DEWA – Electricity, Water and Cooling
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) supplies electricity and water to most residential properties. Bills are issued monthly and paid online or at kiosks. A typical one-bedroom apartment in a moderate climate month costs between AED 300 and AED 600 for combined electricity and water.
In summer the air conditioning runs almost continuously. Bills for a two-bedroom apartment can reach AED 1,200 or more in July and August. In some buildings cooling is supplied by a district cooling provider such as Empower or Palm Utilities. These companies charge separately from DEWA and the rates are often higher. Always ask the landlord which cooling system the building uses before you sign a contract.
The Housing Fee
The Dubai Municipality charges a Housing Fee of 5% of the annual rent. It is collected in equal monthly instalments through the DEWA bill. There is no way to avoid or defer this charge. A tenant paying AED 100,000 per year in rent pays AED 5,000 annually as a housing fee.
| Annual Rent (AED) | Monthly Housing Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| 50,000 | 208 |
| 80,000 | 333 |
| 100,000 | 417 |
| 150,000 | 625 |
| 200,000 | 833 |
Sewerage Fee
Dubai Municipality also levies a Sewerage Fee. It is charged as a percentage of the DEWA water consumption and appears on the DEWA bill. The typical monthly amount for a one-bedroom apartment is AED 25 to AED 60.
Service & Maintenance Fees
Tenants in apartment buildings often pay a service charge that covers common area maintenance, security, pool and gym upkeep. In premium buildings this can be AED 300 to AED 800 per month. In older buildings the fee may be included in the rent. Ask the landlord or agent for a breakdown of all fees before you commit.
Realistic Monthly Cost Overview
| Cost Item | 1-BR Estimate (AED/mo) |
|---|---|
| Rent (prorated from annual) | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| DEWA electricity & water | 300 – 1,200 |
| District cooling (if applicable) | 300 – 800 |
| Housing fee (5% of rent) | 208 – 417 |
| Sewerage fee | 25 – 60 |
| Building service charge | 0 – 800 |
| Internet (home broadband) | 250 – 450 |
Practical Saving Tips
- Set your air conditioning to 24°C instead of 20°C. This alone can cut electricity costs by 20%.
- Use blackout curtains on west-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain.
- Check if your building uses DEWA district cooling or a private provider before renting.
- The DEWA Green Charger scheme offers subsidised rates for tenants who use less than a set monthly threshold.
- Negotiate a fixed service charge cap into your tenancy contract when possible.
Before you move in: Request the last three DEWA bills from the landlord. This gives you a realistic picture of actual consumption in that specific apartment and building.