Moving into a new home in Dubai means taking care of several essential services, including electricity and water. If you’re renting a property, DEWA account activation is an important step after completing your tenancy formalities.
The good news is that the process has become more convenient. For eligible residential tenants, DEWA is digitally integrated with Dubai Land Department’s Ejari system. Once the Ejari is issued, DEWA can automatically receive the relevant information and create the move-in request. DEWA
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Get Your Ejari First
For tenants in properties requiring Ejari, a valid Ejari number is an important part of the DEWA move-in process.
DEWA says that once Ejari is issued through an authorised real estate management company or Dubai Land Department-authorised office, the tenancy information can be transferred to DEWA automatically.
2. Look for Your DEWA Welcome Email
After the move-in process is created, DEWA sends a welcome email and SMS containing your DEWA account details, including the account number, security-deposit information and payment link.
Check your registered email and phone number after completing your Ejari.
3. Pay the DEWA Security Deposit
For residential properties, DEWA currently lists a refundable security deposit of:
- AED 2,000 for an apartment
- AED 4,000 for a villa
Activation charges are separate. DEWA currently lists AED 125 for small meters or AED 300 for large meters, plus registration, knowledge and innovation fees.
4. Pay Online
You can pay the security deposit and applicable activation charges through DEWA’s digital payment channels.
If you receive the DEWA welcome email, it includes a payment link. You can also use the DEWA website or Smart App.
5. What If You Don’t Receive the Welcome Email?
Don’t panic.
DEWA says that if you don’t receive the welcome email, you can apply through the DEWA website or Smart App using the Move-in service. Tenants can use their valid Ejari information when applying.
6. How Long Does DEWA Activation Take?
DEWA currently states that electricity and water supply will be connected within 15 working hours after payment of the required security deposit and activation fees.
If the supply has not been activated within the stated period, DEWA advises customers to contact its Customer Care Centre.
7. Can New Customers Create a DEWA Online Profile?
Yes.
DEWA’s current online account system allows individuals with an Emirates ID to sign in using UAE Pass. New customers can access the Move-in service to activate electricity and water for a new property.
However, remember that creating a DEWA online profile and activating utilities for a new home are related but different steps.
Documents and Information You May Need
For a tenant’s DEWA move-in application, you may need:
- Valid Ejari number
- DEWA premises number
- Contact details
- Emirates ID information, where applicable
- Payment details
DEWA states that entering a valid Ejari number can reduce the need to manually submit documents because relevant information is pre-populated.
Quick DEWA Move-In Checklist
Before moving into your Dubai home:
☐ Complete your tenancy contract
☐ Obtain Ejari, where applicable
☐ Check your DEWA welcome email
☐ Confirm your DEWA account number
☐ Pay the security deposit
☐ Pay applicable activation charges
☐ Check that electricity and water are connected
☐ Create/access your DEWA online profile
Final Takeaway
Setting up DEWA after moving to Dubai is now largely digital. For many tenants, completing Ejari triggers the DEWA move-in process, after which the customer receives account and payment details.
If you’re moving into a new Dubai property, keep your Ejari and contact details ready, pay the required deposit and activation charges, and monitor your DEWA account until electricity and water are connected.