A serious crisis could emerge if concrete efforts are not made to tackle smoking among the UAE’s youth. Smoking and the consumption of other forms of tobacco among the country’s youth is gathering pace and even though hard numbers are not available — tobacco use among adults in the UAE is between 25-30 per cent — there is a crisis that is slowly unfolding.

The UAE has adopted a tough stand against smoking, with punitive measures in place for every scenario and this is a step in the right direction. The authorities are cognizant of the fact that, globally, tobacco use accounts for at least 30 per cent of all cancer-related deaths and 87 per cent of all lung cancer deaths among men. The use of tobacco can heap public health and financial costs on any nation. These costs are avoidable. The grip that tobacco has on populations can only be controlled, and perhaps eradicated, by focusing on the younger generations.

The authorities must examine the factors that lead to tobacco use among the youth and then embark upon a comprehensive programme, with proven effective strategies, to ensure how they can be rid of this habit. Knowledge is not enough, commitment is the key.