Who pays the DEWA connection fee in Dubai — tenant or landlord?

The DEWA connection fee is officially the tenant's responsibility in Dubai — this is standard practice and your landlord is correct. The connection fee is a one-time payment to activate DEWA services at the property. Current DEWA connection fees: Residential apartment: AED 110 (including VAT) for electricity + AED 110 for water = AED 220 total. Residential villa: AED 300–AED 500 depending on the size and number of meters. There's also a refundable security deposit: AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, which is returned when you disconnect. You'll need: your tenancy contract (Ejari registered), your Emirates ID or passport, and the DEWA premises number (available from your landlord). You can connect online via the DEWA app or website — it's straightforward and usually activated within 24 hours. Important: make sure your landlord has properly disconnected DEWA from their name before you apply, otherwise you'll be inheriting any outstanding balance.