
DEWA Connection in Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide to Electricity and Water Setup
If you’re moving into a new home in Dubai, one of the top priorities on your checklist should be setting up your electricity and water connection. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the government-owned provider of these essential services, and coordinating with them is crucial for a smooth transition into your new home. Not having running water or electricity can severely disrupt your routine and delay other moving-in processes, such as setting up an internet connection or installing new appliances.
To apply for a utility connection, you can use DEWA’s move-in service, which requires specific documents and fees. Whether you’re moving from one home to another in Dubai or applying as a brand-new tenant, you’ll need to provide your Ejari contract or Title Deed to DEWA. It’s also important to note that if you’re changing apartments or moving into a new villa, you’ll need to close your current DEWA account through their Move-Out service before creating a new Move-In request for your new home.
The move-in service requires security deposits of AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas. Once you’ve submitted your application, connections are typically activated within 15 working hours. Imran Khan, a legal consultant at I K Lawyers, advises that for the previous tenant, the existing DEWA account should be closed through the move-out process to avoid any issues.
As a resident moving into a new home in Dubai, it’s essential to understand the requirements and procedures for activating your electricity and water services. By following DEWA’s move-in service guidelines and providing the necessary documents, you can ensure a seamless transition into your new home.
For tenants, the process involves submitting your Ejari contract to DEWA, while owners will need to provide their Title Deed. The security deposits required for apartments and villas are AED 2,000 and AED 4,000, respectively. It’s crucial to close your current DEWA account before creating a new Move-In request to avoid any complications.
In summary, to apply for a DEWA connection in Dubai, you’ll need to:
- Close your current DEWA account (if applicable) through their Move-Out service.
- Submit your Ejari contract or Title Deed to DEWA.
- Pay the required security deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas).

UAE's Next Total Solar Eclipse: 55 Years Away
Total Solar Eclipse Not Visible in UAE Until 2081
If you're waiting for a total solar eclipse in the UAE, be prepared for a long wait. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UAE won't occur until September 3, 2081 - 55 years from now. Today's total solar eclipse, which sweeps across northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, is not visible from the UAE due to the country's location outside the viewing path.
The last solar eclipse visible from the Emirates was a partial eclipse on October 25, 2022, which covered around 39% of the Sun's disc and lasted over two hours. In contrast, the annular solar eclipse on December 26, 2019, was a rare event, with the Moon sitting too far from Earth to cover the Sun completely, leaving a bright ring around the edge. This event was the first of its kind in the UAE in 172 years.
For those eager to witness a solar eclipse, the next partial eclipse visible from the UAE will occur on August 2, 2027, with around 53% coverage in Dubai. This eclipse will be a total eclipse elsewhere, with the path of totality crossing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt before moving over the Red Sea into Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The Emirates Astronomical Society and Dubai Astronomy Group have been instrumental in promoting awareness and safe viewing practices for solar eclipses in the UAE. Hasan Al Hariri, chief executive of Dubai Astronomy Group, has emphasized the importance of protecting one's eyesight during these events, stating that "the sun emits intensive light, which is too bright for our eyes" and that "if we look at it without protection, our eyesight will be damaged."
While the wait for a total solar eclipse in the UAE may be long, stargazers can look forward to the next partial eclipse in 2027. In the meantime, it's essential to prioritize eye safety during solar eclipses and follow the guidance of experts in the field.
The UAE's unique location means that total solar eclipses are rare events, with specific locations averaging a 375-year wait between total solar eclipses. As the country continues to develop its astronomy sector, residents and visitors can look forward to witnessing partial eclipses and other celestial events in the years to come.

Sharjah University Scholarships: 470 Approved
470 Scholarships for Al Qasimia University Students
In a significant move to promote education and cultural exchange, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved 470 scholarships for international students to enroll at Al Qasimia University during the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative will enable students from around the world to study in an integrated academic environment that combines quality education with Islamic values and openness to other cultures.
The scholarships are available to students admitted to the university's five undergraduate colleges: the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Economics and Management, the College of Communication, and the College of Holy Quran. With students from 140 nationalities already attending Al Qasimia University, this move is set to further boost the university's global presence and promote values like moderation, tolerance, and coexistence.
For students considering applying to Al Qasimia University, the scholarships offer a unique opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a diverse and inclusive environment. The university's commitment to combining academic excellence with Islamic values and cultural openness makes it an attractive option for students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Regarding the UAE's efforts to promote education and cultural exchange, the approval of these scholarships is a significant development. It reflects the country's commitment to providing opportunities for young people to access quality education and develop their skills and knowledge.

AED 10 Dishes in Dubai
Dubai Summer Surprises: 160+ AED 10 Dishes
As you step into the vibrant city of Dubai, the aroma of diverse cuisines wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds. With the Dubai Summer Surprises in full swing, the city is offering an incredible treat - over 160 participating restaurants and cafes are serving selected dishes for just AED 10. The '10 Dirham Dish' campaign, running from August 3 to 30, is a food lover's dream come true.
To indulge in these mouth-watering dishes, simply visit any participating venue and ask for the AED 10 Dish. With no vouchers, no minimum spend, and no booking required, it's never been easier to explore the city's culinary scene. From burgers and pizzas to street food and desserts, there's something for everyone.
Some of the top dishes you can enjoy for just AED 10 include The Daily at Rove Hotels' Rove Poke Bowl, LDC Kitchen & Coffee's Quinoa and Falafel Bowl, and Hangry Joe's Three-Piece Chicken Wings. For those with a sweet tooth, Cafe Barbera's Two Scoops of Italian Gelato, House of Pops' Assorted Real-Fruit Ice Pop, and Matter by iCoffee's Cappuccino and Banana Loaf Cake are must-tries.
To discover the complete list of participating restaurants and cafes, download the District by Zomato app or the Dubai Daily Deals App. With over 2,000 curated F&B and lifestyle offers across Dubai, you'll never be short of options. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
One thing to keep in mind is that the campaign is only running until August 30, so be sure to check the individual restaurant opening times before heading out. With so many delicious dishes to try, you won't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the best of Dubai's food scene.

YouTube Raises Monetization Bar for New Creators
New YouTube Monetization Rules: What You Need to Know
As of February 1, 2027, YouTube will introduce tougher eligibility requirements for new creators seeking to earn advertising and YouTube Premium revenue through its Partner Program. The updated rules require new creators to accumulate either 8,000 qualified watch hours over the previous 365 days or 20 million qualified Shorts views within the previous 90 days to join the program. This change aims to reward active creators and reflect the platform's significant growth, with over 200 billion daily views of Shorts and more than one billion hours of television viewing every day.
These new thresholds will only apply to creators joining the program after the changes take effect and will not impact those already enrolled. Existing creators in the YouTube Partner Program will continue to earn revenue without needing to meet the new requirements. However, to continue earning revenue from the Shorts Creator Revenue Pool, creators must maintain at least 10 million Shorts views over a 90-day period. If a channel falls below this threshold, it will remain in the Partner Program and can still earn revenue from long-form videos, with Shorts monetization resuming once the required viewing threshold is met.
The eligibility requirements for Fan Funding and shopping features will remain unchanged. YouTube expects to pay creators more in 2027 than it did in 2026, indicating a positive outlook for content creators despite the tightened monetization requirements.
| Monetization Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Watch Hours | 8,000 qualified watch hours over 365 days |
| Shorts Views | 20 million qualified Shorts views over 90 days |
| Ongoing Shorts Monetization | Maintain at least 10 million Shorts views over 90 days |

Spotify AI Persona badge: Added To Promote Transparency for Listeners
Spotify to Introduce 'AI Persona' Badges for Transparency
Spotify will begin adding "AI Persona" badges to some artist profiles from mid-September to give listeners more transparency about whether the artist behind the music is a real person. Listeners have expressed concerns about artist profiles that appear human but instead represent AI-generated personas. Spotify will display the badge on banners and About sections in artist profiles, as well as in Search and on track rows across playlists.
The move is part of Spotify's effort to address concerns over AI personas posing as human artists. Starting Tuesday, artists can disclose that their profile represents an AI Persona through Spotify for Artists. Spotify will also review profiles whose public identity appears to represent photorealistic AI-generated imagery. Artists whose profiles are flagged by Spotify's review team will be notified and given an opportunity to self-disclose or appeal.
Spotify said it will exclude AI Personas from editorial and algorithmic recommendations by default unless users follow those artists. Listeners will also be able to see whether an artist transparently shared that they were an AI Persona or whether Spotify identified the profile through its own review. The badge will be based on an artist's public identity and not how the music was made.
This development follows listener concerns about the authenticity of artist profiles on the platform. By introducing the "AI Persona" badge, Spotify aims to provide more transparency for its users, allowing them to make informed decisions about the music they listen to.



