UAE's ministry of health plans to institute a complete ban on water pipes (shisha) once the government introduces its federal anti-tobacco law, expected to take effect in June.

The government has been working on a federal law regulating tobacco and its uses, content and sale, in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Dr Wedad Al Maidoor, head of the National Tobacco Control Committee, said that the law forbids tobacco use in enclosed areas and public places, without specifying the type of tobacco.
However, Dr Wedad said the ban would not come in until the ministry had completed their studies into water pipe and midwakh smoking, on their prevalence and effects, in the UAE.
The first study is scheduled to begin in October when the UAE embarks on the comprehensive global health survey in association with WHO. (sra)