Unveiling Alarming Vaping Rates in UAE Higher Education
A groundbreaking cross-sectional study conducted between April 2024 and November 2025 has shed light on the growing concern of electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, use—commonly known as vaping—among university students in the United Arab Emirates. Researchers from Gulf Medical University and Ajman University surveyed 422 students with a mean age of 21.5 years, predominantly female at 72.7%, revealing that 23.5% are current vapers. This figure underscores a troubling trend in UAE higher education institutions, where young adults navigating academic pressures and social influences are increasingly turning to vaping devices.
The research highlights not just usage patterns but also the underlying drivers, positioning this issue at the forefront of student wellness discussions across UAE universities. As vaping emerges as a preferred nicotine delivery method over traditional cigarettes, educational leaders must address this head-on to safeguard campus health.
Demographic Insights: Who is Most Affected?
While the study did not break down prevalence by gender explicitly, prior surveys at Ajman University indicate stark disparities, with males reporting significantly higher rates—31% current nicotine use compared to 10% among females. Across UAE campuses, younger students aged 18-24 show elevated risks, often linked to peer networks and stress from studies. At Gulf Medical University and Ajman, the sample's youthfulness mirrors the national higher education demographic, where international and local students blend in diverse environments.
This demographic snapshot reveals vaping's appeal transcends borders, affecting Emirati and expatriate students alike. Universities like Zayed University and Khalifa University may face similar challenges, though specific data remains limited, emphasizing the need for institution-wide surveillance.
Knowledge Gaps Hindering Prevention Efforts
One of the study's most striking revelations is the low to moderate knowledge levels among students, with an average score of 8.16 out of 17 on the Electronic Cigarette Knowledge Questionnaire (ECQ). Shockingly, only 3.4% achieved high knowledge scores. Many misconceptions persist, such as believing vaping is harmless or less addictive than cigarettes, despite evidence linking it to respiratory issues and nicotine dependence.
Sources of information often include social media and peers rather than reliable channels like university health services. This gap perpetuates risky behaviors, as students underestimate long-term harms like lung damage and cardiovascular risks associated with prolonged e-cigarette use.
Attitudes: The Primary Driver of Uptake
Multivariate analysis pinpointed positive attitudes toward vaping as the strongest predictor of current use, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.24 per unit increase on the Electronic Cigarette Attitude Scale (ECAS). Students viewing vapes as fashionable, stress-relieving, or socially acceptable are far more likely to experiment and continue.
Flavors, portability, and perceptions of reduced harm compared to shisha or cigarettes fuel this mindset. In UAE's vibrant campus culture, where social gatherings are common, these attitudes amplify peer influence, making targeted attitude-shifting campaigns essential.
Nicotine Dependence: A Hidden Campus Crisis
Among current vapers, 51.5% showed low dependence via the Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-ECDI), but a concerning 41.5% exhibited moderate to high levels. This indicates that for many UAE university students, vaping has evolved from casual trial to habitual reliance. Dual use with traditional products, noted in Ajman surveys, exacerbates dependence, with higher scores among those starting early.
Academic performance suffers as withdrawal affects concentration, highlighting the urgency for cessation support in higher education settings.
Health Risks and Emerging Concerns
Vaping exposes users to aerosols containing nicotine, heavy metals, and flavoring chemicals, linked to EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) and popcorn lung. In the UAE context, where youth vaping is rising—from 4% in 2021 to 23.5% now—long-term impacts on respiratory health demand attention.
Read the full study in Frontiers in Public Health for detailed methodology and risks.
UAE University Policies: Smoke-Free but Challenges Persist
UAE universities enforce strict smoke-free policies encompassing vaping, banning it indoors and often outdoors. Ajman University and Gulf Medical University promote awareness through campaigns like World No Tobacco Day events and health club initiatives. National laws prohibit sales to minors and public use, aligning with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Yet enforcement gaps exist, with discreet campus vaping reported. NYU Abu Dhabi and others debate total bans versus education.
Rising Trends Across UAE Campuses
From 4% nicotine vaping in 2021 to 12.7% e-cigarettes at Ajman in 2024 and 23.5% in the latest study, prevalence is surging. UAE leads Arab states at nearly 40% nicotine product use among students, outpacing Kuwait. Factors include flavor variety and marketing.
For more on UAE tobacco strategy, visit the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Implications
University administrators, like those at Gulf Medical, emphasize proactive health programs. Students call for peer-led cessation groups, while faculty note productivity dips from dependence. Policymakers eye stricter flavor bans per global trends.
Implications extend to mental health, as vaping often masks academic stress.
Solutions: Building Healthier Campuses
- Implement mandatory vaping education modules in freshman orientations.
- Expand counseling with PS-ECDI screenings for early intervention.
- Partner with MoHAP for quitline access on campuses.
- Enforce designated vape-free zones with awareness signage.
- Research funding for longitudinal UAE uni studies.
Ajman's anti-smoking drives offer models, blending events with policy.
Future Outlook for UAE Higher Education
With UAE Vision 2031 prioritizing health, universities must integrate anti-vaping into wellness strategies. Ongoing monitoring and multi-stakeholder collaboration promise reduced rates, fostering resilient student bodies. As knowledge rises and attitudes shift, campuses can lead in public health innovation.