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UAEAlso: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA connection

DEWA

DEWA is the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the utility provider that supplies electricity and water in Dubai and handles connection, billing, and account transfer for homes and businesses.

At a glance

Type
Dubai Government Utility Authority
Country
United Arab Emirates (Dubai only)
Handles
Electricity and water supply, new connections, monthly billing, account transfers, account closure and deposit refund
Main portal
dewa.gov.ae
Mobile app
DEWA Smart Living (iOS and Android)
Official website
https://www.dewa.gov.ae

What is DEWA?

DEWA, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, is the government-owned utility authority that provides electricity and water services exclusively within the Emirate of Dubai. It is responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity and for producing and distributing potable water across Dubai's residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

For any expatriate or resident moving into a Dubai property, opening a DEWA account is a mandatory step before utilities are activated. DEWA is also commonly involved in the move-out process, as a final bill settlement and account closure confirmation from DEWA are often required when vacating a property or closing other government-linked accounts.

What DEWA handles

  • Electricity and water connection for new tenants and property owners in Dubai
  • Monthly billing and meter reading
  • Account transfers when moving between properties within Dubai
  • Final bill settlement and account closure when vacating a property
  • Security deposit collection and refund on account closure
  • New-connection applications for businesses and development projects
  • Solar panel net-metering registration through the Shams Dubai programme
  • DEWA Smart Living features including usage monitoring, bill payment, and fault reporting through the app

How to open a DEWA account

  1. Obtain a registered Ejari tenancy certificate. For rented properties, Ejari registration is a prerequisite for activating a DEWA account. Property owners apply with their title deed instead of Ejari.
  2. Visit the DEWA website at dewa.gov.ae or open the DEWA Smart Living app (iOS and Android) and select the 'Move In' or 'New Connection' service.
  3. Enter your Ejari certificate number (or title deed number), your Emirates ID, and the property's premises number. The premises number is printed on a label at the property or is available from your landlord or building management office.
  4. Pay the refundable security deposit. The amount varies by property type (residential or commercial) and sometimes by unit size. Confirm the current deposit amount on the DEWA portal before applying, as it is subject to change.
  5. Pay the connection activation fee if applicable. DEWA typically activates the connection within one to two business days for standard residential properties, though this can vary.

What expats use DEWA for

Most Dubai residents interact with DEWA three times in a typical tenancy: when moving in to activate utilities, monthly for bill payment and consumption tracking, and when moving out to close the account and recover the security deposit.

When vacating a property, a DEWA final bill and account closure confirmation are usually required before the landlord will return your property security deposit. The DEWA security deposit refund is processed after the final meter reading and bill are settled, and it is returned to you directly by DEWA.

DEWA covers only Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, electricity and water are supplied by ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company) or AADC (Al Ain Distribution Company). Other emirates have their own utility authorities. Always confirm which provider applies to your property's location before attempting to open an account. Utility providers in non-Dubai areas operate under different processes and deposit structures.

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Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to open a DEWA account as a tenant?

To open a DEWA account for a rented property you need: a valid Ejari tenancy certificate (the registered tenancy contract number), your Emirates ID, and the property's premises number (found on a sticker at the entrance to the unit or building). If you do not yet have an Emirates ID, a passport copy may be accepted in some cases. Confirm current document requirements on the DEWA portal or app before applying.

Is Ejari registration required before connecting DEWA?

Yes, for rented properties in Dubai, a registered Ejari certificate is required to activate a DEWA account. Ejari is the official tenancy registration system, and DEWA uses the Ejari number to verify the tenancy before opening the account. Property owners applying as owners (not tenants) use a title deed instead. Make sure your landlord or agent registers the tenancy contract through Ejari before you attempt to open DEWA.

How do I transfer my DEWA account when I move to a new property in Dubai?

You need to close your existing DEWA account at the current property (through a 'Move Out' request on the DEWA app or portal) and open a new account at the new property (through a 'Move In' request). The final bill at the old property will be settled and the deposit refunded, and a new deposit will be required at the new address. It is advisable to schedule the transfer close to your actual move date to avoid paying for utilities at two properties simultaneously.

How do I get a DEWA final settlement or no-objection letter?

Submit a 'Move Out' or account closure request through the DEWA app or portal, or visit a DEWA customer service centre. DEWA will conduct a final meter reading, calculate the outstanding balance, and issue a final bill. Once the bill is paid, the account is closed and the security deposit is refunded. A closure confirmation letter can be requested for landlords, building management, or other authorities that require it.

How much is the DEWA security deposit for a residential property?

The DEWA security deposit for a residential unit is set by DEWA and varies by property type and, in some cases, by unit size. The deposit is fully refundable when the account is closed and any outstanding balance is settled. Check the current deposit amount on the DEWA website or app before opening the account, as the amount is subject to change.

Does DEWA cover Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates?

No. DEWA provides electricity and water services exclusively within Dubai. Abu Dhabi uses ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company) and AADC (Al Ain Distribution Company). Sharjah has SEWA (Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority). Each emirate's utility authority has its own application process, deposit requirements, and billing system. Make sure you apply to the correct authority for your property's location.

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