Anti-smoking laws in the UAE regulate tobacco, tobacco products, and vape. This article examines UAE anti-smoking laws and vaping, particularly in the workplace. It also examines how Federal Law No. 15/2009 on Tobacco Control and its Cabinet Decision No. 24/2013 affect office vaping. In addition, it outlines important UAE labour law provisions that improve health and safety in the workplace.
According to Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 related to tobacco control, which regulates the use of all tobacco products in the UAE, not only traditional tobacco products, but also outline products such as vape and e-cigarettes that contain nicotine in this device.
Article 5 outlines some of the prohibited acts under the above law, stating that trading tobacco or vaping products with persons under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited. Smoking is prohibited inside private vehicles if there are children under 12 years of age. Also, this article explains places where smoking is prohibited, such as schools, hospitals, sports venues, and places of worship. This article prohibits the sale of sweets and candies that resemble any tobacco products and the use of automatic vending machines for the sale of tobacco and vaping products. Moreover, the law prohibits smoking and vaping in public places, especially workplaces, except in designated areas specified by competent authorities. Further, Article 7 provides for additional places where smoking is prohibited, such as enclosed public spaces, including offices. However, the article allows for the establishment of designated smoking areas as long as they meet specific conditions, such as isolation and ventilation requirements enforced under this aforementioned article.
In accordance with Cabinet Decision No. 24 of 2013 on the Regulation of Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, additional guidance is provided under Article 11 of this Cabinet Decision for prohibited areas designed for smoking and vaping. Vaping and smoking are both prohibited by the law in public places, hospitals, schools, and places of worship and on public transport. Also, office premises also come under this article, which specifies that vaping is not allowed unless a designated area is provided.
Article 8 mandates the specific requirements are outlined for designated places for the smoking and vaping areas, for the health safety, isolation, proper ventilation, and size. Such places must ensure the safety of non-smokers and comply with ventilation and health requirements.
Legal Consequences
Article 13 stipulates penalties; under the aforementioned law, the offender may face serious legal consequences of AED100,000 to a maximum of up to AED 1000,000 and for repeat offenders a maximum imprisonment term is 2 years. Article 16 provides for a fine of Dh500 for minor offences, including smoking in restricted areas, and higher fines for non-compliance.
According to the UAE Labour Law, Article 13 obligates the employer to take safety measures that protect the health and safety of employees, and the law compels the employer to comply with safety and health standards related to smoking and vaping in the workplace. Employers enforce vaping and smoking restrictions within office premises, and they must ensure their designated area meets smoking zone standards.
Related Links:
- Know Your Labor Rights: Essential Employment Law Insights in UAE
- Cannabis in food might be legal but what about in a vape?
- UAE Law: Fines and Punishments for Selling Tobacco to Minors
