Sharjah: Beginning Sunday, Al Qasba visitors who wish to smoke will have to go to the designated smoking areas, an official announced.
"We are happy to announce that Al Qasba will be a no-smoking zone for all its visitors and this is in line with our healthy environment ethos," Ahmad Al Qaseer, chief operating officer of the Al Qasba Development Authority, said.
The leisure destination's many restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and attractions will be no-smoking zones.
Smoking will be allowed only in areas along the canal and outside the Al Qasba premises.
The no-smoking policy was announced after getting feedback from patrons who stressed that there was a "need to make Al Qasba, which is a family oriented place, a no-smoking zone.
"Our aim is to ensure that we maintain its reputation as a healthy, safe place where people can gather for leisure activities," Al Qaseer added.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than five million people die every year because of tobacco use, of which smoking is the most common form.
Smoking is responsible for one in every ten adult deaths and is the "single most preventable cause of death", according to WHO estimates.
