DEWA Approval
If your project involves electricity or water, a new villa, a commercial fit-out, a load upgrade, or a new connection, you can’t move forward without DEWA approval.
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is the sole provider of electricity, water, and sewerage services in Dubai. Established in 1992, DEWA also plays a key role in the emirate’s sustainability push, including large-scale solar power initiatives. Learn more directly at dewa.gov.ae.
Goldland Contracting handles the full process end-to-end: design approval, NOCs, load approval, and final connection, for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across Dubai.
Our DEWA Approval Services
We manage every type of DEWA application, including:
- Design & Drawing Approval — Submission and review of your electrical and water layout drawings before any installation begins.
- Building NOC — The No Objection Certificate contractors need to secure a building permit.
- Electrical Load Approval — Approval for the power capacity your project requires, submitted with a full load schedule.
- Fit-Out Power Connection — For shops, restaurants, and offices setting up a new commercial space.
- Electricity & Water Connection — Full application through DEWA’s One Window System to activate utilities.
- Infrastructure Requests — Applications for new electricity and water infrastructure on undeveloped or newly developed sites.
Not sure which of these applies to your project? Call us at +971 58 308 8189 and we’ll tell you exactly what you need.
How DEWA Approval Process Works
- Drawing preparation — Your electrical and water layouts are prepared to DEWA’s technical standards.
- Application submission — We submit through the DEWA portal or Dubai Building Permit System with all required documents attached.
- DEWA technical review — DEWA reviews the submission and may request corrections.
- Approval or NOC issued — Once satisfied, DEWA issues the design approval or NOC.
- Site installation — Work proceeds exactly as approved; no deviations without re-approval.
- Site inspection — A DEWA inspector checks the completed work against the approved drawings.
- Final connection & activation — Electricity and water are connected once inspection is passed.
For a full breakdown of timelines by project size, see our complete guide to DEWA approval in Dubai.
Documents Required for DEWA Approval
- Emirates ID of the owner or applicant
- Ejari or property ownership documents
- Trade license (for commercial applications)
- Electrical load schedule
- Approved MEP drawings, stamped by a licensed consultant
- Landlord NOC (where applicable)
- Dubai Municipality approval or building permit (project-dependent)
The exact list varies by project type. See our full DEWA documents checklist for the complete breakdown, or send us your project details and we’ll confirm exactly what’s needed.
Timeline & Cost for DEWA Approval
Timelines depend on project size and complexity:
- Small residential projects: typically a few working days
- Commercial fit-outs: typically one to a few weeks
- Large or industrial projects: longer, depending on scope
While DEWA’s application itself is free, related service fees, security deposits, and consultant/drawing costs apply and vary by project. We’ll give you a clear cost estimate specific to your project before you commit to anything.
Why Work With Goldland Contracting for DEWA Approval
- 10+ years handling DEWA submissions across villas, commercial fit-outs, warehouses, and large developments in Dubai
- DEWA-registered consultant status — applications must be submitted by a registered contractor or consultant, not the property owner directly, and we’re authorized to do this on your behalf
- We coordinate across authorities — many projects need DEWA approval alongside Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, or free zone sign-off, and we manage that in parallel rather than one at a time
- We catch errors before submission. The most common cause of delay is drawings or documentation sent back for correction, which we work to avoid the first time
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is DEWA approval mandatory for my project?
Yes, for anything involving new or modified electricity and water connections, such as new builds, renovations, fit-outs, and load upgrades.
Can I apply for DEWA approval myself?
Applications generally need to go through a DEWA-registered contractor or consultant rather than the property owner directly. We’re registered and handle this for you.
How long does DEWA approval take?
It depends on project size and type. Small residential projects move faster than large commercial or industrial ones. We’ll give you a specific estimate once we see your project details.
Does DEWA approval expire?
Yes, approvals are valid for a set period. If your project runs past that window, you’ll need to revalidate or resubmit. See our guide on DEWA approval expiry and renewal for what that involves.
What happens if I skip DEWA approval?
You risk fines, a stop-work order, and being unable to legally activate electricity or water for your space.
