Now in its fifth edition, the World Vape Show 2025 once again affirmed its position as the largest and most influential international event for the vaping and alternative nicotine industry. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 18–20, the event drew over 15,682 visitors from 109 countries, with more than 300 exhibitors representing the world’s top brands, manufacturers, regulatory experts, and distributors.
This year’s edition showcased a significant shift in the industry’s tone—marked by a growing focus on regulatory compliance, sustainability, and the expansion into emerging markets. The event successfully bridged business, innovation, and environmental responsibility, reaffirming Dubai’s role as a global hub for next-generation nicotine technologies.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage: Smucci Recycling Partnership
In a clear demonstration of environmental leadership, World Vape Show 2025 partnered with Smucci Recycling and Enviroserve—a Dubai Municipality and Ministry of Environment-certified organization—to introduce a vape device recycling initiative. The project reflects a wider commitment to green innovation, ensuring that the industry’s rapid growth does not come at the expense of the planet.
Dozens of Smucci Recycling Bins were placed throughout the venue, including a central hub at the entrance of Hall 6. Using the “Scan, Snap, Drop” system, visitors could scan a QR code, snap a photo of their device, and drop it into a smart bin. In return, they earned Smucci Coins via the Smucci Drop App, redeemable for exclusive products or discounts.
“We’re on a mission to make vape recycling as easy and accessible as possible,” said Smucci Recycling. “With our full-cycle transparency, we’re turning used vapes into sustainable raw materials.”
A live update on the initiative’s progress was shared during the Global Vape Forum, and organizers confirmed a post-event Environmental Impact Report would be published to quantify the program’s success.
Global Vape Forum: A Platform for Industry Dialogue and Leadership
Held alongside the main exhibition, the Global Vape Forum brought together key voices from across the industry to explore the evolving landscape of vaping regulation, sustainability, and innovation. The forum served as a central stage for high-level discussion, where thought leaders, policymakers, environmental advocates, and brand executives engaged in candid dialogue about the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
One of the standout sessions featured Smucci Recycling and Capseca Limited, focusing on sustainable product development and environmental impact. Speakers emphasized the need for green innovation to begin at the design phase and continue through to end-of-life solutions—an approach now gaining traction across the industry.
“The World Vape Forum is an ideal platform for communicating the importance of recycling, and the advantages that carefully considered product development can have in reducing the environmental impact of the vaping industry,” Pete Lomas, Director of Capseca Limited
The forum also served as the live stage for updates on key initiatives such as the Smucci Recycling Program and the upcoming Environmental Impact Report, underscoring the industry’s shift toward accountability and transparency.
Beyond environmental issues, sessions explored global compliance challenges, cross-market regulation, and the role of public education in reducing harm. The audience, composed of decision-makers and professionals from over 100 countries, actively contributed to discussions—highlighting a shared momentum toward building a more responsible and collaborative industry.
WVS 2025 App: A Digital Leap Forward
Supporting the event’s modern direction, organizers launched the official WVS 2025 App, streamlining the visitor experience and reducing the need for printed materials.
Through the app, attendees could:
Navigate a live floor plan
Locate exhibitor booths
Receive instant notifications
Track live sessions and offers
The digital tool significantly reduced congestion and enhanced real-time engagement, especially valuable given the scale and diversity of the event.
The Compliance Clinic: A Milestone for Regulatory Guidance
Debuting to wide acclaim, The Compliance Clinic was introduced in partnership with Inter Scientific to help brands, regulators, and stakeholders navigate the growing complexities of international vape compliance.
The clinic provided free, private consultations on topics such as:
Product testing
Nicotine regulation
Global packaging and labeling standards
Over three days, the clinic welcomed thousands of attendees and quickly became a critical platform for transparency, consumer safety, and cross-industry dialogue. Organizers praised the high level of engagement, and many brands reported newfound confidence in their regulatory strategies.
“The Compliance Clinic was a huge success,” said Inter Scientific. “It sparked important conversations around transparency, trust, and the evolving responsibilities of vape producers worldwide.”
Due to overwhelming demand, the feature is already confirmed to return in 2026.
International Buying Groups: Targeted Market Access
In a bold move to expand global reach, World Vape Show 2025 introduced the International Buying Groups initiative—connecting pre-qualified buyers and distributors from strategic markets with exhibiting brands.
The 2025 program focused on four key regions:
Saudi Arabia
North Africa
South Africa
VIPs from the global tobacco industry
Each group was carefully selected based on regional market potential, and members were easily identifiable by country-labeled badges and colored lanyards. The initiative offered:
Pre-qualified business leads
Focused B2B matchmaking
Stronger ROI for exhibitors
“This is about quality over quantity,” said organizers. “We’re enabling direct access to serious buyers who are actively seeking innovation and long-term partnerships.”
The program’s success is expected to shape future trade strategies at the show.
Vaping Post On-Site: Capturing the Pulse of the Industry
As with every edition of the World Vape Show, the Vaping Post team was actively present on-site, delivering in-depth coverage that went beyond the headlines. Moving between booths, attending discussions, and engaging with exhibitors from around the world.
What stood out this year was the noticeable shift in tone and awareness. Conversations were no longer confined to flavors or device performance—they increasingly revolved around regulatory compliance, responsible marketing, raw material sourcing, and sustainable design. This evolution was reflected not only in the discourse but also in how products were presented: more transparent, more professional, and more aligned with global expectations.
We also observed a renewed presence of legacy brands reinventing themselves with improved technologies and eco-conscious designs, alongside ambitious newcomers who are placing social responsibility at the heart of their innovation. Several of these new players showed clear intentions to serve the Arab market specifically—with tailored flavors, packaging, and messaging strategies.
Of particular note was the growing professionalism of Arab exhibitors—especially those from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Iraq—who demonstrated clear mastery of compliance standards and a growing ambition to expand into Asian and European markets. These brands are no longer content with playing a local role; they are now positioning themselves as full-fledged industrial and commercial partners on the global stage.
Influencers were also present in force, but not merely as promotional faces. Many took part in open panel discussions, raising issues around regulation, transparency, and consumer protection. Their participation reflected a maturing relationship between brands and the digital community, and a broader sense of shared responsibility within the vape ecosystem.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Vaping Is Collaborative
As the curtain fell on World Vape Show 2025, three powerful messages stood out:
Regulatory compliance is no longer a bonus—it’s a business necessity.
Emerging markets are shaping the next wave of global growth.
Sustainability is a defining metric of industry leadership.
Most importantly, the event made one thing clear:
The vaping industry remains a space for innovation and reinvention—provided it maintains balance between progress, responsibility, and global cooperation.