Deadline looms for Dubai shisha cafes

Dubai: Some shisha cafes are scrambling to meet a deadline to implement health and safety steps aimed at limiting the public exposure to second-hand smoke and other health risks. The deadline runs out at the end of the year.

Dubai Municipality required shisha cafes in 2007 to satisfy new requirements involving their design, ventilation and operations as part of the emirate's tobacco control initiative. However, they received a one-year reprieve, with the deadline extended until December 31, 2008.

Salem Mesmar, assistant director-general of health and safety at Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News time was running out for shisha operators in Dubai.

"We are serious about this. They had one year to put everything listed in the manual. No more excuses," he said.

"We are doing this to protect people's rights. Smokers have rights, but non-smokers have rights too," he added. He said his teams would continue inspecting premises to make sure all outlets have fulfilled the requirements. Any violators will face heavy fines.

Do you smoke shisha regularly? How will the ban affect you? Do you support the ban on serving shisha outdoors?

There is a shisha cafe in my building that is bothering us. I am for the banning of shisha outside because not only is it unhealthy, but also the cafe opens till late at night and the customers make a lot of noise.
Usha Satta
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 12:14

I do not smoke shisha and I support the ban on smoking it outside. This is a healthy decision, especially since smoking shisha is more dangerous smoking a cigarette. Imagine how bad it would be for the non-smokers to inhale this in a cafe.
Avelino De Guzman
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 11:29

I do not smoke shisha and I think this shisha ban will really give us good health.
Mahamoud
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 11:02

I am not a smoker, nor does the ban affect me. However, I find that there are too many deadlines coming near, too much for the general public to take in all at once. The UAE should introduce new rules and laws gradually. But I understand that we are in a fast-growing city, and that would be kind of difficult. It is a good move non-the-less to reduce second-hand smoke.
Malek C.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 10:14

Mr Salem is doing a wonderful job. I do not support shisha in cafes.
Rajendra
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 09:56

I never smoke shisha and I really support the ban because it is bad for the health as well as the environment. Why do we, non-smokers, have to suffer because of other people's irresponsible behaviours?
Hafswa Hassan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 09:53

I do not smoke shisha but I feel that the ban on serving shisha outdoors is ridiculous. It is said that shisha is more dangerous than cigarettes. Now, put everyone in a room, all smoking shisha. Don't you think that the second-hand smoking is even more dangerous? I think shisha cafes should make sure that they have proper ventilation systems so that those who want to sit inside can feel comfortable too.
Sarah Boyd
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 09:53

Non-smoker rights in a shisha cafe? What is wrong with this picture? Shisha ban outdoors? Again, what is wrong with this picture? Let us start with exhaust fumes from the cars before we start looking at shisha.
Robert Osborne
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 09:53

I smoke shisha regularly and the ban of course will bother me, but I also think it is 100 per cent right. I hope they do the same in my country for a better atmosphere for our children.
Sameh Zahran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 09:44

Banning shisha outdoors is not a good move because it is open air. It does not affect anyone. Instead, it should be banned inside the cafes, as there aren't many proper ventilation systems in most of the cafes.
Tausif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 09:33

I smoke shisha but in the privacy of my home. Shisha cafes are too suffocating and detrimental to many. Banning shisha cafes is another step towards becoming a caring and health-conscious society.
Fadi Antoine
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 07:34

Shisha can only be enjoyed outside and by restricting it there is no enjoyment in it.
Syed Imran
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 07:28

I smoke shisha regularly, but I also support the ban on serving it outside. Cafes should be properly covered and ventilated.
Abdul Samad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 03:26

I do not smoke shisha, but I always felt like I did because wherever I go there was a grey cloud around me. I am very happy with the ban, however, I do not support the ban on serving shisha outdoors, as that would be an infringement on the rights of the smokers who, in this particular situation, are not posing a health threat on non-smokers.
Roy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 30, 2008, 02:02