DEWA Approval
Electrical and water authority approvals, meter activations, and load upgrades for Dubai projects.
What Is DEWA?
Overview
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) approval covers the formal process of getting your electrical, water, and MEP connections approved by the authority. This includes design approvals for electrical distribution, NOCs for load upgrades, meter activation, and final testing and inspection sign-offs. DEWA approval is essential for new fit-outs, renovations, power upgrades, and any works affecting electrical or water systems in Dubai.
Who Needs It
Who Typically Requires
This Approval
Project Types
- New commercial fit-outs requiring power connections
- Load upgrades for additional equipment
- MEP refurbishment affecting electrical distribution
- Generator or solar installation requiring DEWA tie-in
Business Types
- Offices, retail, and showrooms
- Restaurants, cafés, and food outlets
- Industrial units and warehouses
- Healthcare and data center facilities
Works Covered
- New electrical meter applications
- Load increase / upgrade requests
- Temporary supply for construction
- Water connection and plumbing modifications
The Process
Step-by-Step
Approval Process
Scope & Feasibility Check
Confirm the type of DEWA approval needed — new connection, load upgrade, or modification.
Electrical / MEP Design
Prepare electrical single-line diagrams, load schedules, and MEP drawings per DEWA standards.
Document Preparation
Compile technical drawings, company documents, tenancy contract, and DEWA-specific forms.
DEWA Application Submission
Submit via DEWA's online portal (Rammas or similar) with complete documents and application fees.
Technical Review
DEWA engineers review the submitted electrical design and load calculations.
Comment Resolution
Address any DEWA comments or revision requests on drawings or load schedules.
Design Approval
Receive formal DEWA design approval. Proceed with electrical installation per approved drawings.
Site Installation
Complete electrical and MEP works by DEWA-approved contractors in line with approved designs.
Testing & Inspection Request
Request DEWA inspection after completing works and obtaining testing sign-offs from the contractor.
Meter Activation / Final NOC
DEWA activates the meter or issues final NOC after passing the site inspection.
Documents Required
Documents Checklist
General Documents
- Trade license / company registration
- Tenancy contract / lease agreement
- NOC from building owner / landlord
- Completed DEWA application form
Technical Drawings
- Electrical single-line diagram (SLD)
- Load schedule and load calculations
- MEP drawing set (electrical, plumbing)
- Distribution board (DB) schedules
- Earthing and bonding layout
Contractor & Compliance
- DEWA-approved contractor approval letter
- Material submittals for major equipment
- Testing and commissioning certificates
- As-built drawings (for final NOC)
Timeline
How Long Does It Take?
DEWA approval timelines vary significantly by project type. Simple load upgrades or minor modifications may be approved within 5–10 working days. New connections or complex electrical designs can take 3–6 weeks or more. Incomplete submissions, comment revisions, or scheduling DEWA inspections can add additional time. Having a complete, well-coordinated submission from the start is the best way to minimize delays.
Common Issues
Rejection Reasons & Fixes
Incorrect or missing load calculations
Prepare a detailed load schedule matching all equipment and the proposed electrical infrastructure.
SLD doesn't match proposed installation
Ensure the single-line diagram accurately reflects the DB layout and actual site configuration.
Unapproved electrical contractor
Only engage DEWA-approved electrical contractors for installation and submission.
Undersized cables or switchgear
Size all cables, breakers, and switchgear per DEWA technical standards and load requirements.
Missing NOC from building owner
Obtain written landlord or building management NOC before submitting to DEWA.
Drawings not to DEWA formatting standards
Ensure drawings include all required title blocks, revision numbers, and meet DEWA's submission format.
FAQs
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about the DEWA approval process in Dubai.
Ask Us AnythingDEWA approval is required for any works affecting electrical supply, load capacity, water connections, or MEP systems that interface with DEWA infrastructure.
No. Electrical works that require DEWA sign-off must not commence before design approval is received.
DEWA applications must be submitted by or through a DEWA-approved contractor or consultant registered on the DEWA portal.
If your intended use requires more electrical capacity than the existing supply allows, a load upgrade application to DEWA is required.
DEWA NOC confirms approval for works affecting DEWA systems. A DEWA connection or meter activation is the physical supply activation after works pass inspection.
Yes. We prepare electrical drawings, load schedules, manage the submission process, respond to DEWA comments, and coordinate inspections through to meter activation.
DEWA will issue a snag list. Works must be rectified and re-inspected before approval or meter activation is granted.
If the fit-out involves modifications to electrical distribution, load additions, or plumbing changes, yes — DEWA approval for those specific works is required.
Ready to Get Your
DEWA Approval?
Our team handles the entire process — from document preparation to submission and final approval. No stress, no delays.