13.1% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 318,105 current smokers in Qatar
25.5% of men are current smokers but only 0.6% of women
Smoking in Qatar
Current smoking trends for the overall adult population in Qatar show an increase from 2000 (17%) to 2015 (22%), with a projection to increase further to around 24% by 2025. For women, the trend has been gradually downwards year by year, from a low start of 2% in 2000 to 1% in 2015, and projected to be around 0.6% by 2025. For men the trend has been upwards, with 24% being current smokers in 2000, 28% in 2015 and a projection of a further increase to 32% 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. See also "A short guide for travellers to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022" in the news section of the website.
Deaths
In Qatar, 286 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
Market size of NRT.
NRT market size is estimated to 0.4 million €.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Qatar
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 Vaping Devices
in Qatar
The sale, distribution and advertising of e-cigarettes in Qatar is prohibited, as is possession and use, according to a government circular and a Health Ministry order of 2014. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has agreed on the matter. The GCC is a regional political and economic union which includes all Arab states in the Persian Gulf, except Iraq. The head of the Non-Communicable Disease Department at the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar has been quoted as saying that all retail outlets had been instructed not to sell e-cigarettes, and all border agencies had been instructed not to allow e-cigarettes into Qatar, also stating that anyone caught in possession of or importing a vaping device will face disciplinary action, although it is not clear what this action might be.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Qatar
NRT market size is estimated to 0.4 million €. In Qatar it is illegal to sell nicotine for using NRT. NRT is legal to market. NRT is available in Pharmacy.