The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has joined the Gulf Health Council’s “Today Before Tomorrow” campaign to prevent vaping and nicotine addiction among young people aged 15 to 24 across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The month-long initiative also targets parents, healthcare professionals, educational institutions and youth organisations.
The campaign aims to correct misconceptions about e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, encouraging young people to understand the risks before nicotine use becomes a habit. Although these products differ in how they are used, they can expose users to addictive nicotine.
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, said the UAE takes an integrated approach to preventing tobacco use. It combines legislation, regulation and early intervention to protect public health.
A key focus is the impact of nicotine during adolescence and early adulthood, when the brain continues to develop. According to MoHAP, nicotine exposure can adversely affect attention, learning, memory, mood regulation and impulse control. The campaign also highlights how curiosity, peer pressure, appealing flavours and digital marketing can influence young people to experiment with nicotine products.
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The initiative addresses the misconception that nicotine can relieve stress and encourages young people to make informed health decisions. It also provides guidance on resisting social pressure, recognising triggers for nicotine use and seeking specialist support when trying to quit.
MoHAP officials stressed that preventing tobacco use requires cooperation between government authorities, families, schools and healthcare providers. The campaign forms part of the UAE’s wider tobacco-control efforts and supports the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031.
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Through regional cooperation, the UAE and other GCC countries aim to strengthen preventive measures, reduce tobacco-related health risks and protect the long-term health of younger generations.
