Middle East
Can you drink tap water in United Arab Emirates?
Boil itFilter or boil
Can you drink the tap water in United Arab Emirates?
Tap water is treated, but filter or boil it. Desalinated tap water meets standards, but building tanks vary; most people drink bottled or filtered water. Restaurant ice is fine.
Key facts
- Safely managed drinking water: 99% of people (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water by place in United Arab Emirates
| Place | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Filter or boil | Desalinated tap water meets standards, but building tanks vary. Most people drink bottled or filtered water; restaurant ice is fine. |
| Abu Dhabi | Filter or boil | Desalinated tap water meets standards, but building tanks vary. Most people drink bottled or filtered water. |
| Sharjah | Filter or boil | Desalinated tap water meets standards, but building tanks vary. Most people drink bottled or filtered water. |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Filter or boil | Tap water is treated and meets standards, but most people drink bottled or filtered water. |
| Fujairah | Filter or boil | Tap water is treated and meets standards, but most people drink bottled or filtered water. |
| Ajman | Filter or boil | Desalinated tap water is treated, but building tanks vary. Most residents drink bottled or filtered water; restaurant ice is fine. |
| Al Ain | Filter or boil | Desalinated tap water meets standards, but building tanks vary. Most people drink bottled or filtered water; restaurant ice is fine. |
Tap water by place
Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: United Arab Emirates
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- GDRFA Dubai
- UAE Ministry of Health medicine permits (EDE)
- World Bank open data
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