Owais Crawford
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with three main terminals and the Dubai World Central serving as the operating grounds for various airlines. While the airport offers a wide range of facilities, including luxurious spas, duty-free malls, restaurants, and lounges, travellers are often curious about the availability of smoking areas within the airport premises. As of 2025, Dubai Airport is a smoke-free zone, with designated smoking areas available for passengers who wish to smoke. These designated areas include smoking rooms and lounges located near specific gates, such as Gates A2, A23, B3, B7, B27, C6/C8, and C9/C23.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed | Yes, in designated smoking areas and lounges |
| Terminals | 3 main terminals (Terminal 1, 2, 3) and Dubai World Central |
| Smoking areas in Terminal 1 | Next to Gate 125 |
| Smoking areas in Terminal 3 | Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, C23 |
| Smoking areas in Terminal 3 (other sources) | Near Gate 25, above the Hard Rock Cafe; Winston smoking lounge at Gate B3; Winston smoking lounges at C21 and opposite C6/C8 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Dubai Airport has designated smoking areas
The airport has a variety of facilities to keep travellers occupied, such as the Zen Gardens, a luxurious spa, a beauty treatment centre, and a duty-free mall. There are also several lounges, restaurants, and dining options available.
The smoking areas at Dubai Airport are located near specific gates. For example, there is a smoking area near Gate 125 in Terminal 1, and smokers can also find a smoking booth inside The Gallery Lounge, located near the Winston smoking lounge. In Terminal 3, there are smoking areas at Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, and C23. One user reported that the smoking area near Gate A23 was closed for refurbishment in April 2025, but an alternative smoking area was available near Gate A2.
In addition to these designated smoking areas, there are smoking rooms in the business class lounges. One user described a smoking bar in Terminal 3 concourse A as particularly pleasant. It is important to note that changing concourses can take some time, so it is recommended to use the smoking facilities in the concourse from which you are flying.
Parking Your Scooter at the Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminal 1 has a small smoking room
Dubai Airport is a smoke-free airport. However, there is a small smoking room in Terminal 1, located next to Gate 125. This is the only place in the entire airport where smoking is permitted. Terminal 1 operates all international flights, except for Emirates and Qantas. It is connected to Terminal 3, which takes 5 to 30 minutes to walk, depending on the departure gate.
The smoking room in Terminal 1 is not well-ventilated, and it is quite small, which can be uncomfortable for smokers. There is also no separation between males and females, which may be uncomfortable for female smokers due to staring from males. This room is not well-suited for smokers, and it is recommended that smokers avoid Dubai Airport if they need to smoke while in transit.
There are also reports of smoking lounges in Terminal 3, near the business-class lounges. These lounges have tables and chairs, allowing smokers to sit and enjoy a drink with their cigarette. However, these lounges may be challenging to locate, as they are not always marked on airport maps.
In addition to the designated smoking areas, smokers can also use the Irish Village pub inside the airport, which allows smoking. Dubai Airport has a wide range of facilities to keep travellers comfortable and entertained during their time there.
Asking for a Seat Upgrade: Airport Etiquette
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminal 3 has multiple smoking areas
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a smoke-free airport. However, there are designated smoking areas in the airport. In 2009, there was only one small enclosed room next to Gate 125 in Terminal 1, which was the only place in the airport where smoking was allowed.
Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), caters to Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Qantas, and Emirates flights. This terminal has multiple smoking areas. There are smoking areas in each of the three concourses in Terminal 3. The smoking area in concourse A is considered the nicest. There is also a smoking area in the business class lounge.
The smoking areas in Terminal 3 are located near Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, and C23. There is a Winston smoking lounge near Gate B3. The smoking lounge near Gate 27 has been moved to near Gate 25, above the Hard Rock Cafe.
Travelers' Food Guide: Pearson Airport Security
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dubai International is smoke-free outside of designated areas
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is smoke-free outside of designated areas. The airport has three main terminals and the Dubai World Central, where various airlines operate from. Terminal 1 operates all international flights, except for Emirates and Qantas, Terminal 2 operates regional, low-cost carriers and Fly Dubai flights, and Terminal 3 (DXB) operates Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Qantas, and Emirates flights. Dubai World Central operates Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Wizz Air.
Smoking is permitted in designated areas only. In 2009, there was only one small enclosed room next to Gate 125 in Terminal 1, which allowed smoking. However, as all Emirates flights now use Terminal 3, smokers have to walk a considerable distance to access this area. Additionally, the room is poorly ventilated and inadequate in size, making it an uncomfortable experience for smokers.
There are now several designated smoking areas in Terminal 3, including near Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, and C23. There are also smoking areas in the business lounges, with at least one having tables and chairs, allowing smokers to sit and enjoy a drink. Terminal 3 also has a smoking bar in Concourse A, which is considered one of the nicer smoking areas.
Smoking lounges can also be found near Gates B3, C21, and opposite C6/C8, with the latter reported to have the cleanest air. There is also a small smoking booth inside The Gallery lounge, located at the back of the lounge, and next to the Winston smoking lounge.
Outside of these designated areas, smoking is prohibited at Dubai International Airport.
Rocket Motors: Airport Security Clearance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dubai is a difficult place to quit smoking
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a smoke-free airport with designated smoking areas. These areas are located in Terminal 1, next to Gate 125, and in Terminal 3, near Gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, and C23. In addition, there are smoking lounges near Gates B3, C21, and C6/C8. While the availability of smoking areas provides some accommodation for smokers, the challenge of navigating a vast and busy airport to locate these areas can be a hindrance. With its three main terminals spread across 7,200 acres of land, Dubai Airport can be a challenging place to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with its layout. The distance between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 can be considerable, and time-constrained travellers may find it difficult to access these areas.
Furthermore, the quality of the smoking areas has been called into question. One traveller noted that the smoking area in Terminal 1, the only designated space in the airport in 2009, was poorly ventilated, inadequate in size, and lacked gender separation, making it uncomfortable for female smokers. The availability and accessibility of smoking areas in Dubai Airport have improved since 2009, with multiple options now spread across the terminals. However, the challenge of navigating a large and complex airport remains a factor that can hinder those attempting to quit smoking.
The abundance of duty-free shops and restaurants within the airport also poses challenges for those trying to quit smoking. The Duty-Free Mall in Terminal 3, spread across 26,000 square meters, offers a wide range of products, including perfumes, jewellery, gold, and electronics. The presence of duty-free shops selling cigarettes at potentially lower prices can create a strong temptation for those trying to quit. Additionally, the availability of restaurants and bars, including those in the smoking areas, can provide easy access to smoking environments, making it more difficult for individuals to avoid triggers and maintain their commitment to quitting.
The overall environment and infrastructure of Dubai Airport, while impressive, can also create challenges for those trying to quit smoking. The airport is ranked as one of the busiest in the world, and the vast distances between terminals and gates can be daunting for travellers. The need to navigate through large crowds and complex layouts may deter individuals from easily accessing support or reaching designated smoking areas. Additionally, the availability of luxurious facilities, such as the Timeless Spa and the Dubai International Hotel, while convenient for travellers, can also create a sense of prolonged exposure to triggers and stressors, which may be challenging for those trying to quit smoking.
Exploring the Airport: Checking In and Checking Out
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Dubai Airport is strictly non-smoking. However, there are designated smoking areas in the airport. In 2009, there was one small enclosed room next to Gate 125 in Terminal 1, which was the only place in the whole airport that allowed smoking. There are also reports of smoking areas in Terminal 3, including a smoking bar in concourse A.
Yes, Dubai Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers, including lounges, restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, and spa and beauty treatments.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are well-connected and can be reached on foot in 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific location within the terminal. Alternatively, you can use the metro or the 24-hour free shuttle buses, which operate every 20 minutes and take about 15 to 20 minutes to travel between terminals.
Yes, there are smoking areas in or near the Emirates business class lounge at Dubai Terminal 3. There is a smoking area in each of the three concourses, with the nicest one reported to be in concourse A.
