UAE Doctors Warn: One Hour of Shisha Smoking Can Equal 40 Cigarettes
UAE Doctors Warn About Shisha Smoking Risks and Lung Damage
Doctors in the United Arab Emirates are warning residents about the health risks associated with shisha smoking, highlighting that it should not be considered a safer alternative to cigarettes.
According to a report published by Khaleej Times on October 23, 2026, pulmonologist Dr Mohammed Fawzi Katranji of Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group said that an hour-long shisha session can involve smoke exposure comparable to smoking around 40 cigarettes under certain measures of exposure.
The warning was shared during the “Quit Like Sweden: The Swedish Experience” conference, where medical professionals discussed tobacco use and the challenges of helping people quit smoking.
Why Shisha Smoking Can Be Harmful
Doctors say the belief that shisha is safer because the smoke passes through water is not supported by scientific evidence. Smoke from shisha can contain carbon monoxide, tar and other harmful substances associated with burning tobacco.
Health experts also stress that the risks of combustible tobacco are not limited to conventional cigarettes. Shisha, midwakh and other tobacco products can expose users to harmful chemicals.
Doctors Say Many Shisha Users Do Not Identify as Smokers
Dr Katranji explained that some patients say they do not smoke when asked during medical consultations, but later reveal that they use shisha regularly.
This can make it harder for healthcare professionals to understand a patient's actual tobacco exposure and assess potential health risks.
Dr Rachael Kaminski, a consultant respiratory physician at Saudi German Hospital, said medical teams should ask patients about the products they use, how frequently they use them and the circumstances in which they smoke.
Doctors recommend that medical assessments cover cigarettes, shisha, midwakh, vaping and other nicotine products.
Long Shisha Sessions Raise Further Concerns
Dr Kaminski noted that people may spend two to four hours smoking shisha during a typical session. She highlighted the potential scale of smoke exposure during these extended periods.
The comparison with cigarette smoking depends on the exposure measure being considered and should not be interpreted as an exact equivalence in health outcomes. However, the key medical concern remains that shisha smoke can expose users to harmful substances.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Doctors warn that some smokers become accustomed to symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, phlegm and breathlessness.
These symptoms should not automatically be dismissed as normal consequences of smoking. They may indicate respiratory problems that require medical assessment.
One condition doctors highlighted is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease that can make breathing increasingly difficult and affect everyday activities.
Early medical evaluation can help identify respiratory problems and determine appropriate care.
Doctors Encourage Support to Quit Smoking
Medical professionals say smoking cessation support should be available through primary care services, respiratory clinics and heart care services.
People who want to stop smoking may benefit from professional counselling, suitable medical treatment and regular follow-up. Doctors also emphasise that support should be practical and non-judgmental.
What UAE Residents Should Know
The message from doctors is that shisha is a form of smoking and should not be assumed to be harmless because it is used socially or less frequently than cigarettes.
Residents experiencing a persistent cough, wheezing or breathing difficulties should seek medical advice rather than assuming these symptoms are simply part of the habit.
The report highlights the importance of recognising all forms of tobacco use, understanding their potential health risks and making smoking cessation support easier to access.
Related News
