All About DEWA Services in Dubai

Table of Contents

• Introduction to DEWA
• Setting Up DEWA Services in Dubai
• Understanding DEWA Billing System
• DEWA Smart Services and Mobile App
• DEWA Tariffs and Charges
• Security Deposit, Connection & Disconnection
• Sustainability Initiatives by DEWA
• Common Mistakes to Avoid with DEWA Services
• Fees and Charges Breakdown
• Case Study: Tenant Moving Into JVC Apartment
• FAQs About DEWA Services Dubai
• Final Thoughts
• Contact Homecubes

Introduction to DEWA

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the official utility provider for residents and businesses in Dubai. DEWA plays an important role in Dubai’s housing sustainability by  overseeing all electricity, water, and cooling connections, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy services across the emirate.

Today, I reviewed the progress of DEWA’s hydroelectric project in Hatta, the first of its kind in the GCC region in generating clean energy, with a production capacity of 250 MW, and storage capacity of 1,500 megawatts per hour. Dubai is determined to further highlight its status… pic.twitter.com/tp4P1XyBmX

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 22, 2023

Since its establishment in 1992, DEWA has become one of the most efficient government entities in the UAE, continuously investing in smart grid systems, renewable energy, and digital platforms to streamline utility access for millions of users.

🔗 Learn more about DEWA’s mission and vision

Setting Up DEWA Services in Dubai

Whether you’re renting or buying a property in Dubai and regardless of your Dubai building code, activating your DEWA connection is essential. Here’s how the process works:

1. Through the Real Estate Portal (Ejari-linked)

For tenants, once your Ejari tenancy contract is registered, DEWA services can be initiated through:

• Dubai REST App
• Real estate management platforms
• Your property management company

2. DEWA Online Portal

You can also activate DEWA services by:

• Visiting the DEWA Online Portal
• Logging in with your UAE Pass or creating an account
• Submitting your Ejari number, Emirates ID, and tenancy contract
• Paying the security deposit (AED 2,000–4,000 depending on property type)

3. Move-in Activation

Once the application is processed, DEWA typically activates service within 24 hours, and you receive your DEWA Account Number and premises number for future references.

Understanding DEWA Billing System

What’s Included in the DEWA Bill?

A typical monthly DEWA bill includes:

• Electricity Usage (in kWh)
• Water Consumption (in imperial gallons)
• Sewerage Charges (calculated as a percentage of water usage)
• Housing Fee (5% of your annual rent, collected on behalf of Dubai Municipality)
• VAT (5%)

🔗 Detailed Breakdown of DEWA Tariffs

Billing Cycle

DEWA follows a monthly billing cycle. Bills can be accessed via:

• DEWA website
• DEWA Smart App
• Email/SMS notifications

Payment Channels

• Online via credit/debit card
• Auto-payment setup
• Kiosks, ENBD ATMs
• Etisalat Payment Machines
• UAE banking apps (most local banks support direct DEWA payments)

DEWA Smart Services and Mobile App

DEWA is one of the most digitally advanced utility providers in the world. The DEWA Smart App is available on Google Play and Apple Store, and offers:

• Bill tracking and payment
• Consumption graphs (daily/monthly/yearly)
• DEWA Store for discounts and partner offers
• Move-in/Move-out service requests
• Smart Living dashboard for energy efficiency
• Green Charger station locator (for EVs)

🔗 Explore DEWA Smart Services

DEWA Tariffs and Charges

Charges vary depending on whether you’re a residential, commercial, or industrial user.

Note: Rates are subject to VAT.

Security Deposit, Connection & Disconnection

Security Deposit:

• Apartments: AED 2,000
• Villas: AED 4,000
• Refundable upon final bill settlement and move-out.

Connection Charges:

• Admin fees: AED 110
• Electricity and water activation: AED 100–300 depending on load

Disconnection:

• Apply via Smart App or portal
• Enter move-out date
• Final bill and refund processed within 7–14 days

Sustainability Initiatives by DEWA

DEWA plays a major role in Dubai’s transition to clean energy:

• Shams Dubai: Enables residents to install rooftop solar panels and connect to the DEWA grid
  🔗 Shams Dubai Program
• Green Charger: Public EV charging stations across Dubai
  🔗 Green Charger Locations
• DEWA Smart Grid Strategy: Supports Net Zero by 2050, manages real-time demand and smart meters
• Hydroelectric Plant in Hatta: UAE’s first hydroelectric project using stored water energy

Common Mistakes to Avoid with DEWA Services

1. Not updating Ejari on time – Can lead to deactivation
2. Ignoring the housing fee – It’s auto-applied monthly, no exemptions
3. Incorrect move-out notices – Leads to additional billing
4. Overlooking water leakage or faulty AC – Increases consumption charges
5. Not checking tier thresholds – Crossing Tier 1 significantly raises bills
6. Delaying security deposit refund claims – Must apply promptly during move-out

Fees and Charges Breakdown

Always confirm with DEWA’s official fee page as fees may change.

Case Study: Tenant Moving Into JVC Apartment

Background:

 A young couple moved into a 1-bedroom apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).

Scenario:

• Their Ejari was registered on the Dubai REST app
• DEWA account was activated online within 24 hours
• Monthly average bill: AED 300–400 (moderate AC use)
• Used DEWA’s Smart Living tips to reduce consumption by 12%

Key Takeaways:

• Always monitor your tier usage to stay in the lower tariff bracket
• Smart App notifications helped prevent water waste
• Efficient appliances (A++ fridge, inverter AC) helped lower bills

FAQs About DEWA Services Dubai

1. Can DEWA accounts be transferred to a new tenant?

No, each new tenant must create their own DEWA account linked to the updated Ejari.

2. Is DEWA available in all parts of Dubai?

Yes. DEWA provides services across all residential and commercial zones in Dubai.

3. Can I pay DEWA bills from overseas?

Yes. Use the DEWA Smart App or online portal with your UAE credit card or an international card.

4. How can I reduce my DEWA bill?

• Turn off AC when not in use
• Fix leaks promptly
• Use LED lighting
• Install flow restrictors on taps

5. What happens if I don’t pay my DEWA bill?

Your services may be disconnected. Reconnection requires settling the amount and paying a reconnection fee.

6. Can solar energy cover my full DEWA bill?

In most cases, solar installations via Shams Dubai can offset significant usage, but not always 100%, especially in high-consumption months.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how DEWA services in Dubai operate is essential for every resident, tenant, landlord, and property investor in the emirate. DEWA, which differs from property service charges in Dubai, is more than just a utility provider—it is a central pillar of Dubai’s smart city ambitions, sustainability goals, and green infrastructure transformation. Whether you’re moving into a new apartment, setting up solar panels, or managing commercial real estate, DEWA plays a key role in ensuring smooth, reliable, and environmentally responsible service delivery.

Whether you’re a first-time resident or a seasoned property investor, mastering DEWA’s processes allows you to make smarter decisions, minimize risk, and align with Dubai’s sustainability roadmap. Staying educated, tracking your usage, and tapping into DEWA’s digital ecosystem will ensure you not only meet your monthly obligations—but thrive as a proactive participant in one of the world’s most advanced utility environments.

Contact Homecubes

At Homecubes, we guide property owners and tenants through every aspect of real estate management in Dubai—including DEWA registration, utility optimization, and smart energy tips.

Please note: Our services are currently in development as we await regulatory licensing for fractional property management under VARA. In the meantime, we’re happy to provide up-to-date resources and support.

Reach out to our team for personalized advice or updates about our launch.