Vaping in UAE: Expat vs Local Perspectives

Expat Vape UAE

June 4, 2025

Vaping in the UAE has sparked a wide range of opinions, especially between locals and the growing expat community. While both groups navigate the same regulations, their perceptions, habits, and reasons for vaping often diverge significantly. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone trying to enter the expat vape UAE market or simply make informed lifestyle choices.

Whether you’re a new arrival or a seasoned resident, this guide will walk you through the contrasting views, social norms, and experiences surrounding vaping in the Emirates.

Vaping in the UAE: A Quick Overview

The UAE has legalized the sale of vaping devices and e-liquids since 2019, with strict guidelines under the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). However, cultural sensitivity still plays a significant role.

Both locals and expats must comply with the law: no vaping in public places, no sales to minors, and all products must be ESMA-approved. Yet, beyond the legal framework, the expat vape UAE experience varies considerably from that of Emirati locals.

Cultural Context Shapes Perception

Local Views on Vaping

In traditional Emirati society, the idea of vaping—while legally permitted—is often met with caution. Many locals view it as an extension of smoking, which carries social stigma, especially among older generations and conservative families.

Religious values also influence local perceptions. For many Emiratis, health-conscious decisions are tied to spiritual well-being. Vaping is sometimes seen as a vice, or at best, a lesser evil compared to cigarettes.

Additionally, there’s a sense of social responsibility. Emiratis tend to avoid behaviors that might set a poor example, especially in public. As a result, you’ll find that even those who vape often do so discreetly.

Expat Attitudes Toward Vaping

Expats, on the other hand, usually come from countries where vaping is widely accepted, if not encouraged, as a harm-reduction tool. The expat vape UAE scene is far more open and social. Many use it as a substitute for smoking or as a lifestyle choice.

For Western expats, in particular, vaping is normalized. They’re more likely to use public designated areas without hesitation and engage in conversations around flavors, brands, and devices. While they respect local laws, their cultural backgrounds make them more vocal and visible in their vaping habits.

Motivations Behind Vaping

Locals: Tradition Meets Caution

Among Emiratis who vape, the primary motivation is often quitting smoking. Some view vaping as a transitional phase. There’s generally less focus on trends or flavors and more on health and utility.

Also, since Emirati society values modesty and discretion, vaping rarely becomes a group activity or social statement. It remains a personal, often hidden, habit.

Expats: A Mix of Lifestyle and Utility

The expat vape UAE community often embraces vaping for a mix of reasons—stress relief, socializing, or pure enjoyment of flavors. For many, vaping isn’t just a nicotine replacement; it’s a hobby. This results in higher demand for advanced mods, imported e-liquids, and community events.

Expats are also more likely to seek out vape shops, review products online, and share their preferences on social media. Vaping can even become part of their identity, which is rarely the case among locals.

Accessibility and Buying Behavior

Where Locals Buy

Local users often prefer buying from government-approved stores or established chains. The priority is safety and compliance rather than novelty. Most are cautious about trying unfamiliar or imported products due to regulatory risks.

Online purchases are minimal among locals, largely due to concerns about legality and product quality.

Where Expats Shop

Expats are more adventurous in their purchasing behavior. While they still follow the law, they are more likely to shop online or hunt for niche brands. Word-of-mouth, expat forums, and Reddit threads often influence their buying decisions.

Vape lounges and specialty shops that cater to international tastes are also popular. These venues serve as both retail spaces and social hubs for the expat vape UAE community.

Social Norms and Public Behavior

Discretion vs Expression

In general, Emiratis who vape are discreet. They follow the law strictly and avoid using devices in public unless in designated areas. This reflects broader cultural values that prioritize modesty and public decorum.

Expats, particularly from more liberal cultures, may be less inhibited. They are more likely to vape in approved public places, at events, or even in social media posts. While they respect the boundaries, they’re also more expressive about their habits.

Gender Perspectives

Among locals, it’s rare to see women vaping publicly due to cultural norms. When they do vape, it’s typically in private. Among expats, however, gender plays a much smaller role. Both men and women vape openly, especially within private or expat-dominated settings.

The Role of Social Media

Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the visibility of vaping, particularly among expats. Vape influencers, product reviews, and cloud competitions are more aligned with expat culture than local traditions.

Locals are more private online and less likely to associate personal habits with their digital identity, especially those that may attract criticism.

Regulatory Awareness and Compliance

Both groups are aware of UAE’s strict vaping regulations, but locals often have a deeper understanding of the cultural implications. This leads to a more conservative approach even when the law permits certain behaviors.

Expats, while generally compliant, may occasionally misinterpret local sensitivities. For instance, vaping near families, mosques, or in traditional neighborhoods—even if technically allowed—can still cause offense.

Shared Concerns: Health and Safety

Despite their differences, both locals and expats share concerns about vaping safety. Fake products, battery malfunctions, and unapproved liquids are risks for everyone.

There is a growing demand across the board for transparent labeling, quality control, and better education on safe vaping practices. The UAE government continues to improve standards to address these concerns, but user awareness remains critical.

Respecting Culture While Building Community

The expat vape UAE landscape is shaped by both regulatory frameworks and cultural expectations. While locals approach vaping with caution and discretion, expats often embrace it as a lifestyle. Understanding these differing views helps create a more respectful and informed community.