Power Outage in Dubai: Who to Call and What to Do
Dubai power outage means DEWA hotline 991. Abu Dhabi is ADDC. Here is the emergency process and how to claim damages in 2026.
Quick answer
In a Dubai power outage, call DEWA on 991 immediately. Report the outage, give your exact location and account number, and keep your phone charged. For Abu Dhabi outages, dial ADDC on 800-9000. Damage claims must be filed within 30 days through the DEWA app or website with photos and receipts. Most claims pay AED 200-500 per day of disruption in 2026.
Identify the correct authority
Power supply in Dubai is managed by DEWA. In Abu Dhabi, ADDC handles electricity. Northern Emirates fall under FEWA or SEWA. Confirm your provider on your last electricity bill or the DEWA app before an outage occurs. Residents in free zones still use DEWA or ADDC depending on the location.
Immediate steps during an outage
When lights go out, check your building’s main breaker first. Many outages are internal and can be reset. If the issue persists, call the correct hotline right away:
- DEWA Dubai: 991
- ADDC Abu Dhabi: 800-9000
- FEWA Northern Emirates: 800-900
- SEWA Sharjah: 800-880
Provide your account number, exact building name, and GPS location. Stay on the line until you receive a reference number. Charge your phone with a power bank before calling.
Stay safe and prepared
Use battery-powered lights only. Never use candles near fabric or paper. Keep fridge doors closed to preserve food. Turn off all non-essential appliances before power returns to avoid surges. Stock a small emergency kit with water, snacks, and medicines in 2026.
Claiming compensation for damages
Eligible losses
Food spoilage, damaged electronics, and hotel stays qualify if caused by an official outage longer than 4 hours. Medical equipment failure and business equipment loss are also covered.
Process in 2026
Log into the DEWA app or visit dewa.gov.ae. Submit the claim within 30 days. Attach clear photos of damaged items, purchase receipts, and your outage reference number. Expect a response in 10-14 business days. Average payout is AED 200-500 per day of disruption.
Rejection reasons
Claims are rejected if you failed to report the outage, used incorrect photos, or submitted beyond the 30-day window.
Restore power and follow-up
Once DEWA confirms the outage is resolved, wait 5-10 minutes before turning appliances back on. Monitor the DEWA app for status updates. If power returns but appliances still fail, call an electrician licensed by Dubai Municipality at your own expense.
FAQs
Can I claim for lost wages if I work from home?
Yes, if you provide proof of income loss and the outage lasted over 6 hours. Attach recent payslips and a letter from your employer.
Does DEWA compensate for spoiled medication?
Yes. Include pharmacy receipts and doctor’s prescription showing the medication was temperature-sensitive. Maximum reimbursement is AED 1,500 in 2026.
Are outages caused by construction covered?
Yes. Report the construction site to DEWA when you call 991. DEWA recovers costs from contractors and passes compensation to residents.
How long does DEWA take to restore power?
Most Dubai outages are fixed within 2-4 hours. Major cable faults can take 6-8 hours. The DEWA app shows live restoration estimates.
Can you call 991 from a non-Dewa account?
Yes. The line accepts calls from any network and accepts non-account holders reporting area-wide outages.
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