Vaping in the UAE
Vaping in the UAE is treated, more or less, the same way, as cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Which, in essence, is the definition if vapes.
This means that vaping is subject to the same law, which is the UAE Tobacco Law, №15 of 2009 (On Tobacco Prevention).
This law was further clarified in 2013 by the Cabinet Decision №24 of 2013, regarding the Executive Regulations for Federal Law №15 of 2009 on Tabacco Prevention (“Regulations”).
While the law itself is clear that it applies to vaping, this has also been confirmed by the relevant authorities, over the years.
Noteworthy, the applicability of the UAE Tobacco Law to e-cigarettes or vapes was expressly confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
Just recently, in one of its press releases of 2022, MOHAP cited Federal Law №15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, to clarify the use and limitations of e-cigarettes.
Comparison to Cigarettes. For the purpose of use and sale, Vapes are treated similar to Cigarettes. See below summary table.
Notable Limitations/Conditions
Vaping age — 18
Selling — no allowed to anyone below 18. Prohibited to sell, or attempt to sell, Tabacco or any of its derivates to anyone younger than eighteen (18) years of age.
Forbidden Places to Smoke. As per the Regulations, it is also forbidden to smoke cigarettes, and as such Vape, in any of: 1) schools or educational institutions, 2) places of worship, 3) health facilities, 4) sports establishments, 5) public transport, 6) malls and shopping centers (except is the designated places), and 7) cinemas, places of entertainment, and theatres. (Article 11 — Regulations).
Smoking with Children in the Car. As per Article 4 of the Regulations, it is prohibited to smoke in the car, with a child younger than 18 years old. As such, and based on MOHAP’s announcement, the same would apply to Vaping.
Punishment
Selling. The law disregards the seller’s ignorance of the buyer’s age as an excuse to sell to someone under eighteen (18) years old. This is according to Article 5.2. of the Law.
Smoking in Car with Child Under 12. Historically, fine of AED 500 — AED 10,000. Unclear if it is still being implemented or not. Specific fine is not listed in the Tobacco Law or the Traffic Laws. But, the legal basis for prohibiting the act is: Wadeema Law Article 21.
Smoking Indoors. Fine of AED 1,000 for vaping indoors. This is as per announcement from Dubai Municipality, circulated to different media outlets. The announcements base it on a Dubai Municipality Guide re. Regulating Smoking Indoors.
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