About

14.7% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 1.2 million current smokers in United Arab Emirates

29% of men are current smokers but only 0.5% of women

Quick links to detailed datasheets for United Arab Emirates
Country profile
Data sourced: 2024.   Page updated: 2024-04-08

Smoking in United Arab Emirates

Current smoking trends for the overall adult population in the United Arab Emirates show an increase from 2000 (26%) to 2015 (29%), with a projected increase to around 31% by 2025. For women, smoking prevalence has been declining gradually year by year, from a low start at 2% in 2000 to 1.2% in 2015, and is projected to be around 0.9% by 2025. The overall upwards trend has been driven by men's current smoking prevalence: 34% of men were current smokers in 2000, increasing to 38% in 2015 and a projection of a further increase to 41.5% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.

2,983

Deaths

2983 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in United Arab Emirates.

5.5 million €

Market size of NRT.

NRT market size is estimated to be 5.5 million €.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in United Arab Emirates

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.

Heated Tobacco Products

in United Arab Emirates

In July 2019, IQOS was launched across all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, following the approval of the US FDA earlier in the year.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in United Arab Emirates

NRT market size is estimated to be 5.5 million €. In United Arab Emirates you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. NRT is legal to market. You can buy NRT in Pharmacy.

Snus

in United Arab Emirates

The sale of Snus is banned. Use of Snus is permitted by law in United Arab Emirates.

Pouches

in United Arab Emirates

Pouches are allowed.

The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.