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DEWA Approvals

Electrify Your Vision: Securing DEWA's Mandatory Permits in Dubai

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the sole provider of essential utilities in Dubai. Any construction, renovation, or fit-out project requires mandatory approvals and inspections from DEWA to ensure safety, quality, and seamless integration with the city’s power and water networks.

At Daem Contracting, we are your dedicated partners in navigating the highly technical and crucial landscape of the DEWA approval processes. With extensive technical expertise and a deep understanding of DEWA’s latest regulations, we specialize in securing all necessary permits and inspection clearances for diverse MEP projects in Dubai. Our commitment is to provide a seamless, efficient, and compliant pathway, enabling you to power up your vision without delay.

1. Electrical & Water Design/Drawing Approvals (Technical Review)

Approval Type

Purpose

Significance

Electrical Design Approval

Mandatory for new connections, load increases, or significant modifications to a building’s internal electrical network. This includes main distribution boards (MDBs), Sub-main distribution boards (SMDBs), circuit protection, wiring layouts, and routing.

This initial design review ensures that the proposed electrical system load calculations, capacity, and design comply with DEWA’s stringent technical specifications, safety standards, and the I.E.E. Wiring Regulations. Approval is a prerequisite for subsequent execution permits and site work.

Water Design Approval

Mandatory for new water connections, modifications to the plumbing network, or installation of main water meters, pumps, and storage tanks.

This approval verifies the design’s adherence to DEWA’s potable water standards, ensuring correct pipe sizing, pressure requirements, water quality, and the integrity of the water supply network connection.

Who Needs It

Electrical and Mechanical (MEP) Consultants, Developers, and Contractors undertaking any project that impacts the power or water supply systems.

 

Process Insight

Submissions are made through the DEWA online portal (e-Services). The DEWA engineering team reviews the technical drawings for compliance with capacity and safety standards.

 

Required Documents

Approved Architectural Drawings, Load Schedule Calculations, Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) for Electrical, Detailed Layouts (showing meter/pump locations), Technical Specification Sheets, and Consultant/Contractor License.

 

 

2. No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Infrastructure

 

Approval Type

Purpose

Significance

NOC for Infrastructure (Utility Diversion/Installation)

This is a mandatory prerequisite for any construction work, excavation, or shoring that takes place near or over existing DEWA utility lines (cables, pipelines) or within DEWA’s Right of Way (RoW).

The NOC ensures that your project activities do not damage, obstruct, or negatively impact DEWA’s critical power or water infrastructure, preventing costly service interruptions and safety hazards.

Who Needs It

Developers, Civil Contractors, and Infrastructure Consultants working on projects near or crossing DEWA reservations (roads, plots).

 

Process Insight

Applications are submitted to DEWA’s Civil or Distribution sections. If diversion is required, DEWA reviews the proposed plan and may require a technical fee for the work.

 

Required Documents

Site Affection Plan, Proposed Project Drawings (showing location relative to DEWA assets), Excavation Drawings, Technical Specifications, and sometimes, a Traffic Impact Study (if involving road closures).

 

3. Meter Installation/Modification Clearances

Approval Type

Purpose

Significance

Site Inspection Request (Final Inspection)

After all electrical and water internal works (wiring, piping, fittings) are complete, the contractor must request a final site inspection from DEWA prior to meter installation.

The inspection verifies that the actual installation strictly matches the approved design drawings and fully complies with all DEWA safety and technical standards (e.g., proper earthing, main isolation valve placement).

Meter Connection / Activation

Once the site passes the final inspection and all outstanding fees are paid, DEWA grants clearance to install and activate the required electricity and/or water meter(s).

This is the final step that formally allows the customer to receive and use DEWA services, enabling the legal occupancy and operation of the premises.

Who Needs It

Licensed Electrical and Plumbing Contractors on behalf of the customer/owner.

 

Process Insight

The contractor submits the request, and a DEWA inspector visits the site. Any non-compliance points must be rectified before re-inspection is scheduled.

 

Required Documents

Final Approved DEWA Drawings, Test Reports (e.g., Earth Resistance Test), Completion Certificates from the contractor/consultant, and required fees/deposits.

 

4. Solar PV Connection Approval (Shams Dubai)

Approval Type

Purpose

Significance

Shams Dubai Technical Approval

Mandatory for installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity on the premises and connect them to DEWA’s grid (Net Metering).

This ensures the solar system’s design, components, and installation meet DEWA’s specifications for safe and reliable grid integration, optimizing energy generation while preventing harm to the public network.

Who Needs It

Building Owners, Developers, and DCD-Approved Solar Contracting Companies.

 

Process Insight

The process involves three main phases: Initial Technical Design Approval, Installation Inspection, and Final Connection/Commissioning.

 

Required Documents

Detailed Solar System Design (SLD, Array Layout), Equipment Specification Sheets (Inverter, Panels), Test Reports, and Contractor/Consultant Certification.

 

Service Features

  • Design Submission Management: Handling all electrical and water drawing submissions through the DEWA portal
  • Infrastructure NOC Acquisition: Streamlining the process for utility proximity and diversion NOCs
  • Pre-Inspection Readiness: Comprehensive site audits to ensure full compliance before DEWA’s final inspection
  • DEWA Liaison: Dedicated management of all communications and follow-ups with DEWA’s technical and inspection teams
  •  Solar PV Approval: End-to-end management of the Shams Dubai technical and connection process

Why Choose DAEM for Your DEWA Approval Needs?

Managing the technical demands and multi-stage nature of DEWA approvals requires not just administrative effort, but deep technical MEP expertise.

Daem Contracting serves as your expert technical partner, ensuring that your power and water designs are not only compliant but are also robust, efficient, and ready to pass inspection on the first attempt. We specialize in eliminating delays caused by technical rejections, enabling your project to achieve final meter connection swiftly and reliably.

Choosing DAEM means selecting technical competence, speed, and complete assurance when dealing with Dubai’s critical utility authority

DEWA is an abbreviation for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. It was established in 1992 by Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai at the time

Log in to the DEWA homepage and choose the “builder” option. Select water network services for water connection and electricity network services for electricity connection. Fill in the required information and pay the fees through the available payment channels.

1- Valid Ejari Number for tenants. 2- Valid tenancy contract for free zone customers. 3- Title deed or sales purchase agreement for property owners. 4- Passport Image/Emirates ID. 5- Trade License for business entities not registered with the Department of Economic Development

You can contact DEWA for all customer service inquiries 24/7. Phone: 04-6019999