Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International Airport is one of the more smoker-friendly major hubs in the world, with designated smoking lounges and rooms spread across all three terminals, both before and after security. That said, smoking is strictly confined to these marked areas, and lighting up anywhere else in the terminal can result in a fine. The official airport website describes DXB as a "smoke-free" environment outside those zones, so the rules are taken seriously.

Before Security

Landside smoking options are limited to specific outdoor designated zones outside the terminal buildings. These are clearly marked but not particularly comfortable for long waits. If you need a cigarette before check-in, head outside the terminal entrance and look for the designated outdoor smoking signs.

After Security

This is where DXB genuinely shines for smokers. Each terminal has at least one dedicated facility past the security checkpoint:

• Terminal 1, Concourse D: A Camel-branded smoking lounge sits on the main floor between Gates D12 and D13. You'll spot the entrance down a corridor, with a "Camel Smoking Lounge" sign visible from the main aisle. There is also a Winston-branded smoking room upstairs near Gate D1, though signage can be subtle; follow signs for airport lounges to find it.

• Terminal 2: A designated smoking area is located near the departure boarding lounge. It is smaller and less prominent than Terminal 1 or 3 options; ask airport staff if you cannot find it.

• Terminal 3, Concourse A: A smoking area near Gate A2 is reported as open, while the previously used area near A23 is reportedly closed for refurbishment. Confirm on arrival.

• Terminal 3, Concourse B: A Winston smoking lounge near Gate B3 has two entrances, one from the central aisle and one from a connecting aisle, making it easy to access from multiple directions. A newer Ploom-branded smoking lounge on the top floor near Gate B25, next to the Hard Rock Cafe, is praised by recent travelers for being clean and well-ventilated. You can spot it from Costa Coffee by looking upward.

• Terminal 3, Concourse C: Smoking areas reported near Gates C9 and C23.

Emirates Business Class Lounge

If you are flying Emirates Business Class or have access to the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3, there is a dedicated, well-ventilated smoking section inside. Access requires a Business Class boarding pass or eligible lounge membership. This is widely considered the most comfortable airside smoking option at DXB.

Marhaba Lounge (Terminal 2)

The Marhaba Lounge in Terminal 2 is reported to offer a smoking area. Marhaba is a pay-per-use lounge accessible with a walk-in fee (typically around USD 35-50, though prices vary) or through lounge membership programs including Priority Pass. It provides a more comfortable environment than the standalone smoking rooms.

Vaping Rules

Vaping is technically permitted only in the same designated smoking areas as cigarettes. You cannot vape freely in public areas of the terminal. Carry your vape device and e-liquids (max 100ml per container) in your carry-on bag only, not checked luggage, due to battery safety regulations. Using a vape outside a designated area could result in a fine of up to AED 2,000.

Transit and Layovers

If you are transiting through DXB without clearing immigration, you remain airside and can use the post-security smoking facilities in whichever concourse your connecting gate is in. You do not need to exit and re-enter security. Some older smoking booths in Terminal 3 have been described by travelers as getting foggy during busy periods, so the newer Ploom lounge near B25 is worth seeking out if you are in Concourse B.

Bottom Line

DXB has more airside smoking options than most international airports, so you are unlikely to go without. Head to the designated lounges in your concourse after security, and keep the Ploom lounge near Gate B25 in Terminal 3 in mind as the cleanest recent option.