The anti-tobacco law issued last week by UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan comes into effect from Wednesday, a senior Ministry of Health (MoH) official confirmed.
Cafes and restaurants located in residential neighbourhoods have two years to either move or ban smoking while for non-residential outlets, designated smoking areas will be allowed, news agency WAM reported.
Dr Mahmoud Fikri, executive director of Health Policies, MoH, said a new national anti-tobacco committee would draw members from all the authorities concerned such as the ministries of health, economy, environment, education and interior.
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However, special rooms can be set aside for smokers in other public places.
Anyone caught repeatedly offending will be fined doubled, the FNC said.
The law brings the UAE inline with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which the country is signed up to.
The convention also requires the UAE to adhere to international standards on tobacco control measures, such as reducing exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke, measures to restrict advertising and sponsorship, increase tobacco prices and taxation and cut down smuggling.
Minister of Health Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, said the law not only aimed at protecting the health of society, but also aimed to reduce the country's financial burden from treating patients suffering from smoking-related diseases.
Source: arabianbusiness.com
