Connecting DEWA in a new home
Most activations are done online in 1–2 working days. You'll pay a refundable security deposit upfront.
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) supplies power and water across the emirate. Activating service in a new home is mostly online.
What you'll need
- Your Ejari certificate (tenants) or title deed / Oqood (owners).
- Your Emirates ID.
- The premise number from the property — usually printed on the meter or supplied by the developer.
Security deposit
- Apartments: AED 2,000.
- Villas: AED 4,000.
This is refundable when you close the account, minus any final bill. Owner-occupiers and tenants both pay it.
Activation fees
One-time activation fees are around AED 110–130 for most apartments and villas, plus a small registration charge. Confirmed amounts appear in the DEWA portal at the point of activation.
How long it takes
For ready properties with a previous tenant, activation is usually same-day or next working day. For brand-new handovers where the meter has never been activated, allow a few extra days.
Sources: DEWA.
Related questions
Why your Emirates ID comes first
Almost every other step — tenancy, utilities, banking — depends on your Emirates ID being issued first.
Ejari registration: what it is and how to do it
Ejari is the official record of your tenancy contract. You can't activate DEWA, get a parking permit, or sponsor family without it.
What is handover, and what is snagging?
Handover is when the developer gives you the keys. Snagging is the inspection process where you list every defect that needs fixing.