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A Tour of Utilities Connections in The UAE
Welcome to the UAE! If you're planning to relocate to this amazing country, one of the most important tasks will be connecting the utility services in your chosen property. However, this can be a complex process, especially for those unfamiliar with local nuances. To help you successfully connect the utility services in the UAE, we have prepared a special guide that will walk you through the entire process. We will cover all the stages of service connection, from registration to payment and handling complaints. In this article, we will focus on connecting utility services in two emirates of the UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You will learn about the local companies to contact for service connection, as well as the need to open an account for utility bill payments. We will also share useful tips and recommendations to help you avoid mistakes and make the process of connecting utility services smoother and easier. With All this you can also get one more benefit of easily calculate a part of living expense between Abu Dhabi Vs Dubai, If you are planning to move in permanently or Just Coming for a some months Visits.
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Utility Services in the UAE
The UAE is one of the leading countries in terms of utility service development. A significant portion of these services is provided by government regional authorities, which play a crucial role in supplying the population with energy, water, and other necessary resources. The two main entities responsible for utility services in the UAE are the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC). They not only handle the supply and distribution of electricity and water but also play an important regulatory role in these industrial sectors.
Whether you're learning about uae utilities standards or specific addc connection options, understanding both DEWA and ADDC frameworks is essential.
The UAE is renowned for its energy sector, which is one of the fastest-growing in the world. They actively seek environmentally friendly and sustainable energy solutions, including solar and wind sources. This demonstrates the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing dependence on the oil and gas sector.
Ensuring reliable water supply is an important task for the UAE government, especially given the constantly growing population and infrastructure development. Significant investments and innovations are focused on creating efficient water supply systems that can meet the country's future water resource needs.
Electricity and Water Supply in the UAE
Electricity and water supply are key aspects of utility services in the UAE. When registering for utility services, there are several important factors to consider.
Electricity in the UAE is supplied at a standard voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Most household appliances and devices used in the country operate on this grid. When connecting utility services, you will be dealing with government regional entities such as DEWA and ADDC, which are responsible for electricity supply and distribution.
As for water supply, in the UAE, water comes from underground sources and desalinated seawater. Only regional government companies handle water supply, ensuring its reliability and quality.
When connecting utility services, it is also important to consider water quality. It is recommended to install a water filter after connecting to the plumbing system in your home. This will help improve the quality of drinking water and reduce the costs of purchasing bottled water. The average cost of installing such a filter is around AED 999 (USD 272) and will be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Electricity and Water Providers in the UAE
In the UAE, the supply of electricity and water is managed by regional authorities that play a vital role in providing these utility services. The UAE government partially subsidizes these services to ensure affordability for the population.
In Dubai, the sole distributor of household electricity and water is the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). DEWA actively implements innovative technologies and develops autonomous systems that utilize alternative energy sources, including solar and wind energy. Additionally, DEWA also leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and reliability of utility services.
In Abu Dhabi, the distribution of electricity and water is carried out by the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC). For those wondering how to addc connection works, or where to pay ADDC bills, ADDC provides online and in-person payment options.
It is important to note that DEWA and ADDC also offer services for registration, account opening, payment, and maintenance of utility services. When connecting to utility services in the UAE, you will be communicating and collaborating with these organizations.
Cost and Tariffs for Electricity and Water in the UAE
The cost of electricity and water in the UAE can vary depending on various factors, including the provider and consumption pattern. Below are approximate tariffs and costs of services in the UAE.
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) sets the following standard tariffs for electricity and water in Dubai:
- Electricity tariff: approximately 23 fils (0.23 dirhams) per kilowatt-hour.
- Water tariff: approximately 3 fils (0.03 dirhams) per gallon.
- For electricity consumption below 2,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the standard tariff applies. However, if consumption exceeds 6,000 kilowatt-hours, the tariff may be around 38 dirhams per kilowatt-hour.
ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company) in Abu Dhabi offers different tariff ranges depending on the level of electricity and water consumption:
- Electricity tariff: in the "green band," approximately 26.8 fils (0.268 dirhams) per kilowatt-hour, and in the "red band," approximately 30.5 fils (0.305 dirhams) per kilowatt-hour. For the "green" electricity tariff category, consumption is 20 kilowatt-hours per day for apartments and 200 kilowatt-hours per day for villas.
- Water tariff: in the "green band," approximately 7.8 dirhams per cubic liter, and in the "red band," approximately 10.41 dirhams per cubic liter. For the "green" water tariff category, consumption is 0.7 cubic liters per day for apartments and 5 cubic liters per day for villas.
- To obtain precise tariffs and cost details, it is recommended to contact the respective electricity and water providers in the UAE, such as DEWA and ADDC.
Connection and Disconnection of Electricity and Water in the UAE
In Dubai, the process of connecting and disconnecting utility services like electricity and water is managed by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and can be done online.
To connect electricity and water for individuals, they need to fill out an online form on the DEWA website and pay an activation fee, which is AED 130 (USD 35) for small meters or AED 330 (USD 90) for large meters. Additionally, a security deposit of AED 2,000 (USD 545) for apartments or AED 4,000 (USD 1,090) for villas is required. After completing all the necessary steps, the services will be activated within 15 hours.
Disconnection of utility services in Dubai can also be done online. To do this, one needs to pay the final bill and fees, which amount to AED 120 (USD 33) for small meters or AED 320 (USD 87) for large meters, and specify the moving-out date. To disconnect utility services automatically, it is necessary to notify the customer service center by providing the account number, Emirates ID, and phone number.
DEWA also offers a special mode called "Away Mode" that helps property owners monitor their energy consumption more attentively. This feature allows saving resources if you are going on vacation or a business trip and notifies you of any potential excessive consumption during your absence. Consumption information will be sent to your email daily or weekly.
The system of connecting and disconnecting utility services in the UAE, including Dubai, is convenient and straightforward, allowing residents to efficiently manage their utility services and resources.
Gas Supply in the UAE
In Dubai and the northern emirates, Emirates Gas supplies LPG through distributors.
- The cost of an 11 kg cylinder is about AED 70 (USD 19), 22 kg costs around AED 140 (USD 38), and 44 kg costs approximately AED 280 (USD 76).
In Abu Dhabi, the central provider is SERGAS, delivering gas via pipelines; connection typically takes 24 hours.
Garbage Collection and Removal
Waste management in the UAE is handled by local emirate authorities in collaboration with private providers like Dulso, Averda, and Trashco. Specialized recycling and waste-sorting facilities support sustainability across emirates.
Utility Bill Payments in the UAE
You can conveniently pay ADDC bills and DEWA charges through various channels:
DEWA payment options:
DEWA Smart App, Empay UAE app, Official DEWA website, Dubai Now app, EasyPay, Auto‑Pay, Apple Pay, Etisalat Payment Machines, Bank branches, Tayseer service, DEWA Customer Happiness Centers, ENOC/EPPCO petrol stations.
ADDC payment methods:
Official ADDC website, Autopay, ADDC app, MBME Smart Kiosks, ATMs, Phone or internet banking, Exchange centers, TAMM portal.
Each bill provides detail on usage, charges, and due dates. If not paid, reminders follow and services may be disconnected after 14 days.