Moving home? Start three things before move-in day: your tenancy contract, your electricity and water connection, and your first drinking water delivery. Utilities don’t always switch on the day you arrive. Drinking water shouldn’t depend on them.
This simple moving to Sharjah checklist also works for Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. It’s from My Desert Spring Water, which has delivered 5-gallon drinking water in Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ and Dubai since 1998.
Your moving to Sharjah checklist (and Ajman and UAQ)
Before move-in day:
- ✅ Get your tenancy contract approved or attested by the municipality
- ✅ Start your electricity and water connection (see below)
- ✅ Book your first water delivery for move-in day
On move-in day:
- ✅ Check the meters, AC, water heater and taps
- ✅ If the last tenant left a dispenser, get it cleaned before you use it
- ✅ Set up your water: bottles, pump or dispenser
In your first week:
- ✅ Note how much water your home actually uses
- ✅ Set a regular delivery day so you don’t run short
How to connect electricity and water
Sharjah uses SEWA. Ajman and Umm Al Quwain use EtihadWE.
Moving to Sharjah: SEWA
- For most rentals, SEWA switches on electricity, water and gas after Sharjah Municipality attests your tenancy contract. You get an SMS with the deposit amount; pay it and your services are activated. (Khaleej Times)
- If that doesn’t happen, use the Move-In service on SEWA’s website. Keep your Emirates ID and the meter or consumer number ready.
Moving to Ajman or Umm Al Quwain: EtihadWE
- Apply online at EtihadWE: sign in with UAE PASS and choose Service Activation.
- You’ll need your Emirates ID and a municipality-approved tenancy contract.
- For a home where the previous account is closed, EtihadWE says activation is usually within 24 hours after the deposit is paid. Brand-new connections can take longer.
Processes change, so check the official website before you move.
Get drinking water on day one, even before the power is on
A 5-gallon bottle with a pump gives you drinking water the minute you walk in. No plumbing, no waiting on SEWA or EtihadWE.
- Rechargeable pump: runs on battery. Charge it before moving day and it works before your new home’s power is on.
Why it matters on moving day:
- Movers and family need water all day, especially in UAE heat.
- Your kitchen is still in boxes.
- You skip the grocery run for dozens of small bottles on your busiest day.
Once the power is on, you can switch to a hot & cold dispenser. Just check that the dispenser fits a 5-gallon bottle and follow its setup instructions.
How many water bottles to order for your first week
Order one week of water plus one spare bottle. One 5-gallon (US) bottle holds 18.9 litres. Most homes use around 1.5–2.5 litres per person per day of bottled water for drinks and cooking. Use your own figure if you know it.
| People at home | Water per week | First order (incl. 1 spare) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
10–18 L |
2 bottles |
|
2 |
21–35 L |
3 bottles |
|
3 |
32–53 L |
3–4 bottles |
|
4 |
42–70 L |
4–5 bottles |
|
5 |
53–88 L |
4–6 bottles |
|
6 |
63–105 L |
5–7 bottles |
The quick maths: people × litres per day × 7 ÷ 18.9, round up, then add one spare.
Order more in summer, or if you have guests or house staff.
Simple rule: keep one bottle in use and one full spare. When you open the spare, reorder.
Did the last tenant leave a water dispenser?
Don’t drink from it until it’s been cleaned. You don’t know when it was last cleaned, and dispensers left in empty flats collect dirt in the tank and taps.
- Get it professionally sanitised before first use, or replace it.
- My Desert Spring Water offers a dispenser sanitisation service.
Where to keep your dispenser and bottles: indoors, in a cool spot, out of direct sun and away from cleaning products.
Water delivery in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain
My Desert Spring Water delivers 5-gallon water, dispensers, pumps and storage racks to homes in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Dubai.
- Since 1998: over 25 years delivering drinking water in the UAE
- Certified: HACCP and ISO 22000 food safety standards
- Everything in one order: water, dispenser, pump and rack
- Easy to reorder: WhatsApp, the My Desert app, or call 800 637
Book your move-in water in 3 steps
- Send your area, building and move-in date on WhatsApp or call 800 637.
- Choose your bottles (use the table above), plus a pump or dispenser if you need one.
- Confirm your delivery slot and the total for your first order.
WhatsApp us → | Call toll-free: 800 637
Settled in? Reorder in a few taps with the My Desert app:
Download on the App Store | Get it on Google Play
New to the app? Read how to order water on the My Desert app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect water and electricity in Sharjah?
In Sharjah, SEWA supplies electricity, water and gas. For most rentals, SEWA activates them after Sharjah Municipality attests your tenancy contract and you pay the deposit amount sent by SMS. If that doesn’t happen, apply through the Move-In service on SEWA’s website.
How do I connect water and electricity in Ajman or Umm Al Quwain?
In Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, apply to EtihadWE online using UAE PASS, your Emirates ID and a municipality-approved tenancy contract. For homes where the previous account is closed, activation is usually within 24 hours after the deposit is paid.
Can I get drinking water before my electricity is connected?
Yes. A 5-gallon bottle with a charged rechargeable pump needs no mains power or plumbing, so you have drinking water from the moment you move in.
How many 5-gallon bottles should a family of four order when moving in?
A family of four should order 4–5 five-gallon bottles for the first week. At 1.5–2.5 litres per person per day, four people use 42–70 litres a week, which is 3–4 bottles, plus one spare.
How much does water delivery cost in Sharjah, Ajman or UAQ?
Water delivery is usually priced per 5-gallon bottle, and new customers may pay a bottle deposit. Prices vary by supplier and order size. For current My Desert Spring Water prices, message on WhatsApp or call toll-free 800 637.