DM announces second phase of smoking regulation programme

During the first phase smoking regulation was implemented in shopping malls.

Dubai Municipality Public Health Department officials held a meeting in this regard on Thursday with representatives of Dubai Police, Department of Health and Medical Services, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Department, Economic Development Department and the Roads and Transport Authority.

The meeting discussed the measures to be taken to create awareness among the public on following the manual regarding regulation of smoking in public places. It also discussed ways to seek the cooperation of the public in the smooth implementation of the programme as well as their suggestions and ideas regarding further improvement.

Eng. Salem Bin Mesmar, Director of Public Health Department in the Municipality said the programme is being implemented in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan (2007-2015) which seeks to protect public health and improve quality of life for nationals and expatriates residing in Dubai and in line with the Strategic Plan of Dubai Municipality which provides for ensuring purity of interior air quality and prevention of smoking in public buildings.

The municipality will undertake a massive public awareness campaign involving media advertisements ahead of the actual enforcement of the programme to regulate smoking in public places.

The meeting on Thursday also discussed different aspects of the manual on regulation of smoking in public places, which provides the rules and regulations for smoking in public places.