ABU DHABI // Restaurants are avoiding complying with price standards for bottled water by offering only imported water at a much higher price, diners say.
“We went to the Cheesecake Factory and the first time we went in, we asked for local water and they brought it,” said Theresa Daum, an American who lives in Abu Dhabi. “A few weeks later they didn’t even serve local water.”
More than 30 restaurants surveyed sold imported water for twice as much on average as local water.
“It’s just water, it all tastes the same,” said Ms Daum. “I’m not a water snob and you can order whatever you want, but we should have the option of local water.
“Especially in this climate, you should have water at an affordable price. You could be dehydrated.”
Shireen Shawish, who has lived in Dubai for 12 years, said the problem was not just the price, but lack of choice.
“Yes, the price is more expensive but sometimes I prefer the taste of Oasis or Masafi, and not Evian or your fancy water,” said Ms Shawish.
“I feel like I am being forced to drink whatever water they have. I should have the same choice with water as I have with food.”
The Jordanian mother of three said lack of choice was worse when she took her children out for a meal. “When you go out with your kids, you need to make sure they are hydrated. But on Evian water – for what?” she said.
“It becomes very expensive, especially when I am forced to order it just to make sure my kids are OK.”
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
