On average, most cigarette packs cost AED 10, while brands that cost more than AED 20 per pack had an increase of only AED 1. This especially includes Malboro cigarettes that already had a 100% price increase three years ago. Another 5% increase in VAT brought the cost to AED 21 per pack.

In 2026, cigarettes in Dubai are more expensive than they were historically but remain significantly cheaper than in many Western European or North American cities. A standard pack of 20 premium cigarettes (like Marlboro) costs approximately AED 22 to AED 25 (roughly $6.00 to $6.80 USD). This price increase is primarily due to the "Sin Tax" (Excise Tax) introduced by the UAE government, which applied a 100% tax on tobacco products to discourage smoking and increase public revenue. Despite this, Dubai remains a popular place for travelers to purchase tobacco in bulk at Dubai Duty Free in the airport, where prices for cartons are even lower and there is a wider selection of international brands. It is important to note that the UAE has strict rules about where you can smoke; smoking is prohibited in government buildings, malls, and most public parks, though designated smoking areas are common in cafes and hotels. Vaping is also legal and regulated, with similar excise taxes applied to electronic cigarette liquids and devices, making them roughly comparable in cost to traditional tobacco.