Two bits of admin that nobody properly warns you about: Ejari and DEWA. Get these wrong and you will not have electricity, cannot sponsor your family, and have no legal standing in a rental dispute. Here is everything you need to know.
Ejari: what it is and why it matters
Ejari (Arabic for "my rent") is Dubai's mandatory rental registration system, run by RERA and the Dubai Land Department. Your tenancy contract does not officially exist without it.
You need Ejari for:
- DEWA electricity and water connection
- Sponsoring your spouse, children or a domestic worker
- School enrolment for your kids
- Renewing your UAE residency visa
- Filing a rental dispute
How to register Ejari
- Option A: Dubai REST app — The fastest route. Same-day processing in most cases. Fee: AED 100.
- Option B: Authorised typing centre — More help from staff if you are doing it for the first time. Fee: AED 220.
- Option C: Ejari service centre — Walk-in option at select DLD offices.
Documents you need for Ejari
- Signed tenancy contract (unified RERA format)
- Passport copy (tenant)
- Emirates ID copy (tenant)
- Landlord title deed copy
- Landlord passport copy (if individual, not company)
Important Ejari rules
- Must be renewed every time your lease is signed or renewed, not just when you move in.
- The contract must be in the unified RERA format. Non-standard contracts are rejected.
- If you are not yet a UAE resident, provide your entry permit or visa page instead of Emirates ID.
- Ejari must be cancelled before a new contract for the same property can be registered.
DEWA: electricity and water
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is the utility provider for Dubai. You cannot connect until your Ejari is registered.
- Apply at dewa.gov.ae or via the DEWA app.
- Pay your refundable security deposit: AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas. Refunded when you eventually close the account and move out.
- Service activates within 24 hours of payment.
- The 5% municipality fee is added to your monthly DEWA bill.
Outside Dubai?
Abu Dhabi uses Tawtheeq (register at tamm.abudhabi) instead of Ejari, and ADDC or AADC for utilities. Sharjah, Ajman and other emirates have their own municipal registration systems. Same principle, different platforms.
Information correct as of June 2026. Always verify fees at official .gov.ae sources before acting.