Smoking roadshow hits emirate

ABU DHABI // Health authorities are educating the public of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia with their anti-smoking drive around the emirate.

“Together to Make Abu Dhabi Tobacco-Free” was launched to foster a healthy environment and support community life.

Abdul Rahman Al Marzouqi, director of the environment, health and safety at the Department of Municipal Affairs, called on smokers to quit the habit.

A strict ban on smoking in all shopping centres, restaurants and indoor public facilities in the emirate was imposed in July 2012.

Hamad Al Hamli, director of public relations and communication at the Western Region Municipality, said that the campaign included workshops encompassing a host of health activities and awareness lectures by doctors.

Tobacco kills about six million people a year, according to the World Health Organisation.

Of these, 600,000 are non-smokers who have been exposed to second-hand smoke.

Stricter controls on the sale and use of tobacco, including a ban on selling tobacco products to under-18s and smoking in houses of worship, universities and schools came into force in the UAE in January.

Tobacco advertisements are also forbidden under the federal anti-tobacco law of 2009.

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