Water in Dubai - What to know before you go thirsty💧

Water is literally a hot topic in Dubai. With temperatures easily exceeding 45°C in the summer, water is the most important elixir of life. But how do you get water in this desert metropolis - and how much does it cost? I flew to Dubai and analysed the water market for you: from supermarket shelves and restaurants to water dispensers at home. At the end, I reveal what other exciting things I found.

🛒 Water in the supermarket - limited choice and a wide price range

It's easy to notice when you're in the supermarket: The choice of mineral water is limited. A handful of local brands dominate - including Mai Dubai, Masafi and Oasis. There are also a few international brands such as San Pellegrino, Evian, VOSS and Fiji. It is noticeable that almost all the waters, especially the local ones, are low in minerals, particularly sodium. And it is precisely because the waters are so low in minerals that the taste is rather neutral: soft, almost slightly bitter and without much character. I myself get a slight tickle in my throat from some of the waters.

For those who use water as a source of minerals, for health, or to complement food and drinks, the supply is correspondingly low. For example, I suffered from heartburn for the first two days of my trip. In Germany I drink mineral water with a high bicarbonate content to prevent heartburn. I wish I could have found a suitable water in Dubai.

It is also noticeable that almost all waters are sold in plastic bottles - from small 0.5 litre bottles to huge 5 gallon containers. International brands such as Evian, VOSS and San Pellegrino are also available in glass bottles, but are more expensive. E.g. Evian costs AED 5.25 (EUR 1.26) in a 0.33 ml PET bottle and AED 8.50 (EUR 2.04) in a glass bottle.

Evian in PET

Evian in Glass

🍽️ Water in restaurants - glass bottles instead of plastic

In contrast to the supermarket, many restaurants use glass bottles - often served in style and selected to match the cuisine. For example, in Turkish restaurants you might get Uludag from Turkey, while in Italian restaurants you might get for instance San Pellegrino or Acqua Panna. Sometimes there are more exclusive waters that you can't buy in the supermarket, such as Sant Aniol or EIRA. The price is usually between 20 and 35 AED per bottle (4.80 - 8.40 euros). This is comparable to prices here in Germany.

What I personally miss are special and exclusive waters that restaurants can use to differentiate themselves. I'm thinking in particular of mineral-rich, intensely tasty waters that can have a decisive influence on drinks and food and can be enjoyed by guests as non-alcoholic drinks, for example as an aperitif or digestif.

It would be even better if restaurants would introduce water menus, with a selection of waters to pair with the restaurant's food and drinks.

🏠 At home: Water dispensers are available in almost every home

People who live permanently in Dubai often use water dispensers with gallon bottles that can be delivered to their home on a subscription basis. The water can be drawn hot or cold. This is convenient and inexpensive. Cost: A 5-gallon bottle costs around AED 7-10 - just under EUR 1.70 - 2.40 for almost 19 litres of water.

But again, these waters are neither good for the palate nor for your health (e.g. preventing heartburn, aiding digestion, providing magnesium or calcium). And they are certainly not the best choice for hot days when you sweat a lot. Then you should opt for a highly mineralised water.

What else did I find exciting? One shelf over was offering natural electrolyte powder. Three sachets for 20 AED or 4.80 Euros. Each sachet contains: 50mg calcium, 25mg magnesium, 200mg sodium and 310mg chloride. Okay, to be fair, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and other minerals are also included. But there are many waters, especially in Germany, that far exceed these mineral contents. That's why I'm simply in favour of mineral-rich water in Dubai.

Elektrolyte in Dubai

Elektrolyte in Dubai

Conclusion: Water is omnipresent in Dubai - but the quality and variety leave much to be desired, especially for discerning connoisseurs and the health-conscious. Whether in supermarkets, restaurants or at home, the water on offer is characterised by low mineralisation, frequent use of plastic and a rather neutral taste. Those who appreciate water as a functional drink or culinary accompaniment will be disappointed to find what they are looking for.

A hot climate like Dubai's provides the perfect platform for characterful, mineral-rich waters that not only quench thirst, but also offer added health benefits. Restaurants could set themselves apart from the mainstream with an exclusive water selection or even water menus - creating a new non-alcoholic indulgence experience.

The trip showed me once again how lucky we are in Europe, and especially in Germany, to have such a wide variety of excellent and mineral-rich waters.

Many greetings

Timo Bausch

Certified Water Sommelier

PS: If you are a restaurant or hotel owner in Dubai and would like to create a water menu and offer your guests a choice of exclusive waters, please feel free to contact me.

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About Timo Bausch

My fascination with mineral waters began in 2016 during my training as a Water Sommelier. Since then, I have been exploring the characteristics and diversity of water. In addition to pairing water with food, wine, coffee and other beverages, I offer the creation of water menus for restaurants and hotels. Furthermore, it is also important to me to draw attention to the importance of drinking water.