By dubailife 
Budget Planning for 2025: Key Cost Increases in Dubai
As 2025 approaches, it’s a good time to reassess your budget, especially if you’re living in or commuting to Dubai for work or business. Several upcoming price changes across key services are expected to impact daily expenses. These adjustments are part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to enhance public services, including traffic management and infrastructure development.
1. Increased Parking Fees in Dubai
Starting March 2025, Dubai will introduce new parking fee rates:
Parking Areas |
Timings |
Fee per Hour |
|---|---|---|
Premium Spaces |
8am-10am / 4pm-8pm |
Dh6 |
10am-4pm / 8pm-10pm |
Dh4 |
|
Standard Spaces |
8am-10pm |
Dh4 |
All Areas |
10pm-8am / All day on Sundays |
Free |
Event Zones |
During major events |
Dh25 |
Premium parking zones, identified by pink markings, will be introduced in high-demand areas, such as within 500 meters of Metro stations and major commercial hubs. Additionally, a Dh25 hourly fee will apply to event parking zones, particularly near locations like the Dubai World Trade Centre during major events starting in February 2025.
2. Salik Toll Hike with Dynamic Pricing
From January 2025, Salik will implement a dynamic toll pricing system to ease traffic congestion:
Salik Fee |
Timings |
|---|---|
Dh6 |
6am-10am / 4pm-8pm |
Dh4 |
10am-4pm / 8pm-1am / all day on Sundays |
Free |
1am-6am |
This is the first revision of Salik toll charges since their introduction in 2007. The changes are expected to ease traffic flow and generate between Dh60 million to Dh110 million annually for Salik, now a public joint stock company.
3. Sewerage Tariff Increase
Dubai Municipality will implement higher sewerage tariffs over the next three years, starting in 2025:
Year |
Fee per Gallon |
|---|---|
2025 |
1.5 fils |
2026 |
2 fils |
2027 |
2.8 fils |
This is the first tariff increase in 10 years, aimed at supporting Dubai’s water conservation initiatives and future-ready infrastructure to accommodate the city’s growing population.
What to Expect in Rent and Salaries
Rent Outlook
While rents have surged in recent years, relief could be on the horizon. Over 100,000 new apartments and villas are expected to enter the market in 2025, potentially stabilizing rental rates.
Salary Increases
According to several studies, salary hikes are anticipated across various sectors:
- Technology and Legal sectors are likely to see the highest increases due to talent demand.
- Finance, Accounting, and HR professionals may also receive raises.
- A broader survey by Mercer predicts an average 4% salary increase across industries, covering sectors such as energy, financial services, construction, real estate, and retail.
As Dubai continues its growth and development, these adjustments are set to shape the financial landscape in 2025, requiring residents and businesses to adapt their budgets accordingly.
Source : Kahleejtimes