Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Plans Smoking Ban

Traveling to Dubai to enjoy the shopping malls and Middle Eastern culture mixed with modern luxury? Before you leave make sure you learn about the new smoking rules adopted by this city.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to Reuters, is planning to end smoking in the city by the year 2009. The city will be implementing the ambitious plan in a phased manner.

Starting September 15, public areas like children play areas, dinning spots and hallways will be no smoking areas. Afterwards, restaurants and cafes will have to have separate area for smokers, which should be not more 25 percent of the total seating area.

In 2008, people will be fined for smoking in prohibited areas.

Smoking Kills

We have heard time and again that smoking is dangerous to health. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking increases the risk of getting lung diseases, heart attack. It can also cause premature aging. Smokers are also at risk for macular degeneration which causes blindness.

Smoking ban in US States

Many American cities are considering smoking ban in public areas like restaurants, bars and some have already started. According to Smoke Free USA, Delaware, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey (does not apply to casinos), Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and Washington have banned smoking in restaurants and bars. Areas like workplaces, hospitals, schools, malls are smoke free in almost every state in the US.

About Dubai

Known for its shiny malls and amazing towers, Dubai's GDP for 2006 was $ US 46 billion. For comparison, Egypt's GDP is US$ 84.51 billion (2006).

Although Dubai produces 240,000 barrels of oil per day, oil accounts for just 3% of its revenue. Majority of its income coming from tourism, financial and knowledge based industry and real estate.

Compared to most Middle Eastern Islamic countries, Dubai is considered liberal on issues like women's rightsand social life. Women are not required to wear veil by the law, but they do dress modestly. Alcohol, which is forbidden in Islam, can be purchased in Dubai (highly uncommon in Middle East), though it is heavily controlled.