UAE to ban smoking around children

UAE bans smoking cars around children Abu Dhabi – Arab Today The United Arab Emirates, UAE, is to impose an anti-tobacco federal law, which will outlaw smoking in vehicles if a child under the age of 12 is present in the car. The Ministry of Health announced the plans in August, after they gained approval from His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a Cabinet resolution on July 21.
Lawmakers said they will implement the changes to the law six months from the date of its issuance.
The ban on smoking in vehicles is part of the Emirate’s efforts curb a growing problem of underage smoking.  According to a study in Abu Dhabi, 28 percent of children under the age of 15 are smokers, while 30 of young adults aged 18 and over indulge in the habit.
The law will ban tobacco advertising in newspapers advertisements and television commercials.  It will also ban tobacco products which are not in line with standards set by the UAE.  Violators could face a fines up to Dh1 million, (£170,000 British pounds).