TL; Dr.
- E-cigarettes are legal to use themselves and in Dubai, but only in some places.
- You cannot use them indoors or in most public places.
- AED 500 to AED 2,000 fine for breaking the rules.
If you are visiting Dubai, or living there, you probably saw how clean and well -organized public places are. The city takes the rules seriously. This includes how it handles smoking and evaporation.While you can see someone using e-cigarettes (also called wips), outside a mall or on the pavement, it does not mean that it is allowed. Dubai has clear rules of where you are, what kind of products are legal, and who can use them. These rules are part of a comprehensive effort to protect public health and respect social norms.So if you are traveling with a VAPE or thinking about using one publicly, it is important to understand how the law works. The last thing you want is to face fine, or worse, because you did not know the local rules.Let’s break it clearly.
Law around e-cigarette in Dubai
The UAE officially valued e-cigarette sales and use in 2019. This made it legal to sell equipment, refills and goods for licensed shops, until they meet local standards. But Vidyagization did not welcome him everywhere.Dubai restricts where e-cigarettes can be used. Like traditional cigarettes, you cannot attach them or use them in public indoor locations. This includes:
- restaurant
- Malls
- Offices
- Airport
- government buildings
- Beach and Park
If you are in a shared public place, it is likely that it is a no-go zone for the use of e-cigarettes until there is no designated smoking area.
What about tourists carrying e-cigarettes?
Tourists can bring e-cigarettes to Dubai for personal use. Which includes disposable devices, liquids and chargers. But some things have to be kept in mind:
- You must be more than 18 to carry or buy them.
- The items should be safely stored, preferably in the goods check.
- E-tanes should follow the airline rules: no more than 100 mL sealed in a clear plastic bag.
Dubai customs can inspect your bag. If something looks suspicious or exceeds the border, it can be seized. Small, clearly bringing the amount of individual use is usually cured.
Penalty if you break the rules
The penalty for using e-cigarettes in wrong places in Dubai can be quite high. If you are caught, you may have to pay anywhere from AED 500 (about $ 135) to AED 2,000 (about $ 545). Repeat offenses can lead to even more fine or possible legal action. There is usually no warning, as the enforcement is strict, especially in places such as shopping malls, airports and metro stations where monitoring is common.
What can you do and not
If you are using e-cigarettes in Dubai, then there are some important things to avoid issues:
- Learn the law. Rules can change, so check the latest rules before using or carrying e-cigarettes around the city.
- Stick to smoking areas. Only use e-cigarettes in areas where smoking is clearly allowed. These are often marked and found in some external public places.
- Never use them indoors. This includes malls, restaurants, offices, taxis and attached public places. Even if no one stops you, it is still illegal.
- Respect cultural norms. Dubai is diverse, and public behavior matters. By using e-cigarettes, keep in mind how can one especially come to family places for others.
- Ask if you are not sure. When in a hotel, cafe, or private location, ask the employees whether the use of e-cigarettes is allowed before using your device.
- Disposal of waste properly. Do not leave the cartridges, packaging or behind the device. Use the compartment – can be largely fined.
- Follow the rules of the house. Private businesses may have their own policies. Even if the city allows it, there may not be a site.
- Keep yourself updated. Laws can be shifted. Stay informed, especially if you are constantly travelers or planning to live in a long period of UAE.
Health concerns
The rules around the e-cigarette in Dubai are mainly strict due to health concerns. UAE authorities are concerned about the long-term risks of nicotine products, in which e-cigarette fluids have been found. Issues such as high levels of nicotine salts, chemical additives in aromatic fluids, and risk of minors misuse these products, all play a role. At its top, is a strong public effort to discourage smoking and nicotine use. This is why you will often see awareness campaign, which aims to completely leave, not just to switch to e-cigarettes from traditional cigarettes.
