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Dubai tenant guide

DEWA deposit & setup

Connecting water and electricity means a refundable DEWA deposit plus a small activation fee. Here's what it costs and how to get it back.

Reviewed by the DubaiRentCap team · Last updated

What the DEWA deposit is

To connect water and electricity in Dubai you set up an account with DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority). It takes a refundable security deposit — held against your account, not a fee — plus a one-off activation/connection charge.

How much it costs

  • Refundable deposit: around AED 2,000 for an apartment, AED 4,000 for a villa.
  • Activation / connection: roughly AED 130, plus small knowledge and innovation fees.

Figures are typical estimates and can change — confirm current rates with DEWA.

How to set up DEWA

  1. Register your tenancy on Ejari first — you'll need it.
  2. Apply through the DEWA app or website with your Ejari, Emirates ID and the premises number.
  3. Pay the deposit + activation; the connection is usually activated quickly.

Getting your deposit back

When you move out, request an account closure with DEWA and settle the final bill — the deposit is refunded. Do this alongside cancelling your Ejari so your tenancy is closed cleanly, just like reclaiming your security deposit.

See your full move-in cost

The DEWA deposit is one line in the bigger picture. The tenancy upfront-cost calculator totals it alongside the agency commission, security deposit and Ejari, so you know exactly what moving in will cost.

Common questions

How much is the DEWA deposit in Dubai?

The refundable DEWA security deposit is around AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, plus a small activation/connection fee. You get the deposit back when you close the account.

Is the DEWA deposit refundable?

Yes. The DEWA deposit is a refundable security against your account, not a charge. It's returned when you close the account at move-out, after your final bill is settled.

How do I get my DEWA deposit back?

Request a move-out / account closure with DEWA, settle the final bill, and the deposit is refunded (often to your account or as credit). Do this alongside cancelling your Ejari.