Tag: Shisha

Oman Bans the Sale of Vaping and Shisha Products

Credit: Fellow Neko
The chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority states that a fine of up to OMR 2,000 ($5,196) for multiple violations will be imposed on anyone who trades in e-cigarettes, shisha, and their accessories in the Sultanate of Oman.
His Excellency Sulayem bin Ali Al-Hakmani issued Ministerial decision No. 756/2023 on Sunday, January 7, 2024, creating the ban, according to media reports.
Article One stipulates that the circulation of e-cigarettes, shisha, and their accessories is prohibited.
Article Two states that, “without prejudice to the penal penalties stipulated in the aforementioned Consumer Protection Law, an administrative fine not exceeding OMR1,000 shall be imposed on anyone who violates the provisions of this decision, and the fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat violation.
“If this violation continues, an administrative fine of OMR 50 will be imposed for each day that the violation continues, provided that its total does not exceed OMR 2,000. The seized quantities of electronic cigarettes, shishas, and their accessories will be destroyed in accordance with the controls in force at the Consumer Protection Authority.”
The new bill also repealed an earlier Resolution (No. 698/2015), as well as any laws or rules that contravene the current resolution or conflict with its provisions.
It also stipulates that the decision “shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall be effective from the day following the date of its publication.”
January 8, 2024
Zanzibar to Ban Import and Consumption of Vape Products

Zanzibar authorities plan to impose a ban on import and consumption of shisha and e-cigarettes, according to The Citizen.
“We are all witnesses—the consumption of shisha and e-cigarettes has become commonplace, and we shall come up with a special regulatory law to govern those who will have special permits to import and sell shisha or electric cigarettes,” said Masoud Ali Mohammed, Zanzibar’s minister of state, office of the president, regional administrations, local governments and SMZ departments.
Current importers have been advised not to restock products but rather to reach out to authorities for new directives. “Do not order more products after your current stock is depleted,” said the minister. “You will have to follow the new laws that the government is going to issue.”
June 23, 2023
Medad Pioneers Ultrasound Water Pipe for Shisha

Image: Studio217
Medad Technology has developed a shisha pipe that it says is less harmful to health than traditional hookah, reports The National.
Unveiled at the recent World Vape Show in Dubai, the company’s Nesta pipe delivers a nicotine hit via ultrasonic vibrations, which could cut cancer risk from inhaling toxic fumes, according to Medad Technology.
The device’s patented algorithm reportedly produces mist droplets containing nicotine that are evenly distributed as they are inhaled.
Misting is distinct from vaping as it uses ultrasound technology rather than heat. The absence of charcoal and tobacco means the product generates none of the harmful carbon emissions or toxic fumes that are usually inhaled by users of traditional hookah pipes, according to the company.
“The challenge was to develop real, alternative products that were safer than shisha and e-cigarettes, not categorized under vaping, so a completely new product,” Medad Holding CEO Mohammed Al Mazrouei was quoted as saying.
The device has been approved by the European Union Medical Agency and by the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, according to Medad Holding.
It is under review by UAE authorities. The company is planning to also apply for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
An estimated 100 million people use shisha, or similar water pipes, on a daily basis around the world.

June 22, 2022
Geek Bar Launches Shisha Vapes for U.K. Market

Photo: Geek Bar
Geek Bar is launching its first range of shisha vapes, which will be widely available across the U.K.
The Geek Bar shisha vape includes 575 puffs and uses the same battery technology as previous Geek Bar products. The range, which comes with 2 ml e-liquid capacity and contains 20 mg/ml nicotine to comply with U.K. regulations, is available in a number of flavors, including Watermelon Berries Shisha, Hawaii Sunshine Shisha and Pineapple Guava Shisha.
The fruit flavored range is designed to help adult smokers quit conventional cigarettes. A study conducted by Nicotine & Tobacco Research last year highlighted that vaping sweet flavors associated with fruits were more likely to help an adult smoker give up their habit than use of tobacco flavored e-liquid, according to Geek Bar.
“Shisha pipes have become increasingly popular in the U.K., and we wanted to give those who smoke them a safer option just like we do for conventional cigarette users with a range of disposable vape products which have been a phenomenal success in the U.K.,” said Geek Bar CEO Allen Yang.
“Due to the popularity of Geek Bar in the U.K., we’re delighted to add this new shisha range to our product offering. We are plugging an important gap in the market which will support improved public health in the U.K.”
The new shisha range will use Geek Bar’s new packaging which will allow both retailers and consumers to check the authenticity of the product from a compliance perspective as well as make it clear that the product is for sale to only over 18-year-olds.
February 14, 2022
Los Angeles Could Soon Ban Flavors, Exempt Hookah
Vapers in Los Angeles, California may no longer purchase flavored vaping products. The L.A. city council unanimously voted to ask city attorneys Wednesday to start drafting a bill banning businesses from selling many flavored vaping and tobacco products. The council has said the move was meant to stop teens from getting hooked on nicotine.
Credit: Tierney
A coalition of youth and public health advocates backing the ban argued that flavored products have lured more teens to use tobacco, including by vaping with electronic cigarettes. The council decided against considering an exemption for menthol.
No one from the vaping industry argued against the proposed bill. Hookah lounges, however, may have been spared after arguing the law could destroy a cherished tradition among Armenians, Arabs and other communities in which hookah has been a centerpiece of gatherings and celebrations.
The last time the issue was heard at City Hall over a year ago, council members suggested allowing some sales of flavored tobacco for consumption on site at lounges, but hookah sellers said the plan was too restrictive and would not allow lounges to be passed down to future generations, according to the L.A. Times. Nor would it allow people to buy hookah tobacco to smoke at home.
June 16, 2021