First Apartment Utility Setup

Action checklist

Complete these steps in order for the fastest, safest setup.

• 1Set up DEWA (electricity & water) first — no other utilities work without it
• 2Apply online at dewa.gov.ae or through the DEWA app — takes 1–3 working days
• 3Required documents: tenancy contract (Ejari-registered), Emirates ID or passport, property details
• 4DEWA deposit: 2,000 AED (apartment) — refundable when you move out
• 5For internet: du, Etisalat (e&), or Virgin Mobile Home — compare speeds for your building
• 6Some buildings are pre-wired for one provider only — check before signing up
• 7Chiller (district cooling) is separate from DEWA in most new buildings — check your contract

DEWA setup step by step

1. Register on dewa.gov.ae with your Emirates ID (or passport if ID not ready) 2. Submit: Ejari contract number, unit number, passport/Emirates ID copy 3. Pay the refundable security deposit online: 2,000 AED (apartment), 4,000 AED (villa) 4. DEWA activates within 1–3 working days 5. Receive confirmation by SMS and email Fees: 130 AED connection fee (one-time) + 10 AED Knowledge fee + deposit. Total first-time cost: ~2,140 AED.

Internet providers and what to expect

du Home: most common in newer buildings. Plans 100Mbps–1Gbps, from 249 AED/month. Installation takes 3–7 days. Etisalat (e&) Home: strong in older areas, similar pricing. Plans from 249 AED/month. Virgin Mobile Home: competitive pricing, uses du infrastructure, good for budget users. Note: many buildings in Business Bay, DIFC, and Downtown are wired for one provider only — verify before choosing. Switching is possible but requires a technician visit.

Chiller (district cooling) — what it is

Many Dubai apartments, especially in newer developments, use district cooling for air conditioning instead of individual AC units. Chiller is charged separately — typically 100–500+ AED/month depending on usage and building. Provider is usually Empower, Tabreed, or Emicool — check your tenancy contract. Chiller account must be opened separately before moving in. Failure to open account = no AC. The chiller deposit is typically 500–2,000 AED refundable.