UAE implements new anti-tobacco laws

Under a new federal law, the import of tobacco and its by-products into the UAE is banned unless specific standard requirements accredited in the country are met, Wam has reported. The conditions include posting of clear word and image warnings on the box and a ban on all kinds of advertisements, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. The law also prohibits smoking on public transport and public closed places. Smoking will also be banned during vehicle driving in the company of a child under 12 years. "The law will spare the non-smokers the effects of passive smoking and the ensuing disturbance," health minister Dr. Hanif Hassan said.