When you are the named account holder on a UAE utility account, every official request — from paying a bill to asking for a reconnection — is expected to come from you. But real life is rarely that tidy. A spouse may need to clear a bill while you are travelling, a landlord may want a property manager to handle tenant move-ins, or an elderly parent may prefer that a son or daughter deals with the paperwork. That is why knowing How to Add an Authorized Person to a Utility Account matters: it gives someone you trust the formal right to act on the account on your behalf.
Across the Emirates, electricity and water providers — DEWA in Dubai, ADDC in Abu Dhabi, SEWA in Sharjah and Etihad Water and Electricity in the northern emirates — all allow the registered account holder to register an authorized person. The idea is the same everywhere: a signed authorization form plus identification documents for both parties. The exact channels, forms and turnaround times differ from one provider to another, though, so this guide walks you through every option, the documents you will need, what an authorized person can and cannot do, and the mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
To add an authorized person to a utility account in the UAE, submit the following to your provider (at a customer centre or through its smart app/portal where available): your original Emirates ID, the authorized person’s original Emirates ID or passport copy, your latest tenancy contract or proof of ownership, and a signed authorization form or letter. Approval is usually granted the same day or within 2–3 working days, and most providers register the change free of charge. Always confirm the current requirements on the provider’s official website before you visit.
What “Authorized Person” Means on a Utility Account
An authorized person is not the same as the account holder. The account holder is the person named on the tenancy contract or title deed whose name appears on the bill and who carries the legal responsibility for payment. An authorized person is someone the account holder has formally registered with the utility company to act on their behalf for day-to-day account matters.
Think of it as a limited permission slip. The utility company keeps a record of the authorized person’s name and Emirates ID number, and its staff are then allowed to deal with that person instead of insisting on speaking to the account holder every time. This is useful in many everyday situations:
- A spouse managing bills while the account holder travels for work.
- A parent authorizing an adult child to handle their villa’s utilities.
- A landlord authorizing a property manager to manage accounts across several units.
- A company authorizing an employee or PRO to deal with its office utilities.
If you have just moved into a new home, make sure your connection is properly registered in your name first — see our guide to UAE utility connection requirements — before adding anyone else to the account.
How to Add an Authorized Person to a Utility Account: Step by Step
The general process is the same across the UAE: gather documents, complete an authorization form, and submit it through the provider’s approved channel. Below is how it works with each major provider. Procedures can change, so treat the provider’s official website as the final word.
Dubai — DEWA
In Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) lets the registered account holder authorize another person through its customer happiness centres. Visit DEWA’s official website first to check which services can be requested online, because some account-level changes still require an in-person visit.
- Download or collect DEWA’s authorization form, or prepare a signed letter of authorization stating the authorized person’s full name, Emirates ID number and the account number.
- Attach copies of the Emirates IDs of both the account holder and the authorized person, plus a copy of the latest tenancy contract (Ejari) or title deed.
- Visit a DEWA customer happiness centre with the originals for verification.
- Staff will update the account record, and the authorized person can act on the account from that point onward.
Abu Dhabi — ADDC
In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) handles electricity and water accounts. Authorization requests are typically handled at ADDC customer service centres or through its digital channels.
- Prepare a signed authorization letter on plain paper, including the account number, the account holder’s details and the authorized person’s full name and Emirates ID number.
- Attach Emirates ID copies for both parties and a copy of the tenancy contract registered through Tawtheeq, or the property ownership document.
- Submit the documents in person or through the provider’s official digital channel, and keep the reference number you receive.
Sharjah — SEWA
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) registers authorized persons at its customer service centres. Check SEWA’s website for the nearest centre and its working hours before you go.
- Complete SEWA’s authorization form or bring a signed letter covering the same details: account number, account holder’s name and the authorized person’s name and ID number.
- Provide Emirates ID copies of both parties and a copy of the tenancy contract or ownership proof.
- Submit everything at the customer service centre; the update is usually recorded the same day.
Northern Emirates — Etihad Water and Electricity
Etihad Water and Electricity (formerly FEWA) serves Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Its process mirrors the others: a signed authorization, identification for both parties, and tenancy or ownership proof, submitted at a customer happiness centre or through its official digital channels.
Documents You’ll Need
Exact requirements vary slightly by provider, but the following checklist covers what is normally asked for. Having everything ready before you visit saves a second trip.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Account holder’s Emirates ID | Original for verification, plus a copy. If it is close to expiry, renew it first — see our Emirates ID renewal guide. |
| Authorized person’s Emirates ID | Original or a clear copy; passport copy may be accepted for non-residents in some cases. |
| Tenancy contract or ownership proof | Ejari (Dubai), Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi) or the equivalent registered contract; title deed if you own the property. |
| Authorization form or letter | The provider’s own form where available, or a signed letter stating the account number and both parties’ details. |
| Latest utility bill (optional) | Helpful as a reference for the account/premise number, though not always required. |
What an Authorized Person Can and Cannot Do
Authorization is limited to account administration — it does not transfer ownership of the account or its financial liability. The table below shows the typical boundaries.
| Usually allowed | Usually NOT allowed |
|---|---|
| Pay bills and collect receipts | Transfer the account to a different name (that requires changing the name on the utility account) |
| Request disconnection or reconnection | Close the account permanently |
| Register complaints and follow up on service requests | Remove the account holder’s liability for unpaid bills |
| Request duplicate bills or account statements | Take over the security deposit |
| Update contact details on the account | Act beyond the scope written in the authorization letter |
If you need someone to handle legal matters beyond utility administration — signing contracts, for example — that is a different instrument altogether. Read our UAE power of attorney guide to understand when a formal power of attorney is the right tool.
Fees and Processing Time
Registering an authorized person is typically free of charge or carries only a nominal administrative fee, depending on the provider. It is not like a new connection, which involves a security deposit and setup charges. Processing is usually quick: in-person requests at a customer centre are often recorded the same day, while online or app submissions may take 2–3 working days.
Two things to keep in mind. First, make sure there are no outstanding dues on the account before you apply — some providers will ask you to clear arrears before recording any account change. Second, keep a copy of the signed authorization letter and any reference number you receive; you will need them if you ever want to revoke the authorization.
Adding an Authorized Person While You’re Abroad
If you are outside the UAE, you cannot walk into a customer centre — but you still have options. Most providers accept a signed and scanned authorization letter sent by email, provided the ID copies are clear and the signature matches their records. Some accept requests submitted through their smart apps with UAE Pass login. For high-stakes situations, such as managing a property while you live abroad long-term, a notarized power of attorney naming the person is the more robust route, since utility companies recognize it without question.
Also remember that whoever you authorize will need their own valid Emirates ID to be verified at the counter, so choose someone who is a UAE resident if the authorization involves in-person visits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- A vague authorization letter. Letters that just say “please allow this person to handle my account” can be rejected. State the account number, both full names, both ID numbers, and exactly what the person may do.
- Expired identification. An expired Emirates ID from either party will stall the request. Renew first if needed.
- Mismatched tenancy contract. The contract must be the current registered one in the account holder’s name. An old or unregistered contract is a common reason for rejection.
- Assuming authorization transfers liability. It does not. Unpaid bills remain the account holder’s responsibility, no matter who was authorized to pay them.
- Forgetting to remove old authorizations. If a previous tenant’s relative or an ex-employee is still registered, clean that up — see our guide on removing an authorized person from a utility account.
For a broader view of keeping your account in order, our complete utility account management guide covers every routine task in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add more than one authorized person to a utility account?
Most providers allow at least one authorized person per account, and many accept two or more — for example, both spouses. If you need several people authorized (such as staff at a company), ask the provider whether a single letter can list multiple names or whether separate forms are needed.
Does the authorized person need to be a UAE resident?
Usually, yes — providers verify the authorized person with an Emirates ID. A non-resident with only a passport may be accepted in limited cases, but expect extra scrutiny and possible rejection, so check with your provider first.
Can a landlord add themselves as an authorized person on a tenant’s account?
Only with the tenant’s (account holder’s) signed authorization. A landlord cannot unilaterally add themselves to an account registered in someone else’s name. If the property is vacant between tenancies, the landlord can hold the account in their own name instead.
Will the authorized person receive the bills?
Not automatically. Bills continue to go to the account holder’s registered contact details unless you also update the account’s contact information. The authorized person can, however, request duplicate bills at any time.
Is there a fee for adding an authorized person?
Typically there is no fee, or only a small administrative charge. Confirm the current position on the provider’s official website or at the customer centre, since fee schedules are updated from time to time.
How long does the authorization last?
It remains in force until you revoke it in writing or the account is closed or transferred. That is why it is worth reviewing your authorizations periodically — an old authorization for someone you no longer deal with should be removed.
The Bottom Line
Adding an authorized person to a utility account in the UAE is a simple, usually free process: a signed authorization letter or form, ID copies for both parties, and your registered tenancy contract, submitted at a customer centre or through the provider’s digital channels. It is the right tool when someone needs to manage bills and service requests on your behalf — but remember it grants administrative access only, not ownership or liability. Choose someone you trust, write the letter precisely, keep a copy, and review your authorizations once a year. For official procedures and centre locations, the UAE’s official government portal is a reliable starting point.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.