All About Getting Water Connections in Dubai
Dubai’s rapid development has resulted in a growing demand for efficient water supply systems. For contractors and consultants, securing water connections for various projects is a critical step. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) facilitates this process with a well-structured service. Here’s all about getting water connections in Dubai, covering the types of connections, mandatory documents, service steps, fees and more.
Types of Water Connections in Dubai

DEWA’s services provide different types of water connections to cater to the varying needs of properties:
- Single Connection: Suitable for premises with a single metre, such as villas and hotel buildings.
- Multi Connection: Ideal for buildings containing multiple metres within the same property, like apartment buildings.
- Development Connection: Designed for housing communities that encompass multiple metres, such as projects by Emaar, DAMAC and other leading real estate developers in Dubai.
Categories of Water Connections
Water connections in Dubai fall into three main categories:
- Temporary Connection: Used for construction purposes to ensure a continuous water supply during the building phase.
- Permanent Connection: Provides a long-term water supply solution for completed projects.
- Upgradation: This involves increasing the water demand to accommodate growing needs or expansions.
Mandatory Documents for Water Connection
Make sure you have the following documents required for water connections in Dubai:
- Affection Plan: Required if the project is located in Dubai’s free zone areas.
- Premises Details Sheets: Detailed information about the premises.
- Approved Shop Drawings: Blueprints or schematics approved by the relevant authorities.
Additionally, depending on your status (tenant or owner) and the nature of the property (residential, commercial or industrial), you will need:
- A valid Ejari number for tenants.
- Title Deed for property owners.
- Trade Licence for commercial and industrial customers under the Department of Economic Development.
- Passport image or Emirates ID Number for GCC nationals and investors.
How to Get Water Connections in Dubai

The process to apply for water connections in Dubai involves several steps and adherence to DEWA’s requirements. Here’s a step-by-step procedure:
- Submit Application: Log in to the DEWA mobile app or website and submit the application for getting a water connection in Dubai. You can also visit DEWA Customer Happiness Centres in Dubai.
- Enter Owner and Contractor Details: Input the owner’s Emirates ID and the contractor’s trade licence number used during registration with DEWA, then click ‘Search.’
- Select Owner: Choose the owner to create the application.
- Choose Connection Type: Select either a permanent or temporary connection.
- Search DEWA Approved Building NOC: Locate the No Objection Certificate related to your project.
- Fill Mandatory Fields: Complete all required fields and attach necessary documents based on the connection type.
- Site Visit and Cost Estimate: DEWA will visit the site to issue a cost estimate.
- Payment: Pay the fees through any DEWA-approved payment channel.
- Site Readiness and NOC Clearance: Ensure the site is ready and all NOC clearances are obtained.
- Connection Installation: The water metre will be connected within 3 days for small metres and 5 days for large metres.
In case you are new in the emirate, here’s how to open a DEWA account.
Service Fees
Understanding the fee structure is crucial for budgeting. The registration of the application is free, but DEWA charges for activation and security deposits:
- Activation Charges:
- AED 100 for connecting electricity and water (small metres).
- AED 300 for connecting electricity and water metres (large metres).
- AED 10 for registration.
- AED 10 for the knowledge fee.
- AED 10 for the innovation fee.
- AED 130 for activation
- *VAT will be charged as applicable.
- Security Deposit:
- AED 2,000 for a flat (residential premises).
- AED 4,000 for a villa (residential premises).
- Connection Fees: Vary based on daily water demand, required materials, approval from relevant authorities and site conditions.
Service Delivery Time

The time frame for delivering the service depends on the type of metre:
- Large Metre Connections: 5 working days from payment and the scheduled shutdown.
- Small Metre Connections: 3 working days from payment, provided the building is ready, complies with AMI requirements and all required documents are submitted.
FAQs
How to get a water connection in Dubai?
Submit a move-in request through the DEWA website or app, receive a notification number for tracking, pay the security deposit and activation fees and the electricity and water will be connected within 15 working hours.
How long does it take to get a water connection?
The time required to get a water connection depends on the metre size. For large metres, it takes 5 working days after payment, while small metres are connected within 3 working days.
What is the security deposit for water connections?
The security deposit for water connections in Dubai is AED 2,000 for flats and AED 4,000 for villas.
Securing a water connection in Dubai involves several steps, from choosing the right type of connection to ensuring all mandatory documents are in place. Understanding DEWA’s procedures and fee structures helps streamline the process. Whether it’s a temporary connection for construction or a permanent connection for a completed building, following these guidelines will help you navigate the system effectively.
Those planning to rent an apartment in Dubai should make sure they know the reasons for high electricity and water consumption to avoid unexpectedly high DEWA bills. Moreover, understanding how to manage your consumption can save you a significant amount of money over time. For this, use these tips to reduce DEWA bills and enjoy low bills.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle property blog to learn more about DEWA services.