How it works
- Register your Ejari. DEWA then often sends a welcome message with your new account number and a payment link
- Pay the security deposit and activation fees through the DEWA app, the DEWA website or the DubaiNow app
- Electricity and water are connected, usually within 15 working hours of payment
What it costs
AED 4,000Refundable deposit for a villa (AED 2,000 for an apartment)
AED 125–300One-off activation fee, depending on meter size, plus small admin fees
5%Housing fee: 5% of your annual rent, added to your monthly bill
Don't be surprised by the housing fee
The Dubai Municipality housing fee is charged on top of your usage and paid through your DEWA bill in monthly instalments. On AED 200,000 rent, that's about AED 830 a month. It's based on the rent in your Ejari, so make sure that's correct.
Good to know
- Summer bills are much higher than winter ones, because air conditioning does most of the work
- Pay your bill online by card through the DEWA or DubaiNow apps
- When you move out, close your account to get your deposit back
- Moving within Dubai later? DEWA can transfer your account and deposit to your new home
General guidance only. DEWA fees can change, so check the latest on DEWA's website.