DEWA Guide · Dubai

How to activate DEWA
as a new tenant in Dubai

Updated July 2026 · ⏱ Activates within 24 hours · Deposit: AED 2,000

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) provides electricity and water to all properties in Dubai. As a new tenant, you cannot move in without activating a DEWA account. You need your Ejari certificate before you can apply.

◆

Do you have your Ejari certificate?

✓ Yes
Ready to apply
You'll need the Ejari number and the 9-digit Premises Number from it.
✗ Not yet
Register Ejari first
DEWA requires a valid Ejari certificate, issued when your signed DLD tenancy contract is registered. How to register Ejari →
1

Find your Premises Number

Your DEWA Premises Number is a 9-digit number printed on your Ejari certificate. It uniquely identifies your unit in the DEWA system.
Can't find it? Check your Ejari certificate PDF. It is usually labelled "Premises No." or "DEWA Premise No." If the certificate was not yet issued, ask your landlord or building management — or see our DEWA premises number guide for every place it appears.
2

Open the DEWA app or website

Download the DEWA app (iOS / Android) or go to dewa.gov.ae. Both methods work equally — the app is faster. Log in or register as a new customer. 📱 DEWA app recommended
3

Select "Move In" and choose account type

Choose Move In (not "Transfer" — that is for existing DEWA customers moving their DEWA connection to a new property). Select account type: Tenant. Do not select Owner unless you own the property.
⚠️ The previous tenant must have closed their DEWA account before you can open yours. If you get an error saying the unit already has an active account, contact DEWA at 991.
4

Enter Ejari number and Premises Number

Type your Ejari registration number and the 9-digit Premises Number. DEWA will verify these against the Dubai Land Department database and auto-fill your property details. Upload your Emirates ID (or passport if non-resident).
5

Pay the security deposit

DEWA requires a refundable security deposit. Pay online via card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
ApartmentAED 2,000
VillaAED 4,000
Commercial unitAED 2,000 – 4,000
This deposit is fully refundable when you close your account (move out), minus any outstanding balance.
6

Pay the connection fee

A one-time non-refundable connection fee applies in addition to the deposit.
Small meter (most apartments)AED 100
Large meter (villas / commercial)AED 300
✓

DEWA activated within 24 hours

Once payment is confirmed, DEWA activates your electricity and water service within 24 hours. You'll receive a confirmation SMS and email with your DEWA account number. ⚡ Usually same day
i

Getting your deposit back when you move out

When your tenancy ends, close your DEWA account via the app — select Move Out. DEWA will calculate any final bills and refund the remaining deposit to your bank account within 7–10 working days. Staying in the same unit for another year? No DEWA action is needed — your account continues as long as you renew your Ejari on time.
Always close your DEWA account properly — if you just leave without closing it, the deposit is not automatically refunded and you may accumulate unpaid bills.

Frequently asked questions

How do I activate DEWA as a new tenant in Dubai?

Register your Ejari first, then open the DEWA app or dewa.gov.ae and select Move In. Enter your Ejari number and the 9-digit premises number, upload your Emirates ID, and pay the deposit and connection fee online. Activation follows within 24 hours.

How much is the DEWA security deposit?

The refundable deposit is AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas, plus a one-time connection fee of AED 100 for small meters or AED 300 for large meters. The deposit is refunded within 7 to 10 working days after you close the account at move-out.

How long does DEWA activation take?

DEWA activates electricity and water within 24 hours of payment confirmation. Most apartments are activated the same day, and DEWA commits to activation within 24 hours of submitting the Move In application through the DEWA app.

Can I activate DEWA without Ejari?

No. DEWA verifies your Ejari registration number and the 9-digit premises number against the Dubai Land Department database before approving a Move In. Register your Ejari first, then apply.

What if the previous tenant did not close their DEWA account?

You cannot open a new account until the previous one is closed. Call DEWA on 991 — after verifying your new Ejari registration, DEWA can close the old account so your Move In can proceed.

Where do I find the DEWA Premises Number?

The 9-digit premises number is printed on your Ejari certificate, the property Title Deed, any previous DEWA bill for the unit, and inside the DEWA app. It identifies the property, not the customer, so it never changes between tenants.

Need the Ejari contract first?
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