3-Sep-2025

E-Shisha in Egypt: Definition, Types, and Price Range

E-shisha, also known as electronic hookah, has become increasingly popular in Egypt among adult users looking for smoke-free alternatives to traditional hookahs. Unlike conventional shisha pipes that rely on burning shisha molasses (maassel) to produce smoke, e-shisha uses an electronic heating device to vapourise a flavoured liquid, offering a cleaner and more convenient vaping experience.

While traditional tobacco products like hookah remain common, e-shisha provides a contemporary twist, with disposable e-hookahs, rechargeable e-hookah devices, and portable models that suit different lifestyles.

This guide explores the types of e-shisha in Egypt, how they work, the range of shisha flavours, how much nicotine is in shisha, and the shisha price in Egypt.

What Is E-Shisha and How Does It Differ from Traditional Hookah?

E-shisha, sometimes referred to as e-hookah, is a modern alternative to smoking hookah. Unlike a traditional shisha pipe, which produces smoke by burning maassel with charcoal, e-shisha uses a battery-powered electronic heating device to vapourise flavoured liquid, often called vape juice or e-liquid. This means there is no combustion, resulting in vapour instead of smoke.

The main differences between traditional hookahs and electronic hookahs lie in the components and the overall vaping experience. A conventional shisha requires charcoal, water, a pipe, and tobacco molasses, while an e-shisha device typically includes a rechargeable battery, a cartridge or tank, a mesh coil or heating element, and sometimes LED lighting for aesthetic appeal.

E-shisha is also more portable, often with mini e-hookah and disposable e-hookah options available, making it a convenient choice for adult users who prefer reduced set-up time and less mess.

Learn more about the differences between heated tobacco and e-cigarettes.

How Traditional Shisha Works

Many adult users wonder: “what is shisha made of?” when they see the thick clouds of smoke rising from a traditional pipe. Shisha is usually prepared from a mix of tobacco leaves blended with molasses or honey, glycerine, and a variety of flavourings such as mint, apple, or grape.

To understand what is in a shisha session, it includes the maassel in the bowl, a stem connected to a water-filled base, a hose, and charcoal to heat the mixture.

What Is a Shisha Pipe?

A shisha pipe, also known as a hookah pipe, traditionally includes a water base, stem, hose, and a bowl that holds maassel or shisha tobacco. When heated with charcoal, the smoke passes through water before being inhaled, creating the classic smoking hookah experience.

In contrast, electronic hookah devices, often called e-shisha or e-hookah, replace combustion with an electronic heating device powered by a rechargeable battery. These modern devices contain key vape components such as a heating coil, cartridge or tank, and sometimes LED lighting for visual feedback.

Is E-Shisha an Alternative to Traditional Smoking?

E-shisha can be considered a smoke-free alternative for adult users who currently use traditional tobacco products like hookah or cigarettes, as it heats liquid instead of burning real shisha molasses, avoiding smoke and ash.

Unlike smoking hookah, which involves charcoal and produces carbon monoxide, electronic hookahs offer a different vaping experience without combustion. However, e-shisha is not a smoking cessation product; it simply provides an alternative for adult users who prefer disposable e-hookahs, rechargeable e-shishas, or portable hookah sets with varied flavoured e-hookah options in Egypt.

Nicotine Levels: Traditional vs Electronic Shisha

When discussing how much nicotine in shisha can be consumed in a single session, it is important to understand the components of traditional maassel.

A typical shisha session uses a mixture of tobacco, molasses, and flavourings, and because there is nicotine in shisha, prolonged smoking hookah sessions can expose users to significant levels of nicotine.

Depending on session length and puff frequency, the nicotine in shisha can be equivalent to multiple cigarettes.

In contrast, electronic shisha devices, such as rechargeable e-hookahs and mini e-shishas, heat e-liquid rather than burning tobacco. These e-liquids are available in different nicotine concentrations, often clearly labelled, allowing adult users to choose between nicotine-free options or controlled nicotine salt doses.

Traditional Maassel vs E-Shisha Flavours

Traditional maassel delivers the classic hookah experience with tobacco, molasses, and rich, smoky flavours, while e-shisha offers a modern, smoke-free alternative using flavoured e-liquids.

Types of Maassel (Traditional Shisha Tobacco)

Maassel is a moist mixture made of shredded tobacco leaves soaked in molasses or honey, combined with glycerine and a variety of shisha flavours such as mint, apple, grape, and rose.

The combination of tobacco and molasses gives maassel its distinctive sweet aroma and dense smoke, which many adult users find enjoyable. However, smoking hookah with maassel involves combustion via charcoal, producing smoke that contains nicotine and other chemicals.

The nicotine in traditional shisha is a significant factor for adult users, and the level can vary depending on the tobacco blend and session duration.

E-Shisha Flavours in Egypt

E-shisha flavours in Egypt include a wide range of options that cater to diverse tastes, combining traditional favourites with fresh, modern blends:

Watermelon

Mango

Mixed berries

Mint

Grape

Rose

Jasmine

Apple

Pomegranate

Peach

These flavours provide a clean, aromatic experience that many adult users appreciate as a refreshing alternative to traditional shisha smoke.

Types of E-Shisha Devices Available in Egypt

The Egyptian market offers a diverse range of e-shisha devices, each designed to deliver a unique vaping experience while incorporating important features such as heat management device technology and battery capacity to satisfy different preferences.

Disposable Hookah

Disposable hookah devices are popular for their simplicity and convenience. These all-in-one units come pre-charged with a built-in battery and pre-filled with flavoured e-liquid, often including popular fruit e-hookah flavours. They require no maintenance or refilling, making them ideal for users seeking hassle-free enjoyment.

Disposable hookahs typically include a charging port for quick power top-ups and feature LED lights to enhance the aesthetic appeal during use. Their compact design makes them a favourite among those who want the ease of hookah air experience without the fuss.

Rechargeable E-Shisha Devices

Rechargeable e-shisha devices provide more control and customization for adult users. Equipped with larger battery capacity and a heat management device, these devices allow for consistent heating and longer vaping sessions. One key feature of many rechargeable models is adjustable airflow, which regulates the hookah air intake to modify vapour density and inhalation.

This airflow control is crucial for cloud chasers looking to maximise vapour production. The charging port ensures convenient recharging, while assistive technologies integrated into some models optimise power efficiency and enhance the overall vaping experience.

Mini E-Hookah

Mini e-hookahs are compact, portable devices that combine convenience with performance. Despite their small size, many mini e-hookahs incorporate advanced heat management devices to maintain steady temperatures for optimal flavour delivery. Their design encourages a smooth hookah air flow, mimicking the sensation of traditional hookah smoking.

Due to their discreet form factor, mini e-hookahs are perfect for adult users who want to enjoy shisha flavours on the go without bulky equipment. Typically, mini e-hookah devices include a charging port and may feature LED lights to offer visual feedback during use.

Explore more about vape pods and their features.

Shisha Price in Egypt

Traditional hookah price ranges depend on the quality of the shisha pipe, the brand of maassel used, and accessories like charcoal and hoses.

A complete shisha set-up can cost anywhere from EGP 500 to EGP 2,500 or more, with ongoing expenses for maassel and charcoal.

In contrast, electronic hookah prices vary according to the type and brand of the device. Disposable e-shishas typically start around EGP 150, making them an affordable choice for beginners or casual adult users.

Rechargeable e-hookahs, with refillable pods and longer battery life, range from EGP 700 to over EGP 2,000 depending on features and design.

The e-liquid refills or pods usually cost between EGP 100 and EGP 300.

Given these options, adult users can choose between traditional and electronic shisha based on budget, usage habits, and preference for convenience.

Discover the types and prices of vapes in Egypt.

Smoke-Free Alternatives in Egypt

VEEV ONE

VEEV ONE offers adult users a premium vaping experience in a sleek, pocket-sized aluminium device designed for both style and performance. Each pack of two e-liquid pods delivers up to 2,000* puffs, providing long-lasting satisfaction with high-quality flavours.

The device features a powerful battery that fully charges in under 45 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime, while its single-block aluminium build makes it durable and robust.

Compared to disposable options, VEEV ONE provides better value per puff and generates less waste, combining convenience with sustainability for a modern smoke-free experience.

In addition to VEEV ONE, you can discover the IQOS ILUMA BUNDLES.

IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults.