DEWA Final Bill & Deposit Refund: Complete 2026 Guide

How to Request DEWA Disconnection

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) offers three ways to request disconnection of your electricity and water supply. The fastest method is through the DEWA app or website, where you can submit a disconnection request under the "Move Out" service. You'll need your DEWA account number (found on any previous bill) and your premises number.

Alternatively, you can visit any DEWA customer service centre in person or call their helpline at 991. When submitting your request, you'll be asked to provide a preferred disconnection date — this should be your move-out date or the day after. DEWA requires that your Ejari registration is cancelled before they process the disconnection, so make sure that step is done first. The disconnection itself is usually processed within 1–2 business days of your requested date.

Understanding Your Final Bill

After disconnection, DEWA will generate a final bill covering your usage from the last billing cycle up to the disconnection date. This bill includes electricity consumption, water consumption, sewerage charges, and any applicable municipality fees. The final bill is typically available within 2–3 business days after disconnection.

You can view and pay your final bill through the DEWA app, website, or at a customer service centre. Payment methods include credit card, bank transfer, and cash (at service centres). It's important to settle this bill promptly because your deposit refund will not be processed until the final bill is fully paid. If you have autopay set up, DEWA will attempt to charge your registered card automatically.

Deposit Refund: How Much and How Fast

When you first set up your DEWA connection, you paid a security deposit — typically AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas (these amounts vary slightly depending on your connection type and when you registered). The good news is that DEWA has streamlined the refund process significantly in recent years.

For deposits under AED 4,000, the refund is processed almost instantly after your final bill is settled — typically within 1–5 business days directly to your registered bank account or credit card. For larger deposits, the process may take up to 2–4 weeks. DEWA will send you a confirmation once the refund is initiated. If you don't receive it within the expected timeframe, contact DEWA through the app or call 991 with your account number ready.

ADDC: If You're Leaving Abu Dhabi

If you're based in Abu Dhabi rather than Dubai, your utility provider is ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company), not DEWA. The process is broadly similar but has some differences. You can request disconnection through the ADDC app, website, or by visiting a customer service centre. ADDC also requires that your tenancy contract (Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi) is cancelled before processing disconnection.

ADDC deposit amounts are typically AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 3,000–5,000 for villas, depending on the size of the property. Refund processing times with ADDC tend to be slightly longer than DEWA — expect 2–4 weeks for the deposit to be returned after your final bill is settled. For residents in Sharjah, the utility provider is SEWA (Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority), which follows a similar disconnection and refund process.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Refund

The most frequent mistake is not cancelling Ejari before requesting DEWA disconnection. DEWA will not process a move-out request if your Ejari is still active, and this can add days or even weeks to your timeline. Cancel Ejari first, then request DEWA disconnection.

Other common issues that cause delays:

• Outdated bank details: If the card or bank account you used to pay your deposit has been closed or changed, DEWA may not be able to process the refund. Update your bank details in the DEWA app before requesting disconnection.
• Unpaid previous bills: Any outstanding balance on your account will be deducted from your deposit before refund. Check for unpaid bills before initiating the process.
• Requesting disconnection too early: If you disconnect before your landlord has a new tenant lined up, you may face pressure to keep the connection active. Coordinate with your landlord on timing.
• Not keeping the account number: You'll need your DEWA account number and premises number for the entire process. Save these before you move out and lose access to physical mail at the property.

Timeline: When to Start the Process

Ideally, you should begin the DEWA disconnection process 1–2 weeks before your move-out date. This gives you time to cancel Ejari, submit the disconnection request, settle the final bill, and initiate the deposit refund — all before you leave the country. Here is a practical timeline:

• 2 weeks before move-out: Cancel your Ejari registration. Confirm cancellation is complete.
• 1 week before move-out: Submit DEWA disconnection request via the app for your move-out date. Update bank details if needed.
• Move-out day: Take final meter readings (photos are helpful). Ensure all appliances are off and the property is handed back to the landlord.
• 2–3 days after move-out: Final bill should appear. Pay it immediately.
• 1–2 weeks after payment: Deposit refund should arrive. Follow up via the DEWA app if it doesn't.

Keep Your Records After Departure

Even after your deposit is refunded, keep digital copies of your final DEWA bill, disconnection confirmation, and refund receipt for at least six months. In rare cases, billing disputes or adjustments can surface after you've left the UAE. Having documentation readily available makes resolving any post-departure issues straightforward. The DEWA app retains your account history, so keeping the app installed on your phone until everything is fully settled is a practical step.