In March 2025, Dubai’s utility billing took a significant step as DEWA switched from gallons to cubic meters for water billing. This change aligns with global norms, simplifying consumption tracking for residents. Notably beneficial during the UAE’s hot summer months, when water usage spikes, the transition aims to enhance transparency and support sustainability goals under Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy. Despite the unit shift, tariff rates remain unchanged. The transition comes at a crucial time as summer months typically see an 18-20% surge in water consumption in the UAE, driven by air conditioning, gardening, and household needs. DEWA’s switch to cubic meters allows residents to better monitor and manage their water usage, aligning with Dubai’s 30% water use reduction target by 2030. Tools like the Smart Living Program offer enhanced monitoring capabilities, helping residents track their consumption patterns effectively. The move puts Dubai in line with other GCC countries like Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, who already use cubic meters for water billing. Bahrain also plans to switch to cubic meters in the near future to standardize measurements across the region, reflecting a growing trend towards transparent and sustainable water management practices.
