Last updated: July 19, 2021

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

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.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Banned
Analysis

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.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Some Restrictions
Analysis

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.

Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Banned
Analysis

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

Playgrounds

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Stadiums/arenas

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Healthcare facilities

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Cultural facilities

Allowed
Analysis

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.

Places of worship

Banned
Analysis

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

Stores displaying or selling certain items

Banned
Analysis

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.

Festivals or exhibitions

Some Restrictions
Analysis

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

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

No
Analysis

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.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

No
Analysis

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

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
Analysis

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.