Smoking Area – Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Complete Guide 2026
Your complete guide to all smoking areas and designated smoking rooms at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 — exact gate locations across Concourses A, B and C, vaping rules, fines, lounge smoking options, and essential tips for smokers at DXB.
Smoking at Dubai Airport Terminal 3 — Overview
Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 is a non-smoking building — smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the terminal except in designated ventilated smoking rooms located airside past security in each of the three concourses. Terminal 3 is one of the most smoker-friendly airports in the world, with well-ventilated private smoking lounges available throughout the A, B, and C gate areas.
All smoking rooms at Terminal 3 are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, accessible to any passenger holding a valid boarding pass who has cleared passport control and security. Smoking is not permitted in the arrivals hall, landside areas, or anywhere else in the terminal building outside these designated rooms.
⚠️ Important — April 2026 update: The smoking room near Gate A23 in Concourse A is currently closed for refurbishment. Passengers departing from the A23 area should use the smoking room near Gate A2 as the alternative in Concourse A. This was confirmed by a traveller report in April 2025 and remains current. Always check with airport staff on the day for the most up-to-date information.
💡 Quick summary — Terminal 3 smoking room locations:
Concourse A: Near Gate A2 · Near Gate A23 (⚠️ closed for refurbishment)
Concourse B: Near Gate B7 · Near Gate B27 · Winston lounge near Gate B3 · Ploom lounge near Gate B25
Concourse C: Near Gate C9 · Near Gate C23
Smoking Rooms in Concourse A — Terminal 3
Concourse A is the A380-dedicated concourse, accessible via the Automated People Mover (APM) train from the main Terminal 3 building. It officially has two designated smoking rooms — though one is currently closed for renovation.
The primary operational smoking room in Concourse A as of April 2026. Located near Gate A2 in the western section of the concourse. Well-ventilated with seating. This is the go-to option for all Concourse A passengers following the closure of the A23 room. Some travellers also report a smoking area near Gate A9 — ask airport staff for current availability.
The smoking room near Gate A23 is currently closed for refurbishment as of early 2025. When operational, this was the most conveniently located smoking room for passengers boarding from gates in the A20–A24 range. Use the Gate A2 smoking room as an alternative. Reopening date is not confirmed — check with airport staff on arrival in Concourse A.
💡 Concourse A Tip: If you are departing from gates A15–A24 (the far end of Concourse A), the smoking room at A2 is a significant walk. Allow at least 15–20 minutes for the walk there and back, plus smoking time — Emirates gates close firmly 20 minutes before scheduled departure.
Smoking Rooms in Concourse B — Terminal 3
Concourse B has the best smoking provision of any concourse at Terminal 3, with four smoking locations — two official designated rooms and two branded smoking lounges. At 945 metres long, the spread of locations across the concourse ensures most passengers are within reasonable walking distance of a smoking area.
One of the two official designated smoking rooms in Concourse B. Located in the lower-numbered gate area near Gate B7. Ventilated room with seating. Good option for passengers boarding from gates B1–B15.
The second official smoking room in Concourse B, positioned near the family zone and children’s play area. Best option for passengers boarding from gates B20–B32. The nearby children’s area means it can be busier during family-heavy departures — plan accordingly.
A branded Winston smoking lounge with the notable convenience of two entrances — one from the central aisle and one from the connecting aisle between Gate B3 and the centre isle. This dual-entry design makes it easy to access and exit without backtracking. Well-regarded by frequent DXB smokers for its accessibility.
A Ploom-branded smoking lounge on the top floor of Concourse B, next to the Hard Rock Café, close to Gate B25. Described by travellers as clean and notably less smelly than standard smoking rooms due to its premium ventilation. Access via stairs or lift — it can be spotted from Costa Coffee by looking upwards. May not have clear external signage — ask airport staff if unsure.
💡 Concourse B Best Option: The Ploom Lounge near Gate B25 (top floor, next to Hard Rock Café) is consistently rated the cleanest and best-ventilated smoking space in Terminal 3 by travellers. If your gate is in the B20–B30 range, this is the recommended choice.
Smoking Rooms in Concourse C — Terminal 3
Concourse C (formerly the Sheikh Rashid Terminal) has two officially designated smoking rooms across its 50-gate span. Both are open 24/7 and clearly signposted.
The first designated smoking room in Concourse C, positioned in the lower-gate section near C9. Ventilated with seating. Good option for passengers boarding from gates C1–C20. Standard ventilation — adequate for a quick smoke before boarding.
The second Concourse C smoking room, positioned near the Heineken Lounge area around Gate C23. Best option for passengers boarding from gates C20–C50. Standard ventilated room with seating. Both C gate smoking rooms are noted as functional but more basic than the branded options in Concourse B.
All Smoking Room Locations — Quick Reference Table
| Location | Concourse | Gate | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking Room | A | Near Gate A2 | ✅ Open | Main alternative after A23 closure |
| Smoking Room | A | Near Gate A23 | ⚠️ Closed | Closed for refurbishment — use A2 |
| Smoking Room | B | Near Gate B7 | ✅ Open | Official designated room |
| Winston Lounge | B | Near Gate B3 | ✅ Open | Two entrances — easy access |
| Ploom Lounge | B | Near Gate B25 | ✅ Open | Top floor, next to Hard Rock Café — cleanest option |
| Smoking Room | B | Near Gate B27 | ✅ Open | Official designated room |
| Smoking Room | C | Near Gate C9 | ✅ Open | Lower C gates area |
| Smoking Room | C | Near Gate C23 | ✅ Open | Near Heineken Lounge |
💡 Always verify on the day: Smoking room availability can change due to refurbishments, temporary closures, or operational requirements. If a room is locked or unavailable, ask any airport staff member — they will direct you to the nearest alternative. The official Dubai Airports website and the airport’s “May I Help You” desks located throughout the concourses can also assist.
Smoking Areas Inside Airport Lounges at Terminal 3
Several airport lounges at Terminal 3 have their own dedicated smoking areas — offering a significantly more comfortable experience than the standard smoking rooms, with seating, food, drinks, and superior ventilation.
The Emirates Business Class Lounges feature a dedicated smoking area with a full bar — described by frequent travellers as one of the best smoking setups at any airport in the world. In Concourse A, the smoking bar occupies approximately a quarter of the lounge and is beautifully appointed. Access restricted to Business Class passengers or Skywards Gold/Platinum members. Note: Concourse B Business Class Lounge is currently closed for refurbishment.
The Marhaba Lounge in Concourse A includes a dedicated smoking room as part of its facilities. Access from AED 195 for 2 hours — includes buffet food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and the smoking room. Priority Pass and LoungeKey accepted. A considerably more comfortable option than the standard smoking rooms if you have time. See our full lounges guide for pricing and access details.
The Plaza Premium Lounge in Concourse A has a dedicated smoking lounge as one of its premium amenities. Access from approximately AED 261 (~US$71). The lounge also offers à la carte dining, a full bar, showers, and private family suites. Priority Pass and DragonPass accepted. The best lounge smoking experience available to non-airline passengers at Terminal 3.
Vaping Rules at Dubai Airport Terminal 3
Vaping has been legal in the UAE since April 2019 under regulations from the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). However, the rules are strict — particularly at airports.
⚠️ Vaping outside designated areas is illegal at DXB:
Vaping (e-cigarettes) is treated under the same regulations as tobacco smoking at Dubai Airport. You may only vape inside the designated smoking rooms listed above. Vaping anywhere else in Terminal 3 — including in the general gate areas, restaurants, lounges (unless the lounge has a designated smoking room), or restrooms — can result in an immediate fine of AED 500–AED 2,000.
Vaping Rules Summary for Terminal 3
| Situation | Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vaping in designated smoking rooms | ✅ Yes | Same rooms as cigarette smokers |
| Vaping in general gate areas | ❌ No | Fine AED 500–2,000 |
| Vaping in restaurants or cafés | ❌ No | Strictly prohibited |
| Vaping in airport lounges | ❌ No | Unless lounge has a designated smoking room |
| Vaping in airport toilets | ❌ No | Prohibited, enforceable |
| Carrying vape device in hand luggage | ✅ Yes | Must be in carry-on — not checked baggage |
| Vaping on aircraft | ❌ No | Absolutely prohibited on all flights |
| E-liquids over 100ml in hand luggage | ❌ No | Standard liquids rule applies |
| Nicotine pouches at airport | ⚠️ Restricted | Subject to same ECAS certification rules as vapes (2025 regulation) |
💡 Travelling with a vape device: Vape devices must be carried in hand luggage only — never in checked baggage. Lithium batteries in vape devices are classified as dangerous goods in checked bags. E-liquids follow the standard 100ml liquid rule — keep them sealed in a clear zip-lock bag with other liquids. Turn off the device before boarding. Do not charge vape devices on the aircraft.
Smoking Fines & Penalties at Terminal 3
Dubai enforces smoking regulations strictly — both at the airport and across the emirate. The following fines apply at Dubai International Airport and throughout the UAE:
| Violation | Fine (AED) | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking outside designated areas at airport | Up to 1,000 | Dubai Airports / Dubai Police |
| Vaping outside designated areas | 500 – 2,000 | Dubai Airports / Dubai Police |
| Smoking in a taxi or RTA vehicle | 500 | RTA — drivers required to report |
| Throwing cigarette butt on ground | Up to 500 | Dubai Municipality |
| Smoking in enclosed public space (city) | 500 – 1,000 | Dubai Municipality |
| Possession of non-ESMA approved vape | Up to 5,000 | Customs / Dubai Police |
⚠️ Important for Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, restrictions on smoking in public are significantly more strictly enforced in Dubai. Smoking in public places during Ramadan daylight hours can result in immediate fines. At the airport, the same designated smoking room rules apply year-round — but be aware of heightened sensitivity to public smoking during this period.
Smoking Before Security — Landside Terminal 3
The designated smoking rooms described in this guide are all airside — i.e., accessible only after clearing passport control and security. If you need to smoke before check-in or before clearing security, the options are more limited:
🚬 Before security (landside): Smoking is not permitted inside the Terminal 3 building landside. To smoke before check-in, you must exit the terminal building entirely and use the designated outdoor smoking zones in the designated areas outside. These are clearly marked near the terminal entrances.
✈️ After security (airside): Use the designated smoking rooms in Concourses A, B, and C as listed in this guide. These are only accessible after clearing immigration and security.
🛬 On arrival (before clearing customs): There are no smoking areas in the arrivals immigration or baggage claim zones. The first opportunity to smoke after landing is after clearing Customs and exiting to the arrivals hall — but even there, you must go outside the terminal building to designated outdoor zones. Airside smoking rooms are only available to departing and transit passengers.
Tips for Smokers at Dubai Airport Terminal 3
💡 Tip 1 — Allow time before boarding: Emirates is strict about gate closure times — gates close 20 minutes before departure and are enforced without exception. Factor in the walk to the smoking room, smoking time, and walk back to your gate. In Concourse A, the walk from far gates to the smoking room can take 10+ minutes each way.
💡 Tip 2 — Best smoking room at T3: The Ploom Lounge near Gate B25 (top floor of Concourse B, next to Hard Rock Café) is consistently rated the cleanest and least smelly smoking space by frequent DXB travellers. If you are in Concourse B and have a choice, this is the recommended option.
💡 Tip 3 — Consider lounge access for smoking: If you are a smoker on a long layover, the Marhaba Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounge in Concourse A include dedicated smoking rooms as part of their amenities — along with food, drinks, showers, and comfortable seating. Access from AED 195. This is a significantly more comfortable smoking experience than the standard rooms.
💡 Tip 4 — Duty Free for tobacco: Dubai Duty Free sells a wide range of cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products at competitive duty-free prices throughout Terminal 3. Tobacco generated US$242 million in DDF sales in 2025. Stock up before your flight — DDF tobacco prices are lower than most destination-country retail prices.
💡 Tip 5 — A23 room is closed: Multiple 2025 traveller reports confirm the Gate A23 smoking room in Concourse A is closed for refurbishment. If you are departing from Concourse A and searching for a smoking room near A23, use the Gate A2 room instead — it is the only confirmed operational option in Concourse A as of April 2026.
💡 Tip 6 — Disposal rules: Always dispose of cigarette butts in the ashtrays provided inside the smoking rooms. Throwing a butt on the floor or ground at any point in Dubai — including outside the terminal — carries a fine of up to AED 500. Portable ashtrays are useful to carry if you smoke outside the terminal building before check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions — Smoking at Terminal 3
Quick answers to the most common questions about smoking at Dubai Airport Terminal 3.