A Complete Guide to Vape Regulations in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Most vapers know vaping has been legal in Dubai since 2019. However, vapers from other countries may not know much about the rules and regulations. And that can get them into trouble.

If you are planning to travel to Dubai soon, you must know the important bits and pieces beforehand. Otherwise, you may face legal consequences the moment you enter the airport.

Here’s a complete guide to vape regulations in Dubai. Check it out so you can vape safely without attracting trouble!

Is Vaping Allowed In Dubai?

Yes, you are allowed to vape in Dubai. BUT there are some things to keep in mind.

The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) made it legal to sell vaporizers and e-cigarettes in 2019. The purpose of the legalization was to minimize the increase in smoke waves that affected the UAE. Now, of course, the vaper community and the vape seller community welcomed the law because it made the whole thing safe and legal.

The ESMA has also introduced standards and regulations regarding selling and distributing e-cigarettes. There are also regulations for all manufacturers.

So, yes, today, vaping is completely allowed in the UAE as long as you comply with the regulations. For example, you cannot vape in public places. Going to the cinema or shopping in a mall? How about a quick vaping session? NO – says the ESMA!

There are also standards about importing vape, labeling, ingredients, etc. I’ve made an overview of the vaping policies in Dubai, highlighting the ones you must know by heart. Find them below!

Dubai Vaping Policy

There are many articles regarding different areas. I will mention the most important ones and provide a summary for you.

Article 5: Prohibited Acts

• Vape laws in Dubai prohibit a vape seller or a Vape Shop in Dubai from selling or attempting to sell vaping products to people under 18.
• You must never smoke in health facilities, sports facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship. The same applies to closed public places.
• Even if you are over 18, you cannot smoke in a private car if a child under 12 is present.
• If you want to sell sweets that are similar to tobacco products, vape regulations in Dubai will not allow you.
• You cannot set up automatic vending devices or equipment to distribute vape and tobacco products in the UAE.
• Businesses must follow strict regulations for vaping and tobacco ads.

Article 13 & Article 16: Penalties in Case of Violations

• Selling vape and tobacco products to underaged children or vaping in the public places mentioned above will make you face legal consequences.
• According to the vape regulations in Dubai, penalties for violating the laws include jail time of at least one year. Plus, you must pay a fine ranging from AED 100k to AED 1000k. You may face both penalties or one of them, depending on the degree of your violation.
• If you violate any law, you will have to pay a fine of AED 500 instantly as a means of rectification.
• If rectification does not succeed, it may lead to criminal prosecution.
• Criminal sanctions can make you pay a fine of AED 3,000 to AED 10,000. If you keep repeating violations, your penalties will increase accordingly.

Is Vaping Allowed at Dubai Airport?

No, vaping is not allowed at Dubai Airport. However, you can vape in the designated areas. Plus, there are some things you have to remember if you want to carry a vape with you.

• The first rule is that you cannot vape freely around the airport.
• If you must vape, look for designated areas for vaping or smoking. You may find them at the terminals.
• Always keep the vape in your carry-on bag or hand luggage.
• The authority does not allow carrying vape in checked luggage. It’s for ensuring safety.
• For your e-juice, you can only use the 100ml containers.
• You cannot vape during your flight. So, it’s better if you vape before the flight in the designated smoking areas.

How to Pack Vape for a Dubai Flight?

• The first thing is to learn about the airline-specific rules.
• Put the vape in the carry-on bag.
• Only choose 100ml containers for your e-liquids.
• Put the containers in a plastic bag.
• Take out the device batteries and pack each separately.
• Organize the vape stuff properly. That way, presenting it will be easy during security screening.
• Officers do not usually check carry-on bags. But if they do check and ask questions, answer them honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are the lounges at the Dubai airport so I can vape there?

There are several lounges at the Dubai airport. Here are the instructions for you. There’s a lounge at Gate D2 at Terminal 1 (the upper level). You will find another one at Terminal 2. It’s around the departure area. There are more in Gates C9, B7, B27, A23, and A2 (Terminal 3). You can ask the airport staff for further assistance or go through the airport map.

1. Can I take my disposable vape to Dubai?

You can take your disposable vape to Dubai as long as you put it in your carry-on bag. Plus, the containers must be the 100 ml ones. Remember, your device must also comply with the regulations in Dubai. Otherwise, the airport authority might confiscate them.

1. Why can’t I pack vape products in my checked luggage?

Vapes and the lithium-ion batteries that contain them are fire hazards. That is why the authority does not allow it in your checked luggage for safety purposes.

1. What are the consequences of violating vape rules at the airport?

You will have to face severe consequences for violating vape rules at the airport, like fines and legal penalties. If the authority seems it necessary, they will even blacklist you for the airline.