Dubai Airport: Water Fountains Availability And Accessibility

Dubai Airport, officially known as Dubai International Airport (DXB), is located in the United Arab Emirates and serves as a major hub for travellers, often connecting flights to destinations worldwide. With the region's hot climate, travellers often wonder about the availability of drinking water within the airport. While bottled water is readily available for purchase at Dubai Airport, the presence of water fountains is less consistent. Some travellers have reported the existence of water fountains near certain gates and toilets, while others have noted their absence. This inconsistency may be due to the airport's layout, with different terminals serving various airlines and flight types.

Drinking water in Dubai Airport

Dubai Airport is the main airport serving the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The airport is a hub for Emirates and FlyDubai, and serves destinations across the world.

Sources of drinking water at the airport

Dubai Airport has water fountains at most, if not all, of the toilet areas. These can be found at the toilets outside Gate B19, outside Gate A23, and between Gates A1 and A2 in Terminal 3. There is also a drinking water dispenser with hot water along the aisle leading to Gates A3-A7.

Buying bottled water at the airport

Bottled water is also readily available for purchase at Dubai Airport. Local brands such as Masafi are available and are relatively cheap, costing around 1 dirham (approximately 18p or $0.23) for a small bottle. Imported brands are also available but are more expensive.

Bringing water into the airport

It is not possible to bring water through the security gates at Dubai Airport. However, you can bring empty bottles and fill them up after passing through security.

Tap water in Dubai

Tap water in Dubai is generally considered safe to drink but is not recommended due to its unpleasant taste. Bottled water is widely available and affordable, and is the preferred option for locals and tourists alike.

Visiting Dubai city from the airport

If you have a long layover at Dubai Airport, it is possible to leave the airport and visit the city, provided you have a visa (UK passport holders, for example, can obtain a visa on arrival). There are several attractions near the airport that are worth visiting, such as the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Fountain.

Water fountains in Dubai Airport

Dubai Airport, also known as Dubai International Airport, is a major hub for travellers, with many passing through on their way to their final destination. As such, it is important that the airport provides adequate facilities for its visitors, including access to drinking water.

While Dubai is known for its opulent displays of water in the form of fountains, waterfalls, and waterways, the availability of drinking water in the airport is a different story. One traveller commented on their disappointment at not being able to find drinking fountains in the airport upon their arrival. This is particularly notable given the extreme heat of Dubai, with temperatures reaching 119 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, it seems that there are water fountains available within the airport, with several travellers noting their presence near the toilets outside specific gates, such as B19, A23, and D16. There are also reports of drinking water dispensers and hot water dispensers in certain areas. These water fountains provide a convenient way for travellers to refill their water bottles, although some comment that the fountains can be difficult to use for filling large bottles.

In addition to the water fountains, travellers can also purchase bottled water from various cafes and restaurants within the airport. Local bottled water brands, such as Masafi, tend to be cheaper than imported brands and are easily accessible. It is worth noting that travellers can bring empty bottles through security and fill them up at the water fountains, which can be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.

Overall, while the availability of drinking water fountains in Dubai Airport may not be immediately apparent, they do exist and provide a valuable resource for thirsty travellers passing through this busy transportation hub.

Bottled water prices in Dubai Airport

Dubai International Airport has water fountains at most, if not all, of the toilets. These can be found:

• Outside the toilets between Gates A1 and A2 in Terminal 3
• Outside Gate B19
• Outside Gate A23
• Along the aisle leading to Gates A3-A7
• Outside Gate D16

If you are looking to buy bottled water, local brands such as Masafi are available at Dubai Airport and are relatively cheap, costing around 1 dirham for a small bottle. One source states that small bottles of Masafi cost 1 dirham airside. Another source states that a small bottle of water in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Dubai Marina area costs between 3 and 5.60 dirham.

Tap water in Dubai

Dubai International Airport does have water fountains, which can be found at most (if not all) of the toilets, and outside certain gates.

Now, onto tap water in Dubai.

Dubai's tap water is primarily sourced through desalination, a process that removes salts and impurities from seawater, making it safe for consumption and daily use. This method ensures that the city has a reliable and sustainable water supply, which is especially important given the region's arid climate and limited freshwater resources.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is responsible for maintaining the quality of the tap water in Dubai and ensuring it is safe to drink. DEWA conducts regular testing to monitor water quality, adhering to strict international standards and guidelines set by global health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to DEWA, tap water in Dubai is safe for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene, including brushing your teeth. It is also suitable for all age groups, including children and the elderly.

However, it is important to note that issues with water quality may arise from internal building plumbing systems or poorly maintained water storage tanks, particularly in older buildings. Pipes, tanks, and plumbing systems in private buildings are not maintained by government authorities but rather by the building owner or landlord. Therefore, it is recommended to inquire about the maintenance of these systems and, if necessary, install a water filter for added peace of mind.

While the tap water in Dubai is generally safe, some residents may opt for alternatives such as bottled water, water delivery services, or portable water filters due to personal taste preferences or concerns about plumbing.

So, to summarise, tap water in Dubai is considered safe to drink by DEWA and undergoes rigorous testing and treatment to meet international standards. However, it is always advisable to be aware of the condition of the plumbing and storage systems in your specific building, and to consider installing a water filter if you have any concerns.

Dubai Airport lounges

Dubai International Airport has several lounges to help you relax and unwind before your flight. Marhaba Lounges are located in every terminal and offer stylish seating, international cuisine, premium facilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Access to these lounges costs Dh180.

The Ahlan Business Class Lounge offers a wide selection of food and drinks for guests on airlines that don't have their own dedicated lounge.

If you're a gamer, the Game Space Gaming Lounge is the region's first airport gaming lounge, equipped with leading PlayStation and PC games.

For those looking for a quiet place to rest, the sleep 'n fly Sleep & Showers lounges offer the perfect environment, from a 1-hour power nap to a full night's stay.

Other lounges include the Plaza Premium Lounge, which offers a premium experience even for those travelling in economy class, and the XpresSpa, which provides a sanctuary inside a five-star resort setting.

Frequently asked questions