Smoking in public spaces in the UAE: What you need to know

Dubai: Smoking regulations in the UAE are clear and strictly enforced. Whether you're using traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, or shisha, it's important to understand where smoking is allowed and where it is prohibited both to avoid penalties and to stay compliant with public health laws.

Here's a comprehensive guide to where you can and cannot smoke in the UAE.

Smoking is banned in most enclosed public spaces across the UAE. This includes:

Smoking or vaping indoors is only permitted in designated rooms that are completely enclosed, isolated from non-smoking areas, and equipped with proper ventilation. These rooms must be officially approved and licensed.

Federal laws in the UAE prohibit smoking in both public and private vehicles if a child under the age of 12 is present. Violators can face fines starting from Dh5,000.

In addition, Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, commonly known as Wadeema’s Law, prohibits smoking in the presence of children and strictly forbids the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18.

Sellers are required to verify the buyer’s age, and failure to comply can result in a jail term of at least three months and/or fines starting from Dh15,000.

In serious cases involving child endangerment, fines can reach up to Dh1 million.

Shisha cafés are also subject to regulation. They are not allowed to operate within 150 metres of residential buildings, schools, or mosques unless granted a special licence. Dubai Municipality has banned the smoking of shisha in public parks, beaches, and recreational areas.

Pregnant women are prohibited from entering shisha cafés in Dubai, regardless of their intention to smoke. In Sharjah, a complete ban on smoking in all public areas, including shisha, has been in place since 2008.

Vaping is treated similarly to traditional smoking under UAE law. It is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including offices, unless within a licensed and ventilated smoking room.

Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control applies to all tobacco-related products, including electronic cigarettes and vape devices. Designated smoking areas are permitted but must meet specific isolation and ventilation requirements.

While regulations are strict, there are still areas where smoking is allowed in the UAE.

Designated outdoor areas: Smoking is generally permitted in open-air public spaces where no signs explicitly prohibit it. Public beaches may allow cigarette smoking unless marked otherwise, but smoking shisha is not allowed on beaches in Dubai.

Licensed smoking rooms: Certain public venues offer indoor smoking areas that comply with safety standards. These include some airports, shopping malls, and government buildings. Such rooms must be enclosed, ventilated, and clearly marked.

Licensed shisha cafés: Shisha lounges with proper municipal approval can operate either indoors or outdoors, provided they meet all regulatory conditions regarding distance, ventilation, and licensing. These venues are required to follow restrictions on location and customer eligibility, including the prohibition on entry for pregnant women in Dubai.

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) encourages businesses to adopt tobacco-free workplace policies. In such workplaces, smoking is banned throughout the premises, including in outdoor spaces, car parks, and vehicles owned or used by the organisation.

Employees who violate these policies may face internal disciplinary action. Employers are also encouraged to provide awareness workshops and implement clear procedures to ensure compliance.

Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 prohibits:

Wadeema’s Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016) reinforces protections for children by prohibiting smoking and the sale of tobacco in their presence.

The UAE maintains strict tobacco control laws aimed at protecting public health, especially for children and non-smokers. While there are spaces where smoking is permitted such as designated areas and licensed venues, these are clearly defined and regulated. Understanding these rules helps residents and visitors avoid penalties and contribute to a smoke-free environment.