Where can I use Ploom in the UAE?
Heated tobacco products, like Ploom, offer an authentic, smokeless tobacco experience that fits your lifestyle. However, it’s important to know the local rules and regulations about where and when you can use them in the UAE.
This useful guide outlines the different rules in place for:
- Airports
- Public transport
- Cars
- Hotels
- Airbnbs & holiday rentals
- Residential areas
- Outdoor public areas
- Shopping malls
- Restaurants & cafés
- Bars
- Shisha venues
- Workplace
In this guide, you will also find an overview of the main elements to consider in the UAE, so you can enjoy heated tobacco responsibly, legally, and without breaking local etiquette.
Where is heated tobacco allowed?
Under UAE law, heated tobacco is treated the same as cigarettes. This means it is legal to purchase and use heated tobacco products, provided you are 18 years or older.
Under federal tobacco control laws, there are strict rules against smoking in non-designated areas. It’s prohibited in indoor or enclosed public areas¹, and there are penalties for any violations. The purpose of this prohibition is to protect public health, reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, and maintain safety and cleanliness.
If someone is caught smoking, vaping, or using heated tobacco products in a restricted or non-designated area, authorities can issue a minimum fine of [Dirham symbol] 500. For example, using heated tobacco in restricted areas like malls, government buildings, and public transport may incur an immediate 500 fine².
Even a small mistake, such as smoking in a mall corridor, metro station, park, or taxi can lead to a fine starting from 500. Other violations, especially repeat offences, can result in much higher fines, and even imprisonment.
Indoor and outdoor spaces
Airports, café’s, bars, in your car…depending on exactly where you are, the rules around using heated tobacco can vary quite a lot in the UAE. Here’s a quick overview of some popular spaces. When in doubt, always ask or check the local regulations.
Airport rules for heated tobacco products
You can generally bring your Ploom device into the UAE, provided you comply with airline policies and UAE customs regulations for heated tobacco devices. Heated tobacco products are recognized under UAE regulations. Only carry reasonable quantities for personal use, and keep your device and sticks in your carry-on luggage, not your checked luggage.
The same rules apply if you’re transiting through a UAE airport, however, always check the regulations of your final destination before you travel. If you do travel with your device, make sure it’s in your carry-on luggage and powered off for the duration of the flight.
In terms of customs allowances, you can carry up to 400 EVO sticks (two cartons) through customs in Dubai or Abu Dhabi for personal use. Trying to travel with more than this could result in fines, confiscation or the items being subject to customs duty.
Can I use heated tobacco in airports
While you can’t use heated tobacco on flights to or from the UAE, all UAE airports have smoking lounges where you can use it. You can use heated tobacco products at Dubai International Airport (DXB), yet only inside designated smoking areas within Dubai airport – not on the plane or in non-smoking areas of the airport. The same applies for Zayed International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport, which both have dedicated smoking areas within the main terminals.
Can I use Ploom on public transport in the UAE?
No, you cannot use Ploom on public transport in the UAE. Heated tobacco devices are treated the same as cigarettes and other tobacco products, and are therefore prohibited across the UAE’s public transport network, including on public buses, in taxis, and on Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram.
Can I use heated tobacco in cars?
You can use heated tobacco in your private car in the UAE, yet there are restrictions, and you must not smoke if a child under 12 is present.
Can I use heated tobacco in hotels?
Yes, only in designated smoking areas or on a private balcony. Using heated tobacco is prohibited in enclosed public places like hotel lobbies and shopping malls, with fines for violations.
Can I use heated tobacco in an Airbnb or holiday rental?
If you’re staying in a holiday rental or Airbnb, never assume Ploom is permitted. Check the listing details or the rules set by your host before using your device, especially on balconies or in outdoor spaces. Breaching your host’s smoking policy could impact your deposit.
Can I use heated tobacco in residential areas?
Heated tobacco is generally allowed in residential buildings or apartments, and their balconies, provided you’re not in a common area or violating the terms of your lease or building regulations (it’s always a good idea to check these).
Can I use heated tobacco in outdoor public areas, like parks and beaches?
Heated tobacco products are not allowed in most outdoor public spaces, except designated areas and licensed venue terraces.
Overall, it’s a good idea to look for designated smoking areas where heated tobacco use is allowed. Otherwise, you could accidentally break the rules and end up with a fine, or worse.
Can I use heated tobacco in shopping malls?
No, you are not allowed to use heated tobacco in indoor public places like shopping malls, although some malls may have designated smoking areas - where it is permitted.
Can I use heated tobacco in restaurants or cafés in the UAE?
Sometimes, yes. Restaurants or cafés are allowed to designate areas where smoking, vaping, and using heated tobacco is allowed, for example on a café’s balcony. However, it depends on the individual venue’s rules, so it’s always worth checking.
Can I use heated tobacco products in bars?
Using heated tobacco is prohibited in enclosed public places, like bars and lounges. Some venues with special licenses may have designated smoking areas, so it’s good to check with the relevant bar or lounge.
Heated tobacco vs. shisha venue rules
If you're visiting a shisha café or lounge, don't assume heated tobacco devices are automatically allowed. While many shisha venues permit heated tobacco devices in smoking areas, others may prefer guests to use only the products they serve. As a rule of thumb, never use Ploom in places where smoking is prohibited. If in doubt, a quick question to a member of staff is the easiest way to avoid any confusion.
Can I use heated tobacco in the workplace?
No, you can’t use heated tobacco in office buildings in the UAE, as local regulations prevent you from using any tobacco products in enclosed public places.
Heated tobacco etiquette in the UAE
As mentioned above, the UAE has clear rules in place regarding where you can and cannot use tobacco products; however, good etiquette is equally important. Even if a venue features a designated smoking area, it’s always worth checking whether heated tobacco devices like Ploom are permitted before you use them.
Etiquette for heated tobacco products in bars, cafés, and restaurants depends on a number of factors. Many venues have outdoor terraces that permit smoking, vaping, and heated tobacco usage, and Ploom is often accepted alongside other tobacco products.
That being said, policies can vary from venue to venue. Some businesses treat heated tobacco the same as cigarettes, while others have separate rules or prohibit all tobacco products indoors. As such, it’s best to check with a member of staff before using your Ploom device.
In summary
Heated tobacco products, like Ploom, offer a real, refined taste without compromise, for a uniquely enjoyable experience. Simple and intuitive to use, there’s no smoke or vapor clouds, and no smoke smell.
It’s important that you enjoy any heated tobacco products responsibly in the UAE – and stay informed about the local guidelines to avoid any penalties. If in doubt: always check first.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, heated tobacco is not considered smoking. Smoking involves burning tobacco, while heated tobacco heats tobacco without burning it. Nevertheless, in the UAE, heated tobacco products are generally treated the same as tobacco products, so the same rules apply to smoking, heated tobacco, and vaping.
Yes. Heated tobacco devices and their tobacco sticks are regulated as tobacco products, and are legal in the UAE, provided they comply with UAE regulations.
Yes, a heated tobacco device is allowed in your hand luggage, provided you carry reasonable quantities for personal use, and power your device off for the duration of the flight.
Heated tobacco usage is strictly prohibited in the following places:
- Public transportation
- Enclosed public spaces
- Workplaces
- Government buildings
- Educational facilities
- Healthcare facilities
- Places of worship
- Recreational areas
- Any location displaying a no-smoking sign