricity Distribution (MEDC) is the provider. Apply for a new connection via the OIFC (Oman Investment and Finance Company) portal or visit a service centre with your residency card (RC) and tenancy contract.
PAEW handles water in Oman. Registration requires residency card and tenancy documents. Process typically takes 1–2 weeks for a new connection.
Omantel is the national provider with the widest coverage. Vodafone Oman is a strong alternative in urban areas. Home broadband packages from OMR 15–25/month. Residency card required. Allow 1–2 weeks for fibre installation.
Most nurses working in Oman are based in Muscat or major cities and housed in hospital compounds where utilities are managed by the employer. If renting privately, allow more setup time than UAE — government processes can take 2–3 weeks.
Staying connected is essential for work, family communication, and navigating a new country. Get a SIM card on Day 1.
All major GCC airports have telecom provider stores in the arrivals hall. Buy your SIM before you leave the airport — you will need data immediately for navigation, WhatsApp, and ride-hailing apps.
Requirements: passport on arrival; Emirates ID / Iqama / QID once issued for contract plans.
Each GCC country has dominant telecom providers with different strengths.
Once you have your Emirates ID / Iqama / QID, set up home broadband separately from your mobile SIM for a more reliable and faster connection.
Nurses in the GCC rely on WhatsApp for virtually all communication — with employers, patients' families, colleagues, landlords, and service providers. Most providers offer unlimited WhatsApp data plans.
Note: VoIP calls (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype) are restricted in the UAE — use standard calls or subscribe to a VoIP-enabled package.
Building good relationships with your neighbours — especially in a hospital compound — makes your GCC life significantly more enjoyable and less lonely.
Beyond settling into your accommodation, these ten tasks should be completed in your first week in the GCC — they set the foundation for everything else.
Update your address with HR. Your official accommodation address affects payroll, document delivery, and emergency contact records. Do this on Day 1 or 2.
Register with your home country's embassy. Most countries have an online registration system for citizens abroad (e.g. UK FCDO, Irish Citizens Register, Philippine DFA). This is critical if an emergency occurs — natural disaster, civil unrest, personal crisis.
Get a local SIM card and send your new number to family. Your family need a way to reach you that does not rely on WiFi. Send the number via email and WhatsApp as backup.
Open a local bank account. Your salary will be paid locally. Emirates NBD, FAB (UAE), Al Rajhi (Saudi), Qatar National Bank — most have fast-track accounts for healthcare workers. Bring your passport, Emirates ID / Iqama / QID, and employment letter.
Locate the nearest hospital or clinic for your own healthcare. Do not wait until you are unwell. Find out which facilities are covered by your health insurance and save the address and number in your phone.
Download a local transport app. Careem and Uber operate across the GCC. In Saudi Arabia, InDrive is also popular. In Dubai, the RTA app covers metro and bus. Download and set up payment before you need it urgently.
Download your country's official government app. UAE Pass (for all government services in the UAE), Absher (Saudi Arabia — mandatory for residency and exit permits), METRASH2 (Qatar). These apps are essential for managing your legal status in the country.
Find the nearest Filipino, Indian, or Asian grocery store. Ask your colleagues — they will know immediately. Having familiar food available from Week 1 is genuinely important for wellbeing and managing homesickness.
Find a trusted pharmacy close to home. Pharmacies in the GCC are excellent and well-stocked. Register with one near your home for repeat prescriptions and late-night needs. Many are open 24 hours.
Join the local nursing expat WhatsApp or Facebook group. Search on Facebook: "Filipino Nurses Dubai", "Indian Nurses Riyadh", "UK Nurses UAE", or similar. These groups share real-time job, accommodation, and life advice that no guide can fully replicate.
Answers to the most common accommodation concerns nurses have when arriving in the GCC.
This happens more often than hospitals will admit — especially when arrival dates shift at short notice. Here is what to do:
Your accommodation is part of your employment contract. You are entitled to what was agreed. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself professionally and firmly.
This depends entirely on your employment contract and the country you are working in.
Every hospital compound has a maintenance and facilities team. Here is the right process:
Your safety is the absolute priority. Take the following steps immediately:
GCC countries are generally very safe, and hospital compounds have good security. But no environment is without risk — know your emergency contacts before you need them.