Finance guide
Electricity and water in Dubai run through DEWA. Here's how to open an account, what you need, the refundable deposit and fees, and how to time it around your move-in and Ejari.
DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) supplies power and water to every Dubai property. You must open a DEWA account in your name before the supply is activated — owners on handover, tenants on move-in. It's done online via the DEWA app/website or at a customer-happiness centre.
Typically the premise/DEWA number for the unit, your Emirates ID or passport, and either the title deed (owners) or the Ejari/tenancy contract (tenants). New handovers usually come with the premise number from the developer; resale and rentals carry it over.
DEWA charges a refundable security deposit (higher for villas than apartments) plus small activation/connection and knowledge/innovation fees. The deposit is returned when you close the account and settle the final bill. Amounts are fixed and published by DEWA.
Activation is usually same-day to 24 hours once the account is opened and fees paid. Open it ahead of your move so you're not without power and water on day one — and so any Ejari/visa steps that depend on utilities aren't held up.
No DEWA account, no power or water. Open it a day or two ahead so activation lands before you arrive — last-minute setup can leave you in the dark.
The security deposit isn't a fee — it comes back when you close the account and clear the final bill. Budget for it as a temporary outlay, not a cost.
The deposit and connected load differ by property type; a villa's deposit is materially higher than an apartment's. Check the current figure for your unit type.
On move-out, close the DEWA account and settle the final bill to get your deposit back and avoid charges rolling on. Don't just hand over the keys.