Dubai to ban smoking in public places

Dubai: From May 31, Dubai will ban smoking in public places and will impose fines on violators, the Dubai Municipality said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Municipality will also launch an awareness campaign on May 31, the World No Tobacco Day.

When the ban takes effect, persons under the age of 21 will not be allowed to enter designated smoking zones, said Hussain Nasser Lootah, acting director general of Dubai Municipality.

The ban will be regulated in three phases. The first phase on May 31 will see a smoking ban in government establishments and public places.

Phase two, which will be launched in September 15, will include a blanket ban on smoking in schools, educational establishments, hair saloons, health clubs, internet cafes, food courts and offices. Shopping malls and amusement centres will have designated smoking areas.

Phase three will be launched in November 15 under which smoking will be regulated in all food establishments and cinemas.