Living in Dubai comes with its own unique set of lifestyle adaptations—especially when it comes to staying hydrated. When we first moved here, I didn’t think much about the water options, but I soon realized that choosing the right water makes a real difference, especially for a family with kids. After testing various options, here’s my guide to finding the best drinking water for a healthy lifestyle in Dubai.
Why Choosing the Right Water Matters in Dubai
In a climate as hot and dry as Dubai’s, hydration is essential, but not all water sources are created equal. Tap water here is desalinated, which makes it safe for many uses. However, the taste and potential for trace chemicals often lead expats like me to explore other options for drinking water. Quality water can support hydration, provide essential minerals, and ensure you’re drinking a water source that suits your family’s health needs.
Types of Water Options in Dubai
There are several common options for drinking water in Dubai, each with pros and cons:
- Bottled Water
Bottled water is widely available in Dubai and is the primary choice for many families. There are well-known brands like Masafi, Al Ain, and Evian, alongside budget-friendly local brands. Each brand has its mineral profile, so if you’re sensitive to taste or need specific minerals, it’s worth testing a few. For our family, Nestlé Pure Life has a clean taste that everyone enjoys, making it a convenient option.
- Filtered Tap Water
For those who prioritize sustainability and want to reduce plastic waste, a home filtration system is a viable solution. Installing one means you can use tap water for drinking without worrying about impurities or taste. We invested in a filtration system at home, which has made drinking water more convenient and eco-friendly.
- Delivery Services
Dubai also offers convenient water delivery services with larger containers, typically 5-gallon jugs, which are delivered directly to your home. Services like Mai Dubai, Nestlé Pure Life, and Oasis Water offer this option and can even set up a subscription plan, so you don’t have to remember to reorder. This is ideal for families that go through a significant amount of water each day.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Water
When selecting water, it’s about more than just convenience; here’s what to keep in mind:
- Mineral Content: Quality bottled water in Dubai often contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to overall health. We choose brands like Masafi and Al Ain for their rich mineral content, which supports hydration, especially in high temperatures.
- Sodium Levels: Some bottled waters are higher in sodium, which may not be suitable if you’re on a low-sodium diet or if you’re mindful of your kids’ intake. Checking labels helps; some brands specify “low-sodium” content for better control over your family’s diet.
- Taste: Water taste varies by brand, and it can impact your family’s hydration habits. For example, my kids prefer Nestlé Pure Life because of its mild taste, making it easier to encourage them to drink enough water daily.
- Sustainability: Dubai has been promoting eco-friendly options, so for those who want a more sustainable approach, there are brands that offer refillable water stations or large jugs to reduce plastic usage.
Managing Water for Daily Use: Our Routine
We have a busy family life, so here’s how we manage our water needs:
- Filtered Water for Cooking: We use filtered tap water for cooking, which saves money and is safe. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative to using bottled water for every household need.
- Bottled Water for Drinking: We keep bottled water on hand for drinking since it’s easy to grab on the go and provides reliable mineral content. Mai Dubai and Al Ain are our go-to brands because they’re accessible and offer mineral-rich options.
- Reusable Water Bottles for Kids: Our kids have reusable bottles filled with filtered water every morning. This helps reduce single-use plastic and makes it easier for them to stay hydrated during school hours.
- Emergency Water Supply: Dubai’s extreme summer heat can lead to high water demand, so we keep a 5-gallon bottle in storage as an emergency backup. It’s a convenient solution for peace of mind.
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Popular Brands and Where to Buy
Finding the right water for your family is easy, thanks to Dubai’s diverse shopping options:
- Supermarkets: Large stores like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys offer a range of brands including Masafi, Oasis, and Nestlé Pure Life. Carrefour often has bulk deals on water, which helps save on costs.
- Online Shopping: For big orders, Instashop and Kibsons provide delivery for brands like Al Ain and Mai Dubai. These platforms also feature discounts, especially if you subscribe to regular deliveries.
- Direct Subscriptions: Many brands, including Mai Dubai and Nestlé, offer subscription services. I personally signed up with Mai Dubai, which saves me time and guarantees we never run low.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Choosing Water in Dubai
Water is an essential cost, but here are some ways to save while staying hydrated:
- Look for Deals: Carrefour and other supermarkets frequently offer deals on bulk purchases, allowing families to save money in the long run.
- Delivery Service Discounts: Many water delivery services provide introductory discounts for new customers, or even free months when you refer a friend. This can be a big help if you’re a high-consumption household.
- Consider a Filtration Investment: A high-quality filtration system might require an upfront investment, but it saves money and minimizes plastic use over time, especially if you’re mainly concerned with drinking water.
- Check Out Refill Stations: Dubai has started offering water refill stations in community areas. These stations allow you to fill up reusable bottles, helping cut down on waste and costs.
Our Family’s Final Water Routine
After exploring different options, our family has developed a water routine that meets our needs. We keep bottled water for drinking, use filtered water for cooking, and ensure everyone has a reusable water bottle for school or work. In a fast-paced city like Dubai, this system keeps us hydrated, saves on expenses, and lets us be conscious of our environmental impact.
Choosing the right water in Dubai might seem simple, but with so many factors to consider, it’s worth investing a bit of time into finding what works best for your family. Whether it’s high-quality bottled water or a home filtration system, finding the ideal water source is essential for a balanced, healthy lifestyle in the desert climate.