Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in Dubai and the UAE? (2025 Rules Explained)

By PouchGuide Editorial Team · Published October 4, 2026

Yes, nicotine pouches are legal in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. Cabinet Resolution No. (2) of 2025, a technical regulation for tobacco-free nicotine pouches, made them a regulated, legal product from late July 2025. Pouches must meet a national standard set by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

This is general information, not legal advice. Check official sources before you buy or travel.

What changed in 2025

• The UAE Cabinet issued Cabinet Resolution No. (2) of 2025 in January 2025. It took effect 180 days after publication.
• According to Gulf News, tobacco-free nicotine pouches were permitted for sale from July 29, 2025.
• The resolution applies the national standard UAE.S 5061 for tobacco-free nicotine pouches.

What the standard requires

According to industry reports on the regulation, pouches sold in the UAE must have:

• Pharmaceutical-grade nicotine that meets European or US pharmacopoeia standards
• a maximum pH of 9.1
• no controlled or psychotropic substances, and no harmful ingredients such as lead, formaldehyde or ethylene glycol
• child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging
• health warnings in Arabic and English
• conformity certification under the UAE’s ECAS scheme, required from July 31, 2025

Does this make snus legal?

No. The 2025 rules cover tobacco-free nicotine pouches only. They don’t legalize oral tobacco such as snus, so check the rules before bringing any (see nicotine pouches vs snus).

Bringing pouches to Dubai

Pouches are legal, so bringing a small amount for personal use isn’t the same risk as in countries that ban them. But:

• Only compliant products can be sold locally, so check that pouches you buy carry the required markings.
• Customs allowances for tobacco and nicotine products may apply.
• Vapes are a separate question, with their own rules.

How the UAE compares

The UAE regulates pouches as a legal product with strict quality rules, while some countries ban them outright. See countries where pouches are banned and traveling with nicotine pouches.

Bottom line

Nicotine pouches are legal in Dubai and the UAE since July 2025, under Cabinet Resolution No. (2) of 2025. Products must meet the UAE.S 5061 standard, which covers pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, pH, banned ingredients, packaging and bilingual warnings. The rules don’t cover snus.