If you smoke, vape or enjoy shisha and you are visiting Dubai or moving there, the rules can catch you out quickly. Here is what the federal law actually says, where you can and cannot smoke, what the fines look like in AED, and real cases of people who got caught.
In short
Smoking, vaping and shisha are legal for adults 18+, but heavily restricted by location. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 sets the framework. Typical fine for smoking in a banned area is AED 200 to 500. Vaping in a banned area is AED 1,000. Smoking in a car with a child under 12 starts at AED 5,000. Sharjah bans smoking in almost all public spaces.
AED 1,000
Vaping in banned area
100%
Excise tax on tobacco
150 m
Shisha cafe from schools
The main law
The framework is Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, supplemented by executive regulations and by Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law) for child protection. It covers cigarettes, shisha, cigars, IQOS sticks and all electronic nicotine devices. Each emirate also has its own rules on top: Sharjah is the strictest, Dubai is moderate, Abu Dhabi sits in between.
Where you cannot smoke
Indoors, everywhere in the UAE
- All enclosed public spaces including shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants and hotels.
- Schools, universities and any educational institution.
- Hospitals, clinics and other health facilities.
- Mosques and other houses of worship.
- Sports facilities, gyms and stadiums.
- Public transport including metro, buses, taxis and private cars used as taxis.
Outdoors in Dubai
- Public parks (Safa Park, Zabeel Park, Burj Park and others).
- Public beaches (JBR public stretch, Kite Beach, La Mer public sections).
- Other recreational areas owned by Dubai Municipality.
Outdoors in Sharjah
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Sharjah bans almost everything outdoors
Since 2008, Sharjah enforces a blanket smoking and vaping ban in all public areas, both indoor and outdoor. There are no designated smoking corners in malls, no smoking on streets, no vaping at the corniche. Tourists routinely get fined here for habits that are tolerated in Dubai. Treat the entire emirate as non-smoking outside of private hotel rooms and licensed venues.
Other special cases
- Private cars with a child under 12 years old on board.
- Indoor places where children are present, even at home in legal interpretation, though enforcement is rare.
- During Ramadan, public smoking and shisha consumption during daylight hours is prohibited everywhere in the UAE, regardless of religion.
Fines
| Offence |
Fine (AED) |
Additional penalty |
| Smoking in a prohibited public area |
200 to 500 |
None |
| Vaping in a prohibited public area |
1,000 |
Device may be confiscated |
| Smoking or vaping inside a taxi |
500 |
RTA complaint, driver also fined |
| Smoking in a car with child under 12 |
From 5,000 |
Child protection record |
| Selling tobacco or vape to under-18 |
From 15,000 |
Minimum 3 months jail for seller |
| Repeat sale to a minor |
Up to 100,000 |
Licence revocation |
| Cannabis-derived vape (CBD or THC) |
5,000 to 20,000* |
Entry denied; jail in serious cases |
* Under Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2024 for first-time non-resident offenders carrying personal-use quantities at UAE entry points. Repeat or commercial-quantity cases still go to court and can result in long custodial sentences.
Real cases
The fines above are the routine outcome. The cases below show what happens when something goes seriously wrong, and what changed in 2024 to soften the airport scenario for first-time tourists.
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British tourist, 4.4 kg of CBD vape oil at Dubai International Airport
A British tourist was caught at Dubai International Airport with 307 vape pods containing marijuana oil and cannabidiol, plus 1.4 grams of cocaine. The Dubai Court of First Instance sentenced her to 10 years in prison, a AED 50,000 fine and deportation on completion of the sentence. The quantity put the case in commercial-trafficking territory, not personal use.
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Syrian national, THC vape, first offence
A Syrian national was detained at Dubai International Airport with THC-laced vape products. With no intent to distribute and no prior record, the court ultimately acquitted him of possession, citing constitutional rights and lack of evidence beyond reasonable doubt. The acquittal here was case-specific, not a precedent. Do not count on the same outcome.
i
2024 reform: Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2024
For non-resident foreigners caught at UAE entry points with personal-use quantities of cannabis-derived products including CBD vape pods, the first-time penalty was changed from jail to a fine of AED 5,000 to 20,000 plus refusal of entry until payment. This applies only to first offences and personal quantities. It does not apply to UAE residents, and it does not apply to commercial quantities.
What to do if you are stopped
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Stay calm and polite
Officers in Dubai mostly speak English. Aggression or arguing escalates a routine fine into a court matter. Hand over what they ask for.
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Do not refuse to identify yourself
Show your Emirates ID if you are a resident, your passport if you are a visitor. Refusing identification is itself an offence.
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Ask for the citation in writing
You should receive a written ticket showing the article of the law you are charged under. This is essential if you later want to contest the fine or pay through the right official channel.
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Pay through the official portal, not in cash on the spot
Use the Dubai Police app, the Sharjah Police portal or the federal Ministry of Interior smart services to pay the ticket within 60 days. Officers do not collect cash for fines in the UAE.
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If the charge is serious, get a lawyer before signing anything
For anything beyond a routine fine, especially accusations involving minors, cannabis-derived substances or commercial quantities, secure UAE-licensed legal counsel before making any statement. Your embassy can recommend lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my vape or IQOS into Dubai on a plane?
Yes, in your carry-on baggage. Battery devices including IQOS holders, vape pods and disposables are not allowed in checked luggage for safety. Bring personal quantities only, duty-free limits apply at customs. Nicotine e-liquid is fine. CBD or THC e-liquid is not, regardless of legality in your home country.
Can I smoke shisha in my hotel room?
Almost no hotel allows it in-room because of fire alarms and cleaning fees, and many have steep penalty charges. Most large hotels in Dubai have shisha terraces or partner with on-site lounges where you can smoke legally.
Are CBD oils and CBD vape pods legal?
No. CBD is treated as a controlled substance regardless of THC content. Vape products containing CBD are illegal to import or possess. The 2024 reform reduced the first-time tourist penalty from jail to a fine, but the product is still seized and entry is denied until the fine is paid.
What is the legal age?
18 years old for buying or possessing any tobacco, IQOS or vape product. Sellers may request ID and are fined heavily for selling to a minor.
Can pregnant women enter shisha cafes?
In Dubai, no. Pregnant women are prohibited from entering shisha cafes regardless of whether they intend to smoke. Staff can refuse entry on visible pregnancy.
Is the rule different during Ramadan?
Yes. Public smoking and shisha consumption during daylight hours is prohibited everywhere in the UAE during Ramadan, regardless of religion. Lounges open after iftar. Smoking discreetly in a private hotel room is the practical exception.
Sources
This article summarises the federal framework for general guidance. It is not legal advice. For any specific case, consult a UAE-licensed lawyer.
