Dubai Utilities 2024: Simplified Setup Guide

Are you arriving in Dubai as a new resident or relocating your home? If you are, one of the most important things to do on a priority is to set up your utility connection, such as water and electricity. In Dubai, these utility connections are handled by DEWA (Dubai Electricity And Water Authority). In this blog, you learn about DEWA and everything you need to set up a utility connection in Dubai.

Electricity and Water

Dubai Electricity And Water Authority (DEWA)

If you are new to Dubai, DEWA stands for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, and it is a government body. It was established by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on 1st January 1992. The reason for forming this organisation was to merge the water and electricity departments that were operating separately before. Now, DEWA Dubai is ranked one of the best utility providers in the world. Till now, DEWA has served over 1,000,000 customers, and 95% of customers are happy and satisfied with their services. Also, the company achieved the top ranking globally in the World Bank’s Business Report in 2018 and 2019. 

Services Offered By DEWA

Individuals and larger corporations can avail of the services of DEWA. DEWA offers the following services for individual users.

• Activation of Electricity/Water
• Deactivation of Electricity/Water
• Bill Payment and Enquiries
• Transfer of Electricity/Water

Moreover, DEWA also offers services that promote the use of renewable resources such as solar energy.

How To Set Up a DEWA Connection?

Setting up your utility connections with DEWA is easy, and you have to follow the instructions below.

• First, you must register your rental contract with EJARI. After EJARI attests your agreement, DEWA will create your account and email you its details.
• Now, check for any outstanding bills with the help of your real estate agent. If there are any outstanding charges, it is the responsibility of your landlord to pay them off.
• Pay the DEWA refundable security deposit, which may vary depending on the type of property. The fee is AED 2000 and AED 4000 for an apartment and a villa, respectively. You can pay the deposit amount by following the link in your DEWA email or using other DEWA payment methods. It is important to keep the deposit slip safe, and if you lose it, you might not get your deposit back.
• Pay DEWA connection charges, and your connection will start on the specified date.

DEWA’s website has an AI chatbot available 24/7 and answers queries in Arabic and English.

Required Documents

According to DEWA’s Move-in scheme, your account can only be created after registering with EJARI. This is because DEWA interacts closely with RERA, and details are automatically transferred from the EJARI system to DEWA. The following details are sufficient to create your DEWA account.

• Data of your Emirates ID
• Your residence visa details
• DEWA 9-digit premises number

For gas, internet, and telephone connections, you must submit the following documents and details to their providers.

• Emirates ID copy (both card's front and back),
• Your tenancy agreement or utility bill copy.

If you are in Dubai on a residency Visa, you must also provide a copy of your passport. These documents will prove your residency in Dubai and provide important information about your residence address.

Fees

You should be prepared to pay extra costs to set up a utility connection. Generally, to activate your DEWA connection, you have to pay AED 130 + VAT, which includes the following charges.

• AED 100 for connecting electricity and water (small metres)
• AED 300 for connecting Electricity and water metres (large metres)
• AED 10 for registration
• AED 10 for the knowledge fee
• AED 10 for innovation fee
• Thukher and Sanad cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount on activation charges.

If you choose Du for the Internet and telephone connection, you will have to pay AED 200 for activation. Keep in mind that VAT will be charged as applicable. The fee related to the gas connection may vary depending on the company you choose. If you want to order a gas cylinder, here’s an educated estimate of gas cylinder costs.

• 5.5 kg: AED 70
• 11 kg: AED 83
• 22 kg: AED 135
• 44 kg: AED 285 

Keep in mind that these prices may vary depending on the size and the supplier.

How to Pay DEWA Bill or Charges?

There are several ways to pay your utility setup charges and regular monthly payments. Let’s have a look at them.

DEWA’s Website or Mobile Application

DEWA has a working website for direct online payments. The company also has a well-optimised mobile application for Android, iOS, Windows, and Blackberry. This provides a user-friendly experience, which makes online payment through the app easy. 

Credit Card or Online Banking Service

DEWA also offers utility bill payment services through credit cards and online banking systems. You can make online bill payments if you have an account with any of the following banks in Dubai:

• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
• Ajman Bank
• Dubai Bank
• Standard Chartered Bank
• Sharjah Islamic Bank
• National Bank of Fujairah
• Union National Bank
• Dubai Islamic Bank
• United Arab Bank
• Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
• Dubai First
• Arab Bank
• Habib Bank AG Zurich
• National Bank of Abu Dhabi

DEWA also provides facilities to make cash payments at DEWA centres, ENOC or EPPCO petrol stations, ZOOM supermarkets, and Etisalat payment machines. After you submit the documents, application forms, and payments, your connection will be activated within 24 hours.

Chiller and Air Conditioning

Empower

Given Dubai's hot and humid climate, it is important to get Air conditioning or chiller services as soon as possible. For that purpose, you have two companies depending on the area: Empower and Emicool. Suppose you live in a community such as JBR, JLT, or Business Bay; you must register your connection with Empower for air conditioning or chiller services. You can register your account online through Empower e-Services, and it will take one to three working days to process. 

For documentation, you need to provide the following things.

• Title deed or Sales & Purchase Agreement (owner)
• Passport copy with signature page (owner)
• Tenancy contract / Ejari (tenant)
• Emirates ID copy (tenant)
• Copy of the VISA page (tenant)

There is a one-time administrative fee of AED 1000 and a connection fee of AED 1000. The security deposit for a villa and an apartment is AED 3000 and AED 2000, respectively.

Gas

There are several options available for installing the central gas system on your property. Some of the names include Emirate Gas, Smart Gas, Lootah BCGas, and SERGas. Most people often use electric stoves, and there is no need for a gas connection. But if you want to use gas in your house and there is no central gas connection, you can choose gas cylinders as well. There are several well-reputed companies in Dubai that provide gas cylinder delivery. You place your order on the call, and the delivery will be made within 24 hours. The cost of the cylinder depends on the size you have ordered. Here are some of the top gas cylinder delivery companies in Dubai.

• Emirates Gas
• Yalla Gas 
• LPG Supply Nad Al Shiba Gas
• New City Gas 
• Al Jumeirah Gas 
• Blue Flame Gas 
• Happy Way Gas 
• Al Raad Gas
• Al Salam Gas

Telephone & Internet and TV

Staying connected in your new home is essential, and Dubai's telecommunications needs are primarily served by two providers: Du and Etisalat, both offering competitive packages for internet, TV, and landline services. Both are known for innovative packages and excellent customer service, offering extensive coverage and a variety of plans. 

To set up your service, you will need your Emirates ID, passport copy, tenancy contract (Ejari), and DEWA bill. You can apply online by visiting the Du or Etisalat websites, selecting a plan, and submitting the required documents. Alternatively, you can visit a Du or Etisalat customer service center or an authorized dealer to submit your documents and choose a plan in person.

If you want to reside in Dubai for a long time, setting up a utility account must be your priority. Although the process is straightforward and easy, a single mistake might get you in trouble.