If you’re picturing yourself cloud-chasing by a rooftop pool in Dubai, you might want to pump the brakes. Dubai is all glittering towers and glossy surfaces, but when it comes to vaping, the city is nothing like your local pub back home. People get tripped up here constantly because Dubai’s rules around vaping toe a strict and sometimes confusing line. Many travelers have no clue what flies and what could land them with a big old fine, confiscation, or, in the worst-case, serious legal trouble. Even the airport, with its duty-free consumer temptations, has its own quirks around e-cigarettes. So before you even think about packing that fancy new vape pen, you really need to know the actual laws, customs, and what you can—and can’t—get away with when it comes to vaping in Dubai.
Is Vaping Actually Legal in Dubai?
This might shock you: vaping wasn’t even legal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until pretty recently. Back in February 2019, the UAE government officially approved the sale and use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and e-liquids that meet specific cabinet standards. That means, to this day, only products that follow the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) rules can be legally sold. So yes, vape in Dubai is technically allowed, but only under these controlled conditions.
This legalization didn’t exactly open the floodgates, though. All the same, Dubai’s approach is far from relaxed. Smoking—including e-cigarettes—remains banned in closed public places, government buildings, hospitals, and schools. Malls, shopping centers, and public transport? Not a chance. And don’t even think about using your device inside restaurants tipping towards fine dining or anywhere family-friendly.
Here’s a crucial fact: any vaping product brought into the country by travelers is supposed to comply with ESMA regulations. It’s easy to buy ESMA-approved products at official UAE stores, but most international products haven’t been vetted. This might mean customs could confiscate dodgy-looking or unregulated vaping gear at the airport. Still, people do bring in personal-use vapes without major issue, as long as it’s clearly for themselves and not for retail.
So you won’t get arrested for carrying a vape pen, but what you do with it—and where—matters big time.
Rules and Where You Can or Can’t Vape
If you’re heading out to explore Dubai, you need to know the rules on where to vape—or where to definitely avoid. Vaping is treated pretty much the same as smoking cigarettes. Public places, especially indoors, are usually off-limits. Even outdoor public areas, like parks or beaches, can have local bans or designated smoking zones. Think of anywhere you wouldn’t light up a cigarette at home—they likely feel the same way about a vape, sometimes even stricter.
Here’s how it breaks down for the average traveler:
- Hotels: Most international hotel chains in Dubai are used to guests asking about vapes. Some rooms are clearly non-smoking and non-vaping. Others may have small balconies or terraces where you can usually get away with it, as long as you’re discreet and respectful. Always ask at the check-in desk just in case—that’s one awkward cleaning fee you don’t want.
- Bars and nightclubs: Many Dubai venues outright ban vaping indoors. There might be a separate outdoor smoking section—ask the staff before you use anything electronic.
- Public transport: No smoking, no vaping, period. Taxis, the Metro, even bus stops. Fines are hefty if you get caught, and CCTV is everywhere.
- Shopping malls and restaurants: Smoking zones are sometimes hidden away on open terraces, but inside is strictly no-go. Don’t assume because you saw one person vape that it’s allowed. The mall security can appear out of nowhere and take no prisoners.
- Beaches and parks: Rules change from place to place. Some public beaches in Dubai have started banning all forms of smoking, including vaping. Look for signage or ask a lifeguard or attendant before you risk it.
- Car hire: It’s usually not allowed and will land you a cleaning charge, just like cigarettes.
The long and short of it: when in doubt, wait to vape. It’s very normal to ask staff or locals before using anything in public spaces. You might feel a bit awkward, but better that than risk a nasty fine.
Penalties and Fines for Illegal Vaping
Think nobody enforces these rules? Think again. Dubai—and the wider UAE—has become known for handing out stiff fines to keep its sparkling image intact. People have been fined 2,000 AED (about £430/€495 as of July 2025) or more for vaping in places it’s not allowed. These are not ‘bribe the security guard and walk away’ situations—officials tend to crack down especially on visible foreign tourists.
Here’s a quick look at what you might face if you break the rules:
| Offense | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Vaping in a non-smoking area | 2,000+ AED |
| Selling unlicensed vape products | 500,000 AED minimum |
| Using a vape near a mosque or educational institution | Up to 3,000 AED |
You’re probably thinking, “That’s extreme.” But here’s the thing—Dubai’s whole vibe is based on order, cleanliness, and respect for public space. The city also wants to shield kids and families from exposure to nicotine products. Repeat offenders or anyone caught selling fake or black-market vapes can end up facing criminal charges, deportation, or even a stint in jail.
There was an actual case in 2022 where a prominent hotel guest got fined for vaping indoors, even though he thought it was acceptable because other people had been smoking. It goes to show: enforcement is real, not just a line in the rule book. As the Emirates News Agency put it:
"Public health and youth protection are at the heart of UAE’s anti-smoking and e-cigarette policies—compliance is not optional for residents or visitors."
These laws are updated regularly and posted in government bulletins, so rules can get even stricter or more lenient over time. Your best bet is to take current fines and penalties seriously.
Flying In: Airport Rules and Bringing Vapes to Dubai
Catching a flight into Dubai? You’ll want to know what happens at the airport. You are allowed to bring personal vaping devices and a sensible amount of e-liquid (usually up to 120ml in original bottles) so long as they’re for your own use. No, you can’t sell or give them away, and customs officers do look for huge quantities or products marked with dodgy labels.
Airport security is everywhere, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) is packed with signs about smoking and vaping bans. The only place you’ll get away with using a vape pen is the designated smoking lounges inside each terminal, and even then, check whether electronic devices are specifically allowed or just traditional cigarettes.
If your device or e-liquid looks suspicious or the packaging doesn’t match what’s sold at local vape shops, it might get confiscated. Devices with built-in cannabis oils, CBD, or anything containing controlled substances are 100% illegal and could land you in jail. Dubai’s scanners can usually detect THC and similar banned materials in vapes, so steer well clear of anything grey market or experimental.
One more thing: lithium batteries in some vape devices are a big problem for airlines everywhere, not just in Dubai. Always carry your vape and spare batteries in your hand luggage, never checked luggage, or risk losing them at security or even before you board.
The airport staff can and do check, especially if you’re transferring flights from a country where cannabis or related oils are legal. Stick with well-known vape brands and e-liquids. Anything that looks or smells like cannabis—or is labeled as containing CBD—is an easy ticket to trouble. Dubai police don’t do warnings here.
Plan ahead and triple-check before stepping onto your flight. It’ll save you so much hassle when going through customs.
Practical Tips for Vaping Tourists in Dubai
Surviving and thriving in Dubai as a vaper is totally doable, as long as you use your head. There are some key tricks that make the whole thing less nerve-wracking and keep you out of official hot water.
- Buy only from official retailers—local vape shops sell ESMA-approved devices and juices, which are safest under UAE law.
- Do not bring large quantities of e-liquid or more than two devices. It could look like you’re importing for resale.
- Carry everything in your hand luggage, but keep all bottles sealed and clearly labeled with their contents.
- Never offer to share or sell any vaping supplies to other travelers. That’s outright illegal.
- Check your hotel policies before using a vape in your room. It can feel a bit awkward to ask, but most staff are used to the question by now.
- Stay away from vaping in taxis, on the Metro, and anywhere you see no-smoking or no-vaping signs. Security are strict and won’t hesitate to impose fines.
- Dispose of empty cartridges and e-liquid bottles only in normal bins. Don’t leave litter in public places, as fines for this can add up.
- Join Dubai expat forums and groups on social media for up-to-date advice on which venues allow vaping or where the good shops are. Locals are surprisingly willing to help.
Every year brings another twist with Dubai’s vaping rules. The best advice is to stay respectful, discreet, and, when in doubt, just wait. Your trip will go so much smoother without run-ins over a few puffs.
Dubai’s streets sparkle for a reason—respecting the city’s sometimes-annoying but strict Dubai vaping laws keeps it that way for everyone. And honestly? With all the dazzling views, spice markets, and sun-soaked beaches, a vape can wait until you’re somewhere it’s genuinely welcomed.
Dubai Escort