DEWA’s OWNEK platform streamlines project approvals, boosting business efficiency for consultants and contractors

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has facilitated 2,381 preliminary technical discussions prior to project application submissions in 2025 through its OWNEK platform, alongside 36,795 online technical discussions during the submission and approval phase. At least 13,101 accredited consultants and contractors benefited from the initiative’s targeted awareness sessions and instructional videos. Through videos and technical discussions accessible on DEWA’s website, the OWNEK initiative explains – step-by-step, in Arabic and English – the process of getting an electricity connection, including how to fill out application forms, key points to focus on while preparing the correct documents and how to adhere to the required formats and protocols. It also gives practical tips and recommendations to ensure that applications meet all the necessary requirements upon submission, helping them to easily secure DEWA’s approval for NOCs.

The contractors and consultants highlighted the role OWNEK – Arabic for ‘Your Help’ – played in helping them understand DEWA’s guidelines and recommendations, enabling them to secure approval for electricity connection applications on the first attempt. They commended the initiative’s role in streamlining processes, accelerating project execution and strengthening communication with DEWA. The initiative is in line with DEWA’s efforts to support the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the world’s top three cities.

“The platform explains clearly the steps required to apply for the preliminary no-objection certificate (PNOC) in a simple and easy to follow manner. It also highlights key technical requirements, and compliance with DEWA standards. This ensures consultants and contractors can prepare accurate submissions and avoid rejections,” said Mohammed Naseeh at Mazari Contracting LLC.

Usman Jelani at Fixtech Technical Services LLC said: “OWNEK demonstrates a highly professional approach that supports securing approvals on the first submission. It reflects DEWA’s strong commitment to customer convenience, safety and continuous innovation.”

MuthuKumar Elangovan at Al Manama Contracting LLC said: “I watched the videos on OWNEK platform and it is very helpful. It simplifies the PNOC submission process by clearly outlining the required technical inputs, including load details, plot information, service routing and compliance with DEWA standards. It makes preparing and submitting PNOC much easier and highly efficient.”

Ahmed Nael at MEPCO Electro Mechanical Works LLC said: “The video provides comprehensive technical details, offering step by step guidance on all required inputs and specifications for DEWA low-voltage (LV) design – including layout requirements, design documentation and submission guidelines.”

The tutorial videos demonstrate the points that DEWA’s inspection engineers check during high-voltage substation inspections and LV inspections.

OWNEK awareness sessions and videos are accessible at https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/builder/useful-tools/ownek-initiative