Reduction on DEWA Bills for Residents for Three Months

Dubai has launched a AED 1.5bn economic stimulus package...

Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Government has announced a reduction on certain fees to support businesses, citizens and expatriate residents in Dubai in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, took to Twitter to unveil an economic stimulus package worth AED 1.5bn. The measures will be introduced with immediate effect and will be valid for three months.

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The package will be shared across various sectors to help protect businesses, especially in tourism, retail, external trade, and logistics services.

Residents and citizens should also see the cost of living lower, thanks to a 10 percent reduction in electricity and water bills, as well as a 50 percent reduction in DEWA deposits. Hotels are exempt from postponement fees for tourism and sports activities in 2020.

"The world is going through difficult times but we have the capability to navigate challenges successfully,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

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“As we have learned from Sheikh Mohammed, challenges enhance a society’s ability to develop and advance by generating innovative and creative solutions.”

The initiative also includes a freeze on the 2.5 percent market fees for all facilities operating in Dubai, and there will also be a refund of 20 percent in Customs fees imposed on imported products sold locally in Dubai's markets.