Innovations and Trends at World Vape Show 2024 in Dubai

In the hot summer of Dubai, the World Vape Show took place at the Dubai World Trade Center from June 12th to 14th, 2024. I visited the show for the third consecutive year. As usual, the show was big and strong, with many vendors and distributors participating. Vendors showcased new concepts, designs of vaping devices, and new flavours. This year focused more on business-to-business (B2B) interactions, but vape lovers also attended. Many visitors received invites from distributors or retailers. Some brands offered free ticket access with certain online purchases.

Brands invested heavily in stand design, adding elements like DJs, stilt walkers, clowns, models, and volunteers to attract visitors.

New Designs and Technology in Vapes

Each year, I observe the vaping industry’s new innovations and designs. This year, several brands showcased intriguing designs that will likely appeal to UAE vapers. I met Lauren Huang, Jacques Xiang Li, and their team before and during the event. They introduced the Elfbar EW9000, featuring a unique design. The device uses replaceable pre-filled PODs with a reusable magnetic battery case rechargeable via USB Type-C. Vapers only need to buy pre-filled PODs and reuse the magnetic battery case.

Elfbar offered a variety of vaping options, including disposables, pre-filled replaceable POD systems, and open POD systems. These options allow consumers to reuse pods with e-liquids from the market. Lost Mary also showcased a range of products, including disposables, pre-filled replaceable POD systems, and open POD systems. Their Lost Mary 4-in-1 replaceable pre-filled pods caught my attention. This innovative device holds four pre-filled pods with different flavours, allowing vapers to switch between flavours using a rotator mechanism. The unit displays the pod names and battery levels, and users can adjust power settings. Once a pod is empty, it can be replaced, and the rechargeable pod case continues to be used.

YOOZ showcased disposables, pre-filled replaceable POD systems, open POD systems, and e-liquids. They introduced pods with APP, LED displays, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers for call notifications and Games. This design marks the first time I’ve seen Bluetooth technology integrated into POD systems. YOOZ offered these innovative features across their disposable, pre-filled, and open POD systems. Many brands also displayed E-Shisha systems, allowing Shisha lovers to enjoy their experience without worrying about coal burning or tobacco.

Re-Entry of Refillable POD Systems

Over the past two years, disposable pods have dominated the event displays. This year, reusable and refillable POD systems gained attention. This shift may respond to potential bans on single-use disposables in the UK. Concerns about disposables attracting children and harming the environment drive this change. Disposable vapes are not being safely disposed of, leading to environmental harm. The refillable and open pod systems produce much less e-waste compared to disposables. Disposables include batteries, coils, plastic casings, LED lights, and metal parts, which are more harmful to the environment. I support refillable pod systems for their reduced waste and environmental impact. Refillable systems generate less e-waste because users only discard empty pods, which are smaller and less harmful than disposable vapes that contain batteries and other electronic components.

Global Responsibility for the Environment by Vape Brands

I sought brands promoting eco-friendly POD systems or recycling programs. Unfortunately, I found none at the show. However, Jacques Xiang Li of ELFBAR and LOST MARY discussed their “GREEN AWARENESS” vape recycling program. This program, one of the industry’s earliest, started in the UK. By April this year, nearly 2,000 bins had collected over 200,000 discarded vapes, processed responsibly. ELFBAR’s “Lighthouse” program ensures products remain out of children’s reach. The program includes self-regulation in product design, R&D, marketing, and sales to prevent underage usage. In June, they will release their first ESG report, highlighting responsible measures taken by both brands. I asked Jacques Xiang Li about plans for the UAE market. He mentioned they plan to implement similar environmental and safety measures in the UAE.

Global Companies at the World Vape Show 2024

This year, various companies from around the world attended the show. Major vape manufacturers came from China and Singapore to showcase their latest products. E-liquid manufacturers from the UK, Italy, France, and the USA also participated, offering a wide range of flavours and formulations. OEM companies provided basic casing to pod systems with brand names. Additionally, brands and distributors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle East countries attended, highlighting the region’s growing interest in vaping products.

Popularity of Disposable Vapes

Single-use vapes appeal to first-time users transitioning from smoking due to their affordability and convenience. Brands do not intend these products for children and enforce strict policies against underage sales. However, underage buyers sometimes use false IDs or unscrupulous retailers sell to them without checking IDs. Brands view disposables as the first step to vaping at a reasonable price. Regular users prefer refillable pod systems or open-type pod systems despite higher initial costs. These users buy pre-filled pods or e-liquids for open systems in the long term. Disposable vapes offer strong flavours and various nicotine levels, making them attractive to new users. Regular vape users often transition to refillable or open pod systems for better cost efficiency and customization options.

Overall Experience at the World Vape Show 2024

The first and second days of the show were crowded with consumers eager to explore the latest products. Many visitors enjoyed free contests and giveaways, including spin-the-wheel games and free gifts like t-shirts, branded water bottles, and vapes. The third day saw fewer crowds and more serious B2B meetings, with brands and distributors busy with their discussions and negotiations. This time, samples were handed out less frequently unless visitors had a clear business interest.

I enjoyed learning the latest news and technology in the vaping industry. I hoped to see more eco-friendly vaping devices and systems, as reducing e-waste is essential for our future. While smoking is harmful, vaping can help smokers quit or reduce tobacco use. Controlled vaping may reduce health issues and aid in quitting smoking altogether. Overall, the World Vape Show 2024 in Dubai was an interesting and insightful experience. The event showcased the latest innovations, trends, and efforts towards environmental responsibility in the vaping industry. I look forward to future shows and seeing how the industry continues to evolve and address environmental and health concerns.

Statutory Warning

Cigarette smoking causes serious diseases and is addictive. Without question, the best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether.
PMI’s smoke-free products are for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

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