Cigarette smoking in the United Arab Emirates
In 2025, cigarette smoking prevalence (among adults aged 15 and over) in the United Arab Emirates was 5.5 %, down from 5.7 % in 2024. This gives the United Arab Emirates the 8th-highest among BRICS+ countries, and the 146th-highest globally (out of 167 economies with available data).
Cigarette smoking
Share of the population aged 15+ who smoke
United Arab Emirates
How United Arab Emirates compares
About this indicator
This indicator measures the share of the population aged 15 years and over who currently smoke cigarettes, including both daily and non-daily smokers. Estimates are age-standardized, which removes the influence of differences in population age structures across countries. These estimates are harmonized and modeled by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on national survey data.
Smoking prevalence is a leading predictor of long-term life expectancy and chronic disease rates. While declining rates reflect the effectiveness of public health policies and tobacco control, high prevalence indicates increased pressure on national healthcare systems.
Smoking prevalence is a leading predictor of long-term life expectancy and chronic disease rates. While declining rates reflect the effectiveness of public health policies and tobacco control, high prevalence indicates increased pressure on national healthcare systems.
Sources and updates
Data sources
The data for this indicator are drawn from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory (GHO).
Last update
This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.
More on the United Arab Emirates
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Current spending on healthcare goods and services
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Share of adults aged 18+ with BMI ≥ 30
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Alcohol consumption
Liters of pure alcohol consumed per adult (15+)
Rank176th of 207
Life expectancy at birth
Average years of life
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Life expectancy at birth: males
Average years of life for males
Rank6th of 236
Life expectancy at birth: females
Average years of life for females
Rank38th of 236
Medical doctors
Number of medical doctors per 10,000 inhabitants
Rank57th of 174
Economic activity
Population & Demographics
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Government debt (% of GDP)
Gross debt of the general government
Rank147th of 190
Public debt per capita
Gross debt of the general government, in current international dollars
Rank43rd of 191
Government budget balance (% of GDP)
Positive values indicate a surplus; negative values indicate a deficit
Rank4th of 194