Utilities in Dubai
Electricity, Water & Sewage Disposal services are provided by
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
Electricity
Electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. The socket type is identical to the three-point British system. Adaptors can be purchased at any supermarket, grocery, or hardware store.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink though bottled mineral water is preferred. Some water suppliers in Dubai are:
- Culligan: 800 4945
- Desert springs: 800 6650
- Nestle pure life: 800 4404
- Oasis drinking water: 884 5656
Gas
Gas mains don't exist in Dubai hence individual cannisters (cylinders) need to be purchased and connected to a gas oven via an external connector. If you keep the telephone number of gas suppliers handy, cannisters can be delivered to you in less than 20 minutes of your call, anytime of the day.
Telephone
The main telecommunications provider in Dubai is
Etisalat. You will require a residence visa to get a landline, but you can get a SIM card for your mobile phone without residency. You can also opt for
du.
Internet
For connection to the World Wide Web, you ca apply with either
Etisalat, or
du. Access to some sites is restricted keeping in mind Islamic & Regional sensibilities.
Postal Services
There is no house address based mailing system in the UAE. All mails are delivered to a central post office and then distributed to centrally-located post office boxes. It is also possible to rent a personal P.O. box in the UAE.
Television
There is a good selection of satellite channels to choose from in Dubai or video/DVD rental stores are plentiful in Dubai.
Radio
View the
list of radio stations in Dubai and the other Emirates.
