Guide · Updated 2026-10-10
What Is DEWA Approval? Steps, Documents and Timeline
Short answer: A DEWA approval is the permission Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) gives before electrical work is connected to its network. It covers new connections, load increases, new or separated meters and fit-outs that change the electrical installation. Applications are submitted by a DEWA-registered consultant or contractor on behalf of the owner, not by the owner directly.
When do you need a DEWA approval?
- A new building, villa or warehouse needs an electricity connection
- You need more power than your current supply allows (additional load or power upgrade)
- You are adding a new meter or splitting one unit into separately metered units
- An office, shop or restaurant fit-out changes the electrical load or distribution boards
- You are installing an EV charger or a rooftop solar system (Shams Dubai)
- A meter, cable or substation needs to be relocated (network modification)
Who can apply?
DEWA accepts electricity permit and connection applications from enrolled consultants and contractors. The property owner appoints the contractor or consultant, signs DEWA's supply terms and pays the connection invoice. For projects licensed by Dubai Municipality, the request is submitted through the Dubai Building Permit System (DBPS), and DEWA receives it automatically. As a DEWA approved contractor in Dubai, we submit these applications for owners and handle the follow-up.
Step-by-step: how DEWA approval works
- Prepare the technical packageLoad schedule, maximum demand calculation, single line diagram and layouts are prepared by the contractor or consultant.
- Apply onlineThe application is submitted through DEWA's website or the Build in Dubai app (or through DBPS for Dubai Municipality projects). DEWA issues an application number.
- Building NOC and LV design approvalDEWA reviews the drawings and issues the Building NOC and the low-voltage (LV) design approval, or returns comments to be corrected.
- Connection cost invoiceDEWA issues an invoice for the connection cost. The owner pays it through DEWA's payment channels. The connection cost is valid for one year.
- Substation approval and inspection (if needed)Larger loads may need a substation. DEWA approves its location and size and inspects it when it is ready.
- LV inspectionWhen the wiring and panels are complete, the contractor requests the LV inspection. Any snags are corrected and re-inspected.
- Meter installation and supplyDEWA installs or updates the meter and releases the supply.
Documents usually required
- Trade licence or Emirates ID of the owner
- Title deed or tenancy contract, and landlord or developer NOC where needed
- Affection plan (for free zone projects) and setting-out plan
- Load schedules for the MDB and SMDBs, with maximum demand
- Single line diagram (SLD) showing LV distribution and metering
- Site layout showing the LV room, meters and main distribution board
- Owner-signed DEWA terms and conditions for supply
- Site photographs for the inspection
How long does DEWA approval take?
DEWA publishes these service times for electricity permits and connections. They count from a complete submission and do not include the time to prepare drawings, correct comments or finish site works.
| Stage | DEWA service time |
|---|---|
| Building NOC | 2 working days |
| LV design approval, load up to 150 kW | 1 working day |
| LV design approval, 151–400 kW | 2 working days |
| LV design approval, 401 kW and above | 3 working days |
| Connection cost invoice (Al Namoos, 1–150 kW) | 1 working day |
| Connection cost invoice (other projects) | 3 working days |
| HV substation location and size approval (if any) | 3 working days |
| LV inspection | 1 working day from request |
| HV substation inspection (if any) | 1 working day from request |
How much does DEWA approval cost?
DEWA does not charge a fee for the application itself. The owner pays DEWA's connection cost invoice, which depends on the load and the works involved; DEWA's website has a connection cost calculator. The contractor's own fee for drawings, submission and site work is separate.
Common reasons for delays
- Load schedule totals that do not match the single line diagram
- Missing landlord, developer or other authority NOCs
- Drawings in the wrong format or missing the LV room layout
- The site not being ready when the inspection is booked
Frequently asked questions
How long does DEWA approval take?
DEWA's published targets are short: for example 2 working days for the Building NOC and 1 to 3 working days for LV design approval depending on the load. The full process usually takes longer because drawings must be prepared, comments answered and the site finished before inspection.
Can I apply for DEWA approval myself?
No. DEWA accepts electricity permit and connection applications from enrolled consultants and contractors. The owner appoints one and signs the supply terms.
Is there a fee for DEWA approval?
The application is free. DEWA charges a connection cost based on the load and works, and the contractor charges for drawings, submission and installation.
Do I need DEWA approval for an office fit-out?
Only if the fit-out changes the electrical load or metering. The fit-out permit itself comes from Dubai Municipality, DDA, Trakhees or another authority depending on the location.
What is a DEWA load increase?
It is a request to raise the electricity capacity of an existing connection, usually with a revised load schedule, single line diagram and upgrades to the main distribution board, cable or meter.