Nicotine Vaping Devices (E-cigarettes) in UAE
Following a review by the UAE Government consumer watchdog, the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), the law regarding the sale of e-cigarettes is due to change in April 2019. Under the new rules, known as UAE.S 5030, it will become legal to sell, manufacture and distribute e-cigarettes, and related products will be regulated. Legal e-cigarette sales are expected to begin in the UAE in May 2019 under the new rules. At the same time, the Dubai Municipality has announced potential fines of up to Dh2,000 for vapers who use e-cigarette products in unauthorized areas, i.e. where smoking is banned. Locations where smoking is banned include places of worship, schools, universities and shopping malls as well as health and pharmaceutical facilities.
| Regulatory Status |
Allowed |
| Legal to Sell Device |
Yes |
| Legal to Sell Nicotine |
Yes |
| Legal to Purchase Without Prescription |
Yes |
| Minimum Age Restrictions on Sales |
Yes: 18 years |
| Legal Restrictions on Use in Public Places |
Yes |
| Adult Current E-Cigarette Vaping Prevalence |
5% |
Oral Smokeless Tobacco Product (SNUS)
| Regulatory Status |
Allowed |
| Legal to Use Product |
Yes |
Heated Tobacco Products (HTP)
| Products are Marketed |
Yes |
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRTs)
| Legal to Purchase Without Prescription |
Yes |
| Products are Marketed |
Yes |
| Place Available |
Pharmacy |
| Market Size |
5.50 Million € |
| Market Size Per Smoker |
4.00 € |
Data Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Global Status of Tobacco Harm Reduction