From Shisha to Vape: Dubai’s Smoking Aesthetic

Dubai’s skyline is dazzling, its lifestyle is glamorous  and for many young people, smoking whether shisha or vape has become part of that aesthetic. It’s not just about nicotine; it's about style, status, and fitting into the scene. But what does the research really say about the prevalence of both habits? Let’s explore.

1. Shisha Still Rules but Not as Much as You Think

In a study of UAE university students, about 15.1% were current smokers, with 5.5% using shisha specifically well below national rates for adults.PMC

Another survey focusing on youth (aged 18–24 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai) found that 12.9% currently smoked waterpipe, while 10% used “medwakh” (local tobacco pipe), and 20.4% used at least one type of tobacco product.PMC

Interestingly, 55% of Dubai students surveyed believed that waterpipe smoking was more socially acceptable than cigarettes, and 18% saw it as less harmful. The majority (87%) admitted they enjoyed it for the taste.PMC

2. Vaping: The New “It” Thing

Although here slightly under the radar, vaping is gaining traction among UAE youth.

According to the same university study, 3.7% were current e-cigarette users, and nearly 4% used e-cigarettes or ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems).PMCPubMed

In another survey across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, about 36.7% had tried vaping in their lifetime, while 22.5% had used e-cigarettes in the past month.PMC

The appeal? Flavors, novelty, and the perception that vaping is “cooler” or less harmful. Social media played a big role about 64.8% tried vaping because friends or family did, and 19.6% cited flavors as the reason.PMC

3. What Are Youth Saying (On the Ground)?

Local voices add context to the numbers:

“Easy to find, easy to consume (disposable vapes) tastes better than cigarettes. Fool the parents by saying it’s a USB device.”Reddit

“I think people that vape only wanna fit or show that they are cool”Reddit

“Way too many teens vape it’s embarrassing.”Reddit

These comments highlight how vaping especially with sweet scents or sleek designs is tied to social status and youth identity.

4. The Dubai Vibe: Shisha Meets Lifestyle, Vape Meets Trend

• Shisha remains social. It's about gathering, flavor, and tradition. Even if usage numbers are modest among students, the cultural symbolism is powerful.
  
  

• Vaping is trending for its novelty, convenience, and perceived “harmlessness,” making it a fast growing habit among younger users seeking style points.
  
  

Wrap-Up Table: Dubai Student Smoking Landscape

Shisha holds strong as a social tradition with a refined aura.
Vaping is emerging as a “cool,” easy-to-access, stylistic alternative.
Both trends tap into identity and social dynamics, not just nicotine.