Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Abu Dhabi authorities have stepped up enforcement to prevent the sale of tobacco products around school premises, aiming to limit young people’s exposure to harmful substances. The latest campaign led to the closure of two retail outlets, the issuance of 61 warnings and the recording of 18 violations related to illegal tobacco sales near educational facilities.
Inspector findings included sales to minors, provision of home delivery services for tobacco products and displaying tobacco items at checkout counters — practices that contravene UAE legislation.
The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), part of the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), carried out 1,661 field inspections and 21 targeted inspection drives across the emirate in the first ten months of 2025. These operations concentrated on monitoring the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes in the vicinity of schools.
UAE rules ban the sale of tobacco products within 150 metres of schools. The law further prohibits selling tobacco to minors; offenders face a minimum three-month jail term, fines starting at AED 15,000, or both. Smoking in the presence of children is punishable by a fine of AED 5,000.
Mohammed Muneef Al Mansoori, Director-General of ADRA, underscored the authority’s focus on maintaining a safe commercial environment, upholding health and safety norms and protecting consumers. He added that the relatively small number of breaches indicates broad compliance and that public awareness initiatives are having an effect.
Authorities say the measures reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s commitment to public health, particularly the welfare of children, while ensuring businesses operate within legal limits.
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