Latest news with #Wadeema'sLaw
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can you smoke in public in UAE? Rules, fines, permitted areas: What you need to know
In the UAE, smoking in public is largely banned unless you're in a designated outdoor area or a licensed, enclosed smoking room/ Representative image The United Arab Emirates has some of the most comprehensive tobacco control laws in the region. Whether you're a smoker, a vaper, or a shisha user, it's essential to understand where smoking is permitted, and where it could cost you a hefty fine. This guide explains the UAE's current smoking laws, what's allowed, what's banned, and who is most protected under federal legislation. Where Smoking Is Not Allowed Smoking, whether it's traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or shisha, is prohibited in most enclosed public spaces. Here's where smoking is strictly banned: Shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants, indoor cafés, and hotels (unless they have licensed smoking rooms) Offices, government buildings, and other indoor workplaces Public transport, including the Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, and airport terminals Educational institutions such as schools and universities Healthcare facilities and sports venues Places of worship Public parks, beaches, and recreational areas (unless designated smoking zones are clearly marked) Indoor smoking is only allowed in designated smoking rooms that are: Fully enclosed Isolated from non-smoking areas Equipped with proper ventilation Officially licensed and approved Laws Protecting Children The UAE places a strong focus on protecting children from tobacco exposure: Federal law prohibits smoking in private or public vehicles when a child under the age of 12 is present. (Violators can face fines starting from Dh5,000.) Under Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, also known as Wadeema's Law, smoking in the presence of children is prohibited, both in public and private settings. Sales Restrictions Sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 is strictly forbidden. Sellers must verify the buyer's age. Failure to comply can lead to: Jail terms of at least three months Fines starting from Dh15,000 In serious cases involving child endangerment, fines can reach up to Dh1 million Shisha and Vaping Rules Shisha Regulations Shisha cafés in the UAE are subject to strict location and operating rules to protect public health and maintain community standards. Under current regulations, these establishments must not be located within 150 metres of certain sensitive sites—unless granted a special licence. These restricted areas include: Residential buildings Schools, colleges Mosques In addition to location rules, the Dubai Municipality has implemented a complete ban on smoking shisha in public recreational spaces, including: Public parks Beaches Other recreational areas Dubai also prohibits pregnant women from entering shisha cafés, regardless of whether they intend to smoke. Meanwhile, in Sharjah, the restrictions go even further. Since 2008, the emirate has enforced a blanket ban on smoking in all public areas, which includes shisha use across the board. Vaping Regulations In the UAE, vaping is regulated in the same way as traditional cigarette smoking. It is strictly prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, which includes locations such as: Offices Indoor public areas Vaping is only permitted in licensed smoking rooms that meet official requirements. These rooms must be: Properly ventilated Fully enclosed and isolated from non-smoking areas All vaping-related rules fall under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, which governs all forms of tobacco consumption. This includes: Electronic cigarettes Vape devices Designated smoking areas are allowed, but only if they fully comply with licensing and safety standards. Where Smoking Is Allowed Despite the UAE's strict anti-smoking laws, there are still clearly designated and regulated areas where smoking is permitted. These spaces are carefully controlled to ensure minimal exposure to non-smokers and compliance with public health standards. Designated Outdoor Areas Smoking is generally allowed in open-air public spaces, provided there are no signs explicitly prohibiting it. In most cases, cigarette smoking may be permitted on public beaches, unless a specific ban is indicated. However, it's important to note that shisha smoking is not allowed on beaches in Dubai under municipal regulations. Licensed Smoking Rooms Indoor smoking is permitted only in licensed smoking rooms located in certain public facilities, such as: Airports Shopping malls Government buildings These rooms must be: Fully enclosed Properly ventilated Clearly marked to differentiate them from non-smoking zones Licensed Shisha Cafés Shisha cafés may operate either indoors or outdoors, but only under strict regulatory conditions. These include: Municipal approval to operate Adherence to location restrictions (such as minimum distance from schools and mosques) Adequate ventilation systems Entry restrictions, including a ban on pregnant women entering shisha cafés in Dubai, regardless of whether they plan to smoke Tobacco-Free Workplace Policies The foundation of the UAE's strict smoking regulations is laid out in two key federal laws aimed at protecting public health, particularly that of minors and non-smokers. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 – Tobacco Control Law This law sets clear national standards on where and how tobacco products may be sold or consumed. It prohibits: Smoking in all enclosed public spaces Selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 18 Smoking in vehicles when a child under 12 is present Smoking in schools, healthcare facilities, sports venues, and places of worship It also bans The sale of tobacco-themed sweets or candy The use of vending machines to sell tobacco products All forms of tobacco advertising, regardless of format or platform Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 – Wadeema's Law Also known as Wadeema's Law, this legislation is focused on the protection of children's rights and well-being. Key provisions include: A strict prohibition on smoking in the presence of minors A ban on the sale of tobacco products to children Severe penalties for violations that endanger child safety, including potential jail terms and fines reaching up to Dh1 million in serious cases
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Naming your child in the UAE? This law says you can't choose just any name
In the UAE, naming your child comes with legal boundaries, Wadeema's Law bans names that insult dignity or defy cultural and religious norms/ Image: Stock (Pexels) Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 – known as Wadeema's Law – outlines what names are legally acceptable for children born in the UAE. A recent viral social media post has brought fresh attention to a lesser-known but important law in the UAE: naming regulations for newborns under Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, widely known as Wadeema's Law. This law, introduced in memory of Wadeema, a child whose tragic death sparked national outrage, was enacted to protect children's rights across all areas of life in the UAE. Among its many provisions is a clear guideline on how children may be named at birth. The law behind naming: What article 8 says According to Article 8 of Wadeema's Law, 'A child has the right from birth to a name that does not imply humiliation or insult to their dignity and is not contrary to religious beliefs or social customs.' This means parents in the UAE are legally prohibited from giving a child a name that could be deemed: Offensive Insulting to the child's dignity In conflict with religious values Inappropriate in the context of local culture or customs The law does not list banned names explicitly, but the language makes it clear: the choice of a name must align with social respect, cultural norms, and religious sensitivity. Additional rights under Wadeema's Law The law contains several other critical rights that cover a child's identity and legal status in the UAE. These include: Article 7: Every child has the right to life and personal safety, and the state guarantees the child's growth, development, and care in accordance with the law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Article 9: A child must be registered immediately after birth in the official births register in line with the applicable legal system. Article 10: A child has the right to acquire a nationality, according to the laws in force within the UAE. Article 11: Every child has the right to legal parentage and family affiliation. The child must be affiliated with their lawful parents under prevailing national laws. In addition, both parents or the child's legal guardian are required to obtain all necessary legal documents related to the child's birth, identity, and nationality. This includes: Birth certificate Nationality papers Any other state-issued identification documents Why it matters While naming a child might seem like a personal choice, the UAE government sees it as part of the child's fundamental dignity and legal identity. By regulating names, Wadeema's Law ensures that no child is burdened with a name that could affect their self-worth, cultural belonging, or legal standing. This renewed public attention serves as a timely reminder to parents and guardians to be fully aware of their legal responsibilities, not just in caring for a child, but in safeguarding their identity from day one.
Filipino Times
26-04-2025
- Filipino Times
UAE child safety laws and structures praised by UN expert
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children has praised the UAE for major improvements in child protection laws and systems during her country visit. According to a WAM news report, Mama Fatima Singhateh visited all seven emirates and met with authorities, police, the judiciary, and civil groups involved in child safety. 'Since the visit of my predecessor back in 2009, the UAE has undergone tremendous improvements in the area of child rights promotion and child protection,' Singhateh said at a press conference in Abu Dhabi. 'Numerous positive developments have been registered over the past 16 years and in line with her recommendations.' She highlighted the UAE's completion of the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2016, along with the passing of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, known as Wadeema's Law, a major child protection law. Singhateh described this law as a milestone in the UAE's legislative history. 'The UAE in 2016 completed its ratification process of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography – one of the main instruments guiding my mandate,' she said. The UN official also visited several centers that provide direct care and shelter to children, including the Child Centre in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, Aman Shelter in Ras Al Khaimah, Himaya Foundation in Ajman, and Kanaf Centre in Sharjah. 'Since my predecessor's visit, the UAE has also put in place more robust child protection structures,' Singhateh said, referring to the creation of specialized shelters and support systems for young victims. She also commended the launch of the Emirati Children's Parliament in 2020 and the establishment of the Ministry of Family, pointing out these steps as signs of the UAE's commitment to raising children's voices and strengthening family protection.
Al Etihad
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE earns UN praise for strong commitment to child protection
25 Apr 2025 00:26 MAYS IBRAHIM brahim (ABU DHABI)The UAE has achieved significant progress in the area of child rights promotion and child protection, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, Mama Fatima Singhateh, who concluded a 10-day visit to the UAE on Thursday. She travelled to all seven emirates and met with representatives of the federal and local government, the police, judges, members of the civil society, service and care providers, and children."Numerous positive developments have been registered over the past 16 years and in line with her [my predecessor's] recommendations,' Singhateh said in a press conference on Thursday. She added that the invitation to visit and the cooperation extended throughout her mission reflect the UAE's strong commitment to tackling child exploitation and providing appropriate care and support for highlighted several key legislative milestones in the UAE, including the adoption of Wadeema's Law in 2016, which guarantees children's rights to protection from abuse, and more recent federal decrees targeting cybercrime and human trafficking.'The law [Wadeema's Law] provides protection of the rights of all children in the UAE, including their right to be protected from all forms of neglect, exploitation, physical and psychological abuses, in line with their best interests,' she explained.'The law also calls for the establishment of child protection measures and mechanisms, including the appointment of child protection specialists in every institution that works with children.' Institutionally, Singhateh noted the expansion of specialised centres and services for children across the country. She highlighted the Ministry of Interior's Child Protection Centre, established in 2011, as a key institution leading child safety efforts through strategy development, policy implementation, oversight of protection practices, and community support services. 'The Child Protection Centre also places special emphasis on child protection in the digital environment and has been working to address the risks children face on the internet,' Singhateh said. 'It is worthy to commend the Ministry of Interior's shift in approach towards prioritising early detection of online sexual exploitation and abuse against children by undertaking online patrolling and using AI-based softwares.'Singhateh further commended the establishment of child-friendly facilities and shelters, such as the Child Center in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, and the Kanaf Centre in Sharjah, which provide integrated care to child victims of abuse.'It is noteworthy that many of these actors place emphasis on the provision of services for the family with a view to enhance the wellbeing of the entire family, thereby contributing to minimise situations that may put children at risk to sexual exploitation and abuse,' she said. Singhateh also highlighted the AI for Safer Children initiative launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). The initiative supports law enforcement globally by promoting the use of artificial intelligence to investigate child sexual exploitation and abuse. 'The initiative has produced AI for Safer Children Global Hub, an online platform with a collection of information on AI tools available to combat this specific crime as well as a community of practice for over 1,000 officers from 120 countries,' Singhateh said. She also acknowledged the UAE's efforts to address the needs of vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities. 'I visited the Al Bahia Innovation Center under the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, which provides services for people of determination, including children, to empower them educationally, functionally, culturally and socially in line with their abilities and aspirations.''Such commendable initiatives would empower and contribute to reducing children of determination's risks of exposure to exploitation,' she was particularly inspired by her meetings with young members of the Emirati Children's Parliament and Sharjah Youth Shura Council. 'All the children I met with are changemakers in their own communities and country. They engage with their peers and raise awareness on various issues ranging from empowerment, bullying and violence against children – I am truly inspired by their confidence, astuteness and capability,' she said.
The National
15-03-2025
- Politics
- The National
Emirati Children's Day: UAE leaders share importance of nation's youth
Making sure that Emirati children reach their potential is central to the UAE's vision for the future, President Sheikh Mohamed has said. Sharing a message on X to celebrate Emirati Children's Day, Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the importance of the country's younger generations and their vital contribution to the future. 'Nurturing the development of our children and enabling their potential are priorities of the UAE in our collective efforts to empower youth into the future,' said Sheikh Mohamed. 'On Emirati Children's Day, we reaffirm our shared commitment as a community and nation to protecting the rights of children and ensuring they remain central to our vision of progress and prosperity for all.' The day, which is marked on March 15, was launched in 2018 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also shared a special message for the nation's young people. "Within every child lies a seed. A seed of dreams, achievements, and tremendous potential. Either this seed grows into a lush, fruitful, and generous tree, or the seed fades and withers in its early stages as a result of neglect and poor care. "Our children today are the men and women who will carry, protect and build our country's future. Our future depends on our attention to the seed of great potential that every child in our country carries." Emirati Children's Day is observed each year on March 15 because it was on that date in 2016 that the Emirates approved Federal Law No 3, widely known as Wadeema's Law. The legislation was set out to secure the rights of children and protect them against all forms of abuse. It was prompted by the case of Wadeema, an eight-year-old Emirati girl whose death shocked a nation when her body was found buried in the Sharjah desert in 2012, after she had been tortured by her father and his partner. Emirati Children's Day helps to recognise the strides made due to the 2016 law. The UN's International Children's Day falls later in the year, on November 20. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, emphasised the President's message around protecting the rights of young people. "Emirati Children's Day is an occasion to enhance community awareness of children's rights and needs," he said. "Investing in children is an investment in the nation's future, and the UAE has been keen to develop legislation and strategies aimed at providing social, health, and educational care for children, as well as protecting and safeguarding their rights." The UAE's Minister of Education, Sarah Al Amiri, took the occasion to remind people that children are the building blocks of the country. "We renew our belief that the children of the Emirates are the foundation of our present and the leaders of our future, with their excellence, passion, and inspiration," she said. "We will continue working to build generations proud of their identity, cherishing their Arabic language and local heritage, and capable of shaping a better tomorrow for us all, God willing." On Friday, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority announced it is rolling out a new assessment to improve the quality of offerings young children are exposed to beyond nursery and school. The system, developed by the ECA, will look at programmes such as camps, after-school classes, children's libraries, playgrounds, as well as children's museums and cultural centres with dedicated spaces for children. In February, a new Dubai child protection protocol was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, which is designed to ensure a more holistic approach to child welfare with a strong emphasis on family support. It will introduce new child welfare services, social worker training programmes and legislative reforms. The initiative spans several stages of life, covering prenatal care, birth registration, early childhood services, school-age support, youth development and premarital counselling. A community development fund policy was also signed off. It aims to enhance community services and help fund social programmes to boost inclusivity.
