Can Tourists Smoke in Dubai? Rules, Fines, and Practical Tips for Visitors

Jul, 21 2025

Picture this: you just landed in Dubai, the city of sky-high towers and endless sunshine. You’re ready to take in the views, but here’s a question that hits many travelers right off the plane—can tourists actually smoke in Dubai, or will you get stared down (or fined)?

Understanding Dubai’s Smoking Laws

Dubai isn’t one of those places that shrugs about smoking rules and lets you do what you want. It’s in the United Arab Emirates, where laws aren’t just guidelines—they pack real bite. Here’s how it works: yes, smoking is legal for adults (over 18), but the city takes smoking restrictions very seriously. Smoking in public places like malls, restaurants (unless they provide a special section), beaches, parks, and bus stops is banned. That means lighting up at a random bench could put a pretty big dent in your holiday budget. Ever heard of a 2,000 dirham fine? That’s not a typo—that’s roughly $540 for getting caught puffing where you shouldn’t.

Unlike some chill tourist spots, Dubai officials patrol those smoke-free zones. If you’re used to countries where people bend the rules, think again. Throwing your cigarette butt on the street? Instant fine. There are stories of tourists who thought it was okay to sneak a quick puff outside a shopping mall—only to return home with a memorable (and expensive) souvenir: a fine slip.

Malls and indoor spaces? Forget about it. Even high-end hotels are mostly smoke-free indoors, though they often offer a designated area outside or on a terrace. Bottom line: if you want to light up, always search for a smoking sign. Smokers who keep to the rules usually have zero problems. But those who ignore the signs (or don’t bother looking for them) risk more than dirty looks—they risk real penalties.

Where Can Tourists Legally Smoke?

Okay, so where exactly can you smoke without having to glance over your shoulder for Dubai’s finest? Designated smoking areas are your new best friend. You’ll spot these at the airport (clearly marked rooms), in some hotels (look for outdoor terraces), and in occasional rooftop bars. Some outdoor cafes set aside a smoking section—just check with staff. It’s pretty common for major hotels to have a specific corner or balcony for this very reason.

Dubai’s beaches sound tempting, but most public beaches ban smoking, both to keep them clean and because families, including lots of kids, spend time there. The same goes for parks. Even at events—think concerts or sports matches—staff will point you toward the designated zone.

One tip: malls sometimes tuck away small smoking rooms downstairs or near entrances, and they aren’t always easy to find. Don’t feel shy about asking staff directly—they’re used to it. If you rent a car, keep in mind that most rental companies ban smoking inside their vehicles and will charge a hefty cleaning fee if you break the rule. Smoking in private residences or in a friend’s apartment? That’s fine, as long as the owner agrees and you’re not bothering the neighbors.

Here’s a fast checklist for common spots:

Airport: Yes, in marked rooms only.
Shopping malls: Only designated rooms or outdoor spots, rarely inside stores or hallways.
Hotels: Check for smoking balconies, outdoor lounges, or rooms with smoking options (some luxury places still offer this).
Cafes and bars: Outdoor sections only. Ask the staff before lighting up.
Beaches, parks, public places: No, unless signs specifically show otherwise.

Smoking Alternatives: Vaping and Shisha in Dubai

Maybe you’re wondering, “So what about vaping?” Dubai actually legalized vapes and e-cigarettes in 2019, but with the same public smoking rules. If you love your vape pen, make sure you use it only where you’d be allowed to light a cigarette. Treat vapes and e-cigs like cigarettes—discreet, always in the right area. Get caught vaping in a non-smoking zone, and you’ll risk exactly the same fines.

Shisha lounges are a whole separate scene in Dubai. Known locally as hookah, these lounges are popular with residents and tourists alike. You’ll see stylish locals and groups of friends relaxing over flavored smoke, often in cafes with colorful cushions and pipes taller than your cat (Jasper would not approve, by the way). But these places are strictly licensed. You can’t just whip out your own shisha on the beach or by the pool. Let’s just say Dubai authorities know shisha is part of the culture, but even there, rules apply. Some lounges don’t allow anyone under 18, and no matter how much that watermelon-mint flavor tempts you, you can only indulge inside the lounge or in the venue’s designated area.

These lounges are a fun place to try shisha—if you’re into that sort of thing—but again, use them properly. Want to bring home a shisha? Buying one is allowed, but carrying it around the city puffing away is a quick way to meet a police officer.

Fines and Penalties: What Happens If You Break the Rules?

You might think a quick smoke where you shouldn’t isn’t a big deal, but enforcement is surprisingly strict here. Even if you're a tourist, the law applies equally—and most folks caught out are just regular visitors who didn’t know better. Here’s what happens if you’re nabbed lighting up outside the rules.

The most common fine for smoking in a public, non-designated area is 2,000 dirhams. Tossing a cigarette butt on the street? Another 1,000 dirhams on your tab (that’s about $270). And if you try to argue, you’ll likely just draw more attention. Police and public officials often do “random” checks at malls, bus stations, and inside taxis. Oh yes, taxis: most have a strict no-smoking policy and will charge you if they spot you sneaking a puff (or notice the lingering smell).

Let’s put the most relevant penalties into a handy table so you can see exactly what’s at stake if you slip up:

Offense	Penalty	Notes
Smoking in non-designated public area	2,000 AED	Applies everywhere except marked smoking spots
Throwing a cigarette butt on the ground	1,000 AED	Includes parks, streets, beaches
Smoking in taxi or public transport	Up to 3,000 AED	Immediate payment often required
Letting minors buy or use tobacco	Varies, often severe fines	Shops and adults responsible

Does anyone actually check? Yes. Cameras, patrolling public safety officers, and even mall security staff—who don’t hesitate to write up a fine if needed. And yes, tourists do pay these fines. If you’re leaving the country, especially through the airport, outstanding fines can block you at immigration until they’re paid.

Hot tip: If you do get a fine and it feels unfair, you can try to plead your case at the police station or use Dubai’s official complaint channels, but don’t expect much mercy. The best strategy? Stick to the rules, always look for signs, and when in doubt, ask a staff member before lighting up.

Buying Cigarettes and Tobacco in Dubai: What Tourists Need to Know

You won’t struggle to find cigarettes in Dubai, but the process is a little different compared to some countries. Only adults 18+ can buy tobacco products—it’s enforced at every shop. Popular brands are widely available, and duty-free shops at Dubai International Airport often sell at lower prices than city supermarkets. Want to bring smokes from home? UAE customs allows up to 400 cigarettes (that’s about two cartons) in your personal luggage before you face extra duty fees.

Cigarette prices are a bit of a rollercoaster. In 2017, the UAE government doubled taxes on tobacco to discourage smoking. Today, a pack ranges from 20 to 35 AED ($5–$9), so slightly cheaper than parts of Europe but not the “cheap holiday smokes” you might wish for. Some expats even joke that quitting smoking in Dubai is less about health and more about the cost.

Want to buy rolling tobacco, vapes, or shisha at home? Only go to licensed shops. Fake or unlicensed tobacco is a big deal in Dubai—authorities crack down hard, and tourists caught trying to bring in suspicious tobacco, or buying it on the cheap, have faced fines or worse. Stick to proper shops, and always keep your purchase receipt just in case anyone asks.

You must be at least 18 to buy tobacco or vapes.
Shops will ask for ID if you look young.
There are no cigarette vending machines.
Cigarette brands offered: Marlboro, Camel, Dunhill, and Middle Eastern local favorites.

Don’t look for flavored cigarettes—they were banned in 2020, except in shisha form. That ban covers menthol and other flavors, which might surprise European or American visitors. If you vape, only buy refills from reputable stores, never on the street.

Smart Tips for Smokers Visiting Dubai

If you’re a smoker and planning a Dubai adventure, it’s all about being aware and prepared. Here’s what helps travelers make it through without any drama:

smoking in Dubai is okay, but only in marked places—never just anywhere outside.
Keep an eye out for clear signage. Smoking rooms, terraces, and outdoor corners are the usual options—indoor areas are almost always smoke-free, no matter how fancy the hotel.
Airports have smoking rooms but they’re often busy. If you’re in a rush, expect a line.
If you’re unsure about a space, ask someone local or a staff member. They’re used to tourists being confused about the rules; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Carry a small pocket ashtray if you’re a smoker who likes to take outdoor walks. This is a lifesaver for avoiding litter fines, plus it’s just the decent thing to do.
Want to visit a shisha café? Book ahead—weekends and evenings can be packed, especially in winter.
Don’t smoke in taxis or Ubers, even if the driver seems friendly. Most are forbidden by law to allow it, and some have cameras.
Pack what you’ll need—cigarettes, vapes, or shisha—before sightseeing. Buying on the go can eat into your schedule and wallet.
Save your receipts and only buy from recognized stores so you’re not stuck if customs or security ask questions.
Leaving the city? Make sure you’ve paid any fines; immigration sometimes checks before you board your flight.

If you’re a non-smoker, you’ll love Dubai’s air. If you do smoke, just be careful, respectful, and pay attention to those little signs and friendly warnings. And if you’re ever in doubt, just remember what my cat Jasper says to my houseplants: “Better safe than sorry.”

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