Abu Dhabi residents call for ban on public smoking to be implemented

• Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
• Abu Dhabi faces a situation where many malls and cafes still allow people to light up within their premises.

Abu Dhabi: The imminent introduction of graphic warnings on cigarette packs in the UAE has once again incited many residents to call for a ban on smoking in indoor venues in the capital.

Although certain facilities in Abu Dhabi do not entertain smoking at present, an emirate-wide decision has not been issued as yet, and many malls and cafes still allow people to light up within their premises, Gulf News has found.

“This is not right. Smokers have an overall uncaring behaviour to the well-being of others around them, and something needs to be done to protect those who choose to lead healthy lifestyles and avoid smoking,” Farida Siddiqi, a 62-year-old social worker from Canada, told Gulf News.