Moving into a new home in Dubai requires activating several essential services before you can fully settle in. Once your Ejari registration is complete and linked to the Dubai Land Department, you can connect electricity, water, cooling, internet, gas, and more. Here is what to set up, in the order that makes sense.
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1. DEWA — Electricity and Water
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the first utility to activate after receiving your Ejari certificate. DEWA is directly integrated with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) system, so a valid Ejari registration is required before your application will be accepted.
How to activate:
- Visit dewa.gov.ae or download the DEWA Smart App. - Upload your Ejari certificate, Emirates ID, and tenancy contract. - Pay a refundable security deposit — AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas. - Connection is typically activated within 24 hours of payment.
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2. Cooling — District Cooling or Chiller
Many Dubai buildings use district cooling instead of individual air conditioning units. These systems are managed by private providers such as Empower, Emicool, and Tabreed.
How to set up:
- Contact the cooling provider listed in your tenancy contract. - Provide your Ejari certificate, passport, and Emirates ID. - Pay a refundable security deposit (typically AED 1,500–2,500).
Bills are issued monthly and are separate from your DEWA account.
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3. Internet and Landline
Two licensed telecom providers operate in Dubai: du and Etisalat by e&. Most new communities are served by du, while Etisalat offers broader coverage across older areas.
How to activate:
- Visit a service centre or apply online through your chosen provider. - Submit your Ejari certificate, Emirates ID, and passport. - Select a home broadband plan with your preferred speed and any TV add-ons.
Connection usually takes 1 to 3 working days after submission.
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4. Gas Connection
Some Dubai properties use piped gas. Your tenancy contract or building management can confirm whether piped gas is available and which provider is assigned — commonly Lootah, Emirates Gas, or ADNOC Gas.
Required documents:
- Ejari certificate - Emirates ID - Tenancy contract
You may be asked to pay a security deposit and a connection fee. Gas billing is either monthly or through a prepaid system, depending on the provider.
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5. Waste Collection and Recycling
Waste collection is handled by Dubai Municipality, with private companies serving specific gated communities and towers.
- Bins are provided by your building management or developer. - Recycling centres are available in most residential areas and malls.
No separate registration is required — waste collection fees are typically included in your housing service charges or community fees.
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6. Air Conditioning Maintenance (Non-District Cooling)
If your unit uses a split or central A/C system instead of district cooling, regular maintenance is your responsibility as a tenant.
- Tenants are generally responsible for filter cleaning and minor servicing. - Landlords are responsible for major repairs unless the tenancy contract states otherwise.
Check your contract carefully before booking any major A/C work.
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7. Optional Services — TV, Insurance, and Smart Home
Once your essential utilities are running, you may want to add:
- TV and streaming packages from du or Etisalat - Home contents insurance, available from most UAE insurers - Smart home devices compatible with DEWA Smart Living
These are not required for move-in but improve day-to-day comfort and security.
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8. Smart Dubai Apps for Managing Utilities
Dubai has integrated most household services into digital platforms. Download these before or shortly after moving in:
- Dubai REST — property and Ejari management - DEWA Smart App — electricity and water control and billing - Empower App — district cooling bill payments - DubaiNow — central government services portal
Managing your home through these apps keeps bills, renewal reminders, and service requests in one place.
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Summary: Setup Checklist in Order
1. Register Ejari. 2. Activate DEWA (electricity and water). 3. Set up cooling and internet services. 4. Confirm gas connections and waste management arrangements. 5. Download Dubai Smart Apps for ongoing account management.
Once complete, your home will be fully connected to Dubai's essential infrastructure.
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Information in this article is based on data verified with official Dubai government platforms and major utility providers as of October 2025. Procedures, fees, and requirements may change without prior notice. Confirm details directly with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), DEWA, or the relevant service provider before applying.
