UAE | General

Shisha-serving cafes become 'no go' zone for non-smokers

The number of shisha smokers has increased in cafes and Ramadan tents during the month, literally smoking out non-smokers.

  • By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:52 September 20, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
  • People enjoying shisha in Abu Dhabi. Only cafes which received licences before January 1, 2006 are allowed to serve shisha to customers in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi: The number of shisha smokers has increased in cafes and Ramadan tents during the month, literally smoking out non-smokers.

Shisha is currently served in cafes (indoors and outdoors) that have been licensed by the Department of Planning and Economy before January 1, 2006.

According to a source from the legal department, shisha is banned in any cafe that has opened after that date.

"A new regulation is under process to serve shisha in certain designated areas, and the same goes for smoking cigarettes. We cannot ban smoking in public areas, but can help regulate the matter. Departments are currently meeting to discuss this issue and a regulation should be made by the end of the year," said the official.

Layla Mustafa, a Palestinian resident in Abu Dhabi feels the decision to ban shisha in new cafes is a 'bad idea'. She says: "I smoke shisha with friends during Ramadan and demand is higher than supply; and with that ban in place existing shisha venues are crammed with smokers all in one room, which doesn't make it an enjoyable experience anymore."

Zaher Joumblatt, 33, administration manager, smokes shisha during Ramadan. "Shisha is a cultural habit, even students smoke shisha and surprisingly I see some girls smoking midwakh (strong tobacco smoked through a small Arabian pipe) indoors. For that reason it's hard to ban shisha indoors but certain factors should be controlled, such as the number of shisha's served according to the cafes size, ventilation, and type of venue," said Joumblatt while enjoying his shisha in the open air.

Lucille Chapman, 25, has been smoking shisha for the past two years. "Shisha is not only an Arabic habit; I was smoking shisha when I was living in France too. Banning shisha is not a solution. Certain health aspects must be enforced to ensure that non-smokers don't suffer, shisha smokers don't suffocate and children and families don't become passive smokers. I also feel sorry for shisha waiters who have to inhale all this smoke on a daily basis, there must be some sort of protection or plan for these individuals," she added.

Engineer Omar Al Hashimi, Division Manager Municipal Offices at the Abu Dhabi Municipality, told Gulf News that creating stricter laws regulating the usage of shisha and smoking will help people cut down on the habit. "I don't think there's going to be any other way to help people cut down on shisha smoking and cigarettes and hope the government's plan works out. It may be tough for people in the beginning, but the end result will help protect people's health," he stressed.

A regular shisha smoker, Engineer Mohammad Adel, Egyptian, 48, feels that shisha gatherings draw people closer and banning it would change a person's lifestyle. "My friends and I meet over shisha and share jokes, exchange stories and relax. Banning shisha would ruin all that. But for sure it would please my wife since I spend a large sum of money on shisha, which has become pretty expensive now. In some places shisha prices can be as high as Dh60." Ameen Mohammad, Lebanon, 21, has been smoking shisha for three years.

"Even though I enjoy shisha smoking, I have no issues if it is banned. Banning shisha will encourage people like me to quit the habit or lessen it."

Ameen's 16-year-old brother feels more campaigns should be held at schools.

"I personally don't smoke, but all my friends do, and they could be as young as 13 or 14 years. There should be more health campaigns, awareness sessions and stricter regulations in schools regarding smoking," said the pupil.

Do you think this practice is justified? Will smoking indoors increase the chances of non-smokers being affected by passive smoke? fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

Your comments


I believe smoking is an unhealthy habit ,not only for smokers but also for others. who would be the prey of their smoker peers.So , taking such step is highly appreciated as it considers public health as valuable belonging.I strongly agree with such regulations as they would limit smoking and would be no more at the cost of other people's health.Inspired , by ' when health is gone all are gone'. So, we live to be healthy , and not to smoke to be unhealthy. And many thanks for those who shoulder the campaign of smoking banning.
Eissa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2008, 11:22

Well i hope that the non-smokers now know how it feels. In dubai I went to a Hotel for a meal and the only pleace I can smoke was outside and I could not sit down as it was too hot. We need more smoking places in hotels you can not just stop all to gether.
Stewart
dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2008, 08:11

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