Some experts warn the full impact of e-cigarettes on a user's health is yet to be determined. Reuters
Some experts warn the full impact of e-cigarettes on a user's health is yet to be determined. Reuters
Some experts warn the full impact of e-cigarettes on a user's health is yet to be determined. Reuters
Some experts warn the full impact of e-cigarettes on a user's health is yet to be determined. Reuters

Dubai issues warning over vaping in public places


Patrick Ryan
  • English
  • Arabic

People caught vaping or using an e-cigarette in unauthorised areas in Dubai will be hit with a fine of up to Dh2,000.

Dubai Municipality has announced that the use of the devices - the sale of which was made legal in the UAE for the first time earlier this year - will be subject to the same laws as those who light up using traditional cigarettes.

Locations where smoking is banned include places of worship, schools, universities and shopping malls as well as health and pharmaceutical facilities.

It is also prohibited to smoke on board vehicles that are transporting food, medicine, petrol and chemicals.

“The municipality will monitor any violation related to vaping in public places,” said Nasseem Mohammad Rafie, acting director of the Health and Safety department at Dubai Municipality.

“Specialists in the municipality will take the necessary measures to track down violators who smoke e-cigarettes in public places.”

Anyone who smokes in a non-smoking area will face a fine of up to Dh1,000, while those who breach the specific terms of a designated smoking area could be made to pay as much as Dh2,000.

It was announced in February that it would no longer be illegal to sell e-cigarettes and vaping devices in the UAE.

Officials said they expected e-cigarettes to be on sale this month.

The new rules - known as UAE.S 5030 - allowed the sale of electronic cigarettes, electronic pipes, electronic shisha devices plus the liquid refills.

Concerns about the spread of unregulated e-cigarettes were believed to have led to the removal of the ban.

“The aim is to curb the random and unrestrained circulation of these products, to ensure ingredients are known with no addition of banned elements that pose a health risk,” said Ms Rafie.

“The goal is also to support the efforts to end smoking, fight the resulting diseases and regulate e-cigarette trade in the UAE in coordination with the relevant authorities in each emirate.”

Medical experts in the region retain reservations over what impact vaping and e-cigarettes have on people.

"We are still not sure of the long term impact of vaping, it seems we are just replacing one bad habit with another," Dr Fadi Baladi, medical director for Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, Abu Dhabi, told The National in February.

“Vaping may be less harmful, but could still be a health problem in the future.

“People who are experiencing clinical chronic health problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis, are still having medical issues, despite switching from tobacco to e-cigarettes.”

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.

Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.

The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

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The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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