Government services in Dubai
This section brings together Dubai's key service authorities: the Municipality, the utility company DEWA, the roads and transport authority RTA, the health authority DHA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for document legalization. Through these, residents' everyday matters are resolved, from connecting water and electricity to driving licenses, transport and health services.
People come here to open a utility subscription or pay a bill with DEWA, register a vehicle and a driving license, top up a Nol card for public transport or handle Salik road tolls with RTA, arrange a medical license or service with DHA, and certify and legalize documents through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For documents coming from abroad and intended for use abroad, a chain of certification, including attestation, is often required.
Most of these services are available online via the relevant authorities' websites and apps: paying bills, renewing a driving license, topping up Nol, paying Salik and booking appointments. This makes it possible to resolve routine matters without going to an office. For some procedures requiring document verification or in-person presence, a visit to a service center may be necessary.
Institutions on the map
City services DEWA (electricity and water)
DEWA Head OfficeThe Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) connects and services electricity and water in housing, accepts bill payments and handles residents' requests.
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City services Dubai Health Authority
Dubai Health AuthorityThe Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates the emirate's medical services, licenses doctors and clinics, and issues medical cards.
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City services Dubai Municipality
Dubai MunicipalityDubai Municipality is responsible for urban services, building permits, sanitary control and the environment, and provides services to residents and businesses.
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City services RTA (roads and transport)
Roads & Transport Authority HQThe Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA) is responsible for the metro, buses, taxis and driving licences, and also arranges vehicle registration and Nol travel cards.
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City services UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Dubai)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Dubai)The Dubai office of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles the legalisation and attestation of documents for use abroad and within the country.
View on mapFrequently asked questions
How do I connect and pay for water and electricity in Dubai?+
Water and electricity service in Dubai is provided by the DEWA company. Opening a subscription, making payments and managing services can be done online via the DEWA website and app.
What are Nol and Salik?+
Nol is a card for paying for Dubai's public transport (metro, bus, tram); Salik is the toll road system. Both services are under RTA's authority and can be topped up and paid online.
Where are driving licenses and vehicle registration handled?+
In Dubai, driving licenses, vehicle registration and re-registration are handled by RTA. Many procedures, including license renewal and fee payment, can be done via the RTA website and app.
How do I legalize documents for use abroad?+
The federal attestation and legalization of documents is handled by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Usually prior certification at the relevant authorities is required, and for foreign documents a translation into Arabic.
What does DHA deal with?+
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is responsible for public health services, licensing specialists and regulating clinics. Some services and appointments are available online via DHA's channels.