Fujairah Bans Smoking to Boost Public Health

Fujairah has already outlawed shisha smoking in outdoor cafes and smoking in barber shops.

Now, according to Fuad Ali’s Gulf News report (25 April 2008), the Fujairah Municipality is banning smoking in ‘government areas and open public spaces’ (further explanation is needed).

Hopefully the next thing will be compulsory filters on vehicle exhaust systems, regular testing and the policing of heavily smoking cars and trucks.

This legislation then needs to be followed by closing down quarries near residential areas that are blowing dust particles into the atmosphere, banning rubbish fires and regulating industrial emissions.

It is good to hear Al Qasim, Head of the Environmental section at the Fujairah Municipality implementing his strategy “to improve the environment and boost public health.”

An independent study needs to be urgently commissioned to look at air pollution in Fujairah and bring further recommendations that will enhance the health and safety of its residents.

Dr. Geoff Pound

Image: “heavily smoking cars and trucks.”