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Insights - How to Set Up Your Utilities in Dubai
How to Set Up Your Utilities in Dubai
- Better Informed
- 18 Aug, 2022
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Dubai continues to attract thousands of new residents every month due to its high salaries, low taxes, and the availability of affordable properties. If you've just rented or bought a property, you must set up your utilities before truly enjoying your new space.
How to set up your utilities
Setting up your utilities in Dubai is a simple process. Both water and electricity come from the same company called DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority). It takes a few minutes to complete the online application form and pay the required fees. Alternatively, you can visit DEWA’s Customer Happiness Centre and set up your utilities.
Documents or Personal Details to Set Up Utilities
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 information is sufficient to create your DEWA account.
- Valid EJARI Number (for tenants).
- Title deed (for owners)
- Trade license for Non-Department of Economic Development Customer only (for commercial and industrial customers)
- Passport Image/Emirates ID NO. for (GCC Nationals/Investors)
If you’re an expat, you’ll need the following documents to set up your utilities:
- Passport Copy
- Visa Copy
- Tenancy agreement
- Emirates ID (if available)
If you wish to authorise someone to act on your behalf, the following authorisation-related documents will be required in addition to the standard documents. For DEWA service connection, here's a breakdown of the required procedures and documents:
- If the owner authorises another person, he must attach a copy of the power of attorney and either the passport or Emirates ID card of the principal applicant.
- If the tenant authorises another person, then attach a copy of the power of attorney and either the passport or Emirates ID card of the principal applicant.
Service Procedures
- Complete the DEWA application form and attach all the necessary documents, and submit it.
- Pay the required security deposit to DEWA and obtain the payment receipt.
- Once the application and payment are processed, DEWA will activate the electricity and water connection to the property, typically within 15 working hours after deposit payment.
How much does it cost to set it all up?
DEWA activation charges:
- AED 100 for small metres.
- AED 300 for large metres.
- AED 10 for registration.
- AED 10 for knowledge fee.
- AED 10 for innovation fee.
*VAT will be charged as applicable
Security Deposit:
- AED 2,000 for a Flat (Residential Premises).
- AED 4,000 for a Villa (Residential Premises).
How soon will the service be activated?
Your electricity and water supply will be activated within 15 working hours after payment, and DEWA will confirm your application. You will receive notifications via email or SMS.
Other Utilities In Dubai
Air Conditioning
For any chiller and air conditioning services in Dubai, Empower has got you covered. You need to register yourself online with Empower e-services. The request processing time is 1–3 working days.
Owners will need:
- Title deed or Sales & Purchase Agreement.
- Passport copy with a signature page.
Tenant will need:
- Tenancy contract / Ejari.
- Emirates ID copy (front & back sides)
- Copy of the VISA page.
The one-time connection fee is AED 2,000, and the administration charge is AED 1,000. The security deposit is AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 3,000 for a villa.
Gas
SERGAS and Emirates Gas mainly supply gas in the UAE. Both are private companies.
SERGAS typically provides gas through a central piped system. Register online with your passport or Emirates ID and tenancy agreement to set up an account for this utility, then pay fees and a deposit; supply activation takes about 24 hours. Disconnection requires calling customer service or visiting an office to pay the final bill, collect your deposit, and get a clearance certificate.
Emirates Gas supplies LPG containers via a network of distributors. Contact a local distributor for a home assessment and quote. Once active, you can order cylinders and pay directly.
The cost of the cylinder depends on the size you have ordered. Dubai's top gas cylinder delivery companies are New City Gas, Al Raad Gas, Al Salam Gas, Al Jumeirah Gas, Blue Flame Gas, Happy Way Gas, LPG Supply Nad Al Shiba Gas, Yalla Gas and Emirates Gas.
Gas connection fees in Dubai can vary by company. The estimated cost for ordering a gas cylinder is:.
- 11 kg: AED 70
- 22 kg: AED 140
- 44 kg: AED 280
Changing gas suppliers is uncommon, as each emirate generally has one main provider. Gas costs vary based on supplier and individual usage; contact SERGAS or your Emirates Gas distributor for a specific quote. For gas faults or repairs, contact your supplier directly using the channels provided (phone, email for Emirates Gas; online form for SERGAS). To make a complaint, contact the gas company or your emirate's government per their outlined procedures.
Mobile Plan
There are two main telecommunication companies in the United Arab Emirates, Du and Etisalat. Etisalat was launched in 1976 and is the oldest and only telecom service provider. Du was launched in 2006, and it quickly emerged as a competitor of Etisalat due to its customer-centric approach and its range of innovative offerings. These two companies provide various mobile, telephone, internet and fixed-line services which cater to the needs of individuals, businesses and governmental entities in the UAE. Let’s jump to the detailed pricing for services like sms, call or internet of each company.
The costs of Etisalat services are:
- In-package local call: AED 0.14/minute
- Out-of-package local call: AED 0.38/minute
- Local SMS: AED 0.19/SMS
- International SMS: AED 0.63/SMS
- Local MMS: AED 0.47/50KB
- International MMS: AED 1.89/50KB
- Pay-as-You-Go data: Restricted to prevent accidental charges; in-bundle data consumed at 30KB pulse.
The average costs for Du services are:
- Mobile & Landline Calling: AED 0.36 per minute
- National Video Calls: AED 0.6 per minute
- Standard IDD Calling: AED 2.52 per minute
- National SMS: AED 0.18 per SMS
- International SMS: AED 0.6 per SMS
- National MMS: AED 0.45 per 50KB
- International MMS: AED 1.8 per 50KB
- Data Usage: AED 1 per MB
- National Closed User Group Calling: AED 0.19 per minute
Other plans are the postpaid and prepaid plans of both companies. Etisalat has three prepaid plans: Wasel Flexi, Wasel prepaid line, and Emirati Wasel. It also has four postpaid plans: Emirati Freedom plan 1500, Emirati Freedom plan 400, Emirati Freedom plan 750, and Emirati Freedom plan 250 (local).
Du's postpaid plans are Power Plan 200, Power Plan 300, and Power Plan 500. Its prepaid plans are Flexi, Easy and Youthbox.
Cable and Internet
Du and Etisalat are also major providers of entertainment and connectivity throughout the UAE. They both provide a variety of internet packages from basic broadband to ultra-fast fibre optic connections. Both provide many packages for homes and businesses. These internet services often come bundled with television options and provide a wide selection of local as well as international channels. Establishing internet and cable requires submitting a request. Activation charges and a security deposit are usually in the first bill. Your choice of payment method might affect the deposit. Activation fees vary; Du charges AED 200.00, plus 5% VAT, possibly AED 210. Etisalat has free activation and installation of any package.
Internet Packages of Etisalat and Du:
Waste Management
In 2012, Dubai Municipality's Waste Management Department created the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Master Plan. This plan aims to eliminate landfill waste within 20 years through integrated and innovative methods. To this end, Dubai Municipality built the Middle East's largest solid waste-to-energy conversion plant in the Warsan district, for AED 2 billion. Furthermore, Dubai Municipality collaborated with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to study how to achieve Dubai's Clean Energy strategy, which targets producing 7% of the city's total energy from clean sources.
According to studies, the average UAE resident produces 2.5 kilograms of waste daily. Local authorities in each Emirate manage waste by contracting private companies such as Averda, Dulsco, and Trashco. These companies collect garbage in designated areas across the UAE and establish recycling stations, primarily for plastic, glass, and paper. Many also conduct educational programmes to promote recycling among residents.
The charges for the waste management are listed below:
Conclusion
Commencing life in Dubai with all essential utilities in place necessitates direct engagement with the relevant service providers. Every utility requires specific procedures and requirements, and a proactive approach can ensure a smoother transition. By contacting each utility provider directly, new residents can efficiently arrange these services, with a solid foundation for a comfortable and well-serviced experience in Dubai's dynamic urban environment.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us by email at customercare@bhomes.com or by phone on +971 600 52 2233. We’re available to help seven days a week!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for DEWA activation in Dubai?
After completing registration and paying the fees through the online application for a new DEWA activation account, your supply will be activated within 15 hours.
Is it necessary to pay a security deposit for utilities?
Yes, DEWA and district cooling providers require a security deposit. DEWA’s deposit is AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas, while district cooling deposits vary by provider.
Is there a Way to monitor Electricity and Water Usage in Real Time?
Yes, DEWA offers smart metres for real-time monitoring, allowing residents to track their usage and manage consumption through the DEWA app.
How to get an electricity connection in Dubai?
To get an electricity connection in Dubai, start by submitting a request through the DEWA website or app. You will also receive a tracking number to follow the progress of your application.
How do I get my Empower deposit back?
You can collect your security deposit refund from the Empower Head Office by presenting your original deposit receipt and either your original Emirates ID or passport for a cash refund.
