Where can you vape in Dubai? Mostly outdoors, away from building entrances, and in designated smoking areas. You cannot vape in enclosed public places, on the Metro, buses, tram or taxis (AED 200 fine), or in a car with a child under 12. Malls allow smoking and vaping only in designated areas at least 7 metres from entrances.
This place-by-place guide covers malls, beaches, parks, hotels, restaurants, offices, the airport, cars, public transport and Ramadan. PuffDigest is a UAE information guide for adults 18+. It is general information, not legal advice; local signs and venue rules always apply.
Key takeaways
- Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 bans smoking in enclosed public places, and the health ministry treats e-cigarettes the same way.
- Vaping on Dubai public transport or in its facilities carries an AED 200 fine (Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026).
- Smoking in a car with a child under 12 is banned, and Wadeema’s Law sets a fine of at least AED 5,000 for smoking in front of a child.
- Malls permit smoking only in designated areas at least 7 m from entrances and exits.
- Beaches and parks have their own rules; shisha is banned on Dubai beaches and in parks.
Can you vape in public in Dubai?
Yes, in some public places. Vaping is legal in Dubai for adults 18+, and you can generally vape outdoors where smoking is not banned, away from entrances and crowds. You cannot vape in enclosed public places, on public transport, or anywhere signs prohibit smoking. The health ministry has said that using an e-cigarette in an office or closed space is not allowed, just like a cigarette.
The simplest rule is this: wherever you cannot smoke, do not vape. Age, nicotine and product rules then decide whether vaping is legal in the UAE for a given device.
Where can you vape in Dubai? Place by place
This table sums up the rules for common places in Dubai. Where we could not find a current official fine, we say so.
| Place | Can you vape? | Rule or fine |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro, tram, buses, taxis, stations | No | AED 200 (Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2026) |
| Enclosed public places (offices, indoor venues) | No | Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 |
| Inside malls | No, except designated areas | Designated areas at least 7 m from entrances |
| Restaurants and cafés, indoors | No, except licensed smoking rooms | Federal ban on enclosed public places |
| Hotel rooms and lobbies | Only where the hotel allows it | Hotel policy; many rooms are non-smoking |
| Beaches | Follow signs; use smoking areas where provided | Shisha banned on Dubai beaches |
| Parks | Only outside prohibited areas | Shisha banned; littering butts fined |
| Dubai International Airport | Only in smoking lounges | Designated lounges in the terminals |
| Private car with a child under 12 | No | Federal Law 15/2009; Wadeema’s Law fine of at least AED 5,000 |
| Outdoors, away from entrances | Usually yes | Unless signs say otherwise |
Can you vape in Dubai malls?
Only in designated smoking areas. Dubai Municipality has worked with mall operators on signs at entrances that cover e-cigarettes, security staff reminders and inspections, and smoking is allowed only in designated areas at least 7 metres from entrances and exits. Vaping inside a mall, including in corridors, toilets and car-park lobbies, is not allowed.
Some malls have enclosed smoking rooms or outdoor terraces marked for smoking. Look for the signs, or ask security where the nearest smoking area is.
Can you vape on Dubai beaches?
Follow the signs. Shisha is banned on Dubai’s public beaches and in parks and recreational areas, and some beaches are marked smoke-free with designated smoking areas. We could not find a current official fine specific to vaping on Dubai beaches. Where a beach has a smoking area, use it, keep away from families and children, and take your used devices with you.
Can you vape in Dubai parks?
Only outside areas where smoking is prohibited. Dubai’s parks rules ban smoking in prohibited areas and fine littering of cigarette butts. Many parks have children’s play areas, sports zones and indoor facilities where smoking and vaping are not allowed. Shisha is banned in parks.
Can you vape in hotels and restaurants?
Not indoors, unless the venue has a licensed smoking area. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 bans smoking in enclosed public places, which covers indoor restaurants, cafés and hotel public areas. Some venues have ventilated smoking rooms or outdoor terraces where smoking is permitted.
In hotel rooms, the hotel’s policy decides. Many Dubai hotels have non-smoking rooms and charge cleaning fees for smoking or vaping in them, so book a smoking room or use the hotel’s smoking area.
Can you vape at Dubai Airport?
Only in the designated smoking lounges inside the terminals at Dubai International Airport. Vaping anywhere else in the terminal, including gates and toilets, is not allowed. On board, no UAE airline allows vaping, and vapes must travel in your cabin bag, not checked luggage. The rules for whether you can bring a vape to Dubai cover the flight itself.
Can you vape in your car in Dubai?
Yes, in your own car, unless a child under 12 is inside. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 bans smoking while driving a private car with a child under 12, and Wadeema’s Law sets a fine of at least AED 5,000 for smoking in front of a child. Treat vaping the same way. Never vape in a taxi or ride-hailing car.
Can you vape at work in Dubai?
Not inside. Offices and other enclosed workplaces fall under the ban on smoking in enclosed spaces, and the health ministry has said that applies to e-cigarettes too. Many office buildings have designated outdoor smoking areas; use those.
Vaping in Dubai during Ramadan
During Ramadan, avoid vaping in public during fasting hours, out of respect for people who are fasting. The UAE no longer has a specific criminal penalty for eating or drinking in public during Ramadan, but public etiquette still matters, and vaping breaks the fast according to the UAE’s Grand Mufti. Vape privately or after sunset.
Vaping etiquette in Dubai
Even where vaping is allowed, good manners help you avoid complaints and fines.
- Keep away from entrances and doors. Malls use a 7 m distance; follow it elsewhere too.
- Do not vape near children or in family areas.
- Ask before vaping in someone else’s car or home.
- Do not blow clouds in queues or crowds.
- Bin used disposables properly. They contain a battery, so dispose of vape waste at a battery or e-waste point.
Frequently asked questions
Is vaping in public illegal in Dubai?
No, not everywhere. You can vape outdoors in Dubai where smoking is not banned. It is not allowed in enclosed public places, on public transport (AED 200 fine), in a car with a child under 12, or wherever signs prohibit smoking.
Can tourists vape in Dubai?
Yes. Adult tourists can vape in Dubai under the same rules as residents. Bring vapes in your cabin bag, use them only where smoking is allowed, and keep nicotine strength at 20 mg/ml or below.
What is the fine for vaping in a Dubai mall?
We could not find a current official fine amount specific to vaping in Dubai malls. Malls allow smoking only in designated areas at least 7 m from entrances, and security can ask you to stop or leave. Older reports of higher mall fines could not be confirmed as current.
Can I vape in my hotel room in Dubai?
Only if the hotel allows it. Many Dubai hotels have non-smoking rooms and charge cleaning fees for smoking or vaping. Book a smoking room or use the hotel’s designated smoking area.
Can I vape on a Dubai beach?
Follow the signs and use smoking areas where provided. Shisha is banned on Dubai beaches, and some beaches are smoke-free. Keep away from families and take your rubbish with you.
Where can you vape in Dubai: the bottom line
Where can you vape in Dubai? Outdoors away from entrances, in designated smoking areas, and in your own car without children. Not on public transport (AED 200), not indoors in public places, and not in front of children. When in doubt, follow the signs or ask.
For adults 18+ only. General information, not legal advice. Rules and fines can change; follow local signs.
