UAE: Increasing Popularity of E-cigarettes among Underage Youth

Market by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.22.2024
UAE: Increasing Popularity of E-cigarettes among Underage Youth
UAE media Albayan reports that parents and professionals are urging strict enforcement of tobacco sales laws to protect minors.

According to UAE media outlet Albayan, many parents and professionals recently made a plea calling on retailers to strictly abide by the law and refrain from selling tobacco or related products to individuals under the age of 18, due to the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among adolescents. They highlighted concerns over the fact that some retailers may relax their age verification checks due to the mature appearance of young people, but they view this phenomenon as worrisome.

 

Parents are calling for the public to have a comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with using e-cigarettes and smoking, particularly as it pertains to parents and young people who need a deeper understanding of the matter. Dr. Maysa Abdullah, a counselor, emphasizes the need for all relevant entities, including educational institutions and families, to collectively protect the new generation from the harms of smoking and enable them to have a healthier future.

 

Despite promises from some tobacco shop owners, such as Komar Lalish, to comply with the law and only make sales after confirming the customer's age.

 

However, some parents such as Kumar Shumi and Haba Osman have pointed out that they have discovered certain shops selling "flavored" tobacco products and electronic hookahs to teenagers. These shops often prioritize sales without considering the impact on young people.

 

Recently, many doctors and experts have issued warnings about the potential harms of using e-cigarettes. They point out that e-cigarettes may even lead to symptoms of "brain fog," such as difficulties with concentration, decreased memory, and confusion, making it difficult to make decisions. Pulmonary experts have stated that e-cigarettes are not any less harmful than traditional tobacco. They warn that using e-cigarettes may lead to pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure, and in extreme cases, even death.

 

Doctors also point out that children under the age of 14 are more likely to visit hospitals, complaining of recurring colds and chest infections, mainly caused by e-cigarettes. Teenagers who smoke e-cigarettes may have more serious consequences. This is because during adolescence, the brain is highly sensitive, which may make individuals in this age group more prone to attention deficit difficulties and occasional depression.

 

Family medicine experts have identified the ingredients and risks associated with e-cigarettes, such as their detrimental effects on the respiratory system and lungs, as well as their potential to increase the risk of developing cancer in the long run.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Why Many E-Liquids Today Are "Not Bad, but Not Memorable" – Mylor’s Approach to Experience Design
Why Many E-Liquids Today Are "Not Bad, but Not Memorable" – Mylor’s Approach to Experience Design
From May 8 to 10, 2026, Mylor (Booth E70) will exhibit at The Vaper Expo UK, where it will showcase its systematic experience design solutions for e-liquids. At present, the e-liquid market commonly faces a challenge: many products have “no obvious shortcomings, but lack memorable features.” In response, Mylor has proposed refined solutions across multiple dimensions, including device-adaptive sweetness, progressive cooling sensation, fruit-oriented sourness, and segmented nicotine experience.
May.08
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International announced on April 20 that IQOS has partnered with French acoustic engineering company Devialet to launch “Soundsorial Design” at Milan Design Week 2026. The collaboration includes an immersive exhibition and a limited-edition product set named “Soundsorial.” The exhibition will run from April 20 to April 27 at Opificio 31 in Milan.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s DDC Reaffirms Nicotine Pouches Are Regulated Under the Tobacco Products Control Act
Thailand’s DDC Reaffirms Nicotine Pouches Are Regulated Under the Tobacco Products Control Act
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has warned the public not to believe claims that nicotine pouches are harmless, saying the products contain high levels of nicotine that can enter the bloodstream through the mouth lining and affect the nervous system and brain.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New West Virginia Vape Law Begins, With Packaging and Ad Restrictions Ahead
New West Virginia Vape Law Begins, With Packaging and Ad Restrictions Ahead
West Virginia’s Vape Safety Act will take effect Thursday, requiring vapor products sold in vape and smoke shops to carry health warnings, legal-age notices, manufacturer information and ingredient disclosures, while introducing new licensing and enforcement rules.
Jun.10
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that more than 18 million illegal e-cigarettes valued at over $175 million were seized during “Operation Red Mist,” a joint enforcement initiative involving the U.S. Coast Guard and the FDA. The operation primarily targeted maritime vape shipments originating from China and focused on combating illicit importation, transportation, and distribution activities.
Regulations
May.14
WHO’s First Global Report on Nicotine Pouches: Harm Reduction Questions Remain Amid Global Regulatory Warning
WHO’s First Global Report on Nicotine Pouches: Harm Reduction Questions Remain Amid Global Regulatory Warning
Ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2026, WHO released its first global report on nicotine pouches, warning that rapid market growth, youth-oriented marketing and weak regulation are converging. 2Firsts views the report as an important warning, but not a complete risk assessment, with harm-reduction questions still unresolved.
Special Report
May.17