Vaping In Dubai Airport: What's The Deal?

Dubai's customs and regulations differ significantly from those in the UK, so travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with the rules before their departure. One such regulation concerns the use of vapes, which are considered akin to cigarettes in Dubai. While the sale of vapes was made legal in February 2019, there are still numerous restrictions on where they can be smoked. Vaping is banned in places of worship, schools, universities, shopping malls, and health and pharmaceutical facilities, as well as onboard vehicles transporting food, medicine, petrol and chemicals. Conflicting reports exist regarding the legality of carrying vapes through Dubai Airport, with some sources stating that they are prohibited and will be confiscated, while others claim that they are permitted in hand luggage for transit passengers.

Vapes are prohibited in hand luggage

Vaping laws in the United Arab Emirates can be confusing, and Dubai Airport is well known for confiscating e-cigarettes and vaping kits from travellers entering the country.

The Dubai Municipality has previously stated that vapes are considered akin to cigarettes in the country. There is a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, and fines have been imposed on those caught smoking vapes in shopping malls.

The UAE bases its banning of e-cigarettes and vaporisers on the World Health Organisation's statement that there is no evidence that vaping is not harmful to a person's health.

Therefore, it is widely advised that travellers do not bring their electronic smoking devices to Dubai. Vape devices may be confiscated on arrival at the airport.

If you are a transit passenger, you may carry your e-cigarette in your hand luggage, but it is best to check with the airline you are travelling with. If you are not a transit passenger, it is recommended to put your vape in your checked luggage without the batteries.

It is important to note that the vaping industry in the UAE is still thriving, and many residents and visitors are able to procure vaping kits with relative ease. However, the laws and regulations regarding vaping in Dubai are stringent, and it is better to be cautious and avoid any potential issues or fines.

E-cigarettes are banned in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products within the country. This includes Dubai, where the municipality has stated that vapes are considered akin to traditional cigarettes. As a result, the same smoking restrictions that apply to cigarettes also extend to e-cigarettes.

The UAE's decision to ban e-cigarettes is based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) statement that there is insufficient evidence regarding the potential harm of vaping to a person's health. The country takes a hard stance on tobacco consumption and aims to reduce usage among men and women.

Dubai has specific rules regarding vaping and e-cigarettes, with designated smoking areas in some locations. Anyone found vaping in unauthorised areas, such as worship places, schools, universities, and shopping malls, may face fines of up to Dh2,000 (£420).

The sale of vapes was made legal in the UAE in February 2019, but this does not mean they can be smoked without restriction. The municipality closely monitors any violations related to vaping in public places, and specialists are tasked with tracking down violators.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises that electronic cigarettes are illegal in the UAE and are likely to be confiscated at the border. Therefore, travellers are strongly advised to leave their vaping devices at home to avoid any potential issues or fines.

It is worth noting that the vaping industry in the UAE still thrives, with residents and visitors able to procure vaping kits through tobacco shops or online purchases. However, the legal grey area surrounding the use of e-cigarettes in the UAE means that users risk fines or confiscation of their devices if discovered by authorities.

In conclusion, while the UAE has legalised the sale of e-cigarettes, their use is still prohibited in many public places, and travellers are advised to refrain from bringing these devices into the country to comply with local laws and avoid penalties.

Dubai airport confiscates vapes from travellers

Dubai airport has a reputation for confiscating e-cigarettes and vaping kits from travellers entering the country. The sale of vapes was made legal in the United Arab Emirates in February 2019, but vaping is subject to the same restrictions as smoking traditional cigarettes.

Confiscation at the airport

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office states: "Electronic cigarettes are illegal in the UAE and are likely to be confiscated at the border." Dubai Customs has confirmed that "electronic cigarettes are prohibited according to the General Secretariat of Municipality."

Fines for vaping in public

Anyone found vaping or using an e-cigarette in unauthorised areas in Dubai will be hit with a fine of up to Dh2,000 (£420). Vaping is banned in places of worship, schools, universities and shopping malls, as well as health and pharmaceutical facilities, and onboard vehicles transporting food, medicine, petrol and chemicals.

Confusion over vaping laws

Despite the ban, the vaping industry in the UAE is thriving, with many residents able to buy vaping kits with ease. Some travellers have reported being able to pass through Dubai Airport with their vapes, while others have had them confiscated.

Criminal charges for smuggling

The country is considering formulating laws that would make smuggling e-cigarettes into the country a criminal offence.

Vapes can be purchased in Dubai

Vaping laws in Dubai have changed over the years, and while it was once illegal to sell vapes in the emirate, this is no longer the case. There are now vape shops all over Dubai, including in the Dubai Mall, and vapes can be purchased online and delivered to your doorstep.

However, there are still some restrictions on vaping in Dubai. The use of vapes is banned in shopping malls, and there are fines for vaping in these spaces. In addition, smoking is completely forbidden in government areas and offices.

If you are travelling to Dubai, it is important to note that while you can purchase vapes in the emirate, you may not be able to bring your own vape into the country. There are conflicting reports on this issue, with some travellers stating that they were able to bring their vapes into Dubai without any issues, while others claim that their vapes were confiscated at the airport. The official stance of the Dubai Customs is that electronic cigarettes are prohibited according to the General Secretariat of Municipality. However, one traveller reported that a Dubai Customs officer told them that electronic smoking devices are prohibited in the UAE, but transit passengers can carry them in their hand baggage. Another traveller reported that an Emirates representative told them it was fine to bring a vape on carry-on as long as it is not used in the airport.

Therefore, if you are planning to travel to Dubai with a vape, it is advisable to check the latest information on the Dubai Customs website or contact them directly for clarification. It may also be a good idea to check with your airline for their specific policies on carrying vapes.

Vaping in public in Dubai may result in a fine

Vaping laws in Dubai can be confusing, with some people breaking the rules without consequences and others being fined. However, it is clear that vaping in public in Dubai may result in a fine.

The use of e-cigarettes in Dubai is prohibited according to the General Secretariat of Municipality. The Dubai Municipality has stated that vapes are considered akin to cigarettes in the country. This means that vaping is subject to the same restrictions as smoking traditional cigarettes.

Unauthorised vaping in public places such as shopping malls, schools, and universities can result in a fine of up to Dh2,000 (£420). The municipality has stated that it will monitor any violations related to vaping in public places and that specialists will take the necessary measures to track down violators.

While vaping is illegal in Dubai, the industry is still thriving, with many residents able to procure vaping kits with relative ease. Tobacco shops often illegally sell vaping kits, and users can also buy kits online and have them delivered to their addresses in the UAE.

Some people have reported being able to vape in public without any issues as long as they stick to designated smoking areas, while others have cited the potential for a fine or even deportation. The confusion may be due to the fact that the government is considering rethinking its harsh stance on vaping.

Therefore, while the consequences of vaping in public in Dubai may vary, it is important to be aware of the potential risk of a fine or other penalties.

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