Is my landlord allowed to cut the electricity during a rent dispute in Dubai?

No — a landlord cannot cut your power or change your locks, whatever the dispute is about. Dubai law does not allow self-help eviction: only the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) can order a tenant out, and a landlord who disconnects utilities or locks a tenant out of their home exposes himself to liability. Your fastest route back in runs on two tracks. First, report to the police that you have been locked out of your residence with your belongings inside; officers routinely attend to restore access or supervise retrieval, and the report itself becomes valuable evidence. Second, file an urgent application at the RDC seeking restoration of the tenancy and services, plus compensation — the RDC can move quickly where a tenant has effectively been put on the street. Before either step, photograph the changed locks, keep your DEWA records showing the disconnection followed your rent dispute, and note any witnesses such as building security. Do not break back in yourself; let the police or the RDC restore you lawfully, so the wrongdoing stays entirely on his side. If access is not restored within days, a UAE property lawyer can run the urgent application and the compensation claim for you.