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Bahrain Parliament To Discuss Ban On E-Cigarettes And Vapes

Bahrain may soon take a major step toward protecting young people from the growing dangers of electronic smoking devices. MP Jalal Kazem Al-Mahfoudh revealed that the upcoming Parliament session will discuss a draft law to ban the sale and circulation of electronic shisha and e-cigarettes (vapes) across the Kingdom. Al-Mahfoudh said the proposal aims to address the rising health risks linked to vaping, particularly among children and teenagers. He noted that the appealing flavors and social media promotions have made these products highly popular among the youth, creating a false impression that they are a 'safe' alternative to traditional cigarettes. The MP highlighted that Bahrain, like many other countries, has witnessed a sharp increase in vape usage among teenagers, raising serious health and social concerns among parents and experts. He cited medical studies showing that e-shishas contain chemicals that can harm the respiratory and immune systems, especially in young people whose bodies are still developing. Research also indicates a strong link between vaping and nicotine addiction, which can pave the way to smoking other forms of tobacco—or even substance abuse. Al-Mahfoudh stressed the importance of strict regulations, calling for tighter monitoring of sales and a ban on marketing e-cigarettes as safe alternatives. He also suggested learning from the successful bans in Gulf countries, as well as nations like Canada, India, and Singapore. In addition to legislative measures, the MP urged health authorities and schools to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping, emphasizing that prevention begins with early education and active family involvement. Civil society organizations have also joined calls for stricter laws, including banning online promotion, regulating points of sale, and launching targeted youth campaigns. If passed, this law could mark a turning point in Bahrain's efforts to safeguard the health of its younger generations.