Smoking cigarettes and tobacco products are traditional. People are now using e-cigarettes as a replacement for tobacco. However, is it being tolerated in the UAE? Is smoking e-cigarettes legal in the country? In this article, we will answer those specific questions to help you become aware of how the country handles issues regarding the environment and climate change.
Also Read: Keeping UAE Clean: Laws on Littering in the UAE
As you know, Dubai and the whole country of UAE are gearing towards becoming a top global place for expats and one way to do it is to protect and address environmental issues.
What is E-Cigarette or Vape?
An e-cigarette or vape is an electronic device used for smoking. Instead of using tobacco as the main product, this uses juices and other chemicals to produce smoke. Usually, an e-cigarette is powered by batteries. Users charge the batteries in order to continue using the vape.
Although smoking tobacco and vaping is different, they still have the same bad effect to the environment and the people. This is the reason why the government of the UAE has imposed a rule that talks about how someone can be fined when vaping in public places in the country.
Is Smoking E-Cigarettes Legal in the UAE?
Smoking e-cigarettes in public places is illegal in the UAE. If you will be caught vaping inside shopping malls and other public places, the authorities will ask you to pay a fine of AED 2,000.
Previously, the sale of e-cigarettes was banned but in mid-April 2019, the UAE has allowed the sale of these devices.
Smoking, whether it’s tobacco or e-cigarettes is banned in public places such as shopping malls, souks, parks, streets, driveways, and even inside closed areas.
The first offense is paying a fee of AED 2,000 if you will be caught vaping. In the case of repeat offenses, anyone working for the mall like the security guards can approach the police and report you.
To comply with the federal law and the rules for vaping, there are continuous inspections in malls to check whether the stores are selling tobacco and e-cigarettes. Those items will be confiscated immediately when discovered.
This law has been in effect since 2009. The government is not tolerating any activity related to smoking. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, you shouldn’t violate the law. To support this, Article No. 8 states that all types of direct and indirect advertising of tobacco products are not allowed in the country. This is in line with the government’s goals to maintain public health.
Are there alternatives to vaping?
Currently, there are no other alternatives to vaping as the UAE also banned smoking tobacco products. However, if you are really into smoking, shisha can be used in the country but with restrictions.
You can only smoke in shisha cafes and follow certain protocols so that you won’t be fined. Keep in mind that not everyone in the UAE can smoke shisha, so make sure you are aware of rules and regulations before you go to a shisha café.
Tips on how to avoid vaping in the UAE
Since vaping or using e-cigarettes is totally banned in the country, you might want to completely avoid this activity. If you are an expat who just got in the country and you are used to e-cigarettes, let us give you some tips on how you can successfully withdraw from your vaping habit.
Don’t bring e-cigarettes when you enter the country.
The first step to avoid vaping in the UAE is don’t bring e-cigarettes when you enter the country. Remember that it’s one of the prohibited items. You really need to leave your vape at home if you don’t want the authorities to confiscate your gadget when entering the country. And as early as now, you should practice avoiding vaping little by little so that by the time you move to the UAE, you can completely forget about it.
Do other things that don’t involve smoking.
You should not look for other smoking alternatives. Instead, do things that don’t involve smoking. You can become a tourist in the UAE. Use your rest days to explore the country. Start in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and go to popular tourist destinations so you can forget about smoking. You can also switch from eating healthy and going to the gym to divert your attention.
Focus on your job.
If you are an expat who just got hired, focus on your job. In this way, you are diverting your attention to something productive instead of smoking. You will also get used to regular good habits if you will focus on something that will inspire you to quit your smoking habit.
Always comply with the rules.
Who would want to pay AED 2,000 as a fine? This is an amount that you can already use to pay for your accommodation, food, transportation, and even a trip to somewhere in the country. To avoid vaping, comply with the rules as much as you can. Think of the penalties you have to pay. Think of the consequences. If you don’t want to suffer from those punishments, quit vaping as early as now, even before you fly in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
Expats should always be aware of the rules and regulations in the UAE. So, you should be prepared just in case you are planning to work here. And for expats who have friends and relatives in the country, share this information so they can be aware of what to do with their smoking habits.
