Dubai sewerage bills to rise by 50% in January and more than double by 2027

Prices to rise for first time in 10 years as authorities seek to invest in infrastructure to manage surging population

Dubai is introducing a revised sewerage tariff structure beginning next year. AFP

The amounts that Dubai residents pay for sewerage will rise for the first time in 10 years in January, as the city looks to manage a surging population.

Dubai Municipality this week rolled out a new sewerage tariff structure that will come into effect from 2025.

The new fees will begin at 1.5 fils per gallon starting from the beginning of 2025, an increase on the current rate of 1 fil. It will then increase to 2 fils per gallon in 2026 and 2.8 fils per gallon in January 2027 – marking a 180 per cent increase on the cost today.

The announcement comes as the city manages a rising population, from 3.8 million today to an expected 5.8 million by 2040. Last year, about 100,000 people moved to the city, and a similar number the year before. The influx has led to congested roads and surging rents, although 90,000 new homes are coming onto the market in the next two years.

Dubai's government said the cost of water, which many countries in the Middle East suffer a shortage of, remained lower than many global cities.

"Dubai’s robust economic growth, coupled with a significant population increase, has driven the need for continuous infrastructure development across all service sectors to accommodate the needs of its expanding resident and visitor base," Dubai Government Media Office said.

"The primary aim of this increase is to promote water conservation in the emirate and contribute to fostering sustainable practices, preserving water resources, and creating a future-ready urban infrastructure that can meet the growing needs of Dubai residents and visitors."