It’s 2026, why is ISTA still this manual?
After 13 years in the UAE, I can honestly say ISTA has one of the most outdated, slow, and manual customer processes I’ve experienced.
Just look at the move-out process:
You must call customer service to ask about the procedure.
They email you a form to fill manually.
You send it back and wait.
After moving out, it took days just to receive the final bill.
After paying the bill, you must call again to request an NOC.
Then you contact them again to ask how to get your deposit back.
Another form. Another email. This time for IBAN details.
All of this for a simple move-out.
Most service providers today allow you to log into your account, submit IBAN, request move out, track the request and the deposit refund is automatic.
I believe they are stuck in the 1990s with manual forms, repeated calls, no self-service options, and no proper digital workflow. They have a website I believe I have only used for payment. (It's 2026, everyone is doing a Digital Transformation even the small to medium size company)
What’s surprising is that the move-in process is also the same.
This is not about one bad incident, this has been my personal experience with their process and my whole stay. In a country where digital services are advanced, this level of inefficiency is disappointing. Not to mention they are super expensive. Finally! I moved out.



