Vaping Laws and Regulations in Dubai, UAE: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)

Introduction

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking in Dubai and the UAE, driven by its perception as a less harmful option and the availability of stylish, user-friendly devices. Since the legalization of e-cigarettes and e-liquids in April 2019, the UAE has implemented strict regulations to ensure public health, protect minors, and maintain product safety. This post provides a detailed overview of the vaping laws in Dubai and the UAE, the types of vaping products available, and key considerations for users and visitors as of 2025.

Legal Framework for Vaping in Dubai and the UAE

Vaping is legal in the UAE, including Dubai, following the lifting of a previous ban in April 2019. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) oversee the regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and nicotine pouches. Below are the key legal requirements:

Key Regulations

1. Product Approval and Certification:
   • All vaping products, including e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and nicotine pouches, must be approved by ESMA and comply with MoIAT standards before being sold in the UAE market. This includes ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment System) certification, which involves lab reports on nicotine concentration, quality, safety, and electrical safety.
   • Products must undergo toxicology tests and post-market analyses to ensure compliance with safety standards.
2. Nicotine Concentration Limits:
   • The maximum nicotine concentration for e-liquids and nicotine pouches is capped at 20 mg/ml or 20 mg/g, respectively, per GCC standards.
   • Higher nicotine strengths, such as those found in some international products (e.g., 50 mg/ml JUUL pods), may not be compliant unless specifically approved.
3. Packaging and Labeling:
   • All vaping products must display health warnings in both Arabic and English, covering at least 50% of the main display area. The warnings must include:
     • “Contains nicotine which causes severe addiction, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Nicotine is harmful to the health of pregnant and nursing women, and people suffering from chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma and pulmonary embolism.”
     • “This product may pose a health hazard when inhaled, swallowed, or gets in contact with the skin.”
   • Labels must avoid cartoon imagery or flavor descriptions that appeal to minors.
   • Since 2025, nicotine pouches must include batch-specific QR codes to prevent counterfeiting, as mandated by Dubai Municipality.
4. Age Restrictions:
   • The minimum age for purchasing or using vaping products is 21. Selling e-cigarettes, e-liquids, or nicotine pouches to minors is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
   • Retailers must verify the age of customers, often requiring ID checks, especially for online purchases.
5. Public Use Restrictions:
   • Vaping is prohibited in public places such as malls, parks, beaches, and streets, similar to restrictions on traditional cigarettes.
   • Vaping in the presence of others without permission is considered impolite, reflecting cultural sensitivities in Dubai.
6. Importation Rules:
   • Travelers may bring vaping devices and e-liquids for personal use, but the quantity is limited to a three-month supply. These must be packed in carry-on luggage, as they may not be allowed in checked baggage.
   • Importing nicotine-containing products without ESMA approval is prohibited, and non-compliant products may be confiscated.
   • Always check airline and Dubai Customs regulations before traveling, as policies may vary.
7. Prohibited Ingredients:
   • E-liquids containing certain harmful additives, such as cinnamic compounds, are banned.
   • Flavors designed to mimic tobacco or appeal to minors are prohibited.
8. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
   • Possession of unapproved vaping products can result in fines starting at AED 2,000, escalating to AED 10,000 depending on the quantity and intent.
   • Businesses selling non-compliant products face fines up to AED 50,000, product confiscation, and potential business shutdown.

Federal Laws

Vaping is regulated under Federal Law No. 15/2009 on Tobacco Control, Cabinet Decision No. 24/2013, and Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child Rights (Wadeema’s Law), which collectively aim to protect public health and minors. These laws define vaping products as tobacco-related and subject them to similar restrictions as cigarettes.

Types of Vaping Products Available in Dubai

Dubai’s vape market is diverse, offering a range of products from disposable vapes to pod systems and nicotine pouches. Below is an overview of the main types available as of 2025:

1. Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes are popular for their convenience and ease of use, requiring no maintenance or refilling. They are pre-filled with e-liquid and designed for single use until the battery or e-liquid runs out.

• Popular Brands:
  • Al Fakher Crown Bar: Known for up to 8,000 puffs, available in various flavors.
  • Tugboat: Offers models like the T12000, with high puff counts and robust performance.
  • Elf Bar: Popular for its compact design and flavors like menthol and fruit blends.
  • Vozol: Models like the Vozol Star 12000 offer long-lasting use and diverse flavors.
  • ISGO: Known for models like the ISGO Bar 10,000 puffs.
  • Pod Salt Go, Vapes Bars, Yuoto, VGOD: Other notable disposable brands available in Dubai.
• Nicotine Strength: Typically available in 2% (20 mg/ml) and 5% (50 mg/ml), though only ESMA-approved strengths (up to 20 mg/ml) are legal.
• Puff Count: Ranges from 3,000 to 12,000 puffs, depending on the model (e.g., Myle Meta Box offers 5,000 puffs).
• Price: A single disposable vape costs approximately AED 50–100, depending on the brand and puff count.

2. JUUL

JUUL is a leading pod-based vaping system known for its sleek, discreet design and high nicotine delivery, making it a popular choice for former smokers.

• Devices:
  • JUUL Device: Compact, button-free, and activated by inhalation.
  • JUUL 2: Features a larger battery, improved vapor delivery, and app connectivity for enhanced control.
• Pods:
  • Pre-filled with e-liquid, offering approximately 200 puffs per pod (JUUL 1) or 600 puffs (JUUL 2).
  • Flavors include Classic Tobacco, Menthol, Mint, Mango, and Fruit Medley, with occasional limited-edition options.
  • Nicotine strengths: Typically 5% (50 mg/ml), but only 20 mg/ml or lower is legal in the UAE unless specifically approved.
• Price: A pack of four JUUL pods costs AED 70–140, depending on the retailer.
• Availability: Widely available through licensed vape shops and online retailers like PodsVibe and Vape Shop Dubai.

3. Myle

Myle is another popular pod-based system, known for its innovative design and affordability. It offers both disposable and refillable options.

• Devices:
  • Myle V4 Magnetic Device: Compact and user-friendly, with magnetic pods for easy swapping.
  • Myle V5 Meta Device: Offers up to 800 puffs per pod, with a 4ml capacity.
  • Myle Meta Box: A disposable option with up to 5,000 puffs, available in 2% and 5% nicotine strengths.
• Pods:
  • Flavors include fruit, menthol, and tobacco blends, with ESMA-approved options.
  • Nicotine strengths: Typically 2% or 5%, with legal options capped at 20 mg/ml.
• Price: Myle pods and disposables range from AED 50–120, depending on the model and retailer.
• Availability: Available at stores like Vape UAE and PodsVibe, with free delivery on orders above AED 200.

4. Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches are a smoke-free, tobacco-free alternative gaining popularity in Dubai for their discreet use. They are placed between the lip and gum, delivering nicotine without inhalation.

• Popular Brands:
  • Zyn: Offers flavors like mint, citrus, and berry, with varying nicotine strengths.
  • Velo: Known for strong, flavorful pouches in mint and fruit varieties.
  • Killa: Provides high-strength pouches with bold flavors.
  • White Fox: Premium pouches with crisp flavors and strong nicotine delivery.
  • Pablo, EPG, Bit: Other brands offering flavors like Fresh Mint, Orange Ice, and Ice Blueberry.
• Nicotine Strength: Ranges from 4 mg/g to 20 mg/g, with legal limits enforced at 20 mg/g.
• Pouch Details: Typically 20 pouches per can, with each pouch weighing around 0.65g and providing 30 minutes of use.
• Price: A can of 20 pouches costs approximately AED 50–100, depending on the brand.
• Availability: Available at vape shops, online stores like Vape Highster UAE, and some pharmacies, with fast delivery options.

5. E-Liquids

E-liquids are used in refillable vape devices and pod systems, offering a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths.

• Types:
  • Freebase Nicotine: Lower nicotine concentration, ideal for sub-ohm devices. Available in strengths like 0 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg, 18 mg.
  • Nicotine Salts (Salt Nic): Smoother throat hit, higher nicotine delivery. Available in strengths like 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 50 mg, though only 20 mg/ml or lower is legal.
• Flavors: Include menthol, mint, fruit (e.g., mango, berry), and dessert blends. Tobacco-flavored or child-appealing flavors are banned.
• Bottle Sizes: Commonly 30 ml, 60 ml, 100 ml, 120 ml.
• Price: Ranges from AED 40–150, depending on size and brand.
• Availability: Sold by brands like Pod Salt, VGOD, and Nasty, available at vape shops and online retailers.

6. Other Vape Devices

• Pod Systems: Compact devices like Vaporesso, Voopoo, Smok, and Geekvape, ideal for beginners and experienced vapers.
• Starter Kits: User-friendly kits from brands like Pod Salt, designed for those transitioning from smoking.
• Accessories: Coils, batteries, chargers, and tanks from brands like Lost Vape and OXVA.

Where to Buy Vaping Products in Dubai

Vaping products are available through licensed vape shops, online retailers, and some pharmacies. Notable retailers include:

• DxB Vape Club: Offers a wide range of disposables, JUUL, Myle, and e-liquids with free delivery on orders above AED 400.
• Vape King Dubai: Stocks brands like Smok, Geekvape, and Velo, with same-day delivery in Dubai.
• Heets Dubai: Specializes in JUUL, Myle, and nicotine pouches, with express delivery in Dubai.
• Vape UAE: Provides a variety of devices, e-liquids, and accessories, with free shipping on orders above AED 200.
• Global Vape Dubai: Offers disposables and nicotine pouches with age verification.

Online purchases often require age verification (18+ or 21+), and many retailers offer same-day or 1–12 hour delivery in Dubai and other UAE cities.

Traveling with Vapes to Dubai

• Permitted: You can bring vaping devices and e-liquids for personal use, limited to a three-month supply.
• Packaging: Place devices and e-liquids in carry-on luggage to comply with airline and customs rules.
• Customs Checks: Be prepared for customs inspections. Non-compliant products (e.g., unapproved nicotine strengths) may be confiscated.
• Recommendations: Check with Dubai Customs and your airline for the latest regulations, as rules may change.

Cultural Considerations

Vaping in Dubai requires cultural sensitivity. Always ask for permission before vaping in public or private settings, as it may be considered disrespectful. Avoid vaping near children or in crowded areas to align with local customs.

Health and Safety Notes

While vaping is considered 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes, it is not risk-free. The UAE encourages quitting all forms of nicotine use for optimal health. Always purchase from reputable retailers to ensure ESMA-approved products, as unapproved items may pose health risks.

Conclusion

Vaping is legal in Dubai and the UAE under strict regulations enforced by ESMA and MoIAT, ensuring product safety and public health. Available products include disposable vapes (e.g., Al Fakher, Tugboat), pod systems (e.g., JUUL, Myle), nicotine pouches (e.g., Zyn, Velo), and e-liquids with nicotine strengths capped at 20 mg/ml. Travelers and residents must adhere to age restrictions, public use bans, and importation limits to avoid penalties. By purchasing from licensed retailers and respecting cultural norms, vapers can enjoy a safe and compliant experience in Dubai’s thriving vape culture.