No, you cannot vape on the Dubai Metro, buses, trams or taxis. Vaping Dubai Metro rules follow the smoking ban on public transport: Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026, in force since 17 February 2026, sets a fine of AED 200 for smoking inside public transport or its facilities, which include stations, stops and RTA taxis.
This guide explains where the ban applies, why it covers vapes, what the fines are, and how to vape legally around a journey. PuffDigest is a UAE information guide for adults 18+. It is general information, not legal advice.
Key takeaways
- Smoking on Dubai public transport or in its facilities carries an AED 200 fine under Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026.
- The resolution says “smoking” and does not name vapes, but UAE authorities treat e-cigarette use in closed spaces as smoking.
- The ban covers the Metro, tram, buses, RTA taxis, stations and waiting areas.
- Eating or drinking in prohibited areas is a separate AED 100 fine.
- Abu Dhabi also fines smoking on buses AED 200.
Can you vape on the Dubai Metro?
No. You cannot vape on a Dubai Metro train or inside a Metro station. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) bans smoking inside public transport and its facilities, and the fine is AED 200 under Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026. Treat a vape exactly like a cigarette on the Metro.
The ban applies from the moment you pass the station entrance until you leave the station at the other end. That includes platforms, concourses, lifts, escalators and the trains themselves, including the Gold Class and women and children cabins.
Can you vape in a Dubai taxi?
No. You cannot vape in a Dubai taxi. RTA taxis are part of Dubai’s public transport, so the same AED 200 smoking fine applies, and drivers are entitled to ask you to stop. Vapour also lingers in a closed car, which is the reason the rule exists.
Ride-hailing cars booked through apps operate under RTA licensing too, and their own terms usually ban smoking and vaping. If you need to vape, ask the driver to stop somewhere safe and step outside.
Where the Dubai public transport ban applies
The ban covers every part of Dubai’s public transport network and the places you use to reach it. This table sums up the main places and the fines that apply.
| Place | Can you vape? | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro trains | No | AED 200 |
| Metro stations, platforms and concourses | No | AED 200 |
| Dubai Tram and tram stops | No | AED 200 |
| RTA buses and air-conditioned bus shelters | No | AED 200 |
| RTA taxis | No | AED 200 |
| Abras, water taxis and ferry stations | No | AED 200 |
| Outside a station, away from entrances | Usually yes, unless signs say otherwise | None if no ban applies |
Does the smoking ban cover vapes?
In practice, yes. Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026 uses the word “smoking” and does not mention e-cigarettes. However, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has said that using an e-cigarette in an office or closed space is not allowed, just like a traditional cigarette. Authorities and transport staff treat vaping the same way.
So the safe reading is simple: if you cannot smoke somewhere, do not vape there either. Arguing that a vape is not a cigarette is unlikely to help if an inspector issues a fine. The wider rules on age, nicotine and products decide whether vaping is legal in the UAE at all.
Dubai public transport fines at a glance
Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026 replaced the schedule of violations and fines for Dubai public transport. These are the items most relevant to passengers who vape.
| Violation | Fine | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking inside public transport or its facilities | AED 200 | Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026 |
| Eating or drinking in prohibited areas | AED 100 | Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026 |
| Smoking on buses in Abu Dhabi | AED 200 | Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre |
Fines can be issued on the spot by RTA inspectors. Repeat violations and more serious offences carry higher penalties, so check the RTA’s current schedule if you are unsure.
Vaping before and after your journey
You can usually vape outdoors in Dubai once you are well away from station entrances, in places where smoking is not banned. Many buildings and malls set a distance from entrances, so walk away from doors and shaded entrance areas and look for signs before you vape.
- Finish before you enter. Put your vape away before the station or bus stop.
- Keep it switched off in your bag. This stops accidental firing in a crowded carriage.
- Do not vape in the queue. Taxi ranks and bus shelters count as transport facilities.
- Step away from entrances after you exit. Look for designated smoking areas.
- Bin used disposables properly. Littering carries its own fines.
Vaping on public transport in other emirates
Other emirates also ban smoking on public transport. Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre lists an AED 200 fine for smoking on buses, and Sharjah has banned smoking in buses and taxis since 2008. Fine amounts differ between emirates and can change, so assume vaping is not allowed on any UAE public transport.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for vaping on the Dubai Metro?
The fine for smoking on Dubai public transport, including the Metro and its stations, is AED 200 under Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026. The resolution says smoking rather than vaping, but authorities treat e-cigarette use in closed spaces as smoking, so expect the same fine.
Can I vape in a Careem or Uber in Dubai?
Ride-hailing services in Dubai operate under RTA licensing, and their rules generally ban smoking and vaping in the car. Ask the driver to stop somewhere safe if you need to vape, and step outside.
Can I carry a vape on the Dubai Metro?
Yes. Carrying a vape is fine. The ban is on using it. Keep it switched off in your bag or pocket during the journey.
Can I vape at a bus stop in Dubai?
Not in RTA bus shelters or waiting areas, which count as public transport facilities. Move well away from the stop before you vape, and follow any signs.
Is vaping allowed on Dubai Tram or abras?
No. The Dubai Tram, its stops and RTA marine transport such as abras and water taxis are all part of public transport, so the same smoking ban and AED 200 fine apply.
Vaping Dubai Metro rules: the bottom line
Vaping on the Dubai Metro, buses, tram and taxis is not allowed, and the AED 200 smoking fine under Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026 applies. Put your vape away before you enter, keep it off during the trip, and vape only outdoors away from entrances.
Next read: Can I bring a vape to Dubai?
For adults 18+ only. General information, not legal advice.
