DEWA Connection Dubai: How to Apply, Fees & Deposit 2026
To get a DEWA connection in Dubai, you request Move-In for your new home, pay a refundable security deposit plus the activation charges, and DEWA connects electricity and water, which it says takes up to 15 working hours after payment. Tenants start with an Ejari. As of October 2026, DEWA lists the deposit at AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, plus AED 155 in activation charges.
Moving into a new property in Dubai means setting up DEWA, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. For a tenant activating utilities for the first time or an owner connecting a newly handed-over unit, DEWA is the single provider for both electricity and water in the emirate. There is no choosing between suppliers. DEWA is it.
The process has become significantly easier in recent years. Most of it can be done online through the DEWA app or website. But there are still documents you need, deposits to pay, and steps to follow in a specific order. Get the sequence wrong and you will be sitting in a dark apartment wondering why the AC is not working.
The amounts and timings in this guide come from DEWA's own Move-in, Move-out and Move-to service pages and its bill payment page, as of October 2026. DEWA can change them, so confirm the figures on dewa.gov.ae before you pay.
DEWA Connection Cost at a Glance
| What you pay | Apartment | Villa | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | AED 2,000 | AED 4,000 | Yes. Tenants get the balance back after the final bill when they move out. Owners get it back on sale of the premises only. |
| Activation charge (connecting electricity and water, small meters) | AED 125 | AED 125 | No |
| Registration fee | AED 10 | AED 10 | No |
| Knowledge fee | AED 10 | AED 10 | No |
| Innovation fee | AED 10 | AED 10 | No |
| Total activation charges | AED 155 | AED 155 | No |
| Paid when you activate (deposit plus activation charges) | AED 2,155 | AED 4,155 | Deposit part only |
Large meters, which handle higher current ratings, are charged AED 300 instead of AED 125 for connection. Non-residential premises have no fixed deposit: DEWA calculates it from the premises' consumption. UAE nationals with a Thukher or Sanad card get 50% off the activation charges. Check the total on the payment screen before you pay.
On timing, DEWA says electricity and water are connected within 15 working hours of payment. If supply is still off after that, call the DEWA Customer Care Centre on 04-601 9999.
What Is DEWA?
DEWA stands for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. It is the sole provider of electricity and water in Dubai, and it also collects the sewerage charge on its bills for Dubai Municipality. DEWA was formed on 1 January 1992, when a decree merged the Dubai Electricity Company and the Dubai Water Department (DEWA, May 2026). Every residential and commercial property in Dubai gets its power and water from DEWA, and there are no alternative providers.
DEWA is also responsible for the Shams Dubai solar programme, EV charging infrastructure, and district cooling in some areas. But for most residents, the core interaction is activating your connection when you move in, paying monthly bills, and closing the account when you move out.
Documents Required for DEWA Activation
DEWA keeps the list short, and for most tenants it is one number. What you need depends on whether you rent or own.
For Tenants (Residential)
- A valid Ejari number. DEWA accepts the Ejari in place of the tenancy contract.
- The 9-digit DEWA premises number, shown on the door of the unit. You give it to the property company when the Ejari is issued.
- Tenants moving into a free zone unit that is exempt from Ejari need a valid tenancy contract instead.
Your Ejari must exist before DEWA starts the account. Our Ejari registration guide covers the full process including online registration and the documents you need.
For Property Owners
- Title Deed or Sales Purchase Agreement
- The 9-digit DEWA premises number
- For GCC nationals and investors: a passport image or Emirates ID number
Owners apply for Move-In on the DEWA website or app. If you are collecting keys on a new apartment, our first-year ownership costs guide lists the other bills that start at handover.
For Commercial Properties
- Ejari for tenants, or Title Deed or Sales Purchase Agreement for owners
- A trade licence copy, for customers not registered with the Department of Economic Development
How to Apply for a DEWA Connection: 5 Steps
Step 1: Get Your Ejari Registered
For tenants, DEWA Move-In is linked to Ejari. Your property management company or a Dubai Land Department authorised office issues the Ejari, and you only need to give them the 9-digit DEWA premises number from the door of the unit. Owners and free zone tenants have no Ejari to wait for, so they go straight to step 2.
Step 2: DEWA Opens Your Move-In Request
For an Ejari tenancy, DEWA receives your details from Dubai Land Department when the Ejari is issued and starts the Move-In without a separate application. You get an SMS and a welcome email with your account number, the deposit amount and a payment link. If that email does not arrive, apply online. Owners and free zone tenants always apply online: go to dewa.gov.ae or the DEWA Smart App, open Activation of Electricity/Water (Move In), and sign in with UAE Pass or your DEWA ID, or choose New Customer in Dubai. Entering a valid Ejari number means you upload no documents. The service is open 24 hours, and individuals can also use the Dubai Now app.
Step 3: Pay the Deposit and Activation Charges
The deposit and activation charges are in the table above. Pay through the link in the welcome email, on the DEWA website or app, or through any other DEWA payment channel. Your supply is not connected until the deposit is paid.
Step 4: Get Your Account Confirmation
Tenants with an Ejari already have the account details from the welcome email. Online applicants get an on-screen confirmation with a reference number, then an acknowledgement and tracking link by email or mobile. Keep the account number for your first bill.
Step 5: Your Supply Is Activated
DEWA connects electricity and water within 15 working hours of your payment. Once it confirms, check that electricity, water and AC are all working. If the AC is off, it may be a building-level issue (chiller, water pump) rather than a DEWA issue. Contact your building management first, then DEWA if the problem is meter-related.
DEWA Move-In vs Move-Out vs Transfer
People often mix these three up, especially when changing apartments. DEWA runs them as separate services.
| Service | Use it when | What happens | Timing (DEWA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move-In | You are starting supply at a new premises | DEWA activates electricity and water once you pay the deposit and activation charges | Connected within 15 working hours of payment |
| Move-Out | You are leaving and want the account closed | Pay any outstanding bill, pick a date and a refund method. DEWA takes final readings, sends the final bill and a clearance certificate, then refunds any deposit balance | Deactivated within 24 working hours of your chosen date; final bill within 24 working hours of disconnection |
| Move-To (transfer) | You are moving between two premises in Dubai | One request connects the new premises, disconnects the old one and moves your deposit across. Settle any dues on the old account first and have the new premises' Ejari ready | New premises connected within 15 working hours of payment; old premises deactivated within 24 working hours of your chosen date |
If you are changing apartments, Move-To is the one to use, rather than closing one account and opening another. If the new place needs a bigger deposit, for example a flat to a villa, you pay the difference before submitting. DEWA does not carry out Move-Out disconnections on Sundays or public holidays, so choose your date with that in mind. The Move-To page has its own fee schedule, so check it on DEWA's Move-To page before you apply.
Reconnecting a Disconnected DEWA Account
If DEWA cut your supply because of an unpaid bill, pay the outstanding amount through a DEWA payment channel. DEWA says reconnection then takes place within 4 hours of payment (DEWA bill payment page). The page does not state a reconnection charge, so confirm whether one applies with DEWA before you pay.
If you closed the account with a Move-Out request, that is a different case: you need a new Move-In for the same premises.
DEWA Deposit Details and Refund Process
The security deposit is one of the most misunderstood parts of the DEWA process. Here is what DEWA's own service pages say:
- The deposit is AED 2,000 for a residential flat and AED 4,000 for a residential villa. You pay it when you activate.
- When you move out, DEWA sets your final bill against the deposit. If the deposit covers it, the amount is deducted. If not, you pay the rest.
- Any balance is refunded the way you choose in your Move-Out request: to an IBAN (up to AED 200,000), by cheque (above AED 200,000), or by transfer to another active DEWA account of yours.
- For an IBAN refund, the bank account name must match the name registered with DEWA, and you attach bank proof.
- You must submit a Move-Out request to trigger the refund. Simply moving out does not close the account.
- Property owners get the deposit back only when the premises are sold.
- If you move within Dubai, Move-To transfers the deposit to the new account, and you pay only any difference.
DEWA's service page does not publish a refund timeline, so ask DEWA if a refund has not arrived.
Some landlords include the DEWA deposit in the overall security deposit for the tenancy. Make sure your tenancy contract is clear on whether the DEWA deposit is separate or bundled. This avoids disputes when you move out.
Security deposit disputes are common. Our security cheque guide for Dubai tenants explains your rights regarding deposits and what landlords can legally deduct.
Understanding Your DEWA Bill
Your monthly DEWA bill includes several components beyond just electricity and water consumption:
| Charge | What It Covers | How It Is Calculated |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Power consumption | Slab rates per kWh, by monthly use: AED 0.23 up to 2,000 kWh, AED 0.28 up to 4,000 kWh, AED 0.32 up to 6,000 kWh and AED 0.38 above that |
| Water | Water consumption | Slab rates per cubic metre, by monthly use: AED 7.70 up to 27 m³, AED 8.80 up to 54 m³ and AED 10.12 above that |
| Sewerage | Wastewater treatment | A per-gallon rate applied to your water consumption, collected by DEWA for Dubai Municipality |
| Housing Fee | Municipality fee | 5% of annual rent, divided into 12 monthly instalments |
| Fuel Surcharge | Fuel cost adjustment | Variable each month. For October 2026 DEWA lists AED 0.060 per kWh on electricity and AED 1.10 per m³ on water |
Tariffs are from DEWA's slab tariff page, which also lists meter service charges and says 5% VAT applies to them. The bill components are described on DEWA's bill explanation page. Figures are as of October 2026, and DEWA can change them.
The Housing Fee is the one that catches most tenants off guard. It is a 5% municipal fee on your annual rent, collected by DEWA on behalf of the Dubai Municipality. It is not optional and not a DEWA charge per se, but it appears on your bill. DEWA states it as 5% of the annual rent, divided into 12 monthly instalments. For a tenant paying AED 60,000 per year in rent, that is AED 3,000 a year, or AED 250 per month on the DEWA bill.
Green Billing and Solar Options
DEWA has been pushing sustainability programmes that are worth knowing about:
Shams Dubai Solar Programme
If you own a villa or an apartment in a building that supports it, you can install solar panels and connect them to the DEWA grid. DEWA will credit you for the electricity you generate and feed back. The net metering system means your DEWA bill can drop significantly, and in some months, you may generate more than you consume.
Green Charger Initiative
DEWA provides EV charging stations across Dubai and offers home charger installation for villa owners. EV charging is billed on its own tariff, separate from home electricity, with different AC and DC charging rates listed on DEWA's slab tariff page.
Monitoring Your Consumption
DEWA's Smart Living tools in the DEWA app and website let you monitor your electricity and water use, receive a high water usage alert and compare your consumption with similar homes. Air conditioning is one of the largest contributors to household electricity use, particularly in summer, according to DEWA's appliance guidance, so it is the first place to look when a summer bill jumps (both pages as of October 2026). For ways to cut those bills, see our guide to lowering DEWA bills before summer.
Common DEWA Issues and How to Fix Them
1. DEWA activation is delayed
Most delays happen because the Ejari registration is not complete, the premise number is wrong, or the previous tenant did not close their account. Contact your landlord to confirm the previous account is closed, verify the premise number, and ensure your Ejari is registered before applying. DEWA also says to call its Customer Care Centre on 04-601 9999 if supply is not on within 15 working hours of payment.
2. Electricity is on but AC is not working
In many Dubai buildings, AC is provided by a separate district cooling provider like Empower or Emicool, not directly by DEWA. Check with your building management whether you need a separate district cooling activation. Our chiller free guide explains how those charges work.
3. Unexpectedly high first bill
If the previous tenant had an outstanding balance, DEWA may have included it in error. Also, the first bill often includes pro-rated charges and the security deposit processing. Contact DEWA customer service with your meter reading photos from move-in day to dispute any incorrect charges.
4. Cannot close DEWA account remotely
If you are leaving Dubai and need to close your DEWA account, submit a Move-Out request through the DEWA website, app or Dubai Now. You do not need to visit a customer centre. Choose your refund method in the request: an IBAN refund goes to a UAE bank account, so keep it open until the refund clears.
5. Housing Fee dispute
The Housing Fee is based on your Ejari-registered rent amount. If your rent decreased but the Housing Fee did not update, it means your Ejari was not updated with the new rent. Update your Ejari, then contact DEWA to adjust.
DEWA Move-In Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks:
- Note the 9-digit DEWA premises number on the door of the unit
- Complete Ejari registration (required before DEWA activation)
- Check your DEWA welcome email, or apply online via dewa.gov.ae or the DEWA Smart App if you are an owner or have no email
- Pay the security deposit and activation charges
- Take photos of electricity and water meter readings on move-in day
- Check electricity, water, and AC are all functioning
- Confirm whether district cooling is separate (check with building management)
- Download the DEWA Smart App and check its Smart Living tools
- Note the DEWA account number for future reference
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Key Takeaways
- DEWA is the sole electricity and water provider in Dubai. No alternatives.
- Ejari registration is a prerequisite for tenant DEWA activation.
- Security deposit: AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas, refundable. Activation charges add AED 155 (DEWA, as of October 2026).
- Tenants: DEWA opens your Move-In when your Ejari is issued. Owners and free zone tenants apply on dewa.gov.ae or the DEWA Smart App. Supply is connected within 15 working hours of payment.
- The Housing Fee (5% of annual rent) appears on your DEWA bill as a municipality charge.
- Take meter reading photos on move-in day. This protects you from disputes over previous consumption.
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How do I apply for a DEWA connection?
If you are a tenant, DEWA starts your account when your Ejari is issued and emails you the account number, deposit amount and a payment link. Pay the deposit and activation charges and your supply is connected. If the email does not arrive, or you are an owner or a free zone tenant, apply for Move-In on dewa.gov.ae or the DEWA Smart App.
How much does DEWA cost to set up?
As of October 2026, DEWA lists a refundable security deposit of AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa, plus AED 155 in activation charges. The AED 155 is AED 125 to connect electricity and water on small meters, plus AED 10 each for registration, knowledge and innovation fees. That makes AED 2,155 for an apartment and AED 4,155 for a villa.
How long does DEWA take to activate?
DEWA says electricity and water are connected within 15 working hours of payment of the security deposit and activation charges. Its working hours run Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, so a late Saturday payment may carry into Monday. If supply is still off after 15 working hours, call the DEWA Customer Care Centre on 04-601 9999.
How much is the DEWA security deposit?
DEWA charges a refundable security deposit of AED 2,000 for a residential flat and AED 4,000 for a residential villa, as of October 2026. Non-residential premises have no fixed figure because the deposit is calculated from the premises' consumption. Tenants get any balance back after the final bill at move-out, while owners are refunded only when the premises are sold.
What is the DEWA deposit for a 2-bedroom apartment?
It is AED 2,000, the same as any other apartment. DEWA lists its residential deposit by property type, flat or villa, and does not vary it by number of bedrooms. A two-bedroom villa would carry the villa deposit of AED 4,000. These are DEWA's figures as of October 2026, so confirm them on the DEWA website or app when you pay.
How do I move DEWA when changing apartments?
Use DEWA's Move-To service if you are moving within Dubai. One request connects the new premises, disconnects the old one on your chosen date and moves your security deposit across. You need your current contract account number, the new premises number and Ejari, and any outstanding bill paid first. If the new place needs a bigger deposit, such as a flat to a villa, you pay the difference.
Can I reconnect a disconnected DEWA account?
If DEWA disconnected your supply for an unpaid bill, pay the outstanding amount through a DEWA payment channel. DEWA says reconnection then takes place within 4 hours of payment. Its page does not state a reconnection charge, so confirm any fee with DEWA before paying. If you closed the account with a Move-Out request, you need a new Move-In instead.
Can I activate DEWA without Ejari?
Tenants need a valid Ejari number, which DEWA uses in place of a tenancy contract. Tenants in free zones that are exempt from Ejari apply on the DEWA website or app with a valid tenancy contract. Owners apply for Move-In online with a Title Deed or Sales Purchase Agreement. If your case does not fit these, contact DEWA before you pay anything.
What happens if I do not close my DEWA account when I move out?
The account stays open in your name. DEWA takes final meter readings, issues your final bill and clearance certificate, and refunds any deposit balance only after you submit a Move-Out request for a date and time. Request it for the day you leave, and pay any outstanding bill so the deposit can be settled.
Does DEWA cover internet and gas?
No. Internet is provided by du or Etisalat (e& by Etisalat). There is no piped gas network in most Dubai residential buildings. Cooking is typically electric or uses bottled LPG gas.
