TEREA is legal in the UAE for adults aged 18 and over. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control bans tobacco sales to anyone under 18 and bans smoking in closed public places, places of worship, educational institutions, and health and sports facilities. The same law bans smoking in a private car when a child under 12 is inside. Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, known as Wadeema’s Law, also bans smoking in public and private transport and in indoor places when a child is present. TEREA sticks contain tobacco, so the safe approach is to follow every one of these rules when you use TEREA.
UAE tobacco rules at a glance
| Rule | Law |
|---|---|
| No tobacco sales to anyone under 18 | Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 |
| No smoking in closed public places | Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 |
| No smoking in places of worship, educational institutions, health and sports facilities | Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 |
| No smoking in a private car with a child under 12 | Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 |
| No smoking in public or private transport, or indoors, when a child is present | Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law) |
| Sellers may ask buyers to prove they are 18 | Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 |
| Excise tax on tobacco products | In force since 2017 |
Where you can use TEREA
- Designated smoking areas in malls, airports, hotels and offices.
- Outdoor areas where smoking is allowed.
- Your own home, if no children are present indoors.
Where you should not use TEREA
- Closed public places such as malls, offices, restaurants and cinemas, unless there is a smoking area.
- Mosques, schools, universities, hospitals, clinics and sports facilities.
- Any car, bus or taxi with a child inside.
- Metro, trams and public buses.
- Parks and beaches where local rules ban smoking. Dubai Municipality bans shisha in parks, beaches and public recreational areas, and Sharjah has banned smoking in public areas since 2008.
Rules differ between emirates and between buildings, so look for signs and ask staff. Our guide to TEREA etiquette in the UAE covers homes, offices and hotels.
Buying TEREA legally
- Only adults aged 18 and over can buy TEREA.
- Buy sealed packs from a seller you can contact after delivery.
- TEREA is a tobacco product, so it carries UAE excise tax.
We sell only to adults. Our guide on buying TEREA in the UAE lists your options. You can browse TEREA sticks in the UAE by edition and flavour.
Bringing TEREA into the UAE
Dubai Customs allows arriving passengers aged 18 and over to bring up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco without duty. Amounts above these limits are subject to duty. Our guide to travelling with TEREA covers flights and customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TEREA legal in Dubai?
Yes. TEREA is legal for adults aged 18 and over in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
Can I use TEREA indoors in the UAE?
Not in closed public places, unless there is a designated smoking area. Indoors with a child present is also banned under Wadeema’s Law.
Can I use TEREA in my car?
Not when a child under 12 is in the car. Wadeema’s Law bans smoking in private transport when any child is present.
What is the minimum age to buy TEREA in the UAE?
18. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 bans tobacco sales to anyone under 18.
Can I use TEREA on the Dubai Metro?
No. Smoking is not allowed on public transport.
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TEREA sticks in five editions, delivered in 2 hours.
