UAE legalizes tobacco-free nicotine pouches to help smokers quit cigarettes | World News
The UAE will officially allow the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches starting July 29, following the enactment of a new Cabinet resolution that sets technical standards for this emerging smoking alternative. The new law aims to provide smokers with additional tools to quit cigarettes. Dr Sanam Mallick, Consultant in Family Medicine at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, described nicotine pouches as small, smokeless products that contain nicotine but no tobacco. “People place them between their gum and lips to absorb nicotine without smoking or chewing tobacco. They’re popular as a discreet alternative to cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, the same chemical that we find in tobacco,” he told Khaleej Times. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is released by these pouches and stimulates dopamine production, the ‘feel-good hormone.’ This process helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, thereby assisting smokers in quitting. “Nicotine pouches can be a valuable tool for some people trying to quit smoking, but whether they’re a good option compared to other smoking cessation methods depends on a few factors,” Dr Mallick explained. One major benefit of nicotine pouches is the absence of smoke inhalation, which significantly reduces the risk of lung damage associated with traditional cigarettes. However, Dr Mallick cautioned that, like all nicotine products, pouches can be addictive. “They still contain nicotine, so they don’t remove the addiction, just the smoking behaviour. (Additionally), because they’re relatively new, the long-term health impacts are still being studied.” Regarding effectiveness, Dr Mallick noted that some smokers have successfully used pouches to gradually reduce or replace cigarette smoking, while others find it challenging due to the continued oral habit. “Others may find the oral fixation or habit harder to break, since pouches still involve placing something in the mouth (similar to chewing tobacco).” Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches, gum, and lozenges are well-established methods known to increase quit rates by 50 to 70 per cent. “Nicotine pouches might offer similar benefits, but without long-term studies, their effectiveness compared to these therapies is less certain,” Dr Mallick added. Shiraz Khan, Chief Operating Officer at Aster Retail GCC, further explained the difference between nicotine pouches and patches. “Nicotine from pouches is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. In contrast, nicotine patches are transdermal products applied to the skin. They slowly release nicotine into the bloodstream over a period of time, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings,” he said. “The key difference lies in the method of delivery. Pouches work via oral mucosal absorption, while patches deliver nicotine through the skin.” Currently, NRTs such as patches, gum, and lozenges are widely available in UAE pharmacies, often sold over the counter without prescription. However, some higher-dose patches or combination therapies might require healthcare provider supervision, Khan noted. NRTs are popular among smokers aiming to quit due to their discreet usage, absence of smoke, and perceived lower harm compared to traditional tobacco products. “Products like nicotine gums and lozenges have seen rapid growth due to their discreet use, lack of smoke, and perceived lower harm compared to traditional tobacco products,” Khan said. Under UAE regulations, all nicotine products must carry health warnings and age restriction labels, with sales prohibited to anyone under 18 years. Packaging and labelling are required to comply with UAE-specific guidelines, including Arabic labelling. “Only licensed retailers or pharmacies may sell these products,” Khan added. Globally, tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death. According to a guide released last year by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap), the global tobacco epidemic claims nearly eight million lives annually, ranking it as one of the world’s most serious public health threats. In the UAE, the National Health Survey of 2018 found that nearly 16 per cent of men and 2.5 per cent of women are smokers. To bolster tobacco cessation efforts, UAE authorities have committed to providing counselling and psychological support to individuals seeking to quit all forms of tobacco, including e-cigarettes.
