Expats working in the UAE need to set up their Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) accounts after finding their preferred accommodation. If you are one of the population who is struggling to find a good guide on how to do this, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you sufficient and useful information so you can set up, transfer and cancel your DEWA account in the UAE even if it’s your first time to do it. Don’t worry, the process is simple and easy and won’t take much of your time.
Moving in the UAE takes a lot of processes, from finding your accommodation to looking for electricity and internet provider. In some countries, the process of applying for these kinds of utilities takes up a lot of time because per every utility, there is an equivalent account. So you really need to repeat the application process again just to get your electricity, water, and internet connections.
For expats, this is not a good way to start your year especially if you have a tight schedule. However, if you are working in the UAE, you won’t have to worry about all of these. There is only one process when you are applying for all of your utilities. To start, here’s what you need to know.
FAQs and Guidelines in Creating a new DEWA account – Electricity and Water Account Bill in Dubai
What is a DEWA account?
Before you apply for the DEWA account, you have to be aware of what is it. For starters, the DEWA account is an acronym used for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. So basically, it is an organization that provides both electricity and water for Dubai.
Who should set up a DEWA Account?
Expats and residents in Dubai who have their own apartment/flat. The setting up of DEWA is only applicable to expats who have signed up for a tenancy contract (usually when you rent an apartment for a year).
If you are working for a company who provides your accommodation, or if you are staying in a bedspace or partition, you should not worry about this.
What do you need to set up a DEWA account?
You will need three things: the required documents, refundable deposit and 110 Dirham fees.
What are the required documents when setting up an account?
You will need a copy of the following documents:
- Your passport in case you are the tenant.
- Your landlord or the home owner’s password.
- The tenancy contract signed by you and the landlord.
- Original Title Deed or Affection plan which you can get from your landlord.
- DEWA application form for new accounts.
What are the steps to apply for a new DEWA account?
Here is the step by step guide so you can set up your DEWA account easily:
Step 1: Look for the nearest DEWA Office.
Step 2: Fill up the DEWA application form for a new account. You should supply all the necessary information.
Step 3: Submit the form together with the documents you prepared.
Step 4: Pay the security deposit for your DEWA account.
Step 5: Pay the connection fees for your DEWA account.
Can you find the DEWA application form online?
The DEWA application form is mandatory if you are applying for a new account. This is an A4-sized paper that you need to fill out so you can give your personal and contact information to the authority.
DEWA application forms are available in DEWA branches.
You can also find it on the official website of DEWA. Click here to go to the form. When you are on the site already, go to “Forms and Documents” and download the file “Activation of Electricity and Water Service (Move-in) for Residential Expatriate Customers.”
How much are the refundable and connection fees for new accounts?
Now, you may be wondering about the fees you need to pay to set up your DEWA account. Here’s what you need to know.
DEWA security deposit or the refundable fees are mandatory. You can get the fund back once you vacate the property you are renting. When you leave the apartment and don’t need the DEWA account anymore, you can claim your refundable deposit. However, you need to keep the original receipt to be able to get your fund back.
The amount of security deposit you can get is AED 2,000 for apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa.
Meanwhile, the connection fees you need to pay is AED 110, which is not refundable. This is sometimes called the setup fees.
What is a DEWA premise number?
The DEWA premise number is a mandatory requirement when you are filling in your DEWA application form. This is not the same as your Ejari number.
The premise number is located on the side of your house’s entrance. Typically, it’s the black square you can see from the outside of your door.
How long does it take to set up an account?
Your DEWA new account will be made within 24 hours after you send the application form and the required documents.
Can you set up a DEWA account online?
You can definitely set up a DEWA online account online. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Go to the DEWA official website.
Step 2: Fill in the online application form and supply all the necessary information.
Step 3: Prepare the mandatory attachments such as the Tenancy Agreement passport with Valid Visa Page or Trade License.
Step 4: Pay the required security deposit via ePay.
What if the property is leased by the company?
It’s also possible that your accommodation will be leased out by your company. There are employers who cover the cost of employees’ apartments and villas. In this situation, you will be required to prepare the same requirements and these additional documents:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the company.
- A copy of the Trade License of the company.
- A copy of the passport of the authorized signatory of the company.
How can you contact DEWA?
- Toll-free DEWA contact number: 800900
- Telephone: +971 4 601 9999
- dewa.gov.ae
- Fax: +917 4 324 8111
If you have any clarifications, inquiries, and complaints, you can contact these numbers. The official website of DEWA has all the information you need.
Transferring Your DEWA account
Moving to other locations cannot be avoided. As an expat living here in the UAE, you might experience this once or more in your expat life. If this happens, can you transfer your DEWA account to your new location?
Definitely!
To transfer your DEWA account, you just have to follow to go to the official website of DEWA and download the smart application needed for the transfer. DEWA is now offering DEWA Move To service that permits expats from the UAE to move together with their DEWA account just by providing their Ejari tenancy contract for the new apartment or villa. After the submission, the transfer is automatically made.
What’s good about the transfer service is that the refundable deposit moves with you. Meaning, you don’t have to pay any security deposit unless the new apartment is bigger than the old one. If you are just changing your location, then you’re good to go without paying any additional fees.
Canceling Your DEWA account
Yes, you can cancel your DEWA account too. This is done mostly by expats who are moving out of the country after some time of working or living in the UAE. The cancellation process is easy and it can be done online or by going to DEWA branches near you.
How do you cancel your DEWA account online?
For those who wish to cancel online, follow these steps.
Step 1: Go to the official website of DEWA and log in using your User ID and Password.
Step 2: Go to Quick Services then choose “De-activation of Electricity and Water (Move-Out).
Step 3: Select your account and check if you want to request for a clearance certificate.
Step 4: Pay your outstanding DEWA bill through payment methods available. You can also pay for the clearance certificate if you opt for it.
Step 5: Simply click submit.
A confirmation message will be sent to your SMS & email together with your Move Out notification number. You will receive your DEWA final bill in your registered email as well.
As for the refund of your security deposit, you can process it through IBAN or Cheque, whichever you prefer.
How do you cancel your DEWA account offline?
You can cancel your DEWA account without logging in to the official website. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Send an email, fax, or visit any DEWA customer service center before you leave your apartment or villa.
Step 2: Prepare and submit the following: your Customer Account Number, Date of disconnection, mobile number and Emirates ID. If the company is paying for your accommodation, you need the Authorization Letter from your company with a stamp and signature.
Step 3: Your DEWA Move out request will be made and you will receive an email with a link that lets you choose what refund options for your security deposit. You can choose between Cheque or IBAN.
Step 4: You will receive your DEWA final bill to your email and a move out a notification will also be sent via SMS or email.
Step 5: Pay the final bill settlement online or in cash at the DEWA branch where you are applying for the cancellation.
Setting up, transferring and canceling your DEWA account are made easy through DEWA’s online features. Don’t forget to share this with your family and friends who are in the UAE as well!
