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Smoking in United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, the current prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults aged 15 years and older was estimated to be 11.1% as of 2024. The prevalence rates based on gender in the same year indicate a significant discrepancy, with males exhibiting a higher prevalence of 15.5%, compared to a prevalence of 2.6% among females. These data reflect a decrease from earlier figures in 2019, where the overall smoking prevalence was 14.7%, with a prevalence of 29% among males and 0.5% among females. In terms of number of smokers, there were approximately one million tobacco smokers in 2024, which shows a decline from 1,2 million smokers in 2019. The adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence in 2018 was estimated to be 8%, with 13.9% among males and 2% among females. The impact of smoking on public health is reflected by mortality data from 2021, which recorded 1,693 smoking-related deaths, constituting 8.45% of all deaths in the country. The gender distribution of these deaths was notably skewed, with 1,479 male deaths (10.23% of male deaths) and 214 female deaths (3.86% of female deaths). These data provide a detailed overview of the tobacco smoking prevalence and their mortalities in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the ongoing public health challenges associated with tobacco smoking.

Read articles from United Arab Emirates

January 14, 2019 by thenationalnews.com

Take it from a nicotine addict, shisha is no joke

A new UAE study has confirmed what every shisha lover has long suspected: there are higher levels of cancer-causing metals in shisha products than in cigarettes. The ­research was co-authored by ­Professor Mohamed Al Hajjaj of the University of Sharjah, Abdus Khan of Khalifa University, [...] The study looked at 13 medwakh tobacco products and three shisha products, analysing their properties to determine metal concentrations. Their findings may not have been surprising, but they were terrifying all the same. [...]

November 19, 2018 by thenationalnews.com

Hooked on hookah: UAE experts report surge in shisha addicts

A rising number of UAE residents are seeking help after becoming hooked on shisha, an addiction expert has said.

Johanna Griffin, a Dubai-based specialist, said there has been a noticeable spike in patients attempting to kick the habit. They had often started smoking shisha, she revealed, unaware that evidence suggests they can be more dangerous than cigarettes.

Kamal Naji, 27, quit cigarettes before turning to shisha, which has now become a “part of his life”. He enjoys one immediately after finishing work, and another in the evening.

October 16, 2018 by khaleejtimes.com

Know the law: Are e-cigarettes banned in UAE?

Residents in the UAE are confused over the rules surrounding the personal use of e-cigarettes, both in public places and at home, and are calling for clearer rules on the issue. However, the Dubai Municipality has made it clear that e-cigarettes are treated like any other cigarettes in Dubai.

Despite a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes in the UAE, many residents are still unclear as to whether they can legally smoke the device in designated public areas.

 

September 03, 2018 by thenationalnews.com

UAE considering lifting ban on e-cigarettes

The UAE could be set to lift its ban on e-cigarettes and other similar products, it has been revealed. Authorities have begun a preliminary project to assess whether electronic nicotine devices should be allowed to be used legally in the country. Currently, e-cigarettes are banned in the Emirates due to concerns over their impact on user health.

April 16, 2018 by khaleejtimes.com

Beware, e-cigarettes are being used to smoke drugs in UAE

The Dubai Police have recorded 17 instances of youngsters mixing drugs in electronic cigarettes and smoking them, a top officer revealed on Sunday. As part of a study, the department of evidence examined 103 e-cigarettes seized in the country and found that 17 were used to smoke drugs.

According to Khalid Al Sumaiti, a senior forensic expert, in two cases, a cocktail of five different drugs was smoked. Fourteen of the e-cigarettes were used to inhale cannabis oil.