A healthy step to stop smoking

The latest measures by the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority to deter people from smoking, namely by carrying bolder, hence more visible, health warnings on cigarette packets, are positive steps in the nation's ongoing anti-smoking campaign.

People should be reminded each time they hold a cigarette packet of the dangers associated with smoking.

The measures come at a crucial time when Dubai prepares to expand its ban on smoking to include government buildings and various public places, including shopping malls.

Such a step would definitely improve the air quality in these establishments as well as reduce health risks - the obvious one being passive smoking.

The road to completely erase smoking from our society is a long one but continuous measures will certainly keep the issue on the radar.

The government should look into restricting sponsorship opportunities for tobacco companies and engaging in more public campaigns on cigarette as well as sheesha smoking.