Is Tap Water Safe To Drink In Dubai? What Tourists Should Know
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, you’ve probably wondered: Can I drink the tap water there? It’s one of the most common questions I get from people visiting the city for the first time.
I’ve been to Dubai many times, including a month-long stay when I was job hunting, so I’ve had my fair share of experience with the local water.
Let’s clear up the confusion and talk about when it’s safe to drink tap water in Dubai and when it’s better to stick with bottled or filtered options.
💧 Quick Answer
Yes, tap water in Dubai is safe to drink, but only if the water tanks and pipes in the building are regularly cleaned and maintained. For peace of mind, most people still prefer bottled or filtered water. I personally boil tap water for tea and coffee, but I drink bottled water otherwise.
Is Dubai’s Tap Water Safe?
According to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the water supplied through the city’s pipelines meets both UAE and World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
The official statement from DEWA says: “Our water quality across generation, transmission, and distribution networks meets the highest health and safety standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).”
But there’s a catch. DEWA is only responsible up to the meter. After that, building owners or landlords are responsible for cleaning and maintaining internal water tanks and pipes. If these aren’t regularly serviced, the water can become contaminated with rust or bacteria.
So technically, yes, it’s safe. But practically, it depends on where you’re staying.
Should Tourists Drink Tap Water in Dubai?
If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the staff if the building’s water tanks are cleaned regularly. Many hotels do maintain high standards and will tell you if the water is safe.
If you’re in an Airbnb or apartment rental, it’s safer to boil the tap water or stick to bottled water, since you probably won’t know the maintenance schedule for the tanks.
When eating out, it’s generally fine to drink tap water served at restaurants, especially those that offer it openly. The government encourages restaurants to offer filtered tap water to reduce plastic waste.
Where Does Dubai’s Tap Water Come From?
Nearly 99% of Dubai’s water comes from desalinated seawater. The process involves removing salt from water piped in from the Arabian Gulf.
This is done at the Jebel Ali Power Plant and Desalination Complex, the largest desalination plant in the world. The remaining 1% comes from underground aquifers.
So while Dubai is in the desert, it has one of the most advanced water treatment systems globally.
Should You Use a Water Filter in Dubai?
Yes, and many residents do. Even though the water is safe, the tanks and pipes in some buildings can affect the quality. Using a tap filter ensures you’re removing any residual chlorine, rust, or other contaminants.
There are many types of filters available in Dubai, ranging from basic faucet filters to full-home filtration systems.
Using filtered tap water is also more convenient than hauling bottled water from the store, it’s better for the environment, and decreases your expenses for bottled water.
Why Tap Water Tastes Different
Some people say Dubai’s tap water tastes strange. That’s often due to:
- The desalination process
- Added chlorine
- Possible tank residue
Once you use a filter, the taste usually improves a lot, and many people say it’s just as good as bottled water.
What About Bottled Water in Dubai?
Bottled water is widely available, and most tourists prefer it. But it’s not without downsides:
- It’s often stored in hot conditions, which can cause plastic chemicals to leach into the water.
- Microplastics and BPA are concerns, especially if the bottle has been exposed to heat.
If you do buy bottled water, choose reputable brands and store it in a cool place.
Common Myths About Dubai Tap Water
There are many rumors floating around. Here are a few you might hear, and the facts:
- Dubai water causes hair loss.
- ❌ No scientific evidence supports this. Dubai’s water is hard water, which can feel different if you’re used to soft water. But it doesn’t cause hair loss.
- Tap water causes dry skin or aging.
- ❌ Again, this is due to the hardness of the water. You can use a shower filter to help reduce the effects on skin and hair.
Is Tap Water More Sustainable?
Absolutely. Drinking filtered tap water is cheaper, easier, and more eco-friendly than bottled water. You can also use a 5-gallon refillable bottle if you prefer.
There are initiatives raised with several sustainable development projects launched across the whole UAE.
For example:
- Restaurants are supposed to give free tap water to clients, which makes the restaurant’s owners responsible for regular quality testing of their water tanks.
- Stations with free drinking water have been installed throughout the city for people to refill their bottles and eliminate plastic waste
- Building a habit of mindful living by spreading the word about plastic-free options and sustainability.
💡 Pro Tip: Carry a refillable water bottle and refill it at safe locations like restaurants, malls, hotels, or water stations. It’ll save you money and reduce plastic waste.
If you’re a resident, consider investing in a filter system. It’s better for your health, budget, and the planet.
Want more Dubai tips? Join my free Facebook group, I Love To Visit Dubai. Ask questions, share stories, and get tips from other Dubai travelers like you! I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
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