United Arab Emirates

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of single cigarette sticks.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.

The law prohibits the use of devices or mechanical equipment to sell tobacco products. This is interpreted as prohibiting tobacco product sales via vending machines.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through the internet.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.

At the emirate (sub-national) level, there are some laws banning the sale of different types of smokeless tobacco products. It is unclear, however, whether any of these bans apply country wide. As a result of the restrictions at the sub-national level, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco. While the sale is generally allowed, there are some restrictions, such as licensing/zoning restrictions, in specific emirates regulating waterpipe tobacco.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 150 meters of kindergartens, schools, institutes, colleges, and universities.

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of places of worship.

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in proximity to places displaying or selling food or health commodities and products, children’s products and merchandise, or sports equipment and apparel.

The law requires that a license be granted for any sale of tobacco products at festivals or exhibitions.

The law does not require a minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package. To the contrary, the law states that the maximum number of cigarettes in a pack shall not exceed 20.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.

The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.