A retail pioneer said that the cigarette and electronic vaping industry in Vape UAE must put in more efforts to support the official governmental initiatives aimed at preventing the trade of counterfeit and unregulated electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, and prohibiting sales to minors.
History of Vape UAE
Since April 2019, the sale of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and e-liquids has been legally allowed in the UAE under mandatory regulations set by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology.
However, “My Vapery,” one of the most famous brands in the electronic cigarette and vaping industry in the UAE, affirmed that vape traders must work together to support official efforts aimed at preventing potential health threats, keeping electronic cigarettes away from individuals under the age of 21.
The company aims to collaborate with the organizers of the first World Vape Expo to be held in Dubai in September to help the industry with self-regulation, shed light on electronic cigarettes and vaping devices as safer alternatives to traditional smoking, leading to an improvement in public health.
In this regard, Atef Amin, the marketing director at My Vapery, said, “As retailers, we all need to focus more on supporting the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology and the police and enhancing their efforts to stop the random trading of counterfeit and unregulated products that could pose health threats.”
He added, “It is essential that we work closely together to prevent the sale of electronic cigarettes to consumers below the legal age. The establishment of this new expo in Dubai presents an ideal opportunity to educate the vaping industry on the necessary standards to provide greater protection for consumers.”
World Vape Expo in UAE
The World Vape Expo will be held from September 19 to 21, 2021, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting manufacturers, retailers, public health experts, and electronic cigarette enthusiasts worldwide. The expo and conference will showcase new vape technology and a range of regulated products that now meet the demand for safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
Atef Amin further elaborated, “It is a great opportunity to discuss and build on the precautions we take to ensure the health and safety of all product samples from suppliers abroad. We will work with the organizers to participate in this experience and the measures we take to avoid selling products directly to those under 21, and individuals suspected of purchasing on behalf of minors.”
Moreover, Amin stated, “My Vapery is particularly keen to comply with the prohibition of sales to minors in locations where young people gather in large numbers, such as Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Kite Beach in Dubai. Less than two years after its launch, the company will expand its network in the UAE to 14 outlets next month in new locations in Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, and Nakheel Mall, in addition to the current nine locations in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi.
Jake Nixon, event director of the World Vape Expo, Quartz Business Media, mentioned, “It is encouraging to see a leading retail seller taking the initiative to set industry standards in this way and create a key area for discussion at this event.”
He added, “The expo is an important platform that allows the industry to analyze itself and the key issues it faces, educate manufacturers, retailers, and vape users on the importance of safety, the need for robust regulations, and more research to protect consumers.”
In conclusion
The World Vape Expo will bring together over 200 vape brands, up to 50 expert speakers, several thousand industry professionals, vape enthusiasts, and those looking to switch from cigarettes. The experts speaking at the conference will discuss the future of vaping innovations, regulations, and industry expectations across the Middle East and North Africa region, participating in a panel focused on electronic smoking research and public health.
