How much does an electrician cost in Dubai and do they need to be licensed?

Yes — all electricians working in Dubai must be licensed by Dubai Municipality (DM). An unlicensed electrician working on your property's wiring is illegal and creates significant safety and insurance risks. Always ask for a Dubai Municipality trade licence number before any electrical work begins. Licensed electrician costs in Dubai: callout fee AED 100–AED 200 (often waived if you proceed with the work), socket installation AED 80–AED 150 per socket, consumer unit check AED 150–AED 300, circuit breaker replacement AED 100–AED 250. For a half-day visit covering multiple tasks, expect AED 400–AED 800 all-in. Any significant electrical work (new circuits, consumer unit upgrades) requires a permit from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in addition to a licensed contractor.