Dubai Mall attracts visitors from around the globe, so it’s essential to follow local customs and regulations. Smoking rules in Dubai Mall are straightforward and strictly enforced. Whether you use traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or shisha, it’s crucial to know where smoking is permitted and where it is not, to avoid fines and comply with public health regulations. However, there are specific smoking area outside where you can smoke comfortably. Here’s a detailed guide on Dubai Mall smoking area that indubaimall will explain.
Official designated smoking areas (outdoors)
Although the Dubai Mall policy mentions specific areas, smoking is not permitted indoors in public spaces such as shopping areas, corridors, and food courts. The mall is well-known for enforcing smoke-free indoor zones according to UAE law. Unfortunately, there are no designated Dubai mall smoking area. However, you may want to know about some of the outdoor spaces that are often utilized by smokers and vapers to adhere to the policy while staying near the mall.
Ground floor – Main Entrance
There is no official smoking area at the main entrance on the ground floor of Dubai Mall. According to Dubai Municipality rules, smoking is not allowed near mall entrances and exits; designated areas must be far enough away. These areas must be at least seven metres away from entrances and exits.
Lower ground floor – waterfront promenade
The Lower Ground Floor Waterfront Promenade at Dubai Mall is an open-air area by the waterfront, close to the Dubai Fountain and the lakeside section of the mall. Smoking in busy tourist spots such as the fountain walk and promenades, is generally seen as a non-smoking area unless there is a clearly marked designated spot, which is often not the case.
Car park access pints
Smoking is not allowed inside malls and close to entrances/exits to ensure the safety of other visitors and follow health rules. Additionally, there is no clear information on the Dubai Mall website or from Dubai Municipality that specifically mentions “this particular car park level or entry point at Dubai Mall has a designated smoking area.” Outdoor smoking cabins or designated spots are usually found in parking lots at major malls in Dubai, generally located near outside parking structures (set away from mall entrances) to prevent smoke from impacting pedestrian zones. Visitors can smoke around outdoor parking zones and external shelters rather than near entrances or interior levels. You must search for the Ashtray and the sign of Dubai mall smoking area location.
Vaping & E-Cigarettes rules
Smoking is definitely not allowed in indoor public spaces, which have designated areas for it. However, many people see vaping as a grey area. Since mid-April 2019, e-cigarettes have been legally sold in the UAE, but both vaping and smoking are banned indoors throughout the country. Therefore, if you want to vape, you will need to go outside the mall or find Dubai mall smoking area.
Are vapes and E-cigarettes allowed?
In Dubai mall, the basic guideline is that if smoking a regular cigarette is not allowed, then vaping is also prohibited. The law considers both equally regarding where they can be used in public. Therefore, don’t allow a trivial fine to spoil your luxury vacation! Be a wise traveler, follow the rules, and savor the sunshine along with the delightful tastes of your disposable vape.
Restaurants & cafes with smoking terraces
In Dubai Mall, outdoor terraces of café and restaurants may serve as smoking areas, but only if they are officially designated and clearly marked according to local laws; otherwise, smoking that is including vaping and shisha is not allowed. Therefore, if you’re at a restaurant or café in Dubai Mall with a terrace and want to smoke, look for signs that say “Smoking Area” on the terrace. Also, you should check with the staff or management to see if smoking is allowed in that outdoor area; they might have specific tables for smokers.
What to avoid: The “No-Go” zons
Dubai and the broader UAE have clear and strict regulations regarding where vaping is permitted. Unlike some places back home where you can vape freely, here, adherence to the law is essential. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines in AED that may disrupt your entire travel budget! Let’s quickly outline the key areas where vaping is prohibited and what you should know about the penalties.
Strictly prohibited areas
You’ve just entered the Dubai Mall and the air conditioning is on full blast, it feels like paradise. But before you sneak a puff from your Isgo Bar 10000 Puffs Disposable Vape, keep this in mind that Dubai Mall, indoor shopping centers, cinemas, retail shops, and any enclosed public spaces are STRICTLY prohibited.Air quality is a major concern here. Don’t assume that just because your RELX MagicGo GA 4000 Disposable Vape is small and discreet, it won’t attract attention. Security is vigilant, and they won’t hesitate to impose penalties.
Fines and penalties
The consequences of breaking vape laws in Dubai Mall are significant. Fines for vaping in prohibited areas can reach up to AED 2000, and more severe penalties may be imposed for serious or repeated offenses. Individuals found selling illegal or fake vape products, particularly to minors, face much harsher consequences, which may include larger fines or even detention. Vaping regulations in Dubai mall are not only about health. They also relate to social behavior and public order. Tourists are expected to be aware of and follow the rules just as locals do.
