Sharjah Automates Utility Activation for Renters

For residents of Sharjah, moving into a rental property has now become much simpler thanks to a new digital initiative that automates the activation of electricity, water, and gas services. This measure is the result of a joint e-initiative between the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) and the Sharjah Municipality, implemented as part of the emirate's digital transformation plans.

What has changed?

Previously, tenants had to undergo a lengthy multi-step process: first, they had to authenticate the rental agreement with the city municipality, followed by separate processing at SEWA, where tenants had to request the activation of utility services separately. This required submitting numerous documents including the authenticated agreement, Emirates ID, and, of course, paying the deposit amount. The whole process could take days and often required coordination between several offices.

Now, once the rental agreement is authenticated in the Sharjah Municipality's system, SEWA automatically initiates the activation of utility services. Tenants receive an SMS notification about the deposit amount to be paid, and once this payment is completed, the services are activated automatically — without the need for separate requests or processing.

What is no longer required?

With the introduction of the new system, tenants no longer need to:

- Visit SEWA separately to activate utilities,

- Resubmit documents, such as Emirates ID or contract copies,

- Shuttle between multiple offices,

- Wait days for service activation.

A Step Closer to a Smart City

The electronic linkage between SEWA and the city municipality aligns well with the broader UAE goals to reduce bureaucracy, improve customer experience, and enhance quality of life. The innovation is a continuation of a previous digital development that automated bill closures after move-out, provided the tenant had the necessary municipal permissions.

According to the authorities, this integration is not just a technical advancement but also brings a genuine quality improvement to the lives of tenants. The new system is faster, simpler, and more convenient — especially for new movers who often faced delayed service activation.

Beneficial for Tenants and Owners

The new system does not only save customers' time but also increases operational efficiency for SEWA and the Sharjah Municipality. Landlords also benefit, as faster service initiation makes the rental process smoother and reduces vacant periods.

Summary

Sharjah's new digital initiative elevates customer-focused service delivery to new heights. For tenants, this means less stress and paperwork during the move-in process, while the emirate moves closer to its 'smart city' vision. Such developments showcase how technology can streamline and enhance everyday administration.

(Source of the article: Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa) statement.)