700,000 Smokers Quit in Saudi Arabia: How DZRT Is Driving a Smoke‑Free Future

SmokerBar Apr 03, 2026
700,000 Smokers Quit in Saudi Arabia: How DZRT Is Driving a Smoke‑Free Future

By SmokerBar Editorial Team

In a landmark achievement for public health and harm reduction, Badael – the manufacturer of DZRT, a tobacco‑free nicotine pouch – has announced that an estimated 700,000 adults in Saudi Arabia have moved away from smoking cigarettes by the end of 2025. This milestone is not just a number. It represents a fundamental shift in behaviour, supported by a homegrown product that offers smokers a less harmful alternative.

Even more striking: of those 700,000 people who quit smoking, approximately 200,000 have subsequently exited nicotine use altogether. That means they are not just switching products – they are leaving nicotine behind entirely.

In this article, we will break down what this milestone means, how DZRT fits into Saudi Vision 2030, and why this matters for the global nicotine pouch market.


From 400,000 to 700,000: Accelerating Progress

The pace of change has been remarkable. In January 2025, Badael reported that 400,000 people had quit smoking using DZRT. By the end of the same year, that number had grown to 700,000 – an increase of 300,000 in just twelve months.

This acceleration shows that once adult smokers have access to a credible, high‑quality smoke‑free alternative, they are willing to make the switch. And as word spreads, the momentum builds.

Tolga Sezer, CEO of Badael, explained: “This milestone reflects the purpose for which Badael was established. It is not about promotion or short‑term adoption. It is about enabling real behavioral change.”


200,000 People Quit Nicotine Entirely – A Deeper Impact

One of the most impressive aspects of this report is the depth of behavioural change. Not only have 700,000 adults stopped smoking cigarettes, but 200,000 of them have gone on to quit nicotine completely.

That is significant. Many harm reduction programmes focus solely on switching from cigarettes to a less harmful product. But DZRT appears to be helping people take a second step – moving away from nicotine altogether when they are ready.

This suggests that nicotine pouches can serve not only as a long‑term alternative but also as a transition tool toward complete nicotine independence. For adult smokers who want to quit entirely, DZRT provides a bridge: first away from combustion, then away from nicotine.


Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a national strategy to improve quality of life, diversify the economy, and enhance public health. Reducing smoking rates is a key pillar of that vision. Badael’s work with DZRT directly supports this goal.

By offering a locally manufactured, tobacco‑free nicotine pouch, Badael is helping the Kingdom achieve its health targets while also creating local jobs and economic opportunities. The company has ramped up production significantly to meet rising demand, all while adhering to the highest quality and safety standards.

The ambition is clear: help one million smokers quit by 2028. Based on current progress – 700,000 already by the end of 2025 – that target may be reached ahead of schedule.


What Makes DZRT Effective?

DZRT is not just another nicotine pouch. It is specifically designed for adult smokers who want to move away from combustible tobacco. Key features include:

  • Tobacco‑free – No tobacco leaf, no combustion, no tar.

  • Pharma‑grade nicotine – High‑purity, consistent, and reliable.

  • Food‑grade ingredients – Safe for oral use.

  • Local flavours – The “Flavors of Origin” line (Hamidh, Unqood, Manga, Bonna) draws on Saudi Arabia’s regional agricultural heritage, making the product culturally resonant and appealing to local palates.

When a harm reduction product respects local taste preferences and cultural identity, adoption rates rise. DZRT has proven that.


Why This Matters for SmokerBar and Our Customers

At SmokerBar, we serve adult nicotine users around the world. The success of DZRT in Saudi Arabia offers several important lessons:

  1. Nicotine pouches work as a smoking cessation tool – Real‑world data from nearly a million users confirms it.

  2. Local manufacturing and flavours drive adoption – A product that feels “made for you” is more likely to succeed.

  3. Harm reduction saves lives – Every smoker who switches to a tobacco‑free pouch reduces their exposure to thousands of harmful chemicals.

For our customers who are still smoking, DZRT (and similar high‑quality nicotine pouches) represent a genuine path away from cigarettes – and potentially away from nicotine altogether.


The Road Ahead: One Million by 2028

Badael has reaffirmed its commitment to helping one million smokers quit by 2028. With 700,000 already achieved two years ahead of that deadline, the company is well on its way. The next phase, as CEO Tolga Sezer notes, is more complex:

“As impact grows, responsibility grows with it. The next phase is more complex. Sustaining progress and supporting full nicotine exit at scale requires continued focus, accountability, and collaboration across the ecosystem.”

That means ensuring products remain accessible, maintaining quality standards, preventing underage use, and continuing to support adult smokers who want to quit – whether by switching to pouches or exiting nicotine entirely.


Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Harm Reduction

The DZRT story is a blueprint for what harm reduction can achieve when done right: a locally relevant, high‑quality, tobacco‑free product that actually helps people stop smoking – and in many cases, stop nicotine altogether.

At SmokerBar, we are proud to offer DZRT nicotine pouches to our customers. Whether you are looking to quit smoking, reduce your nicotine intake, or simply enjoy a discreet, flavourful alternative to cigarettes, DZRT is a brand worth exploring.

Join the smoke‑free movement. Try DZRT today at SmokerBar.


Disclaimer: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adult nicotine users aged 18+ only. DZRT is intended for current smokers and nicotine users seeking a less harmful alternative.