The vaping industry had a larger impact at this year’s World Tobacco Middle East trade show.
Dubai has a reputation for embracing modern technology, and the vaping industry is no exception. The World Tobacco Middle East Dubai 2023 (WTME) trade show, while dominated by traditional tobacco companies, had a limited number of vapor manufacturers offering the latest mods, tanks, coils and other vaping accessories. There were several heated-tobacco companies represented, and the e-hookah category also increased its presence.
The vaping industry doesn’t have a large presence at WTME. That is mainly due to the World Vape Dubai exhibition’s (June 12–14, 2024) growing presence and popularity in the region. Including heated-tobacco products, the electronic nicotine-delivery system segment only makes up about 10 percent of the more than 250 exhibitors. However, that is nearly double the vaping industry’s presence at last year’s WT Dubai trade show.
WTME, held Nov. 27–28, is the largest exhibition of the tobacco industry in the region. The event features the latest trends, innovations and products from the global nicotine industry. The exhibition is also accompanied by conferences where experts and industry leaders share their knowledge and experience.
This year, more than 5,700 tobacco professionals from more than 60 countries attended WTME, the show’s organizer, Quartz Business Media, states on its website. Quartz has more than 30 years of experience in supporting the tobacco industry. The company owns and operates a network of the world’s largest nicotine-related conferences and exhibitions, including World Tobacco Events, World Shisha and World Vape Show Dubai.
According to Wingle Group Electronics, a data resource firm, there were several new products from the e-hookah, vapor and heat-not-burn segments at WTME 2023. Some of those highlights include:
Vapor
● Shenzhen Yunxi Technology Co. showcased its new pod system, the Uwoo Binastar 5000 cartopod.
● Legacy Tobacco Brand International showcased new vapes under the My Bar brand: the My Bar Extra 15K disposable with a display and the My Bar Extra 18K with LED indicators of e-liquid and battery levels.
● Hanwha Group together with Ard Filter released the Neon Doublor pod system, a new cig-a-like product that utilizes a filter tip with a capsule.
● A new e-cigarette brand, Yozo, was launched. Currently, its portfolio includes three disposable models: Yozo 800, Yozo 3500 and Yozo 7500. The products were introduced in the Pakistani market in November.
● Vaprize introduced several new disposable models: Vaprize T18 2500 Crystal, Vaprize GM01 8000 (with a display), Vaprize VP Flat 8000 (with a display), Vaprize Type TE6000 and Vaprize 3500.
E-hookah
● Chongqing Xiying Technology Co. showcased the TT Tiger Laser Shisha and TT Tiger E-Heater V8 e-hookahs. The company’s catalog also included a pod-based electronic hookah similar to the one offered by the OOKA brand.
Heated tobacco
● Shenzhen Ruigu Technology Co. showcased its product portfolio and promoted the upcoming Hitaste E5 induction heating system.
● Gulbahar Tobacco International launched a new heat-not-burn brand, Milano.
● Nioo Technology Co. promoted the new IQOS Iluma-compatible tobacco sticks Heaco with an induction recipient inside the stick.
● BroadFar presented its new product, the Nmate Air 3.0 heating system with convection heat transfer. BroadFar is also promoting OEM of Nuso heated sticks through Legacy Tobacco Brand International. The manufacturing facility is in Indonesia.
● Heechi Tech presented its line of Heeсhi heated sticks designed exclusively for Heechi devices with convection heating (the company currently has several models under development).
● Yunnan Tobacco International showcased Ashima heated sticks. The product is promoted together with a new heating system, MyChoice.
● The Shenzhen Imiracle Technology Co. booth exhibited the Rejo HS40 and Rejo TS40 heating systems.
● Shenzhen Yunxi Technology Co. promoted the Uwoo EM induction heating system and Heabal herbal sticks.
● GOAT Lab, together with iRod, showcased UGare heated sticks, Joy iCod tobacco heated sticks and the iRod X3 heating system (by Smoore).
● COO v2 heated sticks were presented together with the MOK FWRD heating system. The device features a lock/unlock feature and a digital built-in accelerometer.
● Metex showcased several of its heating systems: Metex Polar, Metex PE (conduction heating system compatible with TEREA and SENTIA heated sticks; peripheral heating), Metex Arch (conduction heating technology with 2 zone peripheral heater) and Metex Phoenix.
● P.T. Jinjia NGP Indonesia promoted Mofee sticks for induction heating.
● Acmefog Commerce (Korea) promoted the Zeles M2 induction heating system with a blade-shaped susceptor, shutter mechanism, which protects the stick slot from dust and damage, and IPX5 water resistant rating (claimed), Zeles infrared heating system prototype (currently under development), CTOM ZL heated sticks, Kuanzhai heated sticks and Zelex heated sticks.
According to WTME attendees, the trade show has helped to redefine industry standards, set new trends and shape practices in the tobacco industry. The gathering is not just about showcasing products; it’s a dynamic exchange of ideas and a catalyst for transformation.
One of the best attributes of WTME is that the show is a place where the old meets the new, where innovation meets tradition and where discussions take place that will influence the strategies, policies and very essence of the tobacco industry, stated Maryna Gudym, business development manager for Wingle Group, in her report.
“Almost all booths had promoters who invited visitors to taste their products or get additional information about the services they provide,” said Gudym. “World Tobacco Middle East Dubai is a great opportunity for professionals to meet, establish business connections and learn about new opportunities.”