Money answers · UAE
How do I get my DEWA deposit back?
Request final bill settlement when you deactivate your DEWA account (online, app, or customer care). Once the final bill is paid, DEWA refunds your security deposit — AED 2,000 for an apartment, AED 4,000 for a villa — typically within a few working days, to your card, bank account, or by cheque.
The steps
1. Apply for 'Move-out / Deactivation' on the DEWA website or app — you'll need your account number and Emirates ID. 2. DEWA takes a final meter reading and issues the final bill. 3. Settle the final bill (your deposit can be offset against it). 4. The remaining deposit is refunded to your original payment method or bank account (IBAN).
Do this before you leave the country — refunds to overseas accounts are far more painful than a UAE IBAN or card refund.
The honest catches
If you paid the deposit years ago in cash, have your green receipt or account statement handy. Housing-fee arrears (the 5% Dubai municipality fee billed through DEWA) come out of the refund too. And if you're moving within Dubai, transfer the account instead — the deposit moves with you and nothing needs refunding.
Common questions
How much is the DEWA security deposit?
AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, paid when the account is activated. It's refundable in full when you close the account and settle the final bill.
How long does a DEWA refund take?
Typically a few working days after the final bill is settled — fastest when refunded to a UAE bank account or the original card. Refunds to closed or overseas accounts take longer, so claim it before you leave.
Sources: DEWA — official site. Figures are published rules or clearly-typical values — confirm specifics with the authority. Education, not financial or legal advice.