Starting April 1, 2025, Sharjah residents will see higher SEWA bills after the Sharjah Executive Council approved a new sewage management service fee. The increase affects most residents — but not everyone equally.
New Sewage Management Fee on SEWA Bills
The Sharjah Executive Council issued a decision to amend Council Decision No. 5 of 2013 concerning municipal fees. The amendment introduces a sewage management service fee of 1.5 fils per gallon of water consumption, added directly to SEWA (Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority) statements.
The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
All UAE nationals are exempt from the new fee. Expatriate residents in Sharjah will bear the additional charge starting from the April billing cycle.
Why SEWA Bills Are Going Up
Authorities introduced the sewage management fee to enhance municipal services and infrastructure across the emirate. The charge is calculated based on individual water consumption recorded in SEWA bills, meaning heavier water users will see a larger increase in their monthly statements.
Additional Cost Changes in Sharjah
Alongside the SEWA bill increase, visitors to Kalba — a coastal enclave of Sharjah — will now also be required to pay a new parking fee. The combination of rising utility costs and additional municipal charges has prompted many Sharjah residents to seek out free entertainment and leisure options within the emirate.
Residents are advised to monitor their SEWA statements from April onwards and account for the new sewage management line item in their monthly household budgets.
