Drinking Water in Dubai is a common concern for travellers, and knowing what’s safe can make your stay much easier. This guide sheds some light on what to expect and the best options during your visit.
Is Dubai Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Dubai’s tap water adheres to World Health Organization guidelines, ensuring it’s safe for drinking. Filtering and desalinating seawater provides most potable water; however, the taste differs due to mineral additives.
This difference often leads residents and travellers to prefer bottled water. A 2015 survey of 891 UAE residents found that 78% of respondents expressed a preference for drinking bottled water, and 88% said they rarely or never drank tap water.
To stay hydrated especially in warm summer months, carry a refillable bottle, as you can find water fountains in public spaces like Al Fahidi area.
How Does Dubai Source its Water?
Drinking water in Dubai primarily comes from two key sources, desalination and underground wells. Desalination involves removing salt and other impurities from seawater to make it safe for consumption.
Indeed, Dubai has one of the world’s largest desalination plants that produces a significant volume of the emirate’s drinking water. On top of this, Dubai also taps into its underground wells, though this source only contributes a fraction to the total water supply. In 2022, the United Arab Emirates had about *** billion cubic meters of water available for use. To ensure safety, all public water supplies are regularly tested to meet rigorous quality standards.
Quality of Dubai’s Drinking Water
Dubai’s drinking water quality is tightly regulated and continuously monitored to ensure it meets international safety standards. According to DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), tap water undergoes extensive testing and is certified safe for human consumption.
Independent research supports this, showing that both tap water and bottled water in Dubai fall within international limits for key indicators such as alkalinity, hardness, heavy metals, and microbial content. In other words, the water supplied across Dubai meets global norms for safe drinking water.
Dubai’s tap water also maintains balanced pH levels, which are well-suited for drinking. The only caveat is that water quality inside a building can be influenced by ageing or poorly maintained plumbing systems, so residents should consider the condition of internal pipes rather than the water supply itself.
Dubai aligns its water regulations with leading global bodies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), ensuring consistent compliance with recognised standards.
Price of Drinking Water in Dubai
The price of drinking water in Dubai can vary, but calculations based on 2019 rates in Abu Dhabi (considerably similar to that of Dubai) demonstrate a daily slab rate. The residential sector pays an estimated AED 7.84 per 1000 litres.
For tourists residing in hotels, the rate comes up to an estimated AED 20.05 per 1000 litres. Thus, the cost for drinking water per person is determined by the consumption rate. Remember, it’s always advisable to confirm with your hotel or housing provider for specific rates.
Hotel Tap Water
Dubai’s tap water meets international safety standards and is safe at the source, but many travellers still prefer to drink bottled water during their stay. Hotels typically provide complimentary bottles in the room and may offer filtered or chilled water stations in shared areas.
While tap water is generally fine for brushing teeth or making tea and coffee, visitors often stick to bottled water for taste and peace of mind. If you’re unsure about your specific hotel or room, a quick check with the front desk will give you clarity.