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Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT and snus in United Arab Emirates

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  3. Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT and snus in United Arab Emirates
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Profile
United Arab Emirates Flag
Cigarettes
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
United Arab Emirates Background
Profile
United Arab Emirates Flag
Cigarettes
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT

11.7% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 992,805 current smokers in United Arab Emirates

15.5% of men are current smokers but only 2.5% of women

Country profile
Data sourced: 2025.   Page updated: 2025-06-19

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.

1,693

Deaths

1693 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 €.

Details & datasheet on smoking in United Arab Emirates

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), e-cigarettes are allowed and regulated. The sale of vaping devices and nicotine is legal, and purchasing without a prescription is permitted. Vaping products are marketed and can be bought both online and in-person, according to some online sources.
The minimum age restriction on sales is 18 years, and there are some restrictions on use in public places. So, it is advised not to vape in areas such as educational centers and health facilities. Travelers should also check with airlines before bringing vaping products for personal use.
In terms of prevalence, the latest available data from 2017 indicate that there were approximately 48,200 vapers in the UAE. The vaping prevalence among adults was 0.6%, with a prevalence of 0.4% among females and 0.8% among males.

Details & datasheet on vaping in United Arab Emirates

Heated Tobacco Products

in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates regulates Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) as tobacco products and permits them by law. Under these regulations, the sale, purchase, use, and marketing of HTPs are legally allowed, with no restrictions on their flavor range. However, several important regulations must be considered: Health warnings must be displayed on the packaging, the minimum age for sale is 18 years, and the use of the product is prohibited in public places. Health claims are not allowed, and all forms of advertising for HTPs are banned. The excise tax rate for HTPs ranges from 10% to 50% of the tax applied to conventional cigarettes. In summary, while HTPs are permitted in the United Arab Emirates, they are subject to specific regulations.

Details & datasheet on HTP in United Arab Emirates

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in United Arab Emirates

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed in the United Arab Emirates, and it is legal to use and sell NRT products. Purchasing NRT without a prescription is permitted. These products are available in pharmacies throughout the country. The government supports NRT, covering partially its cost. In United Arab Emirates it is legal to purchase nicotine without using NRT prescription.

Details & datasheet on NRT in United Arab Emirates

Snus

in United Arab Emirates
Details & datasheet on snus in United Arab Emirates

Pouches

in United Arab Emirates

According to the Anti-Smoking Global Index, nicotine pouches are legally allowed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including their sale, online purchase, and use. The product can be imported for personal use, but the quantity should be verified. However, certain restrictions apply, such as a ban on health claims, a minimum age requirement of 18 years, and a limit on nicotine content, which mandates that the nicotine content of the product should not exceed 16.6 mg per pouch. Additionally, the use of nicotine pouches in public places is prohibited. Notably, Tobacco Intelligence reported in the same year that there are no specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in the UAE.

Details & datasheet on pouches in United Arab Emirates

Top Stories from United Arab Emirates

June 20, 2025 by indiatimes.com

Story

UAE legalizes tobacco-free nicotine pouches to help smokers quit cigarettes

The UAE approved the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches from July 29, offering smokers an alternative to cigarettes. Nicotine pouches contain nicotine but no tobacco, reducing lung damage risks. Dr. Mallick explained the pouches release nicotine without smoke, aiding in quitting smoking due to reduced cravings. However, they can be addictive, and long-term health effects are still being studied. …

Regions: Asia United Arab Emirates

UAE Approves Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches

June 20, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

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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.
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