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

Poland Seizes 223,688 Disposable Vapes Without Required Excise Marks
Poland Seizes 223,688 Disposable Vapes Without Required Excise Marks
Poland’s Customs and Tax Service in Łódź carried out an inspection at a property near Zgierz and seized 223,688 disposable e-cigarettes without the required excise markings.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
York Traders Could Face Fines of Up to GBP 200 Under New Illegal Vape Enforcement Plans
York Traders Could Face Fines of Up to GBP 200 Under New Illegal Vape Enforcement Plans
City of York Council is considering new plans that would allow fines of up to GBP 200.00 (approximately USD 260.00) for traders caught selling illegal single-use vapes.
Apr.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cambodia Moves to Draft New Tobacco Control Strategy Targeting Illicit Products and E-Cigarette Spread
Cambodia Moves to Draft New Tobacco Control Strategy Targeting Illicit Products and E-Cigarette Spread
Cambodian Health Minister Cheang Ra has called for the development of a tobacco control strategy for 2027–2031, with the goal of reducing tobacco use by 30% by 2030. The directive was issued during a Tobacco Product Control Committee meeting in Phnom Penh. Priority areas include reducing tobacco use, protecting the public from secondhand smoke, tackling illegal and counterfeit tobacco products, and preventing the spread of e-cigarettes.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT AGM Highlights Smokeless Strategy, AI Capability and Regulatory Engagement
BAT AGM Highlights Smokeless Strategy, AI Capability and Regulatory Engagement
BAT Chair Luc Jobin told shareholders at the company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting that BAT delivered on its plans in 2025 despite a challenging external environment, with the U.S. business returning to growth, smokeless consumers increasing by more than 15%, improved New Categories contribution, and GBP 6.3 billion returned to shareholders.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Malaysia Launches Workforce Exercise to Improve Efficiency and Align With Future Business Direction
BAT Malaysia Launches Workforce Exercise to Improve Efficiency and Align With Future Business Direction
British American Tobacco Malaysia has announced a workforce optimisation exercise aimed at streamlining operations ahead of a major shift in its distribution strategy.
Apr.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canada Studies UK-Style “Smoke-Free Generation” Tobacco Ban
Canada Studies UK-Style “Smoke-Free Generation” Tobacco Ban
Canada’s federal health minister, Majorie Michel, said she is looking into legislation that would permanently ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008. She said Canada has seen the approach recently proposed in the United Kingdom and is reviewing it with partners. Health Canada previously said the Government of Canada has invested C$66 million annually since 2018 to help Canadians quit smoking and reduce the harms of nicotine addiction.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai