Do I need to cancel Ejari to get my deposit and DEWA refund when moving out?

Cancelling Ejari is an important part of cleanly closing out a Dubai tenancy and is often linked, in practice, to finalising your DEWA account and recovering your security deposit. Ejari is the Dubai Land Department's tenancy registration; while it stays active, the property is still formally tied to you, which can complicate the landlord re-letting and slow the closing of related accounts. Typically when you move out you settle and close your final DEWA bill, return the property in good condition, and arrange the Ejari cancellation, after which the landlord should return your deposit minus any legitimate documented deductions. Keep your contract, deposit receipt, move-out photos, the final DEWA statement, and the Ejari cancellation record as proof. If a landlord withholds your deposit unfairly after you have done your part, that becomes a rental dispute you can take to the Rental Dispute Centre. Confirm the exact cancellation and refund steps with the Dubai Land Department and DEWA, and you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI if a deposit dispute arises.