Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking lounges inside Dubai International Airport (DXB). If you have a long connection or a delayed flight, it helps to know where they are before you land. This guide lists the locations published by Dubai Airports (the full list is on the Arabic version of the page), checked on 20 October 2026.
Smoking lounges at DXB
| Terminal | Area | Location (official list) |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 3 | Departures | Smoking lounges in Concourse A, Concourse B and Concourse C (gates A, B and C) |
| Terminal 3 | Arrivals | Smoking lounge in the C gates arrivals area |
| Terminal 1 | Departures | Smoking lounge in the D gates (Concourse D) |
| Terminal 1 | Arrivals | Smoking lounge in the D gates arrivals area |
| Terminal 2 | Main terminal | Smoking lounges in the main terminal building (two listed) |
Exact positions within each concourse can change with works and refurbishment. Follow the airport signs, check the airport map on the official Dubai Airports website or app, or ask an information desk.
Terminal 3: Emirates passengers
Terminal 3 is the Emirates terminal and the busiest part of the airport. On the departures side, the official list includes smoking lounges in all three concourses, A, B and C, so you should not need to walk far from your gate. Concourse A is linked to the main building by an automated train, so allow extra time if your gate is in a different concourse. Our Terminal 3 arrivals guide and connecting at DXB guide explain the layout.
Terminal 1: international airlines
Terminal 1 serves many international airlines and uses Concourse D, connected by train to the main terminal. The official list includes a smoking lounge in the D gates for departing passengers and one on the arrivals side.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 handles flydubai and other regional carriers. The official smoking lounge page lists two smoking lounges in the Terminal 2 main terminal building. Follow the signs, or ask staff after security for the nearest one. See our Dubai Airport terminals guide for how the terminals connect.
The rules
- Smoking is only allowed in the designated lounges; smoking anywhere else in the terminal is prohibited.
- Treat e-cigarettes and heated tobacco the same way and use them only in designated areas.
- Dubai Airports advises against packing e-cigarettes and batteries in checked baggage. Lighters and e-cigarettes are also subject to your airline’s safety rules, so check before you pack.
- During Ramadan, avoid smoking in public view in daylight hours outside designated areas. See Ramadan in Dubai for visitors.
Arriving in Dubai
After a long flight, many smokers want a cigarette before the journey to the hotel. Once you have cleared passport control and customs and left the terminal, look for signed outdoor areas, and respect no-smoking signs near the doors. If a driver is meeting you, tell them and they can wait while you take a moment before setting off. Our meet and greet and arriving at Dubai Airport step by step guides explain the arrivals process.
Long layovers
If you have a long connection, an airport lounge can be more comfortable than the public areas; our lounges by terminal guide lists the options. If you have several hours and are eligible to leave the airport, see our layover and transit visa guide and the hotels near Dubai Airport.
Planning a connection as a smoker
If you are connecting at DXB, check your arrival and departure terminals and concourses first. Moving between terminals takes time, because it involves transit security and, sometimes, a shuttle bus. If both flights use Terminal 3, a smoking lounge should be on your way, since the official list includes lounges in all three Terminal 3 concourses. If you have a short connection, go to your departure gate first and find the nearest lounge only if there is time.
Our connecting at DXB guide explains minimum connection times and transfer security.
Departing from Dubai
On departure, the official smoking lounges are airside, after passport control and security. Outside the terminal, only smoke where signs allow it. Allow enough time for check-in, passport control and security, especially at busy times. If you are travelling with a driver to the airport, tell them in advance if you want to stop on the way. Our airport transfer cost page explains how quotes are prepared.
Other airports
If you are flying from Al Maktoum International (DWC), check the DWC website for current facilities; our Al Maktoum Airport guide covers that airport. Rules on smoking are strict across the UAE in public indoor spaces, so look for signed areas wherever you are.
Smoking in Dubai generally
Outside the airport, smoking is not allowed in many indoor public places. Hotels usually have designated rooms or areas, and many restaurants have outdoor terraces where smoking is allowed. Follow local signs.
Quick checklist
- Find your terminal and concourse on your boarding pass.
- Look for smoking lounge signs after security.
- Use only the designated lounges.
- Allow time to walk back to your gate before boarding closes.
- Check your airline’s rules on lighters and e-cigarettes.
Request a quote
Use our quote request form, or email info@belgraviatransfers.com, with your flight number, terminal, passengers and bags. We reply with availability and a quote. Nothing is booked until you accept.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a smoking area at Dubai Airport?
Yes. Dubai Airports lists designated smoking lounges in Terminal 3 (Concourses A, B and C, and the C gates arrivals area), Terminal 1 (D gates departures and arrivals) and the Terminal 2 main terminal.
Can I smoke in Terminal 3 at DXB?
Yes, but only in the designated smoking lounges. The official list includes lounges in Concourses A, B and C on departures and one in the C gates arrivals area.
Is there a smoking area in Terminal 2?
Yes. Dubai Airports lists two smoking lounges in the Terminal 2 main terminal building.
Can I use an e-cigarette at Dubai Airport?
Use it only in designated smoking areas, and check your airline’s rules on carrying e-cigarettes.
Where can I smoke after landing in Dubai?
There is a smoking lounge in the arrivals areas of Terminal 3 (C gates) and Terminal 1 (D gates), according to Dubai Airports. Outside the terminal, use signed areas only.
Facts on this page were checked against the sources linked above on 20 October 2026. Dates, prices and opening hours can change, so confirm them with the official source before you travel.
