Preparations are on target for the 21 Jan implementation of strict anti-tobacco controls that include a ban commercial growing and advertising, the Khaleej Times reported.

Approved last July, the Anti-tobacco Law limits sale of tobacco products near schools and the location and opening hours of shisha cafes. Tobacco wares may not be displayed near goods marketed to children, a ban that includes food, electronic devices and sportswear. Imported tobacco products must meet UAE technical standards and the size of warning labels on domestic products will be increased. Smoking in automobiles where children are present will be forbidden. Violators face sizeable fines or jail.
Two municipalities, Sharjah and Ajman, have gone a step further and banned the sale of cigarettes in groceries and small shops, the newspaper reported on its website.
To complement the ban on any content that advertises tobacco products, a prohibition on indirect advertising via media articles is under consideration, the Khaleej Times said.