A new fee for sewage services that will be calculated at 20 per cent of water consumption has been introduced.
Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj said the move is aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of national infrastructure networks.
“To maintain and upgrade sewage systems in line with population growth and urban expansion, it has been decided to introduce a sewage service fee,” Mr Al Hawaj said. It will come into effect from next month.
The minister stressed that primary residences of citizens will be exempted from the new charge.
“The exemption of the first residence for citizens reflects the government’s commitment to protecting households while ensuring the sustainability of essential public services,” he said.
Meanwhile, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said the government is moving to improve the utilisation of serviced investment land that remains undeveloped, in order to stimulate construction activity, curb land hoarding and support economic growth.
Under the new decision, a monthly fee of 100 fils per square metre will be imposed on undeveloped investment plots that already have full infrastructure services, with implementation scheduled for January 2027.
“This measure is aimed at encouraging the optimal use of investment land that is already serviced, unlocking its economic value and supporting urban development,” Mr Al Mubarak said.
He explained that the fee will apply to a wide range of investment zoning classifications, including mixed-use and residential investment, tourism and leisure, commercial and service zones.
Mr Al Mubarak clarified that endowment (waqf) investment lands will be excluded from the levy.
He added that the collection mechanism will be linked either to applications for building permits or at the point of property sale, ensuring administrative simplicity while encouraging timely development.
Both ministers emphasised that the measures form part of a balanced reform package, designed to support fiscal sustainability and encourage productive investment, while safeguarding citizens and social stability.
&uuid=(email))