Is Vaping Legal in the UAE?

What the law allows

Selling e-cigarettes in the UAE was not allowed until 2019. The UAE standards authority (ESMA, now part of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology) issued a mandatory standard for electronic nicotine products, UAE.S 5030:2018, and sales became legal in April 2019.

The standard covers devices, e-liquids and refills. Products sold in the UAE must be certified to it and carry health warnings.

Who can buy

Adults aged 18 and over. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on tobacco control bans selling tobacco products to anyone under 18, and the Child Rights Law (Wadeema's Law) lets sellers ask for proof of age. We sell to adults only, and the courier may ask for ID on delivery. See our age policy.

Tax

Since 1 December 2019, electronic smoking devices and the liquids used in them, with or without nicotine, carry a 100% UAE excise tax. Prices in UAE shops, including ours, include it.

Where you can vape

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has confirmed that e-cigarettes fall under the tobacco control law, so vaping is banned in offices and enclosed public places, the same as smoking. In Dubai, Dubai Municipality has confirmed the mall smoking ban includes vaping; smoking areas must be at least 7 metres from entrances.

Wadeema's Law also bans smoking near a child under 12, including in a car or an enclosed space. Fines apply and differ by emirate and place.

Workplaces, hotels and landlords can set their own rules on top of this. Check before you vape.

What is never legal

Any vape or e-liquid containing THC or other cannabis extracts, including CBD vape oil, is illegal under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on narcotics and carries severe penalties. Every ELF BAR we sell contains nicotine e-liquid only.

Rules change

This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules are set federally and by each emirate and can change, so check with the relevant authority if you are unsure.