On May 31, Dubai’s petrol stations will halt cigarette sales for 24 hours to mark World No Tobacco Day.
Dubai Municipality has joined forces with local petrol stations for this unique UAE initiative, as announced on Wednesday. Additionally, the municipality has prohibited staff from smoking in its vehicles on Monday.
“Cigarette smokers often frequent petrol stations for convenience,” said Redha Hassan Salman, Director of Public Health Department, in a statement to Khaleej Times.
“We presented this initiative to these companies, and they eagerly showed their support for this public health campaign,” he continued.
Although this initiative lasts just a day, officials hope it will highlight smoking’s hazards. Around 50 petrol stations in Dubai, operated by ENOC, EPPCO, and Emarat, will participate. Staff will wear themed T-shirts and distribute leaflets encouraging the public to quit smoking.
Also on Wednesday, the municipality launched a “Tobacco-free Women” campaign, focusing on the 14 percent of female smokers in the country. The campaign, featured in malls, women’s clubs, and associations, aims to prevent women from smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke. It also offers free medical check-ups and smoking cessation sessions, aligning with this year’s No Tobacco Day theme: “Gender and tobacco, with an emphasis on marketing to women.”
sajila@khaleejtimes.com
