“I haven’t quit smoking, but I just don’t smoke like before.” It’s a sentence doctors, cigarette shop workers, and former smokers across the UAE say they are hearing with increasing frequency. While many residents are not giving up cigarettes entirely, a noticeable shift in smoking habits is underway.
Interviews with smokers suggest a growing trend of reduction rather than cessation. Some say they have cut back from a pack a day to just a few cigarettes, while others now smoke only occasionally – often during moments of stress or at social gatherings. For many, daily smoking has been replaced by intermittent use.
Health professionals note that rising awareness about smoking-related illnesses has played a role in the change. Campaigns highlighting the risks of lung disease, heart conditions, and cancer have prompted smokers to reassess their habits, even if they are not ready to quit completely. Cost considerations, including higher prices for tobacco products, have also contributed to reduced consumption.
Another key factor is the growing popularity of smoke-free alternatives. Many smokers in the UAE report experimenting with options such as nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products, or vaping as part of their effort to move away from traditional cigarettes. While medical experts stress that no nicotine product is entirely risk-free, they acknowledge that some smokers see these alternatives as a stepping stone toward eventual quitting.
Retailers have noticed the shift as well. Cigarette shop staff say customers are buying fewer packs at a time or switching between products instead of sticking to a single brand. Some customers openly discuss their attempts to cut back, framing it as progress rather than failure.
Public health experts caution that cutting down does not eliminate health risks, but they also recognise that behaviour change often happens gradually. Reducing consumption can be an important first step, particularly for long-term smokers.
The trend reflects a broader change in attitudes toward smoking in the UAE. While quitting entirely remains the healthiest option, many smokers appear to be redefining what “progress” looks like – choosing fewer cigarettes, fewer days of smoking, and, for some, a gradual move away from tobacco altogether.
