When renting a home in the UAE, setting up utilities is one of the first administrative steps tenants must complete. Electricity, water, cooling, gas, and internet connections operate through different providers across the emirates, each with its own deposit requirements, activation fees, and billing structure. Understanding these costs in advance helps tenants avoid unexpected expenses and plan their relocation with clarity.
A utility deposit is a refundable amount paid to the service provider when activating utilities such as electricity, water, gas, or district cooling. Providers hold this deposit as financial security for unpaid bills and return it once the tenant closes the account and settles the final invoice.
Deposit amounts vary depending on:
See also: "Buying vs renting: what is better?"
DEWA provides electricity and water for all Dubai residential properties.
DEWA Deposits
Deposits are fully refundable during account closure.
Connection Fees
Required Documents
DEWA does not include cooling. Most Dubai communities use separate district cooling providers such as Empower or Emicool.
District cooling is a centralized cooling system widely used in Dubai's high-rise and waterfront communities. It is often a significant part of monthly utility expenses.
Deposit
Activation Fees
Cooling bills include:
District cooling is one of the largest recurring costs for Dubai residents.
Abu Dhabi operates its own electricity and water authority.
Deposit
Activation Fees
Required System
Abu Dhabi requires Tawtheeq tenancy registration prior to utility activation.
Sharjah maintains a unified utilities framework.
Deposit
Activation Fees
Sharjah may require clearance of outstanding bills from previous tenants. In most cases, landlords arrange this before handover.
Internet and telecom services are separate from utility bills.
Deposits
Most residential packages do not require a deposit. In some cases, a small refundable amount of AED 100-200 may apply.
Monthly Plans
Both providers allow tenants to transfer services when changing addresses.
Gas services depend on the building's infrastructure.
Central Gas Systems
Gas Cylinders
Gas is generally inexpensive compared to electricity and district cooling.
Cooling systems vary depending on the building:
District Cooling
Charged separately from DEWA through providers such as Empower, Tabreed, and Emicool.
Central Chiller System
Cooling costs are included in the electricity bill.
Chiller-Free Apartments
Cooling is included in rent. These units offer significant savings and are highly sought after.
When moving out, tenants must:
Refund timelines range from 5 to 20 working days, depending on the provider.
Find out more in the article: "Dubai Rent Prices 2025: Average Apartment Rental Costs in Dubai"
| Emirate | Electricity & Water Deposit** | Cooling Deposit** | Gas Deposit** | Internet Deposit** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 2,000 (apt) / 4,000 (villa) | 1,500-2,500 | 500-1,000 | None | District cooling widely used |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,000-2,000 / 2,000-4,000 | Lower, central systems | 300-800 | None | Tawtheeq required |
| Sharjah | 1,500-2,500 / 3,000-5,000 | Rare | 200-500 | None | Clearance of previous dues may be required |
| Ajman | 1,500-2,000 | Varies | 200-500 | None | Fast activation |
| RAK | 1,000-1,500 | Limited | 300-500 | None | Lower overall fees |
| Fujairah/UAQ | 1,000-1,500 | Minimal | 200-400 | None | Smaller-scale utility networks |
Do I get my deposit back when I move out?
Yes. Once the final bill is paid and the account is closed, the provider issues a refund.
How long does the refund take?
Between 5 and 20 working days, depending on the provider.
Is cooling included in DEWA bills?
No. District cooling is billed separately.
Are chiller-free apartments truly free of cooling charges?
Yes. Cooling is included in the rent, but electricity consumption for fans and AC units may still appear in small amounts.
Can I activate utilities without Emirates ID?
Most providers require either Emirates ID or the Emirates ID application form.
Do internet providers require a deposit?
Usually not, but some packages charge a small refundable fee.
Who pays previous tenant dues?
Landlords typically clear outstanding balances before the new tenant moves in.
Utility deposits and connection fees are standard components of the UAE rental process. Understanding how these systems operate helps tenants budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses when moving into a new home. Whether renting an apartment in Dubai or a villa in Abu Dhabi, clarity on electricity, water, cooling, gas, and internet charges streamlines relocation and reduces administrative complications.
DDA Real Estate helps tenants and relocating families navigate every aspect of the rental process, including:
If you want tailored advice on renting in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, or need help choosing communities with manageable utility costs, DDA Real Estate will prepare a personalized consultation and property selection based on your criteria.
