Nicotine pouches, newly authorized within the United Arab Emirates, are drawing curiosity from people who smoke on the lookout for a “smoke-free” various, however consultants warn that whereas the merchandise bypass the lungs and should scale back most cancers dangers, they continue to be addictive and carry their very own set of well being considerations.
The Ministry of Trade and Superior Know-how (MoIAT) authorised the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches from late July, offered they meet Emirates Conformity Evaluation Scheme (ECAS) certification. The transfer aligns with the UAE’s wider tobacco harm-reduction technique, which has beforehand included strict regulation of e-cigarettes and shisha.
Docs say the legalisation has triggered a noticeable rise in affected person enquiries.
“For the reason that UAE authorized tobacco-free nicotine pouches in late July 2025, I’ve had noticeably extra sufferers asking about them as a ‘smoke-free’ possibility, particularly people who smoke who’ve struggled with vaping or customary nicotine substitute remedy,” mentioned Dr Ash Shishodia, a psychiatrist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai.
“The questions are primarily about security, dental results, and whether or not pouches ‘depend’ as quitting. I deal with them as one other nicotine supply system, not a fast repair.”
Specialists acknowledge that nicotine pouches, that are positioned beneath the lip and absorbed via the gums, eradicate publicity to smoke or vapour. This reduces the chance of respiratory diseases linked to cigarettes and shisha. However well being consultants stress that “smoke-free” doesn’t imply innocent.
Cardiovascular, dependancy dangers stay
Cardiologists warn that nicotine – no matter supply technique – nonetheless impacts the guts and circulatory system.
“Nicotine pouches mitigate the issue so far as cardiovascular well being is anxious, however don’t eradicate it,” Dr Georgie Thomas, advisor interventional heart specialist and head of division at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, advised Arabian Enterprise. “They nonetheless trigger an elevated pulse price and blood strain, which could be detrimental to sufferers with cardiac circumstances.”
He famous that pouches have been linked to arterial stiffness, palpitations and chest ache. “People who smoke with present coronary heart circumstances ought to use medically authorized nicotine substitute remedy beneath medical steerage,” he mentioned. “The dose delivered per pouch is unsure, which may pose added dangers.”
For respiratory well being, nicotine pouches are thought-about much less dangerous than cigarettes or vapes as a result of they bypass the lungs.
“In contrast to cigarettes and vapes, nicotine pouches should not inhaled. In concept, this might considerably scale back the chance of smoking-related diseases resembling persistent obstructive pulmonary illness, emphysema and lung most cancers,” mentioned Dr Mohammed Noufal, a pulmonologist at Lifecare Hospital in Mussafah.
Nevertheless, he warned that problems are rising in different areas. “We’re seeing gum irritation, ulcers and cardiovascular pressure. Lengthy-term research on their security are nonetheless missing. They shouldn’t be mistaken for a secure product,” he mentioned.
Past bodily well being, dependancy specialists are warning concerning the potential enchantment of nicotine pouches to younger folks.
“Worldwide information present quick development in youth experimentation with pouches, usually alongside vaping,” mentioned Dr Shishodia. “Nicotine is extremely addictive and dangerous for the growing mind. These merchandise are for grownup people who smoke attempting to give up – not for youth or non-smokers, full cease.”
Globally, regulators have flagged comparable considerations. In January this yr, the US Meals and Drug Administration authorised advertising for sure pouch merchandise following a overview of their reduced-risk profile. The company burdened the choice was not an endorsement of security for youth or non-smokers.
Step down, not resolution
Nicotine pouches may play a job in serving to people who smoke transition away from cigarettes, however solely as a part of a structured quitting plan, UAE docs mentioned.
“My purpose is freedom from smoke first, then freedom from nicotine,” mentioned Dr Shishodia.
“For a closely dependent smoker who gained’t or can’t use different first-line choices, a tightly supervised swap to pouches is usually a step down the chance ladder. However I body it as a short lived device with a taper plan, pairing it with behavioural help and a transparent exit technique.”
Dr Noufal agreed that pouches shouldn’t be seen as a assured resolution.
“They might assist some people who smoke transition away from cigarettes or vapes, notably if used as a bridge to finish cessation. However the proof is stronger for licensed nicotine substitute therapies resembling patches and gums,” he mentioned.
Underneath the brand new framework, solely MoIAT-certified merchandise could be offered legally within the UAE. Imports exterior the authorized system stay prohibited.
Specialists say this regulation is important to make sure high quality management and client security.
“Sufferers ought to keep away from unregulated imports and persist with MoIAT-compliant merchandise,” mentioned Dr Shishodia. “Regardless of the product, the vacation spot is similar: a structured give up try with follow-up, not indefinite nicotine use.”
A cautious welcome
The legalisation of nicotine pouches has been welcomed by some tobacco harm-reduction advocates as an extra possibility for people who smoke unable to give up instantly. However docs interviewed by Arabian Enterprise stay constant of their message: lower-risk isn’t the identical as low-risk.
“They’re not innocent,” mentioned Dr Noufal. “They’re merely one other device within the field – one which should be used fastidiously, with medical oversight.”
Public well being consultants argue that the true measure of success might be whether or not nicotine pouches assist scale back smoking prevalence within the UAE, the place cigarettes, shisha and midwakh stay broadly used regardless of years of anti-tobacco campaigns.
In accordance with the World Well being Organisation, tobacco use is a number one reason for preventable loss of life globally, answerable for greater than eight million deaths annually. Whereas various merchandise could scale back publicity to some toxins, WHO maintains that full cessation is the one option to eradicate the well being dangers of nicotine and tobacco.
Within the UAE, smoking charges amongst adults have declined lately, however docs say vaping has develop into more and more widespread amongst younger folks. The arrival of nicotine pouches may shift consumption patterns additional, although their long-term impression stays unsure.
“The UAE’s resolution to control fairly than ban displays a realistic strategy,” mentioned Dr Shishodia.
“It provides people who smoke another choice, however with requirements and oversight. The problem might be making certain these merchandise are used responsibly – as a stepping stone to quitting, not as a everlasting crutch or a brand new pattern amongst youth.”
