Anti-smoking alliance picks Dubai as its hub

Strict rules are in place in the UAE to combat smoking. The picture shows a sales woman refusing to sell cigarettes on No Tobacco Day.

Keeping in mind the protection of public health and bringing about lifestyle changes for UAE residents, the Anti-Smoking International Alliance (ASIA) board members issued a resolution confirming Dubai as the regional headquarters for the alliance. This office will cover all anti-smoking activities and initiatives held in the country and within its members in the Arab World, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Talking about the factors that have marked Dubai as a prime location, Dr Abdul Salam Al Madani, chairman of ASIA, said: "The UAE is one of the countries that combats smoking, since the government has issued strict directives to ban smoking in public areas, malls, governmental entities, ministries and hospitals. Also, members voted unanimously for Dubai to be the official headquarters for the alliance, due to its geographical and strategic location, Dubai being a hub and a meeting point that connects the entire world. Also, Dubai also has the best international healthcare services and houses more than 200 nationalities who live in harmony together."
Dr Al Madani, the first Arab to hold this position, said: "Since I was elected, I have strived to introduce changes in the alliance and adopt a number of activities that help in banning smoking, and the first resolution that I introduced was making Arabic language as the second official language after English. We have also accepted more members on board."
The members also decided to publish a quarterly journal dedicated to the risks of smoking. The journal will open a door for all specialists and activists to publish their research papers and presentations and educate students.
Dr Al Madani also confirmed that the ASIA committee has also decided on the personality which will receive the Tom Hurst International Award 2016 - 2017, an award which is conferred to health associations, private sectors, governments, universities and schools in addition to individuals. The alliance activities are divided in three regions, where the office in London will cover Europe, the Arizona office will cover the US and the Dubai office will cover the rest of the world.
Anti-smoking measures in the country
> It is illegal to smoke in a vehicle in the presence of a minor
> Tobacco purchase is restricted to those above 18
> Shisha cafes and tobacco supply stores are banned from operating close to schools, mosques or residential areas
> Tobacco advertising of any kind is prohibited
> No grocery stores in Sharjah are allowed to sell tobacco items
> Smoking is not allowed in public transport and closed public places with no ventilation
saman@khaleejtimes.com