Can you vape in Dubai?

The legal position for UK visitors

Vaping became legal in the UAE in mid-April 2019 when ESMA issued standard UAE.S 5030:2018 establishing regulations for electronic nicotine products. Before that, vaping was technically illegal across the UAE. The legalisation in 2019 was a significant shift but came with strict standards on products, sales channels and where you can use them.

• Legal purchase age: 18.
• Maximum nicotine strength: 20mg/ml, same as the UK.
• Product certification: All vape products sold in the UAE must meet UAE.S 5030:2018. Devices must be ECAS-certified.
• Authorised sellers only: Licensed retailers only. Online platforms must verify age using Emirates ID or passport.
• Excise tax: Vape products subject to UAE excise tax framework. Significant tax on imports.
• Personal import: Allowed for tourists. Declare at the Red Channel at Dubai Customs even within limits.
• Banned substances: E-liquids must be free from banned substances. Some flavours and additives are prohibited.

Bringing your vape to Dubai

UK travellers can bring vape kit and e-liquid to Dubai for personal use. The process is more formal than in most European countries.

• Hand luggage only: Standard rules. Lithium batteries must travel in carry-on, not checked baggage. E-liquid bottles subject to the 100ml hand-luggage liquid rule.
• Declare at customs: Use the Red Channel at Dubai Customs (DXB or DWC). Customs officers will verify compliance.
• Reasonable quantities: A single device and several 10ml bottles is fine. A 10-bottle bulk supply may be questioned.
• Undeclared products: Can result in confiscation and fines up to AED 4,000.
• Banned substances: CBD vapes, THC vapes and any product with prohibited additives are banned. Severe penalties for breach including imprisonment.
• Unauthorised devices: Possession of non-ESMA-certified devices can result in fines up to AED 5,000 and possible imprisonment. Stick to mainstream branded products from UK retailers.

Where you can and cannot vape in Dubai

UAE vape rules are strict and heavily enforced. Dubai Municipality inspectors and tourist police issue fines on the spot. Many areas that would be acceptable in the UK are off-limits in Dubai.

The fines you can expect

UAE enforcement of vape rules is consistent and applies to tourists. Police and municipality inspectors issue tickets on the spot.

• Standard indoor violation: AED 500 minimum (about £110). Mall, cinema, restaurant indoor area.
• Transport and hospital areas: Up to AED 2,000 (about £450).
• Taxi vaping: AED 500. Driver liable for reporting.
• Littering offences: AED 500 per item. Dropping a pod or e-liquid bottle counts.
• Unauthorised devices: Fines up to AED 5,000 and possible imprisonment.
• Banned substance vapes (CBD, THC): Severe penalties including imprisonment.
• Undeclared imports: Confiscation and fines up to AED 4,000.
• Repeat offences: Fines doubled. Continued offences can escalate to more serious legal action.

Ramadan and cultural considerations

Ramadan adds an extra layer of consideration for UK visitors. The UAE is a Muslim country and observance of Ramadan affects public conduct, including vaping.

• Daylight hours: Eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal during Ramadan for everyone, regardless of religion. The same applies to vaping.
• Indoor private use: Vaping inside your hotel room or in a private space is fine.
• Designated smoking areas: May have different operating hours during Ramadan.
• Public fines: Penalties for public vaping during Ramadan daylight hours can be more severe than at other times.
• After sunset: Restrictions lift. Normal vaping etiquette applies in non-restricted areas.
• Dates: Ramadan dates shift each year. Check before travelling.

Buying vapes in Dubai

Dubai has a legitimate vape retail sector, with both physical stores and online platforms. All must be licensed and sell ESMA-certified products.

1. Licensed specialist vape shops

   Found in Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama, JLT and the major malls. Stock ESMA-certified devices and liquid. Staff usually English-speaking.

2. Mall outlets

   Some malls have dedicated vape stores. Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall both have vape retail. Convenient for tourists.

3. Specialty supermarkets

   Some larger supermarkets (Carrefour, Spinneys) stock a limited vape range. Less choice than dedicated stores.

4. Licensed online retailers

   Several UAE-licensed online vape retailers deliver to Dubai addresses. Age verification by Emirates ID required.

5. Avoid unauthorised sellers

   Do not buy from unofficial markets. Non-ESMA-certified products are illegal to possess. Fines up to AED 5,000.

Dubai vape prices reflect the excise tax. A 10ml bottle of nicotine e-liquid typically costs AED 25 to AED 50 (£5 to £11). Devices and pod kits are priced similarly to UK pre-duty levels.

The bottom line