The most common reason a new Dubai home has no power on moving day is not a fault. It is a DEWA application that was never made, or was made too late. Here is how DEWA works when you move, what it costs, and when to do each step so the lights are on when the boxes arrive.
Three things DEWA calls a move
- Move-in: opening a new electricity and water account at your new address.
- Move-to: transferring an existing DEWA account from your old home to your new one.
- Move-out: closing the account at the home you are leaving and getting your deposit back.
Before you start: Ejari comes first
DEWA links your account to the property, and it needs proof that you live there. For tenants that means a registered Ejari tenancy contract; for owners it means the title deed. Once an Ejari is registered, DEWA normally sends an SMS and email with the account number and the deposit to pay. Tenants in free zone areas usually enter the tenancy details themselves instead.
If the previous occupant or the landlord still has an active DEWA account on the property, your new connection can be held up. Ask your landlord or agent to confirm it has been closed before your move-in date.
DEWA move-in: opening a new account
What you need
- Registered Ejari (tenants) or title deed (owners)
- Emirates ID
- The DEWA premise number of the new home
What it costs
| Charge | Amount (AED) | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit – apartment | 2,000 | Yes, when you close the account |
| Security deposit – villa | 4,000 | Yes, when you close the account |
| Activation – small meters | 100 | No |
| Activation – large meters | 300 | No |
| Registration, knowledge and innovation fees | Small fixed fees | No |
VAT applies where relevant, and Thukher and Sanad cardholders get a discount on activation charges. Fees are set by DEWA and can change, so check the amount shown in your application before paying.
How long it takes
Supply is usually connected within about a day of payment. Apply at least a week before moving day so there is time to sort out anything unexpected.
DEWA move-to: transferring your account
If you are moving within Dubai and already have a DEWA account, you can transfer it instead of closing one account and opening another.
- Clear any outstanding balance on your current account.
- Check your deposit covers the new property. Moving from an apartment to a villa, for example, means topping up the difference.
- Submit the move-to request through the DEWA app or website.
- Pay anything due. The new home is connected once payment is made, and you receive a reference number by SMS or email.
DEWA move-out: closing the account and getting your deposit back
- Log in to the DEWA website or app with your DEWA login or UAE Pass and choose the move-out option.
- Select the account for the home you are leaving and pay any outstanding bill.
- Choose the date and time for disconnection. Pick a time after the movers have finished; you do not want the lights going off during loading.
- Choose how the deposit refund is paid: to an IBAN, by cheque, or transferred to another active DEWA account. For an IBAN refund you will need bank proof, and the account name must match the name on the DEWA account.
- Submit. You will get a request number by SMS and email.
DEWA disconnects within 24 working hours of the time you chose and sends the final bill within a further 24 working hours. Your deposit is set against that bill: if the deposit is larger you get the difference back, and if the bill is larger you pay the balance. A deactivation charge applies. Once the final bill is settled, the clearance certificate is issued and shared with RERA as part of the Ejari cancellation for the old tenancy.
When to do each step
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| As soon as the new lease is signed | Register Ejari for the new home |
| 1–2 weeks before moving | Apply for DEWA move-in or move-to |
| About a week before moving | Request DEWA move-out for the old home, timed after the move |
| Moving day | Photograph meter readings at both homes |
| After the final bill arrives | Pay any balance so the deposit refund and clearance go through |
Tips that save a second trip
- Test the power at the new home a day or two before moving day. Switch on a light and run a tap.
- Photograph the meters at both homes on the day, with a timestamp.
- Keep the final bill and clearance certificate. Your landlord or agent may ask for them to release your security deposit.
- Do not schedule disconnection for the morning of the move. Crews need lights, lifts and air conditioning while they work.
DEWA is one step in a longer list. Our Dubai moving checklist puts it in order with Ejari, building permits and packing, and our guide to moving costs in Dubai covers what else to budget for.
Common questions
How much is the DEWA deposit?
Currently AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa. It is refunded, less your final bill, when you close the account.
Can I apply for DEWA without Ejari?
Tenants outside free zones need a registered Ejari. Owners use the title deed instead.
How long does the DEWA refund take?
The final bill is issued within about a day of disconnection. Once it is settled, the refund is paid through the method you chose.
Moving within Dubai?
We handle the move itself: survey, lift bookings, packing, transport and setup, for one written price. We move homes in JVC, Business Bay, Dubai Hills and every other part of Dubai.