UAE | Health
Shisha cafes face a hazy future
Shisha cafes in the UAE could soon become a thing of the past. The draft anti-smoking law, which calls for a ban on public smoking, is likely to seal the fate of shisha-cafe's that have mushroomed in the country.
- By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:04 October 21, 2007
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- Shisha is more dangerous than cigarettes because of the fumes and the many additives in the tobacco.
Dubai: Shisha cafes in the UAE could soon become a thing of the past. The draft anti-smoking law, which calls for a ban on public smoking, is likely to seal the fate of shisha-cafes that have mushroomed in the country.
Shisha, also known as the hookah or hubbly bubbly, is popular here. Dr Wedad Al Maidour, head of the National Tobacco Control Committee responsible for drafting the law, told Gulf News that restricting shisha-smoking indoors was the only way to protect the public.
"Shisha must be smoked indoors and if it is used outdoors everybody will be exposed to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke," she said. "If it is used indoors, the smokers will be doing it at their own risk because it's their choice."
She said the tough stance was necessary as shisha-smoking was more dangerous than cigarette-smoking. Studies have shown that one session of shisha-smoking is equal to smoking more than a pack of cigarettes.
"Shisha is more dangerous than cigarettes because of the fumes and the many additives in the tobacco. [All that] is deposited in the lungs," she said. However, she acknowledged there would be some resistance to passing the proposal.
She said if the proposal to ban shisha outdoors is rejected, the committee has an alternate proposal to regulate shisha-smoking in the UAE.
"We want to include not serving shisha to people who have children with them, so [the children] will not be exposed to the smoke," she said, adding that the regulation would also apply to those under 18.
Other provisions in the draft law include a blanket ban on smoking in public places, such as shopping malls and parks, as well as pubs, bars and restaurants.
Laurence Al Gheeth, manager at Cosmo Cafe on Shaikh Zayed Road, told Gulf News that his business would go down if the authorities banned shisha-smoking outdoors.
"For sure our business would not be OK, because almost all our customers come to have shisha and good food," he said.
He said he was basing his assumption on the volume of business the cafe received during summer, when the café stops offering shisha, and winter, when it starts again. Smoking shisha is commonly done outdoors, although a few eateries also offer the service indoors.
Protecting public
Nida Blanca, supervisor at French Connection Cafe on Shaikh Zayed Road, agreed that relegating shisha-smoking indoors at home would affect tourism, but did not think businesses would be badly affected.
"Tourists love to come here and have shisha because they think it is the Arabic way to enjoy coffee. But if there is a blanket ban, people will get used to it. If it becomes a law, all will follow it [and no one will have an advantage]," she said.
She said she personally supported a blanket ban as she has asthma and is allergic to smoke, something that has proven problematic in her work in the food service industry.
Draft law currently at Justice Ministry
The draft anti-smoking law has some way to go before becoming a law. It is currently at the Justice Ministry, where officials are going over the points. If approved, it will then go to the Cabinet, which will either approve or send it back for amendments. If the Cabinet endorses it, the Bill is then submitted to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who will sign it into law.
Your comments
It is a good idea. I hope they completely ban shisha in Dubai as they have done in Sharjah as I am addicted to it and can't stay one day without it.
Majid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2007, 09:00
It is good that they ban outdoor shisha. It will help a lot in health conditions of people in Dubai. The people who want to have shisha will have it indoors also.
Tasneem
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2007, 08:58
I personally feel it should not be stopped. They should define areas where shishas would be allowed and they should also make some designated smoking areas in the malls also with high powered exhaust systems.
Ahmed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2007, 08:41
I am with anything that bans smoking. I have had so many debates with friends who call us all the time 'to meet over a shisha'! But this rule should be good... I think families with children should not be allowed to enter such places... Those who still prefer to smoke, go ahead but children should not be exposed to such fumes.
Razia
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2007, 08:31
It is absolutely preposterous to ban smoking while turning a blind eye to shisha.
I along my family and friends have refrained from frequenting Iftar Ramadan tents and restaurants offering shisha because of the suffocating Shisha stench that not only pervades every nook and corner of the tent and restaurant but also the neighbouring restaurants, stores, streets, etc. I hope some common sense prevails!
Elias
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2007, 07:58
Can't wait! As much as shisha is widespread, I?m one of a minority that really can't stand its smell. I?d much rather have my dinner seated next to a cigar-smoking patron, than someone smoking shisha, be it apple or whatever, the smell makes me nauseous.
Louis
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 22, 2007, 01:52
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