In Dubai, air conditioning costs can rise significantly during the summer. Many buildings charge separate chiller fees for the use of air conditioning, which can mean you pay an extra 500 to 1,000 dirhams (approximately £110 to £220) per month.
Areas with high chiller costs
Communities such as Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Business Bay and Palm Jumeirah are known for passing on these chiller costs. These bills can be particularly high during the hot summer months. With chiller-free properties, however, you only pay for electricity, water and your rent, with no separate air conditioning charges.
Popular chiller-free districts and an important warning
Some popular chiller-free districts are Dubai Hills and Emaar South. Please note: Emaar Downtown was previously known as chiller-free, but this has changed. Many buildings, including the Address towers, now charge chiller fees through Tasleem. This can lead to surprises, even years after you have moved in.
For those looking for a property in Dubai and wanting to save money each month, it is advisable to check in advance whether an apartment or villa is genuinely chiller-free. A simple question to the landlord or real estate agent could save you hundreds to thousands of dirhams per year.
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
