UAE Opens Door to Nicotine Pouches as a Step Forward in Harm Reduction

United Arab Emirates – In a forward-thinking move, the UAE has officially legalized the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches beginning in july positioning the nation at the forefront of harm-reduction policy in the Gulf region.

A Regulated Path Away from Smoking

A Cabinet resolution now allows the regulated sale of nicotine pouches across the UAE, with technical standards to ensure consumer safety, quality control and responsible marketing. Products must carry Arabic health warnings, meet age restrictions of 18 and over, and be sold only through licensed outlets.
According to local reporting, health experts see nicotine pouches as a promising alternative to smoking, comparable to nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or gum, although longer-term studies are still needed.

Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in the UAE?

Yes. Nicotine-containing pouches are now legally permitted in the UAE. Sale, use and online purchase are allowed under the new rules, with limits on nicotine content and a ban on use in public spaces.

What the Regulations Require

1. Quality and Safety Standards: Manufacturers must meet strict benchmarks, with pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and no banned substances.
2. Clear Packaging: Products must use child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging with accurate nicotine content, health warnings and bilingual labelling in Arabic and English.
3. Advertising and Retail Controls: Promotions targeting young people are prohibited. Advertising must remain responsible and adult-focused. Retailers are required to check ID and avoid marketing restricted flavours.

Why This is a Win for Public Health

By allowing regulated nicotine pouches, the UAE is recognising that safer alternatives to smoking can be part of a broader public health strategy. Officials highlight that the absence of combustion in these products removes the thousands of harmful chemicals associated with cigarette smoke, dramatically reducing risk to the lungs.

This positions the UAE as the first Gulf nation to regulate rather than ban such products, signalling a potential regional shift toward harm reduction.

The UAE’s regulation of nicotine pouches blends caution with progress. By combining strong consumer protections with harm reduction, the country has taken a practical step that may influence how nicotine is regulated across the wider region.

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