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

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. 

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. 

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

Upon payment, DEWA activates service in 15 hours.

You will receive:

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

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

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.