ع
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has banned one type of liquid consisting of THC-containing vape solutions from any use at workplaces across the UAE a Legit News report stated. Officials framed the prohibition as an extension of existing federal drug laws that treat such liquids as cannabis regardless of concentration or form. Employers must prevent employees from using the substance on company premises while workers risk both disciplinary measures and potential criminal charges for violations. The directive arrives as authorities intensify enforcement of occupational safety standards that apply to all private sector entities.
A regulatory guide published in 2026 by local authorities reported that vaping itself has been legal in the UAE since 2019 provided products carry MOHAP registration and users are over 18 years old. The same guidelines explicitly exclude THC liquids and carts of any concentration from permitted categories because they trigger drug-offense provisions. Employers and workers alike received warnings that even trace amounts discovered during site inspections could lead to immediate penalties and further investigation.
Dubai police enforcement records show that vaping in restricted public areas such as the metro carries fines of AED 2 000 while beaches impose penalties of AED 500 according to published rules. The workplace ban aligns with these public restrictions by extending zero-tolerance measures to commercial and industrial sites the Ministry of Health and Prevention indicated. Companies found negligent in upholding the prohibition may face additional sanctions under labour regulations that hold management accountable for maintaining substance-free environments.
All vape liquids sold or used in the country must remain below a 20 mg/ml nicotine cap and exclude any cannabis-derived substances a MOHAP assessment confirmed. CBD liquids are similarly prohibited even when obtained legally elsewhere because the UAE has not authorised medicinal or recreational cannabis derivatives. The government circular distributed to businesses emphasised the need for updated internal policies to reflect the latest clarification on prohibited items.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation which oversees private sector compliance has incorporated the liquid ban into routine workplace inspections conducted throughout the year. Officials noted that the measure supports broader efforts to protect employee health and maintain productivity standards across key economic sectors. Employers received instructions to display clear notices and conduct staff briefings before the end of September 2026 to ensure full awareness of the restrictions.
