Moving into a new flat or villa and suddenly the lights trip, a socket sparks, or the chandelier needs hanging? If you’ve just searched electrician Dubai, you’re in the right place. This expat-friendly guide explains electrician cost in Dubai, when you must use a DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) approved electrician, how to avoid overpaying, and the exact questions to ask before you book.
Quick note: Prices below are typical ranges, not quotes. Rates vary by urgency (night/weekend), building access, materials, and warranty.
Average electrician prices in Dubai (what to expect)
Most providers quote one of two models:
- Call-out fee (includes first 30–60 minutes)
- Hourly rate (plus parts), often with a minimum charge
Typical daytime ranges (residential; informational only):
- Call-out fee: AED 100–250 (often includes diagnosis / first 30–60 minutes)
- Hourly rate after first hour: AED 100–200 per hour (junior) or AED 180–300 (senior)
- Evening/weekend surcharge: +25–60% on labour (varies by provider)
- Parts markup: 10–35% over retail (cables, breakers, accessories)
- Small jobs bundle: Many firms offer a fixed price for simple tasks (e.g., light fitting swap)
Why your price might be higher (or lower)
- Urgency: After-hours emergencies cost more.
- Access & parking: Paid parking, gate passes, and long walks to the DB room add time.
- Scope creep: Rewiring, defect tracing, or ceiling work takes longer than a straight swap.
- Warranty & insurance: Licensed, insured teams and DEWA approved contractors charge more—but you’re paying for liability cover and quality.
Typical job costs (AED) — quick comparison
Use this as a ballpark guide only. Parts quality, ceiling height, and access drive the final bill.
| Job (residential) | Labour only (weekday) | Parts (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace standard light fitting | 100–200 | 0–50 | Higher for chandeliers (see below) |
| Install chandelier / heavy fitting | 250–600 | Hooks/anchors 20–80 | Scaffolding or high ceilings add time |
| Replace power socket / switch | 120–220 | 20–60 | Branded faceplates cost more |
| Fix frequent tripping (diagnosis) | 150–300 | — | May require DB/RCBO replacement |
| Replace MCB/RCBO breaker in DB | 180–350 | 80–300 | Branded breakers priced higher |
| Add a new socket (surface conduit) | 200–450 | 50–120 | Chasing walls raises labour + mess |
| Full flat short-circuit check | 250–500 | — | Includes DB tightening, continuity tests |
| Cooker point / isolator install | 200–400 | 80–200 | Check load and cabling gauge |
| Outdoor/ garden light install | 200–450 | 50–250 | Weatherproof IP-rated fittings |
| Small DB (fuse box) upgrade | 500–1,200 | 300–1,000 | For larger scope, get 2–3 quotes |
Tip: Ask for a line-item quote: labour, parts, call-out, and any revisit policy if the fault reappears within a set time.
DEWA basics: when you must use a DEWA approved electrician
DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) oversees the city’s power network. For routine minor works inside your apartment (swap a light or socket), many maintenance firms can help. But for anything that affects load, metering, or the main distribution board, you’ll usually need a DEWA approved contractor/engineer. Typical cases:
- Load increase / new circuits
- DB panel changes beyond simple breaker swaps
- Meter work / submissions
- Electrical works in common areas (via building management)
Why it matters:
- Safety & compliance: Correct cable gauge, breaker types, grounding, and RCD/RCBO protection.
- Insurance: Landlord/building insurance may require DEWA approved invoices for claims.
- Handover: Some jobs need documentation or a completion certificate for the building FM team.
Tenant vs landlord responsibilities (plain-English view)
Not legal advice—always check your tenancy contract and building rules.
- Landlord typically: hidden infrastructure—wiring inside walls, DB panel, fixed electrical points originally delivered with the property, and major faults not caused by misuse.
- Tenant typically: consumables and minor fittings—lamps/bulbs, decorative light fixtures you added, simple faceplate upgrades, damage from tenant use.
- Apartments vs villas: In villas, external lights, garden electrics, and outbuildings vary by contract—clarify before work.
When in doubt, document the issue with photos/video and ask the landlord/agent to confirm in writing who pays. If you pay first for urgent work, keep a VAT invoice and request reimbursement as per your lease.
How to choose an electrician in Dubai (and avoid overpaying)
- Shortlist 2–3 providers with strong recent reviews and clear pricing.
- Share photos/videos of the issue—great providers can pre-quote or give a tight range.
- Ask about the fee model: call-out vs hour, what the first hour includes, and the revisit policy.
- Confirm credentials: are they licensed and insured? DEWA approved if your job needs it?
- Get it in writing: parts brand, warranty duration, timeline, and disposal/cleanup.
- Avoid pure “diagnosis only” traps: agree on the labor rate to fix once the fault is found.
- Pay smart: card or bank transfer with VAT invoice. Keep receipts for warranty and rental disputes.
Emergency electricians (24/7): when to call, what it costs
Call if: you smell burning, see sparking, water near electrics, or the RCD won’t reset. Safety first—turn off the main breaker and keep people away.
- Surcharge: evenings/weekends/holidays often add 25–60% to labor.
- Fast triage: a good team isolates the fault, restores safe supply, and schedules follow-up for non-urgent fixes.
- Don’t DIY: temporary fixes and “jumpering” can be dangerous and void insurance.
Step-by-step: from problem to paid invoice
- Identify the symptom (exact room, which sockets/lights, when it started).
- Take clear photos of the DB panel and the affected area.
- Message providers with your location, access notes, and photos; ask for a ballpark.
- Book a slot with the provider who is clearest on price and plan.
- On arrival, reconfirm scope, warranty, and disposal.
- Test before they leave (lights, sockets, breakers).
- Collect invoice + warranty and save it to your tenancy docs.
Money-saving playbook for expats
- Bundle tasks (replace several switches/lights in one visit).
- Choose weekday daytime slots when possible.
- Provide the parts if you’re brand-specific (check compatibility first); some contractors still add a handling fee.
- Protect deposits: if fitting expensive fixtures, ask for proof of insurance.
- Maintain your DB: loose connections cause heat and nuisance tripping. A yearly tightening & check is cheap insurance.
Quick price estimator (DIY math)
Not a quote—just a way to sanity-check the bill.
Total cost ≈ Call-out (or first hour) + (extra hours × hourly rate) + parts (retail × markup) + VAT
Example: Replace 2 sockets and diagnose a tripping light circuit
- Call-out (includes 1st hour): AED 180
- Extra 1 hour labor: AED 160
- 2 branded sockets (AED 35 × 2) with 15% markup: AED 81
- VAT 5%: AED 21
- Estimated total: ~AED 442
If your quote is wildly different, ask the provider to explain what’s different about the job (access, safety, parts brand, extra tests).
Neighborhood notes & travel time
Many companies serve all of Dubai; some specialize in Marina/JBR, Downtown/Business Bay, JVC/JVT, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif, etc. Travel time affects first-available slot and sometimes price. Provide parking instructions (visitor access, gate passes) to avoid extra time charges.
Safety and compliance reminders
- Turn off power at the DB before touching fixtures.
- Use IP-rated fittings in bathrooms and outdoors.
- Check load ratings for cookers/ovens and high-wattage appliances.
- Keep the DB clear and labelled; never block access.
- Ask for a test report after major works (insulation/continuity).
FAQs — Electrician Dubai (expat edition)
Electrician Dubai — FAQs
Quick, practical answers for hiring and budgeting an electrician in Dubai. Click to expand.
1) How much does an electrician cost in Dubai?
Expect a call-out fee of AED 100–250 (often includes the first 30–60 minutes). After that, labour is typically AED 100–300 per hour depending on technician level and time of day. Parts are extra and may include a 10–35% markup.
2) Do I need a DEWA-approved electrician?
Use a DEWA-approved contractor for anything involving load increases, meter work, new circuits, or major DB (fuse box) changes. For minor internal fixes (swap a socket or light), a licensed maintenance company is usually fine.
3) What’s the difference between a call-out fee and an hourly rate?
The call-out fee covers travel, diagnosis, and often the first 30–60 minutes on site. If the job exceeds that window, the hourly rate applies for additional labour. Always confirm what the first hour includes.
4) Who pays for repairs — tenant or landlord?
Landlord: fixed infrastructure (wiring inside walls, DB, original sockets). Tenant: consumables and fixtures you added (decorative lights, bulbs, damaged faceplates). Check your lease and get written approval for major works.
5) What affects the final price?
- Urgency: evenings/weekends add 25–60% to labour.
- Access: parking, gate passes, ceiling height, scaffolding.
- Scope: fault-finding, rewiring, or chasing walls takes longer.
- Parts: brand/grade and the provider’s handling/markup.
6) How fast can an electrician come out?
Same-day visits are common in central areas. Emergency callouts can arrive within hours, but expect a surcharge outside business hours and on holidays.
7) Can I DIY electrical work?
Changing bulbs is fine, but anything involving the DB, wiring, or new circuits should be done by a licensed electrician. DIY errors can void insurance and breach building rules.
8) Do I get a VAT invoice and warranty?
Reputable companies provide a VAT invoice and a written warranty on labour/parts (e.g., 30–90 days). Keep receipts for tenancy and insurance claims.
9) How can I reduce the cost?
- Book a weekday daytime slot.
- Bundle multiple small tasks into one visit.
- Share photos/videos to get a fixed price where possible.
- Provide specific parts if you prefer a brand (confirm compatibility first).
10) What should I include in my booking message?
Send your location, photos of the DB panel and the issue, and ask for: call-out fee, what the first hour includes, hourly rate after, whether they’re DEWA-approved (if needed), VAT invoice, and warranty.
What to put in your booking message (copy-paste)
“Hi, I’m in [building/area]. We have [brief issue]. Attached photos of the DB panel and [fixture/switch]. Please confirm: call-out fee, what the first hour includes, hourly rate after that, if you’re DEWA approved (if needed), and whether you provide a VAT invoice and work warranty. Thanks!”
Conclusion
A reliable electrician in Dubai should give you transparent pricing, show proof of license/insurance, and leave you with a VAT invoice + warranty. For most expats, costs are manageable when you bundle jobs, book weekday slots, and agree a fixed scope upfront.
Want more essential home & cost guides for expats? Explore our Dubai Cost of Living hub and download the 10-point electrician hiring checklist to keep on your phone the next time the lights trip.
Disclaimer: This guide is informational, not professional or legal advice. Always follow building rules and DEWA guidance for electrical safety and compliance.