Understanding the Link Between Ejari and DEWA
In Dubai, electricity and water cannot be activated until your Ejari registration is complete. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) are digitally connected, meaning that once your tenancy contract is registered in the Ejari system, DEWA automatically recognizes your tenancy details.
This integration ensures transparency, prevents unauthorized occupancy, and keeps utility accounts tied to legally registered tenants or property owners.
Why Ejari Comes First
Every property in Dubai has a unique DEWA premise number, which identifies it within the city’s utility system. When you register your tenancy on Ejari, the DLD automatically links your property’s DEWA number to your new lease.
Without an active Ejari, DEWA will not activate or transfer utility services to your name. This policy ensures that only verified tenants or owners can access electricity and water for a given unit.
In short:
You can’t apply for DEWA until Ejari is active.
Once Ejari is registered, DEWA setup becomes automatic and paperless.
Step-by-Step: Connecting Ejari to DEWA
1. Register Ejari
You can register through the Dubai REST app or at an OnTime Trustee Center. Once submitted, your Ejari certificate is issued electronically by DLD.
2. DEWA Receives Data Automatically
After Ejari registration, DLD transfers your details (tenant name, contract dates, property DEWA number) directly to DEWA’s database.
3. Activate Your DEWA Account
You’ll receive an email or SMS from DEWA with a link to complete activation. Follow the steps to:
Pay your refundable security deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas).
Provide your Emirates ID and passport copy (if required).
Activation usually takes under 24 hours after payment.
4. Receive Your DEWA Account Details
Once the process is complete, DEWA sends your new account number, service start date, and initial reading confirmation. From this point, billing is handled monthly through email or the DEWA app.
When to Reconnect or Transfer DEWA
If you move to another property:
Cancel the old Ejari (done by landlord or tenant).
Register a new Ejari for your new address.
DEWA will automatically prompt you to transfer or open a new account linked to your new property’s premise number.
This ensures that each tenancy remains linked to the correct utilities without overlaps.
How DEWA Recognizes Landlords and Tenants
DEWA distinguishes between property owners and tenants using the Ejari record:
For landlords: DEWA services remain active under the owner’s account until a new tenant registers Ejari.
For tenants: Once Ejari is registered, DEWA transfers the utilities to the tenant’s name automatically.
If a property is vacant, DEWA will detect the lack of active Ejari and may suspend service until a valid lease or ownership record appears.
Common Scenarios and Questions
What if DEWA doesn’t activate after Ejari registration?
This usually means that either the DEWA premise number on the tenancy contract is incorrect, or the previous tenant’s Ejari has not been cancelled. Contact your landlord or building management to resolve it.
Can I activate DEWA before registering Ejari?
No. The system requires the DLD verification code that is generated only after Ejari registration.
What happens when I renew my tenancy?
Once you renew Ejari for the next term, DEWA automatically extends your existing utility account to match the new contract dates — no separate reactivation is needed.
Why the Integration Matters
This system creates a single verified source of truth for rental data in Dubai.
It protects tenants by ensuring only registered individuals can activate utilities.
It protects landlords by preventing unauthorized occupancy.
It improves government oversight of rental activity, helping prevent fraud and disputes.
It also makes moving homes simpler: you no longer have to manually visit DEWA offices to reconnect or transfer accounts.
In Summary
Ejari registration is mandatory before activating DEWA.
Both systems are connected through the Dubai Land Department.
Once Ejari is approved, DEWA activates automatically.
Renewal or cancellation of Ejari updates DEWA’s system in real time.
This integration is part of Dubai’s wider push toward smart city governance, where housing, utilities, and residency services operate through unified digital systems.
Suggested Reading
Disclaimer
Information in this article reflects official policies from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as of October 2025. Procedures, fees, and processing times may change. Always confirm the latest requirements through official DLD and DEWA websites or mobile applications before registering.
