82% Of UAE Hospitality Industry Backs Move To Cleaner Shisha Options

New research conducted by Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR Global) has unveiled a significant shift in the preferences of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) hospitality sector towards more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional shisha. According to the study, a vast majority, % of restaurant, bar, and hotel owners in the UAE, have shown a keen interest in adopting charcoal-free shisha options, signaling a growing consumer demand for cleaner, sustainable.

Amidst this evolving market landscape, AIR Global's innovative shisha device, OOKA, has carved a niche for itself, gaining widespread acceptance across numerous hospitality venues since its introduction in May of the previous year. Marking its first anniversary in the UAE, OOKA has been celebrated for setting new standards in the shisha experience by eliminating the need for charcoal, thereby offering a cleaner and more sustainable option for shisha enthusiasts.

The adoption of OOKA has been notable, with over 100 catering and hospitality businesses in the UAE incorporating the device into their offerings. Notably, a quarter of these establishments attribute a significant portion of their revenue to shisha sales, highlighting the popularity and financial benefits of providing healthier alternatives. Grape Mint and Two Apple emerge as the top-selling pod flavours, underlining consumer preferences for these innovative products.

A local lounge service manager, who has been an early adopter of OOKA, shared his motivation for offering a charcoal-free, sustainable shisha experience. He noted the emergence of a new clientele that prioritizes cleaner, hassle-free shisha experiences. Garth Beer, General Manager and Partner at Blow Smoke Art, echoed this sentiment, stating the increasing eco-consciousness among consumers and their desire for modern, luxurious shisha experiences that align with a sustainability-minded lifestyle.

"Most consumers are becoming more eco-conscious and want a shisha experience that is modern, luxurious, and matches the desire for a sustainability-minded way of living. So, it felt like a no-brainer to add cleaner alternatives, like the innovative OOKA device and the nicotine-free pods, to our lounges. The demand for a reduced toxicant smoking experience has been gathering momentum. Serving OOKA to our customers has been a game-changer, and the ability to let customers make their choice between standard shisha tobacco, zero tobacco, or charcoal-free has vastly improved sales. It's an exciting time to be part of OOKA," Beer stated.

AIR Global's commitment to environmental sustainability and health-conscious innovation has driven significant advancements in the shisha industry. With a 94% reduction in harmful chemicals and the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions, OOKA is at the forefront of providing safer, cleaner shisha alternatives.

Paul Dawson, Chief Product Officer at AIR Global, highlighted the company's ongoing efforts to redefine the shisha industry through technological innovation. "OOKA represents a culmination of our efforts to revolutionise the shisha industry technologically, as we push the boundaries of innovation and create new products that exceed changing consumer expectations. With its intelligent microchip ensuring consistent heating and optimal temperature control, OOKA sets the bar high for cleaner and enjoyable shisha experiences, and it's an exciting moment in our lifecycle – but our ambition and determination to do more is unwavering. We remain committed to advancing the technology that underpins the existing device, have ambitions to introduce new products in the near future, and want to drive towards an eco-conscious future for the shisha industry," Dawson concluded.

The success of OOKA in the UAE's hospitality sector not only represents a shift towards more sustainable consumer habits but also signifies the industry's readiness to innovate and adapt in response to evolving market demands. As AIR Global continues to develop and introduce new products, the future of the shisha industry appears poised for further transformation, centered around health, sustainability, and technological advancement.