Dubai

🔌

Utilities and Services

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Utilities and Services in Dubai, UAE (Housing and Accommodation)

When moving to Dubai, understanding how to set up and manage utilities and services for your home is essential. This guide provides detailed information about the key utility providers, types of services, costs, setup procedures, required documents, payment methods, and local tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.

1. Utility Providers in Dubai

Dubai has a well-organized system for utilities and services, with specific providers for electricity, water, gas, internet, and other essential services.

Key Utility Providers:

  • Electricity and Water: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
  • Gas: Private companies such as Emirates Gas, Lootah Gas, and others
  • Internet, TV, and Landline: Etisalat and du (the two main telecom providers)
  • Cooling (District Cooling): Empower, Palm Utilities, and others (for some residential areas)

2. Types of Services Available

Here’s a breakdown of the main utilities and services you’ll need to set up for your home:

a. Electricity and Water (DEWA)

  • DEWA provides electricity and water services across Dubai.
  • Most residential properties are connected to DEWA by default, but you’ll need to activate the service when you move in.

b. Gas

  • Gas is not centralized in Dubai. Instead, it is supplied by private companies.
  • Some apartments and villas use gas cylinders, while others have piped gas systems.

c. Internet, TV, and Landline

  • Etisalat and du offer bundled packages for internet, TV, and landline services.
  • Both providers have competitive plans, and the choice often depends on your location and personal preferences.

d. District Cooling

  • District cooling is a centralized air conditioning system used in many modern residential areas.
  • Providers like Empower charge separately for cooling services, which are billed monthly.

3. Average Costs of Utilities

The cost of utilities in Dubai varies depending on the size of your home, your consumption, and the services you use. Below is an estimate of average monthly costs:

a. Electricity and Water (DEWA):

  • Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: AED 500–800
  • 2-3 Bedroom Apartment: AED 800–1,500
  • Villa: AED 1,500–3,000+
  • DEWA also charges a refundable security deposit:
    • AED 2,000 for apartments
    • AED 4,000 for villas

b. Gas:

  • Gas Cylinder Refill: AED 80–150 (depending on size)
  • Piped Gas: AED 100–300 per month (varies by usage)

c. Internet, TV, and Landline:

  • Bundled packages start at AED 300–500 per month, depending on speed and services.

d. District Cooling:

  • Monthly Charges: AED 500–1,500 (depending on property size and usage)
  • Security Deposit: AED 2,000–5,000 (refundable)

4. How to Set Up Utilities

Setting up utilities in Dubai is straightforward but requires specific steps and documents.

a. Setting Up DEWA (Electricity and Water):

  1. Documents Required:
    • Passport copy
    • Emirates ID copy
    • Tenancy contract (Ejari certificate)
    • Security deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas)
  2. Procedure:
    • Visit the DEWA website (www.dewa.gov.ae) or download the DEWA app.
    • Create an account and upload the required documents.
    • Pay the security deposit online or at a DEWA customer service center.
    • Activation usually takes 24 hours.
  3. Payment Methods:
    • Online (via DEWA website or app)
    • Bank transfer
    • Payment kiosks
    • Auto-debit from your bank account

b. Setting Up Gas:

  1. Documents Required:
    • Passport copy
    • Emirates ID copy
    • Tenancy contract
  2. Procedure:
    • Contact a gas supplier (e.g., Emirates Gas or Lootah Gas) to arrange installation or delivery.
    • For piped gas, the supplier will activate the service after verifying your documents.
  3. Payment Methods:
    • Cash on delivery (for cylinders)
    • Online payment (for piped gas)

c. Setting Up Internet, TV, and Landline:

  1. Documents Required:
    • Passport copy
    • Emirates ID copy
    • Tenancy contract
  2. Procedure:
    • Visit an Etisalat or du store or apply online.
    • Choose a package and provide the required documents.
    • Installation is usually completed within 2–3 days.
  3. Payment Methods:
    • Online (via provider’s website or app)
    • Auto-debit
    • Payment kiosks

d. Setting Up District Cooling:

  1. Documents Required:
    • Passport copy
    • Emirates ID copy
    • Tenancy contract
    • Security deposit
  2. Procedure:
    • Contact the district cooling provider for your area (e.g., Empower).
    • Submit the required documents and pay the security deposit.
    • Service activation typically takes 1–2 days.
  3. Payment Methods:
    • Online (via provider’s website or app)
    • Bank transfer
    • Payment kiosks

5. Payment Methods for Utilities

Dubai offers multiple convenient payment options for utilities:

  • Online payments via provider websites or mobile apps
  • Auto-debit from your bank account
  • Payment kiosks located in malls and public areas
  • Bank transfers or direct payments at customer service centers

6. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Ejari Registration: Ensure your tenancy contract is registered with Ejari, as it is required for setting up most utilities.
  • Security Deposits: Keep track of your security deposits, as they are refundable when you move out.
  • Energy Conservation: DEWA bills include a slab-based tariff system, meaning higher consumption leads to higher rates. Be mindful of your electricity and water usage to save on costs.
  • Cooling Charges: District cooling charges can be significant, so factor this into your budget when choosing a property.
  • Bundled Packages: For internet, TV, and landline, bundled packages are often more cost-effective than subscribing to services individually.
  • Mobile Apps: Most utility providers have user-friendly apps for bill payments, consumption tracking, and service requests.

7. Emergency Contacts

  • DEWA Customer Service: 991
  • Gas Suppliers: Contact your specific provider (e.g., Emirates Gas or Lootah Gas)
  • Etisalat Customer Service: 101
  • du Customer Service: 155
  • District Cooling Providers: Contact your area-specific provider (e.g., Empower)

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities and services for your home in Dubai. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!