DEWA is the sole provider of electricity and water in Dubai. There is no alternative supplier, no choosing between options. Setting up a DEWA account is the first practical step after signing your tenancy contract, and it cannot be skipped: without an active DEWA connection, your apartment has no power, no running water, and no basis for a visa renewal. The process is fully digital in 2026 and takes under 30 minutes when your documents are ready. Connection activates within 15 working hours of payment. This guide covers every step, fee, and document so you get it right the first time.
Before you apply: what you need first
Two things must be in place before you can activate DEWA as a tenant: a signed tenancy contract and a registered Ejari certificate. DEWA requires an Ejari number as part of the application for tenants. Without Ejari, the application will not process. If your landlord has not yet registered the tenancy, this needs to happen first.
The Ejari registration process and how to handle a landlord who refuses to register are covered in detail in the Ejari registration Dubai guide. Once Ejari is done, you also need your Emirates ID. If your Emirates ID has not yet arrived, your residence visa stamp in your passport combined with your Emirates ID application receipt is sufficient for DEWA, though the exact acceptance varies by case.
Property owners do not need Ejari and use their title deed instead.
Documents required
For tenants: Emirates ID (front and back), Ejari certificate with your Ejari number, passport copy, and the 9-digit DEWA premise number for the property.
For property owners: Emirates ID (front and back), original title deed, and the 9-digit DEWA premise number.
For GCC residents: Passport copy in addition to the above. Check the DEWA website for any additional requirements specific to your nationality.
Have all documents scanned and saved as clear PDF or JPG files before starting the application. Blurry or incomplete uploads are the most common cause of application delays.
Finding your DEWA premise number
Every property in Dubai has a unique 9-digit DEWA premise number. This is different from your unit number, floor number, or Makani (map) number. Your landlord or property management company should provide it. If they cannot, DEWA customer service can look it up using the property address or Makani number. Call 991 or use the DEWA Smart App’s live chat. Having this number ready before you start the application saves significant time.
How to apply online: step by step
Step 1: Go to dewa.gov.ae. Select Move In under the services menu, or find Activation of Electricity and Water (Move-in) under the Trending Services tab.
Step 2: Choose your customer type. Select Expatriate if you are a tenant or renter. Select Investor if you are the property owner or landlord.
Step 3: Choose Tenant if renting or Owner if you own the property.
Step 4: Enter your personal details: name, nationality, Emirates ID number, email address, and UAE mobile number.
Step 5: Enter the DEWA premise number for your property and your Ejari number (tenants) or title deed details (owners).
Step 6: Upload your documents in PDF or JPG format. Ensure every file is clear and legible. DEWA reviews the application and sends a payment link via SMS and email.
Step 7: Pay the security deposit and connection fees through the payment link. DEWA accepts credit card, debit card, and ePay.
Step 8: DEWA connects electricity and water within 15 working hours of confirmed payment. You do not need to be home for the connection.
Applying through the DEWA Smart App
The DEWA Smart App, available on iOS and Android, offers the same process as the website in a mobile-optimised format. Many residents find it faster for straightforward applications. Download the app, navigate to Move-In under Services, and follow the same steps as the online process. The app also allows you to track your application status, pay bills, and manage your account after setup.
In-person option
If you prefer to apply in person, DEWA Customer Happiness Centres are located across Dubai including Deira, Al Quoz, and Jumeirah. Bring original copies of all required documents. An appointment is recommended but not always required. In-person visits take significantly longer than the online process and the outcome is identical. The online route is recommended for all straightforward applications.
Fees and security deposit
| Fee item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit (apartment) | AED 2,000 | Fully refundable when you close your account, provided no outstanding bills |
| Security deposit (villa) | AED 4,000 | Fully refundable on account closure |
| Connection fee (small metres) | AED 100 | For connecting electricity and water with small metres |
| Connection fee (large metres) | AED 300 | For connecting electricity and water with large metres |
| Re-connection fee (if disconnected) | AED 200 to AED 300 | Plus standard deposit if account was closed |
The security deposit is refundable and is returned to your registered bank account when you close your DEWA account on moving out, provided your final bill is settled. It is not a fee. Plan for AED 2,100 total upfront cost for a standard apartment connection (AED 2,000 deposit plus AED 100 connection fee).
After activation: understanding your bill
Your monthly DEWA bill covers electricity, water, sewerage, and a Dubai Municipality housing fee. Electricity is billed on a progressive slab tariff: residential consumption up to 2,000 kWh per month is charged at a lower rate, with higher rates applied above that threshold. A fuel surcharge is applied monthly. Water is billed across three progressive slabs with higher rates for higher consumption. Sewerage fees are calculated as a percentage of your water consumption charge.
The Dubai Municipality housing fee is 5% of your annual rental value, divided into 12 equal monthly payments added to your DEWA bill. This is separate from the utility charges and is visible as a distinct line item on your statement.
How to reduce your DEWA bill
The biggest single lever for reducing your DEWA bill in Dubai is your air conditioning thermostat setting. Each degree below 24 degrees Celsius increases cooling energy consumption by approximately 6% to 8%. Setting your AC to 24 degrees rather than 20 degrees reduces your cooling bill by 24% to 32%. This is the highest-impact DEWA saving available to any Dubai resident and requires no cost or equipment change.
District cooling, charged separately from DEWA in most Dubai apartment buildings, is the other major utility cost. It is billed by your building’s district cooling provider, not by DEWA, and is managed through a separate account with a different provider.
Moving out: closing your DEWA account
When you move out, submit a move-out request through the DEWA app or website. DEWA reads your final metre on the move-out date, issues a final bill, and refunds your security deposit after the final bill is settled. The refund is processed to your registered bank account. It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after account closure. Submit your move-out request at least 5 working days before your actual move-out date to ensure smooth processing.
How do I set up DEWA in Dubai as a new tenant?
Go to dewa.gov.ae or download the DEWA Smart App. Select Move-In under services. Enter your Emirates ID details, Ejari number, and the 9-digit DEWA premise number for your property. Upload your Emirates ID, Ejari certificate, and passport copy. Pay the security deposit of AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas plus the AED 100 connection fee. DEWA connects electricity and water within 15 working hours of confirmed payment. You need a registered Ejari certificate before DEWA will process a tenant application.
How much is the DEWA security deposit in Dubai?
AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas. The security deposit is fully refundable when you close your DEWA account on moving out, provided your final bill is settled. It is returned to your registered bank account typically within 2 to 4 weeks of account closure. The connection fee of AED 100 for small metres is a separate non-refundable charge paid at the time of account activation.
Can I set up DEWA without Ejari?
No, not as a tenant. DEWA requires a valid Ejari number for all tenant applications outside free zone areas. Ejari is the official Dubai tenancy registration system and the Ejari certificate is a mandatory document in the DEWA move-in process. Property owners use their title deed instead and do not need Ejari. If your landlord has not registered the tenancy with Ejari, this must be done before you can activate DEWA in your name.
How long does it take to activate DEWA in Dubai?
DEWA connects electricity and water within 15 working hours of confirmed security deposit payment. The online application itself takes under 30 minutes when all documents are ready. The realistic total timeline from submitting your application to having power and water is same day if you apply and pay before noon, or the following working day if you apply in the afternoon. You do not need to be present at the property during connection.
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