How does Dubai get water?
Emily Carr
Published May 08, 2026
There are two sources for water in the UAE: Ground water and desalinated sea water. The ground water levels are not enough and only serves a little more than 1% of its need. Close to 99% of potable drinking water in Dubai now comes from its desalination plants.
What is the source of water in Dubai?
There are two sources of water in UAE: Desalinated seawater and groundwater. While groundwater is used for agriculture in Al Ain and Liwa, drinking water is provided entirely from desalinated seawater across the Emirate.Where Dubai gets fresh water?
Water Sources In DubaiThe primary source of freshwater in Dubai is desalinated seawater from the Arabian Gulf. It accounts for 89.9% of the city's water supply needs. The remainder of the water demand is mainly serviced by underground water.