Hookah, also known as shisha, is a popular social activity in Dubai and across the Middle East. It involves smoking flavored tobacco through a water pipe, typically in a relaxed and communal setting. For visitors to Dubai, trying hookah can be an enjoyable way to experience a part of local culture, but there are some key points to keep in mind to ensure a pleasant and respectful experience.
What Visitors Need to Know About Hookah in Dubai:
- Cultural Experience:
- Social Tradition: In Dubai, smoking hookah is a social activity often enjoyed with friends and family. It’s common to see people sharing a hookah pipe in lounges, cafes, or outdoor settings while engaging in conversation.
- Flavors and Varieties: Hookah tobacco, known as mu’assel, comes in a wide variety of flavors, from fruity options like apple, grape, and watermelon to more exotic blends such as mint, rose, or mixed flavors. The choice of flavor is an important part of the hookah experience.
- Where to Enjoy Hookah:
- Shisha Cafes: There are numerous shisha cafes across Dubai, ranging from casual outdoor spots to upscale lounges. Many offer comfortable seating, refreshments, and sometimes entertainment like live music or traditional performances.
- Hotels and Resorts: Many luxury hotels and resorts in Dubai also offer shisha on their terraces or outdoor areas, often with stunning views of the city skyline or the beach.
- Etiquette and Tips:
- Sharing Hookah: Hookah is usually shared among a group, with each person taking turns to smoke. It’s polite to pass the mouthpiece after a few puffs and to handle the pipe with care.
- Respecting Local Customs: While hookah smoking is common, it’s important to be mindful of the setting. In some areas, particularly more conservative or family-oriented places, smoking may be discouraged or restricted to designated areas.
- Using the Mouthpiece: Always use the disposable mouthpiece provided by the cafe or lounge. This is for hygiene purposes and is a standard practice.
- Health Considerations:
- Moderation is Key: While hookah is a cultural experience, it’s important to remember that it involves inhaling tobacco smoke, which carries health risks. Enjoy it in moderation, and be aware that a typical hookah session can last an hour or more, during which time a significant amount of smoke can be inhaled.
- Alternatives: Some places offer herbal or nicotine-free shisha options for those who prefer a less harmful experience.
- Legal and Age Restrictions:
- Age Limit: The legal age for smoking hookah in Dubai is 18 years and older. Cafes and lounges typically enforce this rule, and you may be asked to show identification if you appear younger.
- Public Spaces: Smoking hookah in public spaces outside of designated areas is generally not allowed. It’s best to enjoy it in licensed cafes, lounges, or designated smoking areas.
- Cost:
- Price Range: The cost of smoking hookah in Dubai can vary widely depending on the location. In casual shisha cafes, it may be relatively inexpensive, while in upscale lounges or hotel terraces, prices can be higher due to the ambiance and service provided.
Unique Experience:
- Traditional and Modern Settings: Whether you choose a traditional Arabic shisha cafe or a modern, chic lounge, smoking hookah in Dubai offers a unique way to unwind and soak in the local atmosphere.
- Enjoy with Refreshments: Hookah is often enjoyed with tea, coffee, or fresh juices, which enhance the experience and offer a taste of local flavors alongside the shisha.
