Dubai Water & Electricity Authority (DEWA) made a major announcement last month to reduce the utility for a period of 3 months following the outbreak of coronavirus. As the economy is vastly impacted due to the pandemic, this statement came as a relief for Dubai citizens.

This reduction in utility bills is a part of the Dhs1.5 billion stimulus package that has been announced by the Dubai Government to minimize the cost of living in the city. Furthermore, it also aims to reduce business cost. This package includes 15 initiatives that serve the major sectors i.e. tourism, retail, energy, and trade, etc. in Dubai. It is designed to increase the spending of the government and reduce interest rates and taxes for citizens in order to prevent the chances of an economic slowdown due to the global pandemic.

Sheikh Hammad bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Dubai, took to microblogging site and revealed that residents will get a 10% discount on their electricity and water utility bills. Furthermore, there is also a discount applicable on the deposit paid. It is now reduced by 50%. Here are all the details you must know about this discount package for utilities:

On the directions of MD and CEO of DEWA, Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, the discount was implemented with immediate effects from 12th March 2020. Consumers are entitled to get this discount on their water and electricity bills for three months. It is to be noted that the DEWA bill includes housing free levied by Dubai Municipality and this discount will not be applicable on the same. This fee is mandatory to be paid by the owner. In case, they have put up the property for rent in Dubai, 5% of the housing fee is to be borne by the tenant while they will have to pay the remaining. The DEWA bill also includes fuel surcharges. The 10% discount is applicable on this amount.

This reduction in the DEWA bill is not only limited to residential consumers. Commercial and industrial sectors can also benefit from this relaxation. This will help them to reduce the cost of running their business.

Other than that, various neighborhoods and communities located in Dubai can also benefit from this discount. Their district cooling charges by Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporate (EMPOWER) will be reduced by 10%. The duration for this discount is also three months; however, it was implemented three days after the DEWA discount announcement i.e. from 15h March 2020.

Neighborhoods that are entitled to receive this discount include:

  •         Ghoroob Midriff
  •         Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (Tecom C)
  •         Business Village (Sheikh Mohammed Establishment – SME)
  •         Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (Tecom A)
  •         City of Arabia
  •         Al Khail Gate
  •         International Media Production Zone
  •         Dubai Health Care City Phase 1
  •         Business Bay – Executive Towers
  •         Jumeirah Beach Residence
  •         Dubai World Trade Centre Residences
  •         Dubai International Financial Centre

Apart from DEWA bills, the Dhs1.5 billion stimulus package offers a reduction in cost to various other sectors. For example, the municipality fee charged on hotel sales is now reduced to 50%. Moreover, they are also exempt from postponement fees for sports activities and tourism. Other than that, they are currently not required to pay ticket fees, government fees, permit issuance, and classification fees charged on conducting business and recreational activities.

This initiative taken by the Dubai government depicts that they are doing their part to lower the burden on the citizens caused by the coronavirus outbreak that has impacted the lives of people across the globe.

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