Breakdown
How it works
Electricity is billed in four slabs (23, 28, 32, 38 fils per kWh), water in three (3.57, 4.21, 4.6 fils per imperial gallon), plus a monthly fuel surcharge, sewerage at 0.5 fils per gallon and the Dubai Municipality housing fee of 5% of annual rent spread over 12 months. A one-bedroom apartment typically uses 600–1,200 kWh in summer; a villa 3,000–6,000.
Formula
Worked example
1,200 kWh and 8,000 gallons, AED 90,000 rent: electricity AED 276 + water AED 298 + fuel AED 126 + housing AED 375 + sewerage AED 40 ≈ AED 1,115.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my summer bill so high?
Air conditioning is 60–70% of consumption June–September. Set AC to 24°C, service filters, and check for chiller-fee buildings where cooling is billed separately (Empower/Emicool).
What is the housing fee?
A municipality fee of 5% of annual rent (0.5% of property value for owners) collected through DEWA in monthly instalments.
How do I reduce the fuel surcharge?
You cannot — it tracks fuel costs and applies to every kWh and gallon. Reducing consumption is the only lever.