The municipality of Dubai will fine e-cigarette smokers in malls for AED 2,000.
The municipality of Dubai takes tough measures to combat the smoking of electronic cigarettes. “Soaring” will be punished with a fine of 2000 dirhams, in case of repeated violation, guards of shopping centers will be able to contact the police.
Mr. Salman, head of the Department of Public Health and Safety, emphasized that selling and importing electronic cigarettes in the UAE is against the law.
"In this regard, smoking electronic cigarettes is completely prohibited in public places, such as markets and shopping centers, both in the premises themselves and at the entrances to shopping centers," Mr. Salman said.
He added that the municipality conducts ongoing inspections of tobacco shops, and if electronic cigarettes are found on the counter, they will be immediately confiscated.
"We bring stores that sell electronic cigarettes to legal liability. The municipality will severely punish smokers in public places," Salman said.
The 2009 law prohibiting smoking in public places also applies to electronic cigarettes and smoking at the entrances to shopping centers.
According to article No. 8, any type of direct and indirect advertising of tobacco and its products is prohibited in the UAE.
Salman said the decision to impose a fine was made after complaints about violation of the smoking ban in some malls were received.
According to the official, this decision is aimed at supporting a healthy lifestyle, which is necessary to achieve the strategic objectives of the emirate in the field of health.
