Vaping has grown massively in popularity worldwide, and the UAE is no exception. But if you live here or are planning to visit, you might be wondering: What are the rules around vaping? The UAE has a pretty clear set of regulations to make sure vaping is safe and doesn’t fall into the hands of young people. In this blog, we’ll break down the main points of vaping laws in the UAE, so you can vape worry-free, whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the country.
Is Vaping Legal in the UAE?
The good news is, yes, vaping is legal in the UAE. The ban on selling e-cigarettes and vaping products was lifted back in 2019, but this came with some rules that everyone needs to follow. The goal was to ensure that vaping doesn’t negatively affect public health—especially when it comes to young people.
But just because it’s legal doesn’t mean there aren’t rules. All vaping products must meet certain safety standards set by the government, so you can’t just buy any vape juice or device you find online.
Vaping Rules in Dubai
If you’re in Dubai, the rules are the same as in the rest of the UAE. Every vaping device and e-liquid you see for sale in a store needs to be approved by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). That means they’ve passed certain safety checks to make sure they’re good to use.
Products that meet these standards get a certification known as ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment System). If a product isn’t certified, it’s illegal to sell, and shops caught selling uncertified products can get into a lot of trouble.
Key Points:
Only buy vaping products that are ECAS-certified.
Shops that sell non-approved products risk fines or worse.
Who Can Legally Vape in the UAE?
If you’re under 18, sorry—you’re out of luck. The legal age for buying and using vaping products in the UAE is 18, just like cigarettes. If you walk into a vape shop, be ready to show your ID, because stores are required to check it before selling anything.
Advertising is another area the government takes seriously. You won’t see flashy vape ads everywhere because there are strict rules to protect young people from seeing or being targeted by vape marketing.
Key Points:
You must be 18 or older to buy or use vaping products in the UAE.
Shops are required to ask for ID to verify your age.
Can I Bring My Vape into the UAE?
If you’re travelling to the UAE, you might be wondering whether you can bring your vape gear with you. The answer is yes, as long as what you’re bringing is legal in the UAE. That means your e-liquid and device need to meet the local standards, so double-check if you’re unsure. Anything that’s non-compliant could be confiscated at customs.
Also, be careful with how much nicotine is in your vape juice. The UAE has strict limits on nicotine levels, so if you’re bringing something with a higher concentration, it might get taken away.
Key Points:
You can bring your vape gear into the UAE if it meets local standards.
Be mindful of nicotine limits in your e-liquids.
Where Can You Vape in the UAE?
Now that we’ve covered what you can buy and who can buy it, let’s talk about where you can vape. Vaping is treated a lot like smoking in the UAE, which means there are rules about where you can use your device. In general, vaping is banned in enclosed public places like malls, restaurants, and government buildings.
However, some cafes and restaurants might have designated smoking areas where vaping is allowed. When in doubt, always ask before you start vaping in public.
Key Points:
Don’t vape in enclosed public spaces like malls or government offices.
Some places may have specific areas where you can vape.
What Happens if You Break the Rules?
Nobody wants to get in trouble, so it’s important to stick to the rules. Selling non-certified products, selling to minors, or vaping in places where it’s not allowed can all get you into hot water. Fines are common for breaking these laws, and for businesses, it can mean losing their license to sell vape products.
On a personal level, vaping in restricted areas can lead to fines, and if you’re caught selling illegal products, the penalties are even more serious.
Key Points:
Selling illegal vaping products or selling them to minors can lead to heavy fines.
Vaping in restricted areas can also result in fines.
What’s Next for Vaping Laws in the UAE?
The vaping scene is always evolving, and so are the regulations. UAE officials are keeping a close eye on vaping trends and how they affect public health. So, while vaping is legal now, don’t be surprised if there are updates to the laws in the future.
For now, as long as you’re following the rules—buying ECAS-approved products, vaping only in allowed areas, and making sure you’re of legal age—you should be good to go.
At Last,
Vaping is legal in the UAE, but it comes with rules that everyone needs to follow. Make sure your products are ECAS-certified, follow the vaping age laws, and only vape in places where it’s allowed. By staying informed, you can enjoy vaping in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond without any worries.
At VaporLab, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of ECAS-approved vaping devices, e-liquids, and accessories, so you can vape with confidence, knowing you’re fully compliant with UAE laws.
