Whilst living in Abu Dhabi you will require a residency visa. It is necessary to secure accommodation, open a bank account, set up a phone internet account, obtain a labour card and to obtain an alcohol licence.
A valid UAE driving licence is required to drive a private car in Abu Dhabi, if awaiting your visa a temporary licence can be issued. An international licence will allow you to drive a rental car.
National ID cards are presently being introduced and will eventually replace all other cards.
Important documents needed on arrival in Abu Dhabi -
All your documents will need to be attested in your home country before being accepted in Abu Dhabi.
For further information on document attestation - www.abudhabi.ae