Indoor Smoking UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025
Thinking about lighting up inside a café, hotel lobby or office in the UAE? You probably should pause first. The country has strict rules about indoor smoking, and breaking them can cost you a few thousand dirhams. Below is a plain‑English rundown of the law, the usual fines, and a few places where you can still enjoy a cigarette or vape without getting a ticket.
What the Law Says
Since 2015 the UAE has banned smoking in most indoor public spaces. That includes restaurants, malls, gyms, public transport and government buildings. The ban covers tobacco, shisha and electronic cigarettes, so a vape pen counts the same as a cigarette.
If you’re caught, the fine starts at AED 1,000 for the first offense and can rise to AED 5,000 for repeat violations. In some emirates, especially Dubai, the authorities also issue a warning flag that appears on your passport if you keep breaking the rules.
Hotels are a special case. Most five‑star hotels have designated smoking rooms or a smoking lounge. As long as you stay inside those areas, you’re fine. A lot of airport lounges also allow smoking, but you must stay within the lounge walls – the terminals themselves are completely smoke‑free.
Private homes, villas and rented apartments are not covered by the public smoking ban. However, if you live in a building with shared indoor areas (like a lobby or gym), those spaces follow the same rules as public places.
Tips to Stay Smoke‑Free of Trouble
1. Ask before you light up. When you walk into a restaurant or bar, look for a "No Smoking" sign or ask the staff. Many places will politely point you to an outdoor terrace.
2. Use hotel smoking rooms. Book a room that specifically says "smoking allowed" if you know you’ll need it. The room will have proper ventilation and you won’t risk a fine.
3. Stick to designated lounges. Airport lounges, some private clubs and a few exclusive bars have smoking sections. Keep your device inside those walls.
4. Carry a portable ashtray. If you’re in a private villa or your own Airbnb, a small tray keeps ash tidy and shows respect for the host.
5. Know the fine amounts. If you’re stopped by security, stay calm, pay the fine promptly and move on. The process is quick and usually done on the spot.
Remember, the ban isn’t about making you quit – it’s about protecting non‑smokers from secondhand smoke. Most locals and tourists respect the rules, so you’ll rarely see anyone lighting up inside a mall or restaurant. Follow the signs, ask when in doubt, and you’ll enjoy your stay in the UAE without any unwanted surprises.
Bottom line: indoor smoking in the UAE is mostly off‑limits, but there are clear exceptions if you know where to look. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll stay on the right side of the law while still getting your nicotine fix when you need it.
