When you move into a new home, you need to set up electricity and water. In many countries this means the hassle of contacting the water authority and signing up separately with a local power company.
You might feel anxious that things work differently abroad in Dubai, but thanks to Dubai's advanced digitalization, it is surprisingly easy to get done.
What Is DEWA?
DEWA stands for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority — the public body that manages electricity and water across Dubai. When you move into a home, you register with DEWA to start your electricity and water supply, and you pay both together in a single monthly bill.
The monthly cost is roughly 300–600 AED for a typical apartment, varying with the size of your home and how much you use.
How to Register
Who registers?
→ The tenant themselves
When
→ Before moving in (without DEWA you can't use electricity or water)
How
→ Through the DEWA app or website. With your Ejari (tenancy registration) ready, the application takes about five minutes.
How long until it's connected?
- Usually connected within 4–24 hours
- Sometimes within just a few hours
- Up to about 48 hours if an inspection is required
About the Housing Fee
In Dubai, a charge called the "Housing Fee" is included in your monthly bill. It is a public-service charge paid by residents to the Dubai government, usually calculated as 5% of your annual rent and billed in monthly installments together with your DEWA (electricity and water) charges.
First-time residents are often surprised by it, but it is a standard cost paid by everyone, so it's best to budget for it as a fixed cost on top of your rent.
How to Pay
Payments are easy and fully digital. You can pay through the DEWA app or website by credit/debit card, bank transfer, or direct debit. You can also check your usage and bills anytime in the app, which makes managing costs simple.
A Security Deposit Is Required at Registration
When you first register, DEWA takes a refundable security deposit (around 2,000 AED for apartments and 4,000 AED for villas as a rough guide). It is returned when you close the account on moving out, after any final charges are settled.
Thanks to Dubai's advanced digitalization, the whole process — registration, payment and account closure — can be completed from your phone. If you have any questions about utilities when moving to Dubai, feel free to contact us.