How to Activate DEWA in Dubai (Step-by-Step 2026 Guide)

Before You Begin: Necessary Documents to Have Ready

Required Documents:

For Tenants:

• Emirates ID (Front & Back)
• Ejari Certificate (read all about the Ejari and how to get it)
• Passport Copy (if applicable for GCC residents)

For Landlords:

• Title Deed
• Emirates ID
• Passport Copy
• Number of rooms

Important: You'll have to input your Date of Birth and Passport/EID Expiry as well. 

Enter Ejari Number (DEWA Activation)

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Your DEWA Connection

To make the DEWA move-in, activation and registration process seamless, follow these clear steps:

For the purposes of this article we are taking an individual tenant as an example. 

Step 1: Visit the DEWA Website

• Go to www.dewa.gov.ae
• Click the hamburger menu (☰) at the top-left corner (english) or top-right corner (arabic).

Step 2: Go To Activation

• Click on "Consumer"
• Then select "Activation of Electricty and Water (Move-in)" this is generally found under the trending tab (see screenshot above)
• You will then see two options: Apply Online and New Customer in Dubai (It's always best to choose this if its your first property especially as a leasing client)

Step 3: Choose Customer Type

• Select "Individual" (other options include: Business & Government)
• In the "Customer Type" drop down menu choose: Expatriate --> if you're a renter/tenant or Investor --> if you're the owner or landlord

Step 4: Select Account Type

• Fairly self-explanatory but choose Tenant if you're the renter and choose Owner if you're the Landlord.
• Make sure to select "I Have Ejari" when prompted
• Enter your Ejari number when prompted in the requisite field - your Ejari number is in can be found at the top of your ejari certificate, its clearly deliniated and on colour copies is in red.
• Make sure to enter your DEWA Premise number into the designated field --> your DEWA premise number is on your Ejari Certificate and can also be found on the door-frame of apartments and the utility boxes for villas. 
• Click Continue

Step 5: Personal & Contact Details

Enter the following details to register your DEWA account and activate your services!

• Full Name
• Create a Username
• Email Address
• Contact Number

Click on "Continue" to go to the payment section. 

Choose Customer Type (DEWA Activation)

Fees & Deposits

You will be shown the security deposit and dewa registration fee amounts and breakdowns once you have finished the application:

Security Deposits:

• Apartments: AED 2,000
• Villas: AED 4,000

Activation Charges:

• Electricity & Water Connection: Small Meters 100/- AED, Big Meters 300/- AED
• DEWA Registration Fee: 10/- AED
• Knowledge Fee: 10/- AED
• Innovation Fee: 10/- AED

Sanad and Thukher cardholders get 50% off on activation fees.

How to Pay:

• Secure link emailed by DEWA (usually within 15–20 minutes of Ejari registration)
• Online via DEWA Portal
• DEWA Mobile App
• Banks and Payment Kiosks

DEWA Activation

DEWA Activation Schedule and Time-Frames

Upon payment, DEWA activates service in 15 hours.

You will receive:

• SMS confirmation
• E-mail confirmation
• Account number for future use and billing purposes

Additional Considerations

Housing Fee: 

A 5% Housing Charge (calculated on DEWAs estimation of the annual rent) is included in your DEWA Bill & Statement every month.

DEWA Reconnection:

If you have swapped properties, you will be required to re-register again. Reconnection for properties is never automatic and it is advisable to always undergo the "New Customer in Dubai" process as stated above.

Smart Services by DEWA:

Dewa offers a comprehensive array of smart tools including:

• DEWA App (iOS & Android): Track consumption, Pay your bills, Check consumption
• Green Bill: Obtain virtual monthly bills
• Consumption Assessment Tool: Compare your usage to other similar homes
• Customer Happiness Centres: Physical service centers in Dubai

Moving or Transferring Your DEWA Account

If you are changing apartments or moving into a new villa, you will need to close your current DEWA account (Move-Out) and create a new Move-In request for your new home. Reconnection is not automatic.

• Move-Out: Submit a final bill request and provide a forwarding bank account for your deposit refund.
• Move-In (New Home): Always apply as a New Customer in Dubai using your new Ejari certificate and Premise number.
• Transfer: At present, DEWA does not allow simple “transfers” - you must close one account and open another.

DEWA Online and Smart Service Channels:

DEWA makes it easy to manage your account digitally:

• DEWA App (iOS & Android): Monitor consumption, pay bills, and download statements.
• Quick Pay: Pay without logging in, using only the DEWA Account Number.
• WhatsApp Bill Pay: Register your account to pay bills via WhatsApp.
• Customer Happiness Centres: Visit in person if you prefer direct service.