Guide · Updated 2026-10-23
Dubai Approvals in Numbers: Statistics and Timelines (2026)
Last updated: October 2026. Figures come from DEWA, RTA and UAE government sources, linked below each table. We update this page when new figures are published.
Key numbers at a glance
- DEWA approved 132,981 NOC applications in 2025, up 4.49% on 2024.
- Those 2025 applications came from 2,472 consultants and contractors.
- In the first half of 2026, DEWA approved 61,183 NOC applications under its Soqoor programme.
- DEWA's infrastructure NOC is free and is delivered in 3 to 7 working days, depending on type.
- New commercial and industrial electricity connections of up to 150 kW can be completed in 5 days through DEWA's Al Namoos service.
- Public EV charging at DEWA EV Green Chargers costs AED 0.70 per kWh (AC) and AED 1.20 per kWh (DC), plus VAT.
- Home EV charging is billed at standard residential rates on your normal DEWA bill.
DEWA NOC approvals in 2025
DEWA approves No Objection Certificates for consultants and contractors through its Soqoor programme.
| DEWA division | NOC applications approved (2025) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Power | 69,816 | 52.5% |
| Distribution Power | 45,418 | 34.2% |
| Water and Civil | 17,747 | 13.3% |
| Total | 132,981 | 100% |
Total applications rose 4.49% compared with 2024. Shares are calculated from DEWA's published figures.
Source: DEWA, "DEWA records 4.49% rise in NOC approvals amid growing project activity", 12 February 2026.
DEWA infrastructure NOC: review times
| NOC type | DEWA delivery time |
|---|---|
| Informational services | 3 working days |
| Trial pits NOC | 3 working days |
| House connection NOC | 3 working days |
| Dubai Building Permit System (DBPS) NOC | 3 working days |
| General NOC | 5 working days |
| Network projects NOC | 7 working days |
| Road projects NOC | 7 working days |
The service is free. Consultants, contractors, developers and registered service authorities can apply. Projects in the Right of Way go through RTA's eNOC system (noc.rta.ae). Projects within or next to DEWA premises go through the DEWA customer portal. DEWA notes that special cases can take longer.
Source: DEWA, Infrastructure Projects No Objection Certificate service page.
New electricity connections: Al Namoos
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum load | Up to 150 kW |
| Time to connect | 5 days, in two steps |
| Who applies | Electrical contractors only |
| Eligible | New, permanent connections supplied from DEWA's existing network |
After the connection fee is paid, DEWA completes the external work, installs the meter and connects the supply.
Source: DEWA, Al Namoos service page.
EV charging costs in Dubai
| Where you charge | Cost |
|---|---|
| DEWA EV Green Charger (AC) | AED 0.70 per kWh + VAT |
| DEWA EV Green Charger (DC fast) | AED 1.20 per kWh + VAT |
| At home | Standard DEWA residential rate, on your normal bill |
| EV Green Charger account security deposit | AED 500 (government entities exempt) |
Public charging rates are set by Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2024. Under Dubai Directive No. 1 of 2017, organisations and developers need DEWA approval before installing EV charging stations.
Source: DEWA, EV Charging and EV Green Charger FAQs.
Timelines from our own projects
| Approval | Typical time, start to certificate | What usually causes delays |
|---|---|---|
| DEWA additional load / power upgrade | 2 to 4 weeks | Panel modifications, site readiness |
These figures come from our own projects as a DEWA approved contractor in Dubai. They are our typical ranges, not authority guarantees. Authorities set their own timelines, and incomplete documents are the most common cause of delay.
How to cite this page
You're welcome to use these figures. Please link to this page as the source:
UAE Approval Hub, "Dubai Approvals in Numbers", uaeapprovalhub.com/guides/dubai-approvals-statistics-timelines/
Related guides
Sources
- DEWA, "DEWA records 4.49% rise in NOC approvals amid growing project activity", 12 Feb 2026: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/about-us/media-publications/latest-news/2026/2/dewa-records
- Khaleej Times, "Dewa approved 61,183 NOC applications during the first half of 2026 under Soqoor scheme": https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/dewa-approved-61183-noc-applications-during-the-first-half-of-2026-under-soqoor-scheme
- DEWA, Infrastructure Projects No Objection Certificate: https://dewa.gov.ae/en/builder/master-plan-noc/infrastructure-noc-application
- DEWA, Al Namoos: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/builder/electricity-network-services/al-namoos
- DEWA, EV Charging: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/ev-community/ev-smart-charging