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Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Can you smoke in public in UAE? Rules, fines, permitted areas: What you need to know
In the UAE, smoking in public is largely banned unless you're in a designated outdoor area or a licensed, enclosed smoking room/ Representative image The United Arab Emirates has some of the most comprehensive tobacco control laws in the region. Whether you're a smoker, a vaper, or a shisha user, it's essential to understand where smoking is permitted, and where it could cost you a hefty fine. This guide explains the UAE's current smoking laws, what's allowed, what's banned, and who is most protected under federal legislation. Where Smoking Is Not Allowed Smoking, whether it's traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or shisha, is prohibited in most enclosed public spaces. Here's where smoking is strictly banned: Shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants, indoor cafés, and hotels (unless they have licensed smoking rooms) Offices, government buildings, and other indoor workplaces Public transport, including the Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, and airport terminals Educational institutions such as schools and universities Healthcare facilities and sports venues Places of worship Public parks, beaches, and recreational areas (unless designated smoking zones are clearly marked) Indoor smoking is only allowed in designated smoking rooms that are: Fully enclosed Isolated from non-smoking areas Equipped with proper ventilation Officially licensed and approved Laws Protecting Children The UAE places a strong focus on protecting children from tobacco exposure: Federal law prohibits smoking in private or public vehicles when a child under the age of 12 is present. (Violators can face fines starting from Dh5,000.) Under Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, also known as Wadeema's Law, smoking in the presence of children is prohibited, both in public and private settings. Sales Restrictions Sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 is strictly forbidden. Sellers must verify the buyer's age. Failure to comply can lead to: Jail terms of at least three months Fines starting from Dh15,000 In serious cases involving child endangerment, fines can reach up to Dh1 million Shisha and Vaping Rules Shisha Regulations Shisha cafés in the UAE are subject to strict location and operating rules to protect public health and maintain community standards. Under current regulations, these establishments must not be located within 150 metres of certain sensitive sites—unless granted a special licence. These restricted areas include: Residential buildings Schools, colleges Mosques In addition to location rules, the Dubai Municipality has implemented a complete ban on smoking shisha in public recreational spaces, including: Public parks Beaches Other recreational areas Dubai also prohibits pregnant women from entering shisha cafés, regardless of whether they intend to smoke. Meanwhile, in Sharjah, the restrictions go even further. Since 2008, the emirate has enforced a blanket ban on smoking in all public areas, which includes shisha use across the board. Vaping Regulations In the UAE, vaping is regulated in the same way as traditional cigarette smoking. It is strictly prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, which includes locations such as: Offices Indoor public areas Vaping is only permitted in licensed smoking rooms that meet official requirements. These rooms must be: Properly ventilated Fully enclosed and isolated from non-smoking areas All vaping-related rules fall under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, which governs all forms of tobacco consumption. This includes: Electronic cigarettes Vape devices Designated smoking areas are allowed, but only if they fully comply with licensing and safety standards. Where Smoking Is Allowed Despite the UAE's strict anti-smoking laws, there are still clearly designated and regulated areas where smoking is permitted. These spaces are carefully controlled to ensure minimal exposure to non-smokers and compliance with public health standards. Designated Outdoor Areas Smoking is generally allowed in open-air public spaces, provided there are no signs explicitly prohibiting it. In most cases, cigarette smoking may be permitted on public beaches, unless a specific ban is indicated. However, it's important to note that shisha smoking is not allowed on beaches in Dubai under municipal regulations. Licensed Smoking Rooms Indoor smoking is permitted only in licensed smoking rooms located in certain public facilities, such as: Airports Shopping malls Government buildings These rooms must be: Fully enclosed Properly ventilated Clearly marked to differentiate them from non-smoking zones Licensed Shisha Cafés Shisha cafés may operate either indoors or outdoors, but only under strict regulatory conditions. These include: Municipal approval to operate Adherence to location restrictions (such as minimum distance from schools and mosques) Adequate ventilation systems Entry restrictions, including a ban on pregnant women entering shisha cafés in Dubai, regardless of whether they plan to smoke Tobacco-Free Workplace Policies The foundation of the UAE's strict smoking regulations is laid out in two key federal laws aimed at protecting public health, particularly that of minors and non-smokers. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 – Tobacco Control Law This law sets clear national standards on where and how tobacco products may be sold or consumed. It prohibits: Smoking in all enclosed public spaces Selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 18 Smoking in vehicles when a child under 12 is present Smoking in schools, healthcare facilities, sports venues, and places of worship It also bans The sale of tobacco-themed sweets or candy The use of vending machines to sell tobacco products All forms of tobacco advertising, regardless of format or platform Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 – Wadeema's Law Also known as Wadeema's Law, this legislation is focused on the protection of children's rights and well-being. Key provisions include: A strict prohibition on smoking in the presence of minors A ban on the sale of tobacco products to children Severe penalties for violations that endanger child safety, including potential jail terms and fines reaching up to Dh1 million in serious cases
Filipino Times
26-04-2025
- Filipino Times
UAE child safety laws and structures praised by UN expert
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children has praised the UAE for major improvements in child protection laws and systems during her country visit. According to a WAM news report, Mama Fatima Singhateh visited all seven emirates and met with authorities, police, the judiciary, and civil groups involved in child safety. 'Since the visit of my predecessor back in 2009, the UAE has undergone tremendous improvements in the area of child rights promotion and child protection,' Singhateh said at a press conference in Abu Dhabi. 'Numerous positive developments have been registered over the past 16 years and in line with her recommendations.' She highlighted the UAE's completion of the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2016, along with the passing of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, known as Wadeema's Law, a major child protection law. Singhateh described this law as a milestone in the UAE's legislative history. 'The UAE in 2016 completed its ratification process of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography – one of the main instruments guiding my mandate,' she said. The UN official also visited several centers that provide direct care and shelter to children, including the Child Centre in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, Aman Shelter in Ras Al Khaimah, Himaya Foundation in Ajman, and Kanaf Centre in Sharjah. 'Since my predecessor's visit, the UAE has also put in place more robust child protection structures,' Singhateh said, referring to the creation of specialized shelters and support systems for young victims. She also commended the launch of the Emirati Children's Parliament in 2020 and the establishment of the Ministry of Family, pointing out these steps as signs of the UAE's commitment to raising children's voices and strengthening family protection.
Khaleej Times
24-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 2-year-old saved after woman alerts police about child on balcony edge
A two-year-old was saved from potential danger by a woman in Ajman, police said on Thursday. The Arab expat was standing at her window when she noticed the child on the edge of the opposite building's balcony. The child had climbed on a chair while his parents were busy. She immediately alerted the police, who quickly moved to the site, after receiving the report. After police confirmed that the parents were not monitoring the child, they were summoned and legal action was taken against the parents for their negligence which posed a threat to the two-year-old's life. This move aims to ensure the safety of children, under Federal Law No. 3 of 2016. Ajman authorities also honoured the resident for her quick instinct and good behaviour. Commander Abdullah Saif Al-Matroushi, Director General of Police Operations, in the General Command of Ajman Police, praised her sense of security and quick response. Authorities stressed the importance of safety measures at homes, especially in high-rise apartments with windows that can be opened, to ensure the safety of children and protection from the risk of falling. He added that children are a great responsibility and neglecting their care or leaving them unattended leads to legal accountability in the UAE.
