Moving to JLT is simple when you follow the right order. Whether you've just signed your lease or you're about to, here's everything you need to get sorted, from switching on the power to your move-in permit, for a smooth start to life in JLT.
Once the essentials are done, you're free to enjoy everything else on your doorstep, from lakeside walks and sports courts to nurseries and restaurants.
Your JLT move-in checklist at a glance
- Register your Ejari
- Activate DEWA for electricity and water
- Register with Empower for your AC (skip if your flat is chiller-free)
- Get connected: Wi-Fi and cooking gas
- Get your move-in permit from your tower's management office
- Sort your parking
- Book your movers
- Get to know your neighbourhood
Step 1: Get your Ejari sorted
Ejari is your registered tenancy contract, and you'll need it to activate DEWA electricity and water, your Empower cooling, visa applications and school registrations. If you own your home, your title deed or sales and purchase agreement does the same job.
You can complete your Ejari registration yourself on the Dubai REST app for about AED 180, or your landlord or property manager can do it for you. Once that's done, you're set for the next steps on the checklist.
Step 2: Lights on with your DEWA move-in
Next up is turning on the lights and getting the water running in your apartment. With your Ejari done, a Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) account is created for you automatically, and you just need to use the DEWA Move-in service on the app or website to activate it.
Once you pay the refundable security deposit, plus about AED 155 to connect, your electricity and water should be on within 15 working hours.
Step 3: Get your AC running with Empower registration
Most JLT towers are cooled by Empower's district cooling, so for most tenants, getting the AC running means setting up an Empower account. You can skip this step if your flat is chiller-free (your landlord covers the Empower bill) or has its own AC units (cooling runs on your DEWA bill).
Otherwise, complete your Empower registration online. The deposit and connection fee may depend on your building, and your account is usually active within 1 to 3 working days.
Step 4: Wi-Fi up, hob lit
Wi-Fi and cooking gas are two essentials best sorted before you move in to avoid any inconvenience. For internet, it's either du or Etisalat, whichever serves your building, and you can sign up for a plan on their website. Installation is usually done within a working week.
Cooking gas is similar. If your tower has a central gas supply, one provider runs it for the whole building, so you simply register with whichever company your building uses, such as Emirates Gas, Lootah BCGas, Smart Gas, or Sergas. If your tower doesn't have a gas supply, it's either fully electric or you can use a refillable gas cylinder, if your landlord allows it.
Step 5: Sort your parking in JLT
If you're bringing a car, it's worth knowing that not every JLT apartment comes with a parking bay, so check your tenancy contract first. If a bay is included, your tower's management office will get you set up.
If not, you can lease one through Concordia's Parking Permit Scheme, where tenants and owners in JLT list their spare parking bays. As a resident, you can lease up to two bays for up to 12 months.
One perk of living in JLT is that you may not need a car at all, with the DMCC and Sobha Realty metro stations making it easy to get around JLT and beyond.
Step 6: Movers in JLT who make moving day easy
With everything switched on, all that's left is getting your things here. These movers in JLT take care of the packing, shifting and set-up, so you can focus on settling in.
Justlife
Justlife lets you book your whole move through its app, from packing and transport to unpacking and setting up at the other end. Every move includes two free hours of handyman time for curtain rails and shelves, and you can add insurance if you're moving anything precious. Once the boxes are in, you can also book a move-in clean in JLT from about AED 40 an hour.
Best for: A full-service move booked in a few taps
Book your move with Justlife →
800 Truck
800 Truck offers trucks from 1 to 7 tonnes for home moves, plus packing and handyman jobs, and storage if your move-out and move-in dates don't match. Every vehicle is GPS-tracked, so you always know where your things are.
Best for: Anything from a full-service move to DIY truck hire
Get a quote from 800 Truck →
The Box
The Box handles moving and storage from its own 140,000 sq ft facility right here in JLT. You get 24/7 access to climate-controlled units, which is handy when your move-out and move-in dates don't line up.
Best for: Moves that need storage in between
Get a quote from The Box →
Settling into JLT
Once you've unpacked, the next step is getting to know your neighbourhood. From your nearest clinics and pharmacies to a café that soon becomes your regular spot, everyday essentials are never far away. Here's what you can look forward to as you settle into life in JLT.
Live: help when you need it
For help with security, maintenance or other community matters, the Concordia Service Centre is your first point of contact. Save +971 4 368 8883 to your phone so you have it handy whenever you need it. The team is available 24/7 to help you settle into everyday life in JLT with one less thing to think about.
Learn: nurseries and learning centres
If you're moving with children, remember to update your Emirates ID address within 30 days and keep your Ejari handy, as schools usually request both during admissions. For younger children, you'll find a good choice of nurseries in JLT across the clusters, making morning drop-offs easier to manage. Learning centres and academies also offer children and adults opportunities to explore new interests and develop their skills.
Play: parks, lakes and community events
A walk around the lakes is a lovely way to explore your new neighbourhood, while JLT Park offers playgrounds and open lawns for the whole family. For something more active, Cluster O has football pitches, a basketball court and a skate park. Check the JLT Calendar for upcoming community events, or explore more ways to stay active around the neighbourhood.
Dine: your new local favourites
After a long day of unpacking, cooking might be the last thing on your mind. With more than 460 cafés and restaurants across JLT, you'll have plenty to choose from, whether you're after a quick takeaway or a relaxed dinner. Start with our guide to JLT's top restaurants and find your next favourite spot.
Work: an office close to home
JLT is home to the DMCC Free Zone, with a range of coworking and shared office spaces for freelancers, entrepreneurs and businesses. Whether you need a desk for the day or a more permanent workspace, you can explore options without leaving the community.
Welcome to the neighbourhood
That’s the checklist ticked off, so now you can say hello to the neighbours and start exploring life in JLT. Whenever you need something close to home, the JLT Directory is the place to look.
