Vaping Laws in Dubai: What Every Traveler Must Know

The moment you land in Dubai, the heat can knock the breath out of you, but don’t think you can blow out your own cloud of choice just anywhere. The city glimmers with futuristic glass towers and endless shopping malls, but when it comes to vaping, things get far less shiny. You could be that tourist with a vape pen hidden in a makeup bag, wondering—will a puff get me arrested? Here’s the real answer, with none of the wishy-washy nonsense. I’ve pulled from official regulations, expat stories, and the ever-evolving laws as of July 2025 to save you from a ruinous mistake on your desert holiday.
How Dubai Regulates Vaping: What the Law Really Says
Dubai’s relationship with vaping is complicated—think of it as a strict parent grudgingly accepting new technology, but still holding on to the old rulebook. Up until 2019, bringing an e-cigarette or vape into Dubai was a straight-up no-go. Confiscation at the airport happened all the time. It didn’t matter if your vape cost $5 or $500; it probably wasn’t getting through. But then the UAE government relaxed things—sort of.
Here’s the official word: Vaping and selling e-cigarettes became legal in the UAE in April 2019 under specific conditions. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) set out standards for legal devices and e-liquids. Vape pens, mods, pods, disposable vapes—if they’re ESMA-approved and not used by minors, they’re legal to buy, use, and possess. But you can’t just whip out your device anywhere. There’s a catch. Dubai has strict rules about where you can vape, much as it does with smoking regular cigarettes. Vaping is banned in enclosed public spaces—think shopping malls, government offices, restaurants, cinemas, hospitals, airports, public transport, and even many beaches and parks. In some residential buildings and hotels, management decides whether vaping gets the green light.
All devices and e-liquids must comply with UAE safety standards. Don’t expect to find the same wild range of flavors or high-nicotine juices as you do back home. The government frowns upon unregistered products—these can get you into real trouble if you’re caught importing or selling them. Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not (broken down simply):
Product/Action | Legal Status (2025) | Details |
---|---|---|
Possessing ESMA-approved vape | Legal | Must meet UAE health standards |
Importing vapes for personal use | Limited | Allowed, but subject to airport checks; not more than enough for personal use |
Using vapes in public indoor spaces | Illegal | Subject to fines, same rules as smoking tobacco |
Underage vaping/sales to minors | Illegal | 16 is minimum age for purchases |
Selling non-ESMA vapes | Illegal | Strict penalties, including jail for large-scale smuggling |
So, while you can technically own and use your vape, you might still get in trouble if you don’t pay attention to the long list of forbidden spaces. And yes, officials are strict: a Canadian tech worker in 2023 was fined AED 2,000 on the spot after lighting up his strawberry pod in the Dubai Mall parking lot. That’s around NZ$900—a pricey cloud!
What Happens if You Break the Vaping Rules?
Ignorance isn’t a defense Dubai takes kindly to, especially for tourists. The country is big on making examples and keeping public order. So, what exactly are you risking if you decide to sneak a puff in a taxi or at the pool?
The law lumps vaping together with regular tobacco. Fines for breaking the no-smoking/no-vaping zones start at AED 2,000, but in some cases, especially for repeat offenders or those vaping in children’s areas, it can go up to AED 10,000. There’s even been the odd story about police detaining people for a few hours over repeated public vaping offenses, though jail isn’t common unless you really push your luck and pair vapes with other illegal substances.
It gets even thornier at the border. Customs take a dim view of “import” quantities. If you’ve stocked up on 30 disposable vapes to hand out or sell to your friends, they might suspect you’re importing for business. That’s a serious offense, and can result in confiscation at best or legal charges at worst. You’re generally safe bringing a few devices and a modest stash of e-liquids (for your own use), but always declare them if asked and carry receipts if you can. And if security wants to check? Don’t argue—compliance is your only friend here.
There’s also a social side to all this. Many residents—locals and expats—view public vaping as rude, just as with cigarette smoke. You don’t see people on Sheikh Zayed Road blowing billows out the car window, and you really won’t spot anyone hitting a cherry vape on the Dubai Metro.
Travelers need to be extra careful at airports like DXB (Dubai International). Vaping is banned everywhere except a few clearly marked smoking lounges, which get pretty smoky and packed. Security staff can (and do) confiscate vapes if they think you’re flaunting the rules. Lost vape gear at the airport? It’s incredibly common, and zero compensation is given.
Bottom line: Dubai isn’t interested in chasing after tourists, but don’t give them a reason to look twice. Stick to the clearly allowed spaces, don’t ever vape in taxis, Ubers, or government offices, and if in doubt, leave your kit at home.

Traveling with a Vape to Dubai: What Every Tourist Needs to Know
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai and you’re a regular vaper, there’s a fair bit of packing wisdom you’ll want to follow. Here’s a typical checklist most travelers wish they knew before that awkward airport bag search, including stuff you won’t find in any airline magazine’s tiny print.
- Keep your vapes and e-liquids in your carry-on luggage, not checked bags. Airport officials can get suspicious about large numbers or oddly packed bottles. If you’re stopped, staying calm helps—never get defensive.
- Stick to a couple of personal-use devices (one or two is reasonable) and a supply of e-juice for your trip. Anything that looks like you could resell may get confiscated or, at worst, land you in trouble.
- Always check your e-liquids for proper labeling. Homemade, unlabeled, or mystery juices are a giant red flag. Carry receipts or proof of purchase, especially for high-powered mods or rare flavors.
- Remember the 100ml liquid rule for cabin baggage—don’t bring big bottles of e-liquid unless you want to watch security pour it away. Decant larger amounts into labeled, travel-sized bottles.
- Don’t even think about refilling your vape in airport washrooms or departure lounges—miscellaneous surveillance is everywhere, and it’s just not worth the risk.
- If you have to vape while waiting for your flight, the only safe bet is the designated smoking room. These are hidden away, usually near the food courts or by some of the more distant gates. They’re not glamorous—expect crowded spaces with a heavy fog of cigarette, shisha, and vape clouds.
Now, once you’ve cleared customs and headed into Dubai proper, keep everything out of sight in taxis and Ubers. Most drivers don’t want you vaping, and some have even stopped rides mid-trip to report a passenger. If you’re lucky, you’ll just get asked to leave. If not, you might find yourself explaining to a Dubai police officer who will have no patience with the “I didn't know” excuse.
When you reach your hotel, double-check their smoking/vaping policy. Some luxury hotels now have vaping lounges or allow vapes in smoking rooms. In contrast, family hotels and Airbnb spots might say an emphatic no. Apartment and villa rentals, especially those run by international agents, may be more relaxed but always ask first—it avoids any headaches if that chemical scent lingers on checkout.
What about buying supplies in Dubai? There are vape shops popping up in urban areas, but they’re far from the UK’s or the U.S.’s wild variety. Only pre-approved, ESMA-certified brands and flavors are on sale—expect classic tobacco, menthol, and just a few fruited or dessert flavors. Prices, unsurprisingly, tend to be high. For comparison, a basic 60ml e-liquid currently retails for about AED 70-100 (NZ$30-40), which is double what you’d pay in New Zealand.
Tips for Vaping Responsibly and Avoiding Trouble in Dubai
The biggest trick to vaping in Dubai? Blend in, stay respectful, and never assume your favorite Western habits and freedoms travel with you. If there’s uncertainty, err on the side of caution. Here’s what seasoned travelers and savvy residents recommend for a stress-free vaping experience in Dubai:
- Always look for “No Smoking/No Vaping” signs—they’re everywhere, and they really mean it here. If you’re caught by security or reported by staff, there’s very little room for pleading ignorance.
- If you’re itching for a vape, head to places where smoking is allowed—rooftop shisha lounges, certain bars with outdoor terraces, or some hotel pool decks. These spots can be tiny oases for vapers.
- Don’t vape in cars, public transport, or government buildings, period. Even if you see someone else sneaking a puff, assume they know someone in high places, or they’re taking a bigger risk than you should want to take.
- Always dispose of your vapes or pods neatly—littering can trigger hefty fines and public scolding. Bins are provided at smoking areas; use them.
- Don’t offer your vape to strangers or try to sell leftover supplies when it’s time to leave—selling or sharing without a license is illegal, even between friends. That friendly gesture can morph into a legal hassle if you’re unlucky.
- Watch your social media posts. Posting selfies or TikToks of yourself vaping in forbidden places isn’t just cringy, it can be used as evidence if authorities stumble across your account. There have been actual cases where Instagram videos of vaping led to retroactive fines for expats and tourists.
- If you’re stopped by security or police, be unfailingly polite and cooperative. Dubai officials are usually calm and follow procedure, but they expect you to follow the rules. Arguing or trying to “outsmart” the law is pointless.
- Traveling with kids or a family group? The tolerance is even lower for vaping near children. Never vape near playgrounds, schools, or family zones in malls—even outdoors, you could get reported.
There’s this illusion that Dubai is all glitter and glam, but what’s underneath is a deeply conservative legal system. When it comes to personal habits like smoking and vaping, the rules are crystal clear. Yes, you can vape in Dubai—but only within limits. If you’re prepared and respectful, you’ll avoid any drama. Just remember, you’re there to experience Dubai, not the inside of their legal system. Vaping should stay as low-key as possible—save the big clouds for back home or those rare and wonderful legal vape lounges dotted around town.
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