The UAE is taking a bold step in public health policy: effective July 29, 2025, tobacco‑free nicotine pouches will be legally available for sale across the country. This initiative comes after the Cabinet passed a resolution establishing technical standards and setting a clear framework for regulation.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
These are small, smokeless sachets designed to be placed between the gum and cheek. They contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, but no tobacco, delivering nicotine via oral absorption without combustion or smoke inhalation .
Regulation & Safety Standards
- Cabinet Resolution No. 2 of 2025 outlines mandatory technical standards—covering nicotine content, packaging integrity, and hygiene Snuzyn.
- Products must be sold only through licensed pharmacies and outlets with age verification (18+), and feature Arabic and English health warnings .
- Approval is conditional on sellers meeting strict safety and quality checks .
Why the Shift Toward Harm Reduction?
The UAE aims to reduce smoking prevalence and its related health burdens. Traditional cigarette smoking remains a major health risk, linked to lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues. Globally, tobacco claims nearly eight million lives per year; within the UAE, smoking rates hover around 12% for men and 2–3% for women .
Nicotine pouches offer:
- No combustion, hence lower exposure to tar and other toxins
- Discreet use without inhalation
- A stepping-stone in nicotine addiction management
Expert Perspectives
- Dr Sanam Mallick (Burjeel Hospital):
- Pouches release dopamine, easing cravings and withdrawal
- They resemble NRTs (patches, gum, lozenges) but lack long-term studies
- Addiction persists—oral fixation and dependency remain concerns
- Dr Rachel Kaminski (Saudi German Hospital, Dubai):
- Emphasizes regulatory caution
- Advises monitoring side effects, especially cardiovascular
- Suggests use only under proper guidance Khaleej TimesThe National
- Learnings from Sweden:
- Transitioning smokers to oral nicotine has led to lower smoking and lung cancer rates
- Countries like Sweden, with widespread use of snus and pouches, have seen major public health gains
How This Compares to Other NRTs
| NRT Type | Delivery Method | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicotine patch | Slowly absorbed via the skin | Steady blood levels, proven 50–70% quit rate | Can cause skin irritation; lacks behavioral aspect |
| Nicotine gum/lozenge | Oral mucosal absorption | Similar effectiveness but may cause GI discomfort | Oral fixation remains |
| Nicotine pouches | Oral mucosal absorption | Discreet, no combustion, mimics behavior | Still addictive; long-term safety unknown |
What This Means for UAE Smokers
- Starting July 29, adult smokers seeking alternative quitting tools can legally purchase nicotine pouches in licensed outlets Tobacco Reporter -+4Khaleej Times+4Snuzyn+4.
- Counseling and support services remain key: these pouches are not a standalone solution but part of broader tobacco cessation strategies Lexis Middle East+7Khaleej Times+7Nicotine Insider+7.
- Regulatory safeguards—like clear labelling, controlled sales, and monitoring—aim to ensure safe, informed usage and prevent youth uptake.
The UAE has positioned itself at the forefront of progressive tobacco harm reduction. By regulating and enabling the legal sale of tobacco‑free nicotine pouches, the authorities are acknowledging realistic quitting pathways for adult smokers. These pouches, especially when used responsibly alongside counseling or medical advice, could significantly aid in smoking cessation.
However, their success depends on thoughtful use, continued research, public awareness, and tight regulatory oversight. The coming months will be crucial in tracking uptake, evaluating health impacts, and ensuring this policy genuinely contributes to reducing smoking-related harm in the country.