DEWA Connection & Transfer Guide: Everything You Need When Moving in Dubai

How to Handle Your DEWA Connection When Moving in Dubai

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) manages all electricity and water supply across Dubai. Every move within the emirate requires you to disconnect your current DEWA account and activate a new connection at your destination address. In our experience helping thousands of families relocate across Dubai, DEWA-related delays are one of the most common reasons people arrive at their new home without running water or electricity. This guide covers every step so that does not happen to you.

Understanding DEWA Services for Movers

DEWA handles two separate processes during a move: disconnection at your old property and activation at your new property. These can run simultaneously, but each has its own requirements and timelines. Whether you are moving from a studio in Business Bay to a villa in Arabian Ranches or relocating within the same building, the DEWA process remains the same.

Step 1: Apply for DEWA Disconnection at Your Old Address

You should submit your disconnection request 3 to 5 business days before your move-out date. DEWA allows you to schedule the disconnection for a specific future date so your utilities stay on until the day you leave. Here is how to apply:

1. Log into your DEWA account through the DEWA website or the DEWA Smart App (available on iOS and Android).
2. Navigate to "Move Out" or "Deactivate Premise" under the services menu.
3. Select your account number and confirm the premise address you are vacating.
4. Choose your preferred disconnection date. Pick the actual day you will be leaving the property.
5. Upload your Emirates ID (front and back) and your tenancy contract if prompted.
6. Submit and save your reference number. You will need this for follow-up.

After disconnection, DEWA issues a final bill based on your last meter reading. Any security deposit you paid when you first activated the account is refunded to your registered bank account within 10 to 15 business days, minus any outstanding charges.

Step 2: Apply for a New DEWA Connection at Your New Address

You should apply for your new connection at least 2 to 3 business days before your move-in date. In peak season (September through November), we recommend allowing up to 5 business days. The process is straightforward:

1. Log into the DEWA website or Smart App and select "Move In" or "Activate Premise."
2. Enter the premise number of your new property. This is a unique number assigned by DEWA to every unit in Dubai. You can find it on a previous DEWA bill for that unit, or ask your landlord or building management.
3. Upload the required documents:

• Emirates ID (front and back)
• Ejari certificate (registered tenancy contract)
• Passport copy (for non-residents or new accounts)
• Title deed (if you are the property owner)

4. Pay the security deposit and activation fee.
5. Choose your preferred activation date.

DEWA Costs and Deposits You Should Budget For

DEWA charges a refundable security deposit plus a non-refundable activation fee. The exact amounts depend on your property type:

• Apartment (rented): AED 2,000 security deposit + AED 110 activation fee
• Villa (rented): AED 4,000 security deposit + AED 110 activation fee
• Apartment (owned): AED 2,000 security deposit + AED 110 activation fee
• Villa (owned): AED 4,000 security deposit + AED 110 activation fee

These deposits are refundable when you eventually close the account. DEWA also offers a 50% deposit reduction for customers who register through the DEWA Smart App and opt for autopay. That means your apartment deposit could be as low as AED 1,000 with autopay enabled.

The Ejari-DEWA Connection: A Critical Sequence

One of the most common mistakes we see is tenants trying to activate DEWA before registering their Ejari. In Dubai, you cannot activate a DEWA connection without a valid Ejari certificate. The correct sequence is: sign your tenancy contract, register Ejari, then apply for DEWA activation. If you are also setting up internet, the sequence extends further: Ejari first, then DEWA, then du or Etisalat. We cover the full Ejari process in our Ejari registration guide.

Online vs In-Person DEWA Applications

DEWA has invested heavily in digital services, and we strongly recommend using the online route. Here is how the two options compare:

Online (DEWA Website or Smart App)

• Available 24/7
• Processing time: 1 to 3 business days
• No need to visit any office
• Pay deposits via credit card, debit card, or bank transfer
• Track your application status in real time

In-Person (DEWA Customer Happiness Centre)

• Main centres at Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, and Hatta
• Walk-in hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Bring original Emirates ID, Ejari, and payment method
• Same-day processing is possible but not guaranteed during busy periods

From our experience, the online process is faster and simpler for most moves. The only scenario where an in-person visit helps is if you have an unusual situation, such as activating a commercial meter or resolving a disputed final bill.

Common DEWA Mistakes During a Move

After assisting with over 5,000 relocations in Dubai, our team has seen these DEWA-related issues repeatedly:

• Applying too late: Submitting your activation request on the day you move in is risky. You could spend your first night without AC or water. Always apply at least 3 business days ahead.
• Wrong premise number: Every unit in Dubai has a unique DEWA premise number. Using the wrong one delays activation. Always verify with your landlord.
• Forgetting Ejari: DEWA requires a valid Ejari number for tenant accounts. No Ejari means no activation.
• Not settling the old account: Outstanding balances on your previous DEWA account can block new activations. Clear all dues before applying.
• Ignoring the final bill: Your old account's final bill is sent to your registered email. If unpaid, DEWA may hold your security deposit.

DEWA Green Charger and EV Considerations

If you own an electric vehicle and are moving to a villa or a building with EV charging provisions, you can apply for a DEWA Green Charger during the activation process. The DEWA EV charger programme offers home charging units installed at a subsidised rate, and the application is bundled into the new connection process. This is worth considering if you are relocating to communities like Dubai Hills Estate, The Springs, or Jumeirah Park where villa parking accommodates charger installations.

How Our Moving Team Helps with DEWA Timing

When you book a move with SAMA Movers, our relocation coordinators provide a personalised timeline that includes DEWA activation checkpoints. We remind you to apply on the right day, confirm that your new premises has active utilities before we deliver your belongings, and take meter reading photographs at both addresses for your records. Our villa moving service and apartment moving service both include utility coordination as a standard feature.

Ready to plan a stress-free move? Get a free moving estimate from SAMA Movers and we will help you coordinate every detail, including your DEWA transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to activate a new DEWA connection?

DEWA typically activates a new connection within 1 to 3 business days when you apply online. During peak moving season from September to November, processing may take up to 5 business days. We recommend applying at least 3 full business days before your move-in date to ensure your electricity and water are running when you arrive.

Can I transfer my DEWA account instead of disconnecting and reconnecting?

DEWA does not offer a direct account transfer between two premises. You must deactivate your account at the old address and create a new activation at the new address. However, both processes can be submitted simultaneously through the DEWA Smart App, and your security deposit from the old account is refunded once the final bill is settled.

What happens if I forget to disconnect DEWA at my old address?

If you do not submit a disconnection request, DEWA continues billing you for electricity and water consumption at the old premises. Your landlord may also face issues activating the account for the next tenant. Always submit your disconnection request before or on your move-out day to avoid accumulating charges on a property you no longer occupy.