Dubai pioneered in creating shisha or hookah bars, which is a normal part of its culture. So, if you go to Dubai and do not visit a shisha parlour, you are astray from a fundamental characteristic of Dubai’s lifestyle. To make your decision on where to go regarding smoking in Dubai more comfortable, here is a guide to exploring these parlours, and where not to look for them.
When and Where to NOT Smoke in Dubai?
When in Dubai, some specific rules and regulations regarding smoking in Dubai demand respect out of tradition. One such practice is to not smoke during Ramadan which lasts from May 5 – June 3.
There has been a recent ban on shutting off the Shisha parlours during July 2019 too.
Malls, residential areas and other public facilities
Smoking is also prohibited in public spaces like malls, houses of worship, educational institutions (schools and universities) and health and sports facilities.
Also, you won’t find any shisha parlours or licensed smoking places anywhere within a 150-meter radius of residential areas. It is illegal for proprietors to do so.
Is Smoking in Dubai Illegal? - Laws
Here are certain laws that prohibit and penalise tobacco consumption:
Sale of tobacco or shisha to a person under the age of 18 (Fine charges - DH 500 to DH 10,000)
Smoking of tobacco in a car while a child under 12 is present (Fine charges - DH 500)
Smoking in closed public spaces, parks, beaches, buses, metro stations and residential areas
Smoking shisha at places other than licensed parlours
Bans on tobacco-related products
E-cigarettes and vaping are banned in Dubai. Your products will most likely be confiscated at the airport soon after your arrival.
Note: Smoking in Dubai it is illegal for pregnant women to smoke shisha or even enter a shisha parlour, whether they want to smoke or not.
Tobacco Provisional Stores
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Tobacco can be bought at supermarkets or small provisional stores. The sale of tobacco at Dubai Airport is not an unusual occurrence. Cigarettes can be taken duty-free from the airport. However, chewing tobacco is difficult or almost impossible to find in Dubai. It can be taken to Dubai duty-free, though. So, as long as you are above 18, buying tobacco should not be a problem!
Shisha Places that Permit Smoking in Dubai
1. Smokey Beach
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Smokey Beach is a hot shisha spot due to its location on the beach. It’s relaxing vibes and beanbags are all the more inviting. Its spacious interiors only make your experience blissful as you inhale some of the best shishas in Dubai synched with the sound of the ocean. The food and drinks on the menu only add on to this rich experience.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 AM Location: The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence
2. Shimmers
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Shimmers provides a rich exposure to shisha with its Arabian décor and beach-side location. However, there is a minimum consummation fee of AED 165. Their dining experience is hinted with a royal touch too, and a DJ often accompanies your dinner here.
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Shades is a rooftop shisha parlour thereby providing a glistening view of the city. There is also live entertainment throughout the week. However, shisha is served to people aged below 21 only up till 10:00 PM.
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Shisha is served from 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Location: Dubai Marina, Al Marsa Street, 66
4. Marbaiya Restaurant and Café
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Marbaiya is hosted with Arabian cuisine and amazing shisha, and it is open 24/7. Yes, you read that, right! Their Mondays and Fridays are dedicated to karaoke nights.
Time: 24 hours Location: Al Daai street, Marina Walk, next to Grosvenor House Dubai
5. Chandelier
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Chandelier’s view of the city is mesmerising, and its Lebanese menu is all the more inviting misted with some amazing shisha. The gala staff will be at your service and make your time spent here memorable.
Time: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM Friday – Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM Location: Al Tarres St | Murjan Tower, Shop number 6
6. Piccolo Mondo Bay
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If you like your shisha to be taken surrounded by psychedelic paintings and debating about art, then Piccolo Mondo Bay is the place for you. Their exterior seating arrangement is even better with the water right beside it and a warm and inviting ambience.
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Experience your shisha under a starry night beside a swimming pool as the area surrounding you is decorated with fairy lights on palm trees at Buhayra Lounge. Their Arabian cuisine promises an ideal combination with shisha and some finger-licking goodies.
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM (last order at 1.00 AM) Location: Ground Level, Palace Downtown
8. Fonograf Restaurant
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Fonograf Restaurant profoundly exhibits Dubai skyline and skyscrapers, along with exquisite shishas. This combined with the authentic Lebanese, Middle-eastern and Mediterranean cuisine that it has to offer will make you want to come back over and over again!
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Location: Marina
9. Reem al Bawadi
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Take your pick out of the eight venues of Reem al Bawadi in Dubai, but one of their best locations is on Jumeirah Beach Road. It’s renowned and mostly bustling with people who want to enjoy their shish at this elaborate location, so ensure a pre-booked table.
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:30 AM Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3
10. The Courtyards
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If you are looking for a traditional Arabian experience, then The Courtyards is a must-visit. Its Arabic mezzes and music, majlis style seating arrangement and tiled carpeted floors give it a luxurious ambience. Furthermore, they have a dress code that prohibits people from wearing flip-flops, short sleeve t-shirts and shorts. The place is elegant for a shisha parlour so if you would like to enjoy your shisha amidst the traditional Arabian crowd, then come here.
Time: 7:00 M – 1:00 AM Location: The Palace and Arabian Court, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina
Shisha is a fantastic option compared to smoking in Dubai as the restrictions are very tight. This has been considered as a means of the safety of the large tourist population. Follow the mentioned rules, experience Dubai's bustling Shisha scene and have a memorable holiday in the Arabian city.
