UAE off-plan glossary

Service charges

Annual fee paid by the owner to fund common-area maintenance, security and amenities in the development.

Service charges are an annual per-sqft fee owed by every unit owner to the building or master-community operator. They fund concierge, security, pool, gym, landscaping and major repairs. UAE service charges typically range from AED 8–40 per sqft per year, with luxury beachfront and serviced-apartment buildings at the high end and value master-communities at the low end.