No, vaping indoors in the UAE is prohibited under federal law and local emirate-specific regulations, with enforcement tightening ahead of the 2026 federal tobacco control strategy. The UAE’s 2009 Federal Law No. 15 on Tobacco Control explicitly bans smoking in enclosed public spaces, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) classifies vaping as a tobacco product. Dubai’s 2021 Tobacco Control Law (Law No. 7) and Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council Resolution No. 12 of 2020 extend these restrictions to e-cigarettes, imposing fines up to AED 2,000 for violations.
Key Regulations for Vaping Indoors in United Arab Emirates
- Federal Law No. 15 (2009): Bans smoking—including vaping—in all enclosed public spaces, workplaces, and public transport, with penalties under the UAE Penal Code.
- Emirate-Specific Enforcement: Dubai’s Law No. 7 (2021) and Abu Dhabi’s Resolution No. 12 (2020) explicitly prohibit vaping indoors, with fines escalating for repeat offenses.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: MoHAP’s upcoming federal tobacco control strategy mandates stricter indoor air quality monitoring, requiring businesses to install vape-detection systems in designated smoking areas.
Violations may also trigger additional penalties under local public health ordinances, including temporary business closures for repeat offenders. Private residences are exempt, but landlords and strata councils can impose stricter rules under tenancy agreements. Employers must display “No Vaping” signage in compliance with MoHAP’s 2023 workplace health guidelines.