Dubai Airport designates specific enclosed smoking zones in all 3 terminals, with violations carrying fines of up to AED 2,000.
Smoking is permitted only in marked areas inside terminals and at designated outdoor zones before security.
Locations vary by terminal.
Knowing exact spots before arrival prevents fines and delays.
Can You Smoke Before Security at Dubai Airport?
Smoking before security at Dubai Airport is restricted to designated outdoor areas located outside the terminal buildings. No indoor smoking zones exist in pre-security zones across Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or Terminal 3. These external designated spots serve all 3 terminals and remain accessible before you enter the building.
Where Can You Smoke Before Reaching the Security Checkpoint?
You can smoke in outdoor designated areas only, positioned outside the entrances to terminals such as Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. After checking in but before reaching the security checkpoint, you retain access to these outdoor zones. No confirmed indoor smoking rooms exist at this stage of the airport journey.
Does the No-Indoor-Smoking Rule Apply to Vaping as Well?
The same restrictions apply to e-cigarettes, meaning vaping devices are only permitted in the marked outdoor spots. Smoking or vaping indoors or in prohibited zones carries a fine ranging from AED 200 to AED 500, as set by Dubai Airport regulations. Planning your smoking break before entering the terminal building reduces the risk of receiving a penalty during your airport visit.
What smoking rules apply at Dubai Airport in 2026?
Dubai Airport enforces a complete smoke-free policy across all terminals in 2026, permitting smoking only in designated, ventilated, and officially licensed smoking rooms indoors. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 establishes the legal framework for these restrictions, with penalties applied to any violations recorded by airport authorities, including security personnel and compliance officers.
| Category | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor smoking | Applies to all terminals | Fines enforced |
| Vaping restrictions | Applies to enclosed spaces such as lounges, corridors, and gates | Penalties apply |
| Designated rooms | Applies to officially licensed areas only | Compliance required |
| Smoking near children | Applies airport-wide across all zones | Fines from Dh5,000 |
| Outdoor smoking | Applies to marked zones only, including specific exterior areas | Non-compliance penalized |
Where are smokers allowed to smoke at Dubai Airport?
Smokers at Dubai Airport are permitted to smoke only in officially designated, ventilated, and licensed smoking rooms located within specific areas of the terminals. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirms that no other indoor spaces, including transit lounges, boarding areas, and retail corridors, qualify as approved smoking locations.
What are the consequences of breaking Dubai Airport’s smoking rules?
Violating Dubai Airport’s smoking policy results in financial penalties enforced under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009, with fines starting from Dh5,000 for offences such as smoking near children. Additional penalties apply to violations in enclosed spaces, such as corridors, restrooms, and waiting areas, with enforcement carried out by designated airport compliance officers.
What must every traveller do before smoking at Dubai Airport?
Every traveller must locate an approved smoking area before lighting up, as personal responsibility for compliance is required under UAE tobacco control laws. Approved areas include licensed smoking rooms that meet ventilation standards set by UAE regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.
Terminal 1 Smoking Areas: Gates, Branded Lounges, and Upper-Level Rooms
If you’re looking to smoke in Terminal 1, designated areas are scattered throughout Concourse D. The Winston Branded Smoking Room sits upstairs near Gate D1. The Camel Lounge is located on the main floor between Gates D12 and D13. An upper-level smoking facility near Gate D22 provides a third option for travelers departing from that section of the concourse. All of these locations are accessible only after clearing security, so account for that before proceeding to your gate.
Where Is the Smoking Lounge at Gate D12?
The smoking lounge at Gate D12 is located on the upper level of Terminal 1, serving as the primary designated smoking facility in that section of the airport. Dubai Airports operational guidelines designate this upper-level placement to separate smoking areas from main passenger flow zones, reducing exposure for the approximately 89,000 daily passengers moving through Terminal 1.
How Do You Get to the Gate D12 Upper Level Smoking Lounge?
You can reach the smoking lounge by taking the stairs or the lift to the upper level of Gate D12. Signage directing you toward the airport lounges area is positioned at key decision points along the concourse, including at stairwell entrances, lift landings, and corridor junctions. Navigation aids include:
- Clear directional signage positioned at stairwell entrances, lift landings, and corridor junctions
- Visible indicators from nearby concourse areas such as Gate D10, Gate D11, and the central D concourse walkway
What Does the Gate D12 Smoking Lounge Provide?
The lounge is a fully enclosed space equipped with modern ventilation systems and comfortable seating. The enclosed design contains smoke within the designated area, preventing it from dispersing into surrounding passenger zones. Features include:
- Fully enclosed walls and sealed entry points
- Modern ventilation systems that maintain air circulation within the room
- Comfortable seating arranged in an organized layout
What Are the Penalties for Smoking Outside Designated Areas?
Smoking or using e-cigarettes outside designated areas in Terminal 1 results in fines of up to 2,000 dirhams, as enforced under UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, which is administered by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. This applies to all non-designated zones, including areas such as gate seating areas, retail corridors, and food and beverage concourses. Use only the marked facility at Gate D12 Upper Level to remain compliant with airport regulations.
Where Are the Smoking Lounges in Terminal 1’s D Gates?
Terminal 1’s D gates contain 2 branded smoking lounges: the Winston Room and the Camel Lounge, each positioned at a different level within the concourse. Airport authorities designate these lounges as post-security facilities, meaning travelers must clear security checkpoints before accessing either location.
Where Is the Winston Room Located?
The Winston Room is located upstairs, near Gate D1. The lounge sits on the upper level of the D gates concourse, approximately 1 floor above the main terminal walkway. Travelers should follow airport lounge signage rather than looking for direct brand markings, such as Winston-specific signs, branded displays, or tobacco company logos, as the lounge is not heavily marked with its own branding.
Where Is the Camel Lounge Located?
The Camel Lounge is located on the main floor, between Gates D12 and D13. Its placement between 2 prominent, clearly numbered gates makes it easier to find compared to the Winston Room. Travelers can identify the location by looking for reference points including Gate D12, Gate D13, and the D gates post-security corridor.
How Do the 2 Lounges Compare?
| Category | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Winston Room | Floor Level | Upper level |
| Winston Room | Nearest Gate | Gate D1 |
| Camel Lounge | Floor Level | Main floor |
| Camel Lounge | Nearest Gates | Gates D12 and D13 |
| Both Lounges | Access Requirement | Post-security clearance |
Where Are You Allowed to Smoke After Clearing Security in Terminal 1?
Smoking is permitted only inside designated enclosed lounges post-security. Open smoking in public areas, locations such as restrooms or near gates, is strictly prohibited. Fines of up to 2,000 dirhams apply to violations, according to Terminal 1 airport regulations.
What Rules Apply to Smoking Lounge Access?
Only adult smokers are permitted to enter the designated smoking lounges. Each lounge is fully enclosed and fitted with ventilation systems designed to maintain air quality standards within the facility.
- Restricted to adult smokers only
- Equipped with full enclosure and active ventilation systems
- Maintained to meet internal air quality requirements
Where Are the Smoking Facilities Located Post-Security?
Smoking facilities are available in 2 locations on the upper level, near Gate D12 and Gate 1. Airport signage guides passengers directly to both locations. The D gates area features 2 separate smoking rooms available post-security.
| Category | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Level | Facility near | Gate D12 |
| Upper Level | Facility near | Gate 1 |
| D Gates Area | Smoking rooms | 2 separate rooms |
Is Vaping Permitted in the Same Areas as Smoking?
Vaping is permitted exclusively inside the designated smoking lounges, following identical rules to cigarette smoking. No vaping is allowed in public areas, including open corridors, restrooms, or gate waiting zones.
When Do the Smoking Facilities Operate and How Do You Find Them?
All smoking facilities operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The lounges are positioned near duty-free areas and coffee shops, including outlets on the upper level, making them identifiable using visible retail landmarks when navigating the terminal.
Where Are the Smoking Areas in Terminal 2 of Dubai Airport?
Terminal 2 has 5 designated smoking locations, all positioned airside and post-security, including areas near Gate 18, Gate 23, the Marhaba Lounge, the Business Lounge, and multiple marked general airside points.
According to Dubai Airports operational guidelines, all smoking zones are ventilated and clearly marked with signage to support passenger navigation across the terminal.
What Smoking Locations Are Available in Terminal 2?
The smoking areas are concentrated near departure gates and lounge facilities, such as Gate 18, Gate 23, and the Marhaba Lounge opposite Duty Free on Level 1.
| Category | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Gate 18 Area | Position | Near departure boarding |
| Gate 23 Area | Position | Airside, post-security |
| Marhaba Lounge | Position | Opposite Duty Free, Level 1 |
| Business Lounge | Position | Near departure gates |
| General Airside | Points Available | Multiple marked locations |
Terminal 2 offers fewer smoking zones than other terminals at Dubai Airport, making pre-departure planning advisable for passengers who smoke.
What Are the Smoking Rules Inside the Marhaba Lounge?
Smoking is included as a standard feature of Marhaba Lounge access, available to all paying guests at an entry fee starting at Dhs185 per adult.
Lounge access covers stays of up to 6 hours, and the facility operates 24 hours daily across all 365 days of the year. Passengers travelling through Terminal 2 can use this option as one of the more comfortable designated smoking environments available post-security.
Does Terminal 3 Have Smoking Areas at Every Gate?
Terminal 3 provides ventilated smoking rooms at nearly every gate cluster, along with branded lounges from Ploom and Winston, and lounge-based facilities accessible through Priority Pass or business class upgrades.
Where Are the Ventilated Smoking Rooms Located in Terminal 3?
Ventilated smoking rooms are positioned at 6 gate locations across Concourses A, B, and C, including gates A2, A23, B7, B27, C9, and C23. Use gate A2 as the alternative if gate A23 is closed for refurbishment.
Which Branded Lounges Operate Smoking Facilities in Terminal 3?
2 branded smoking lounges operate in Terminal 3, including the Ploom lounge and the Winston branded room.
The facilities break down as follows:
| Category | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ploom Lounge | Location | Top floor near gate B25 |
| Ploom Lounge | Signage | None, locate by looking up from Costa Coffee |
| Winston Room | Location | Near gate B3 |
| Winston Room | Entrances | 2 entrances |
Which Premium Lounges Include Smoking Areas in Terminal 3?
3 premium lounges in Terminal 3 include designated smoking areas, specifically the Marhaba Lounge in Concourse A, the Marhaba Lounge in Concourse B, and the Plaza Premium Lounge on Level 4.
Access options include:
- Entering Marhaba Lounges in Concourses A and B, both open 24 hours
- Accessing the Plaza Premium Lounge on Level 4 via Priority Pass or business class upgrade
- Using the ventilated smoking room inside Plaza Premium, located above Hard Rock Cafe
Closed and Refurbished Smoking Rooms: What’s Off-Limits Right Now
If you’re heading to the A23 smoking area in Terminal 3, you’ll want to know it’s been closed since April 2025 for refurbishment, with no confirmed reopening date. You are not completely out of options. Staff have been directing passengers to an alternative smoking spot near Gate A2. Keep that location in mind so you’re not scrambling post-security when the urge hits.
Is the A23 Smoking Room in Terminal A Currently Open?
The A23 smoking room in Dubai International Airport’s Terminal A is closed as of April 2026, with no confirmed reopening date available. Dubai Airports has not published a timeline for the room’s return to service.
Why Is the A23 Smoking Room Closed?
The closure results from 3 overlapping operational factors: a refurbishment programme, airspace disruption recovery maintenance, and a security review. The security review was initiated following a drone strike near the airport on March 16, 2026. Regional conflict-related airspace closures ran from February 28 to March 17, 2026, contributing to the broader maintenance backlog cited by Dubai Airports.
Can Passengers Access A23 While Departing or Transiting?
No passenger category, including departing travellers and transit passengers, can access A23. Physical barriers and directional signage are in place throughout Terminal A. Airport staff are actively redirecting passengers to alternative facilities, such as open lounges and operational smoking rooms in other terminals.
What Happens If You Smoke in a Closed Room?
Smoking in a closed room carries a financial penalty under current UAE regulations. The exact fine amount is governed by UAE civil aviation and public conduct rules. Passengers should treat any closed room, including A23, as a prohibited zone to avoid enforcement action.
What Are the Open Smoking Alternatives at Dubai International Airport?
Terminal B and Terminal C smoking rooms are both operational as of April 2026. Passengers unable to access A23 can use these 2 facilities as direct substitutes.
| Category | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | A23 Status | Closed |
| Terminal B | Smoking Room Status | Open |
| Terminal C | Smoking Room Status | Open |
Where Can You Get Real-Time Updates on A23?
Real-time updates are available through 2 official Dubai Airports channels: the website at dubaiairports.ae and the WhatsApp contact number +971 4 224 5555. Check these sources directly for the latest status, as reopening dates are subject to change without advance public notice.
Which Smoking Areas at Dubai International Airport Have Unconfirmed or Outdated Status?
Several smoking areas across Dubai International Airport’s terminals carry unconfirmed, potentially disrupted, or outdated status information. Airport operations data compiled through 2025 indicates that at least 4 terminal zones lack verified post-2022 status updates, requiring direct staff confirmation before use.
Which Terminal 1 Smoking Rooms Lack Recent Confirmation?
Terminal 1’s Gate D22 smoking room appears listed as available but has not received confirmed post-2022 status updates. Travelers relying on pre-2022 listings risk arriving at a closed or relocated facility, wasting time needed before boarding.
Which Terminal 2 Smoking Areas Have Unclear Current Status?
Terminal 2’s departure lounge smoking area lacks recent closure confirmations, leaving its operational status unverified. Without updated data from airport management, the room’s availability cannot be assumed open or closed.
How Did March 2026 Missile Interceptions Affect Smoking Room Access?
March 2026 missile interceptions triggered airport-wide temporary closures, indirectly disrupting facility access across all terminals, including locations such as C9, C23, and A23. Neither C9 nor C23 carries specific closure data confirming their current operational status in either direction.
Partial airspace reopenings resumed after March 16, 2026. Operational normalcy across terminal facilities has not been guaranteed by airport authorities as of the most recent available reporting.
How Should Travelers Verify Smoking Room Availability Before Heading to the Gate?
Travelers should confirm smoking room availability directly with airport staff before walking to any terminal location. Outdated listings across at least 4 identified zones, including Gate D22, Terminal 2 departures, C9, and C23, can result in missed boarding time if assumed accurate without verification.
Which Smoking Areas at Dubai International Airport Are Currently Closed?
The A23 smoking area in Terminal 3 is currently shut for refurbishment, with no on-site alternative available at that location. Airport staff are directing smokers to the A2 area instead, according to on-site signage and staff guidance at Dubai International Airport. Concourse A’s smoking options are partially disrupted beyond A23, including areas near gates A23 and surrounding zones, so confirming availability before travelling to that concourse is advisable.
Which Smoking Rooms Are Open Post-Security at Dubai International Airport?
Five ventilated smoking rooms are open post-security in Terminal 3, located at gates such as A2, B7, and B27, as well as C9 and C23. Terminal 1’s D-gate lounges, including the Winston lounge and the Camel lounge, remain fully functional. Terminal 3’s B25 Ploom lounge is accessible via 2 routes, specifically stairs or lift, from the Costa Coffee outlet on the same concourse level.
Which Zones Should Smokers Rule Out Before Heading to Their Gate?
Smokers should rule out the A23 area and unverified Concourse A locations, including any gates adjacent to A23, any unmarked smoking bays in Concourse A, and any zones without current staff confirmation. Checking availability with airport staff or signage before committing to a route saves unnecessary travel, particularly across large terminals such as Terminal 3, which spans 3 concourses covering Concourses A, B, and C.
Where Are the Smoking Areas at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)?
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) provides designated smoking areas both landside and airside, covering passengers before and after security clearance. Dubai Airports Authority enforces a zero-tolerance policy for smoking outside these designated zones, applying to all terminals and transit spaces across the airport campus.
Are There Smoking Areas on the Landside at DWC?
Designated smoking rooms are available on the landside at DWC, accessible to all passengers before they pass through security checkpoints. These areas serve travelers in the check-in and arrivals zones, including those dropping off luggage, meeting arriving guests, or waiting before check-in opens.
- Locate smoking rooms using posted signage in zones such as check-in halls, arrivals concourses, and ground floor waiting areas
- Follow directional markers to reach enclosed smoking rooms rather than open-floor areas
- Confirm current room access at information desks, customer service counters, or airport staff stations
Are There Smoking Areas on the Airside at DWC?
Designated smoking rooms are also available on the airside at DWC, accessible only to passengers who have cleared security. These facilities serve travelers waiting at gates or transiting through the airport without exiting the secure zone.
- Use airport maps to identify smoking rooms near departure gates, transit lounges, and airside retail corridors
- Check current signage directly upon entering the airside, as facility positions can shift with ongoing airport development
Can You Smoke Outside the Terminal at DWC?
Specific outdoor designated smoking areas exist outside the DWC terminal building, positioned in approved zones away from entry points and pedestrian flow paths. These outdoor areas are marked with visible signage and barriers separating them from general foot traffic zones such as drop-off lanes, taxi queues, and bus stops.
Will Smoking Area Locations Change at DWC Before 2026?
Smoking area locations at DWC may change before 2026 as the airport undergoes significant expansion works affecting terminal layouts, passenger zones, and access routes. Passengers should verify current smoking facility positions upon every visit using posted signs, airport staff guidance, or the official Dubai Airports information channels, particularly during active construction phases affecting areas such as terminal extensions, new concourses, and ground transport hubs.
Are Smoking Devices Allowed in Hand Luggage at DWC?
Smoking devices such as cigarettes, vaping pens, and electronic cigarettes are permitted in hand luggage at DWC, but lighting or activating any device outside a designated smoking area is strictly prohibited. This rule applies across all airport zones including terminals, corridors, restrooms, and outdoor non-designated areas, with violations subject to penalties under UAE civil aviation regulations.
Where Are the Smoking Rooms Located at DXB?
Smoking rooms at Dubai International Airport are located post-security in all three terminals, spread across multiple levels and gate zones. DXB operates differently from DWC because each terminal maintains its own layout and branded facilities. According to Dubai Airports operational guidelines, passengers can access designated smoking rooms only after passing through security checkpoints, with 0 options available before check-in or in public landside areas.
Which Terminals Have Smoking Rooms at DXB?
All 3 terminals at DXB, including T1, T2, and T3, contain designated smoking facilities. Each terminal hosts branded rooms such as Winston Rooms, Camel Lounges, and Ploom Lounges. Dubai Airports confirms that smoking facilities are distributed across departure zones to serve the airport’s reported 86.8 million annual passengers.
| Category | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal | Location | T1, T2, T3 |
| Access Point | Security Requirement | Post-security only |
| Fine Range | Violation Penalty | 200 to 500 AED |
Where Are the Smoking Rooms in Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 contains 2 branded smoking rooms, one near Gate 1 on the upper level and one between Gates 12 and 13. The upper-level room near Gate 1 operates under the Winston Room brand. The room between Gates 12 and 13 is branded as the Camel Lounge. Passengers requiring access to upper-level facilities such as the Winston Room should use stairs or lifts within the T1 departure zone.
Where Are the Smoking Rooms in Terminal 2?
Terminal 2 contains 1 designated smoking facility, located in the post-security departure area under the Marhaba Lounge brand. The Marhaba Lounge serves T2 departure passengers and is accessible by following lounge signage within the secured zone. Dubai Airports designates this as the single branded smoking option across the entire T2 departure level.
Where Are the Smoking Rooms in Terminal 3?
Terminal 3 contains 2 branded smoking rooms, one at Gate B25 on the top floor and one at Gate B3. The Gate B25 facility operates as the Ploom Lounge, positioned on the top floor and accessible via stairs or lifts. The Gate B3 facility operates as the Winston Lounge. Passengers traveling through T3 concourses such as Concourse A, B, or C can also check near gates including A2, B7, C9, and C23 for ventilated smoking alternatives.
How Do You Navigate to a Smoking Room at DXB?
- Pass through the security checkpoint for your assigned terminal such as T1, T2, or T3.
- Follow lounge signage toward branded rooms including Winston Rooms, Camel Lounges, and Ploom Lounges.
- Use stairs or lifts to reach upper-level facilities such as the Winston Room near Gate 1 in T1 or the Ploom Lounge at Gate B25 in T3.
- Check near designated gate areas such as A2, B7, C9, or C23 for ventilated alternatives if branded lounges are unavailable.
What Penalties Apply for Smoking Outside Designated Areas at DXB?
Smoking outside designated rooms at DXB carries fines ranging from 200 to 500 AED per violation. Dubai Airports enforces this policy across all 3 terminals, covering public areas such as departure halls, gate waiting zones, and retail corridors. The UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control establishes the legal framework under which these airport-specific penalties apply.
Final Words
Dubai Airport provides designated smoking areas across all terminals for travelers. Smoking outside designated rooms carries fines of up to AED 2,000 under UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2009. Smoking rooms are located in specific zones within Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3, including airside areas past security. Vaping and cigarette use are restricted to marked smoking rooms only. Regulations are enforced by Dubai Airports authority and subject to update. Confirm current smoking room locations with Dubai Airports staff or at dubaiairports.ae before travel.
