What Is IQOS? How It Works, HEETS vs TEREA, Legality & ESMA Certification – Complete UAE Guide 2026

If you are new to IQOS or considering switching from cigarettes, this guide answers every question clearly: what IQOS is, how it works, whether it is healthier than smoking, the difference between HEETS and TEREA, whether IQOS is legal in Dubai, and what ESMA certification means in the UAE.

Last updated: 2026 — reviewed for current UAE IQOS 3 Multi, IQOS ILUMA, HEETS & TEREA availability and ESMA regulations.

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What Is IQOS?

IQOS is a heated tobacco device (also called a heat-not-burn device) made by Philip Morris International (PMI). It is designed as a smoke-free alternative for adult cigarette smokers.

Instead of burning tobacco like a cigarette, IQOS uses a controlled heating system to warm specially designed tobacco sticks — called HEETS or TEREA — to a precise temperature. This produces a real tobacco flavour and nicotine delivery without combustion, fire, or ash.

IQOS is not a vape, not an e-cigarette, and not a traditional cigarette. It is its own category: a heated tobacco product (HTP).

Ready to buy? Browse our full IQOS & HEETS range in Dubai →

How Does IQOS Work?

The IQOS device heats tobacco to approximately 350°C — well below the combustion point of around 800°C that a lit cigarette reaches. This heating process releases nicotine and tobacco flavour in the form of a tobacco vapour, not smoke.

There are two generations of IQOS heating technology:

• Blade Heating — IQOS 3 Series: A thin metal blade inside the device holder heats the HEETS stick from within. Compatible devices: IQOS 3 DUO, IQOS LIL SOLID 2.0.
• SmartCore Induction System — IQOS ILUMA Series: No blade. An induction coil inside the TEREA stick is activated by the device. No cleaning required. Compatible devices: IQOS ILUMA One.

Is IQOS a Cigarette?

No. IQOS heats tobacco to ~350°C — no combustion, no smoke, no ash. A cigarette burns at 800–900°C producing thousands of harmful chemicals. IQOS still delivers real nicotine from real tobacco but the mechanism is fundamentally different.

Is IQOS the Same as Vaping?

No. Vapes use e-liquid with no real tobacco. IQOS uses real tobacco sticks (HEETS or TEREA) — no e-liquid, no coil, no artificial flavouring base. IQOS delivers a genuine tobacco taste; vapes deliver flavoured vapour.

HEETS vs TEREA: What Is the Difference?

HEETS — For IQOS 3 Series Devices

Popular HEETS flavours in Dubai: Sun Pearl, Ruby Fuse, Bronze Selection. Browse all HEETS →

TEREA — For IQOS ILUMA Only

No blade, no cleaning, more consistent flavour. Browse all TEREA →

Is IQOS Legal in Dubai?

Yes. IQOS is fully legal in Dubai and the UAE for adults 18+. All products at Vape Escape UAE are ESMA-certified. Full legality guide →

Where to Buy IQOS in Dubai

Vape Escape UAE — Shop No. 2, Zada Tower, Business Bay. Open daily 10AM–12:30AM. Same-day delivery across Dubai, order before 7PM. Free delivery above AED 299. COD available.

Frequently Asked Questions – IQOS, HEETS & TEREA UAE

This product contains nicotine. For adult smokers aged 18+ only. Not a smoking cessation product. All products ESMA-certified for the UAE.