Decoding Your Monthly DEWA Statement in Dubai

Understanding utility expenses in Dubai is critical for household budgeting. Every residential tenant with an active Ejari contract receives a monthly statement from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) containing electricity consumption, water usage, fuel surcharges, sewerage fees, and the municipal housing fee.

Components of a Monthly DEWA Bill

  1. Electricity Consumption (kWh): Billed under a slab tariff structure. For residential expatriates:
    • Slab 1 (0 – 2,000 kWh): 23 fils per kWh
    • Slab 2 (2,001 – 4,000 kWh): 28 fils per kWh
    • Slab 3 (4,001 – 6,000 kWh): 32 fils per kWh
    • Slab 4 (Above 6,000 kWh): 38 fils per kWh
  2. Water Consumption (Imperial Gallons):
    • Slab 1 (0 – 6,000 Gallons): 3.5 fils per gallon
    • Slab 2 (6,001 – 12,000 Gallons): 4.0 fils per gallon
    • Slab 3 (Above 12,000 Gallons): 4.6 fils per gallon
  3. Fuel Surcharge: A variable monthly surcharge reflecting global energy feedstocks (approximately 5.5 to 6.5 fils/kWh for electricity and 0.6 fils/gallon for water).
  4. Dubai Housing Fee (Municipality): 5% of your annual Ejari rent divided by 12. For example, on a 1-bedroom flat renting for AED 60,000/year, the monthly Housing Fee is exactly AED 250.
  5. Sewerage Fee: Billed by Dubai Municipality at 1 fil per gallon of water consumed.