Start with the building, not four application forms
Ask the landlord or building management for the unit and DEWA premise numbers, the move-in rules, and a list of providers serving the apartment. Does the kitchen use piped gas, electricity or a cylinder? Who bills cooling, and does the lease include any cooling charges? Which fixed-line internet providers can connect this exact unit?
Get written confirmation of the account holder and any outstanding balance for each service. If you are renting, keep your signed tenancy contract and Ejari, Emirates ID or passport, and contact details together. Owners should have their title deed or sale and purchase agreement ready. Book any move-in permit, loading access or service lift with the building separately.
1. DEWA: electricity and water
For a standard Dubai tenancy registered through Ejari, DEWA says the new account is created through the Ejari integration. You should receive a welcome email or SMS with the account number, security-deposit amount and payment link. Pay through DEWA's official channel, keep the receipt and check that supply is active before the movers arrive. If the message does not arrive, use DEWA's Move-in service or app; owners and qualifying free-zone tenants apply directly.
DEWA lists a refundable residential deposit of AED 2,000 for a flat and AED 4,000 for a villa. For a typical small-meter connection, its activation charges total AED 155. DEWA says supply is connected within 15 working hours after payment of the deposit and connection fees; if it is not, call 04 601 9999. Existing Dubai customers should also check whether DEWA's Move-to service can transfer their account and deposit rather than opening a completely new arrangement.
2. Lootah BCGas: only if your building uses it
If management confirms that Lootah BCGas supplies the unit, contact its customer service on 800 5224 or call_center@lootahbcgas.com with the building and apartment details. Ask for the new-connection application, required documents, payment instructions and the earliest activation or inspection appointment. Its published payment page describes a route for new-connection payments and sending the receipt with application documents to its activation team; do not mistake registration for an existing online customer account for a new connection application.
Request an itemised quote before paying. Ask which amount is a refundable security deposit, which amount is a one-time connection or inspection fee, and whether any existing gas account must first be closed. We could not verify a universal new-connection deposit on Lootah's official pages, so use the quote for your particular unit. Do not operate a gas connection yourself; let the provider or authorised technician handle activation.
3. Tasleem: check whether cooling is billed separately
If the building uses Tasleem for district cooling and the resident must hold the account, apply through Tasleem's online registration portal. Enter the unit details, accept the cooling service agreement, upload an Emirates ID or passport and tenancy or ownership document, then pay the security deposit and registration fee. Keep the confirmation and check that the AC actually cools the apartment.
Tasleem directs customers to its charges page or their account tariff for the applicable deposit and registration amounts; there is no reliable single figure for every building. Ask for the unit's tariff, whether bills include consumption and fixed capacity charges, and who pays each charge under your lease. If the listing says ‘chiller-free’, put the exact landlord-paid items in writing. Tasleem says a deposit refund is processed after closure and settlement, but the deposit cannot simply be transferred to a new Tasleem account.
4. du or e&: check the address before choosing a plan
Check fixed-line availability for the exact building and unit on du's or e&'s official home-internet pages. Compare the full monthly price after any promotion, contract term, installation and equipment charges, deposit if applicable, and early-exit terms. Book a technician slot early; a working phone hotspot is useful while you wait, but should not replace checking the installed connection.
Already have home internet? Request a relocation rather than assuming you need a second contract. du accepts a Home Relocation request in its app or My Account, asks for proof of the new address, and currently lists an AED 100 relocation fee on the next bill. e& describes Home Move in its UAE app for eligible fibre connections, with the move dates and appointment selected there; it also offers support on 101. Confirm the current fee and eligibility for your particular plan before submitting. New-customer deposits and promotions vary by operator and package, so read the checkout summary rather than relying on one headline amount.
A one-day-before move-in check
Turn on a light and a tap. Test the hob only after authorised gas activation. Run the AC long enough to confirm it cools, not merely that the thermostat lights up. Test the internet in the room where you will work. Keep screenshots of the four account confirmations and payment receipts, note any meter readings, and save the building move-in approval.
If something is missing, contact the relevant provider with the unit number and application reference. A specific question works better than ‘Is everything ready?’ Ask: ‘Has service been activated for this unit, what is the reference number, and is an appointment still required?’