Smoking shisha (hubbly bubbly) is very popular in Dubai. The Middle Eastern water pipe, which is thought to have originated around 500 years ago, purifies and cools the smoke from flavoured tobacco heated on top of the pipe by coals. It costs approximately 35 to 50AED to smoke and the most popular flavours are apple, mint, strawberry, apricot and grape.
Although relaxing and sociable, estimates suggest that an hour of shisha smoking equates to inhaling as many as 50 cigarettes so you might want to go easy! If you’re after an authentic taste of Middle Eastern culture, however, smoking shisha is a must. Just remember not to inhale too deeply, blow down the pipe to get rid of smoke build-up in the water and share your shisha amongst friends. This is a social tradition and to be enjoyed in groups or couples.
