Lifestyle
UAE — Living: Utilities
DEWA uses a slab tariff for residential electricity: AED 0.230/kWh (0-2,000 kWh), AED 0.280/kWh (2,001-4,000 kWh), AED 0.320/kWh (4,001-6,000 kWh), AED 0.380/kWh (6,001+ kWh), plus a fuel surcharge of AED 0.060/kWh (May 2026). Residential water starts at AED 7.700/m³ for the first 27 m³, rising for higher consumption, plus a water fuel surcharge of AED 1.100/m³. Additional charges include a housing/municipality fee (5% of annual rent, billed monthly on the DEWA bill) and a sewerage fee (1 fils/gallon, ~AED 0.22/m³, rising to 2 fils in 2026 and 2.8 fils in 2027). A 5% VAT applies to most DEWA bill components (consumption, fuel surcharge, meter service charges). Other emirates use their own utility authorities (SEWA in Sharjah, ADDC/TAQA in Abu Dhabi, Etihad WE).
Key facts
- DEWA electricity slab tariff: AED 0.230-0.380/kWh depending on consumption tier, plus a fuel surcharge.
- DEWA water: from AED 7.700/m³ (first 27 m³), plus a water fuel surcharge.
- Housing/municipality fee: 5% of annual rent, billed monthly on the DEWA bill.
- Sewerage fee is rising: 1 fils/gallon now → 2 fils (2026) → 2.8 fils (2027); 5% VAT applies to most bill components.
Costs
- DEWA electricity (lowest tier): AED 0.230/kWh
- DEWA water (first 27 m³): AED 7.700/m³
- Housing/municipality fee: 5% of annual rent
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the housing/municipality fee (5% of annual rent) shows up as a recurring charge on the DEWA bill, not a one-time cost.