Hubble-bubble trouble: AED500 fine for public shisha smoking in Dubai

Dubai has begun penalizing those who smoke shisha in public.
Knowingly or unknowingly, a number of residents and visitors from GCC countries often smoke shisha at public parks and beaches.
“A fine of AED 500 may be slapped on anybody found smoking shisha in public parks and beaches,” an official said on Monday.
“The move is part of our efforts to raise public health and safety level in Dubai,” said Talib Abdul Kareem Julfar, director of public parks & horticulture department.
“We have assigned a 23-member team to book violators. They will carry out regular and surprise inspections on beaches and public parks.”
Abu Dhabi has also toughened its stance on shisha smoking.
Ahmed Al Qubaisi, acting commercial protection director at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said the authorities would take all measures to ensure healthy lives for all.
“A majority of the cafes are in densely populated areas despite rules stating they must be at least 150 meters from residential areas, schools and mosques. They will have to move to other places by Jan. 31,” Al Qubaisi explained.
“In addition, restaurants that offer shisha must ensure these rooms are completely separate from nonsmoking areas, with a minimum ceiling height of three meters,” he added.
Meanwhile, a WHO study points out that during one hookah session, a person can inhale the same amount of smoke as a cigarette smoker smoking 100 or more cigarettes.
Hookah smoke contains nicotine, cancer-causing chemicals and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.