Dubai Utilities 2025: Simplified Setup Guide

Are you arriving in Dubai as a new resident or relocating to a new home? If you are, one of the most important things to do as 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 will 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, 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 had operated separately before. Now, DEWA Dubai is ranked as one of the best utility providers in the world. So far, DEWA has served over 1 million customers, and 95% 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 take advantage of DEWA's services. 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 using renewable resources such as solar energy.

How To Set Up a DEWA Connection?

Setting up your utility connections with DEWA is easy; 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 your landlord's responsibility to pay them off.
When setting up DEWA, a refundable security deposit is required, the amount of which differs by property type: AED 2000 for apartments and AED 4000 for villas.
Pay DEWA connection charges; your connection will start on the specified date.

DEWA’s website features a 24/7 AI chatbot that answers queries in both 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

Fees

When establishing utility services with DEWA, it’s important to understand the fees associated with the activation fee. The activation fee for small electric and water metres is AED 130 plus VAT. This total amount is comprised of the following individual charges:

AED 100 for connecting electricity and water
AED 10 for registration
AED 10 for the knowledge fees
AED 10 for the innovation fees

A higher activation fee of AED 300 is for large-capacity electricity and water metres.

Thuker and Sanad cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount on activation charges.

How to Pay the 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 Android, ios, Windows, and Blackberry mobile application. This provides a user-friendly experience, making online payments through the app easy and convenient.

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.

Chiller and Air Conditioning

Empower

Given Dubai's hot and humid climate, getting Air conditioning or chiller services is important as soon as possible. For that purpose, you have two companies depending on the area: Empower and Emicool. You must register your connection with Empower for air conditioning or chiller services. Empower is the world's largest DCS provider by capacity. You can register your account online through Empower e-Services, which will take one to three working days to process.

Charges of Empower:

Consumption Charges are AED 0.568 fils per RT per hour, based on metered usage.
Demand Charges are AED 750 per RT per annum, billed monthly for continuous cooling supply.
Meter Maintenance is AED 50 quarterly or AED 30 monthly, depending on location, for meter upkeep.
A 15% tariff increase from DEWA on electricity and water consumption is transferred to customers.
Meter Testing Fee is AED 160

One-time Charges (at Registration):

Connection Charge: AED 2,000
Administration Fee: AED 1,000

Disconnection Fee:

Residential: AED 1,000 for non-payment.
Retail: AED 2,000 for non-payment.
Temporary Voluntary: AED 150 with no outstanding balance.

Note: All charges are subject to 5% VAT.

You need to provide the following documents for registering your connection to Empower:

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 1,000 and a connection fee of AED 2,000. The security deposit for a villa and an apartment is AED 3000 and AED 2000, respectively.

Gas

Several options are available for installing the central gas system on your property. Most people often use electric stoves, so a gas connection is usually unnecessary. However, you can also opt for gas cylinders to use gas in your house without a central gas connection. 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
Lootah BCGas
Smart Gas

The fee related to the gas connection may vary depending on the company you choose. Here’s an estimated cost for ordering a gas cylinder.

11 kg: AED 70
22 kg: AED 140
44 kg: AED 280

Remember that these prices may vary depending on the size and the supplier.

To establish a gas connection, you must provide the following documents to the gas provider:

Emirates ID copy (both front and back)
Your tenancy agreement or a copy of your utility bill
If you are in Dubai on a residency visa, a copy of your passport

Telephone & Internet, and TV

Two major companies primarily provide Telephone and internet services: Etisalat and du. Both provide many packages for homes and businesses. These include high-speed fibre optic internet, regular broadband, and landline services. These services often come bundled with TV options and provide a comprehensive home entertainment and communication solution. Etisalat is known for its wide coverage and fast speeds.

DU provides more affordable and flexible competitive packages. You must usually provide identification and tenancy contracts to set up these utilities. You also need to fill out an application with the provider. Installation usually happens within a few days. Etisalat's eLife and DU offer different TV channel packages. These packages include local and international channels. They often come with internet and landline services. This makes it easier and cheaper for customers. Other providers, like OSN, offer satellite TV services that require a subscription. They have many entertainment options, but need a separate setup and fees.

To set up internet and telephone services, you must provide the following documents to the service provider:

Emirates ID copy (both front and back)
Your tenancy agreement or a copy of your utility bill
If you are in Dubai on a residency visa, a copy of your passport

Etisalat internet packages are listed below:

Neo: 1 Gbps Internet, 200+ Basic TV Channels, Additional Benefits, 12-month commitment, AED 399/month (5% VAT excluded).

Neo Fusion: 1 Gbps Internet, 500+ Sports & Premium TV Channels (+2 more), Additional Benefits (+1 more), 24-month commitment, AED 799/month (5% VAT excluded).

Ultra Starter: 500 Mbps Internet, 187+ Premium TV Channels, Additional Benefits (+3 more), Promotions (FREE installation worth AED 199, Bill discount for 6 months), 24-month commitment, AED 299/month (30% off for 6 months, then AED 429), 5% VAT excluded.

Neo Fusion 5G: 5 Gbps Internet, 300+ Premium TV Channels (+2 more), Additional Benefits (+5 more), Promotions (FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 24-month commitment, AED 1,799/month (5% VAT excluded).

Neo Fusion 10G: 10 Gbps Internet, 300+ Premium TV Channels (+2 more), Additional Benefits (+5 more), Promotions (FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 24-month commitment, AED 2,699/month (5% VAT excluded).

Unlimited Starter: 250 Mbps Internet, 187+ Premium TV Channels, Additional Benefits, Promotions (FREE installation worth AED 199, FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 24-month commitment, AED 389/month (5% VAT excluded).

eLife Family: 100 Mbps Internet, 150+ Premium & Basic TV Channels, Additional Benefits, Promotions (FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 24-month commitment, AED 359/month (5% VAT excluded).

eLife Lite 12: 12 Mbps Internet (Entry plan), Additional Benefits, Promotions (FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 12-month commitment, AED 299/month (5% VAT excluded).

eLife Lite 25: 25 Mbps Internet (More Speed), Additional Benefits, Promotions (FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 12-month commitment, AED 399/month (5% VAT excluded).

eLife Lite 50: 50 Mbps Internet (Even More Speed), Additional Benefits, Promotions (FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 12-month commitment, AED 599/month (5% VAT excluded).

eLife Lite 100: 100 Mbps Internet (Fast Speed), Additional Benefits, Promotions (FREE Ultimate Gaming Pack), 12-month commitment, AED 749/month (5% VAT excluded).

The DU Internet packages are:

Du Home Starter: 250 Mbps download, an Advanced WiFi router, a Light English TV Package, an HDTV box, Disney+ (12 months), and Free local landline calls (up to 2000 minutes/month).

Du Home Basic: 1 Gbps download (estimated 900-950 Mbps), Premium WiFi router, 1 Premium TV Package, Recordable HDTV box, Disney+ (12 months), 1 Streaming service (12 months - choice of Amazon Prime, OSN+, Shahid VIP, Viu Premium).

Du Home Advanced: 1 Gbps download (maximum 900-950 Mbps), 2 Premium WiFi routers, 3 Premium TV Packages (self-chosen), Recordable HDTV box, Disney+ (12 months), 2 Streaming services (12 months - choice of Amazon Prime, OSN+, Shahid VIP, Viu Premium).

Du Home Ultimate: 1 Gbps download (maximum 900-950 Mbps), 2 Ultimate WiFi routers, 5 Premium TV Packages (self-chosen), 2 Recordable HDTV boxes (Receiver 1: all free TV packages, Receiver 2: basic TV channels), Disney+ (12 months), 3 Streaming services (12 months - choice of Amazon Prime, OSN+, Shahid VIP, Viu Premium).

Home Wireless Plus: Unlimited data, 5 G-enabled router.

Home Wireless Entertainment: Unlimited data, 5G-enabled router, Disney+ (12 months), Amazon Prime (12 months), OSN+ (12 months), Shahid VIP (12 months), Anghami Plus (12 months), Viu Premium (12 months), Yango (12 months), Shemaroo (12 months) (*Price of AED 299/month applies after 6 months).

Home Wireless Gaming: Unlimited data, Gaming-enhanced 5G router, Disney+ (12 months), Amazon Prime (12 months), OSN+ (12 months), Shahid VIP (12 months), Anghami Plus (12 months), Viu Premium (12 months), Yango (12 months), Shemaroo (12 months), Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 months).

If you choose DU for your internet and telephone connection, you must pay AED 200 for activation. Please note that VAT will be charged as applicable.

Conclusion

Dubai offers a luxurious lifestyle that involves considerable expenses. Wise budgeting for accommodation, utilities, leisure, and transport is essential for comfortable living in this city. Establishing utility services in Dubai follows a clear procedure. However, expert guidance can simplify this process significantly. Although the process is straightforward, a mistake might get you in trouble. Understanding the necessary steps and requirements ensures a trouble-free setup for your new home. Seeking professional assistance allows for an efficient establishment of essential services, enabling a smoother transition to living in Dubai.

What is DEWA in Dubai?

Electricity and Water