Is it safe to drink tap water in Dubai and should I get a water filter installed?

Dubai's tap water is treated to WHO drinking water standards at the source and is technically safe to drink. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) regularly publishes water quality reports confirming compliance. However, the journey from the treatment plant to your tap involves storage in rooftop tanks and older pipe networks, which can introduce sediment, bacteria, and a metallic or chlorine taste — which is why most residents, particularly in older buildings, prefer filtered or bottled water. For a new resident, a point-of-use under-sink water filter is a practical and cost-effective solution. A good quality under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system — which removes dissolved solids, chlorine, and heavy metals — costs AED 600–AED 1,500 for the unit plus AED 200–AED 400 for installation by a plumber. Annual filter replacement costs AED 150–AED 400 depending on the brand. Popular brands available in Dubai include Aqua Kent, Pentair, and Coway. For a simpler option, a countertop filter jug (Brita or similar) costs AED 80–AED 200 and requires no installation. The long-term economics strongly favour filtration over bottled water. A family spending AED 150–AED 300/month on bottled water recoups the cost of an under-sink RO system within 6–12 months. It also significantly reduces plastic waste, which is worth considering.