Last updated: July 19, 2021
Penalties
Advertising and Promotion
Unclear
Any person who violates the prohibition on tobacco advertising and promotion shall be punished by a minimum fine of AED 100,000 or a maximum fine of AED 1,000,000. Penalties for advertising and promoting tobacco products via toys and candy that resemble tobacco products are imprisonment for a minimum of one year; and a minimum fine of AED 100,000 or a maximum fine of AED 1,000,000; or either of these two punishments. A repeat offense for advertising and promoting tobacco products via toys and candy that resemble tobacco products is subject to imprisonment for two years and a minimum fine of AED 1,000,000.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines in that it contains a range of penalties, including compound penalties for repeat offenses. To more fully align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, however, the law should provide for suspension of illegal advertising and promotion activities if appropriate.
Sponsorship
Unclear
It is prohibited to use tobacco sponsorship and corporate social responsibility (CSR) donations and assistance to promote tobacco products. The ban on tobacco promotion accordingly includes undertaking sponsorship and CSR activities that promote tobacco products. (Sponsorship that does not promote tobacco products however is not banned.) Any person who violates the prohibition on tobacco advertising and promotion shall be punished by a minimum fine of AED 100,000 or a maximum fine of AED 1,000,000.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines. To more fully align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the penalty provisions also should provide for cumulative application for repeat offenses and for suspension of illegal advertising and promotion activities if appropriate.
