Smoking causes 8 million deaths worldwide each year. On May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day to highlight the risks of tobacco use. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities have stepped up campaigns to raise awareness, focusing especially on young people.
Abu Dhabi’s National Rehabilitation Centre has launched a broad media campaign aimed at preventing tobacco use and educating the public. This campaign includes school programs, workshops, and clinics to support quitting smoking. Officials warn that all forms of smoking are harmful and increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.
E-cigarettes, often mistaken as safer, carry serious health risks. Studies show vaping releases harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs and heart. The use of medwakh and shisha is also dangerous. Smoking one medwakh is like smoking three cigarettes, and an hour of shisha exposes users to toxins equal to smoking 100 cigarettes.
Tobacco use remains a major global health threat. The UAE’s efforts aim to lower tobacco-related deaths by educating the public and enforcing laws that limit smoking in public places and restrict advertising. These actions support the country’s goal of a healthier, smoke-free future.
