GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY

_______________________________________________________________
ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION No. (92) FOR THE YEAR 2009
PRESCRIBING THE ADOPTION OF
"MANUAL OF REGULATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES"
The General Director of Municipality:
- After reviewing the powers legally entitled to us according to the decree of
establishing Dubai Municipality; and
- According to the provisions of local order No. (11) for the year 2003
concerning the "public health and safety of community in the emirate of
Dubai"; and
- According to the administrative resolution No. (30) for the year 2007 on
issuing the executive regulations of the local order No. (11) for the year 2003
concerning the "Public Health and Safety of Community in the Emirate Of
Dubai" and amendments hereof.
We have decided the following:
Article (1):

The "Manual of Regulating Smoking in Public Places" annexed to

this resolution shall be adopted and shall be read together with the
local order No. (11) for the year 2003 concerning the "public health
and safety of community in the emirate of Dubai".
1

Article (2):

The Director of Public Health & Safety Department shall issue any
instructions necessary for enforcing the provisions of this resolution.

Article (3):

This resolution shall be put into action from the date of its issue.

Eng. Husain Nasir Lootah,

General Director/Dubai Municipality.
Issued on tenth of March 2009
Corresponding to thirteenth of Rabi' Awal 1430 H.

MANUAL OF REGULATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

INTRODUCTION
Out of Dubai Municipality awareness of risks resulting from smoking, and out of
its responsibility for protecting the public health in the emirate, it took the initiative
of issuing the necessary legislations for fighting this phenomenon among the
community individuals in the emirate through allocating multi legal clauses in the
local order No. (11) for the year 2003 concerning the public health and safety of
community in the emirate of Dubai and its executive regulations issued as per
administrative resolution No. (30) for the year 2007.
The enactment of legislations cannot be considered as a sufficient solution for
uprooting this phenomenon without being accompanied by applicable mechanisms
and approaches for translating the targets aspired by these legislations on the spot.
The protection of public health and improving the style of living in the emirate of
Dubai

are

considered

of

the

major

objectives

toward

which

H.H.

Sheikh/Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and

Ruler of Dubai has ever been keen to include this matter in the strategic plan of the
emirate of Dubai for the years 2007-2015 within the scope of security, justice and
safety.

Consequently, and in the light of the foregoing considerations, and in

implementation of the vision and strategy of Dubai Municipality for creating a
healthy community free from smoking through setting an effective program that
includes the preventive and remedial arrangements and procedures for putting an
end to its negative consequences, the Municipality has issued this Manual of
Regulating Smoking in Public Places in the emirate.

SECTION ONE
GENERAL PROVISIONS

For the purpose of this manual, the term "Smoking Regulation" means
determining the public places in which smoking is totally prohibited, and the
places in which smoking is permitted according to specific conditions that
prevent the negative consequences of smoking on both smokers themselves
and non-smokers as well.

Smoking is totally prohibited in the public transportation vehicles, clinics,

medical centers, hospitals, entertainment centers, restaurants, cafeterias,
shopping centers, hotels, official buildings, commercial buildings, companies,
housing compounds, public institutions, with the exception of places in which
smoking is permitted.

Shisha smoking is totally prohibited in gardens, public parks and beaches.

"No Smoking" signs, or the international "No Smoking" must be clearly posted
in all locations in which smoking is prohibited.
4

Cigarettes ashtrays must be removed from all places in which smoking is

prohibited.

Cigarettes ashtrays maybe placed at a distance of 25 feet at least outside the

entrances of shopping centers.
No one under 20 years old permitted in smoking areas. A warning signs
(poster) must be clearly posted at the entrance of the smoking areas for this
purpose.

The places allocated for smokers should not cause any harm or annoyance to
the adjacent areas. A warning notice shall be addressed in case of violation. If
violation has been repeated, then this permission shall be cancelled.

Security and responsible officers of shopping centers, hotels, public institutions

and buildings shall be instructed to be available at entrances for reminding the
public of smoking regulations inside such places, for taking the necessary
arrangements for preventing such violations, and to keep in touch with
frequent visitors to these places for enlightening them of the risks of smoking
and instigating them to cooperate with them.

The departments of shopping centers, hotels, shops, public institutions and

buildings should comply with the foregoing instructions.

These conditions shall be enforced from the year 2009 and shall be reviewed
and updated periodically.

Every violator to these instructions shall be held legally accountable according

to local order No. (11) for the year 2003 concerning the public health and
safety of community.

The applications for getting a permit for allocating a place for smoking shall be
studied by the concerned responsible officers in the Municipality for giving
their decision thereon if the Municipality finds such places suitable for this
purpose.

Documents Required for Getting a Permit for Smoking Areas

Applications for getting a permit for places allocated for smoking shall be
presented to the Public Health & Safety Department of Dubai Municipality
after attaching the following documents:
Filling the application form.
Trade License of the establishment.
Layout of full floor plan of

the premise including the proposed smoking

and non-smoking areas (Size A3).

Layout of the ventilation and air conditioning system including locations
and capacity of each equipment for smoking and non-smoking areas and
locations of fresh air intakes/ exhaust outlets(Size A3).
Permit shall be obtained after studying the application and checking the
place by the concerned responsible officers of the Public Health & Safety
Department.

SECTION TWO
CONDITIONS AND REGULATIONS OF ORGANIZING SMOKING
First Shopping Centers
Scope of Application:
These conditions shall be applicable to all shopping centers and likewise.
1- Areas in which smoking is totally prohibited:
Entrances
Walk ways
Lifts and escalators
Staircases
Lavatories
Amusement & entertainment areas
Places of employees
Offices
Cinemas
Meetings & conference halls
Stores
Food Courts
Prayer rooms and Ablution places
Enclosed car parking
All shops & showrooms
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 Reception, lobby & waiting areas

Rest areas
Places close to food self-service locations
2- Places in which smoking is permitted according to the conditions
stipulated in this Manual:

Smoking Designated Areas

that are satisfying the conditions prescribed in annex

No. (1) of this manual.

Restaurants and coffee shops (permitted areas only).

Places allocated for serving Shisha (water smoking pipe). (permitted areas only).

Second Hotels:
Scope of Application:
These conditions shall be applicable to all hotels, hotel apartments, boardinghouses
and likewise.
1- Places in which smoking is totally prohibited:

Entrances

Walkways

Lifts and escalators

Staircases

Lavatories

Amusement & entertainment areas

Places of employees

Offices
8

Business centers

Meetings & conference halls

Prayer rooms and ablution places

All shops and showrooms

Reception, lobby and waiting areas

Banquet rooms

Hair cutting & beauty saloons

Health clubs

Spas

Enclosed car parking

Passengers vehicles

2- Places in which smoking is permitted according to the conditions

stipulated in this Manual:

Places allocated for smoking that are satisfying the conditions prescribed in
annex No. (1) of this Manual.

Restaurants and coffee shops (permitted areas only).

Private enclosed sitting halls that are satisfying the conditions prescribed in the
two annexes Nos. (2) and (3) of this manual.

Enclosed nightclubs and bars that are satisfying the conditions prescribed in
the two annexes Nos. (2) and (3) of this manual.

Places allocated for serving shisha (water smoking pipe) (permitted areas only).

Tents established during the holy month of Ramadan at five and four star hotel
establishments that are satisfying the conditions prescribed in annex No. (2) of
this Manual.

Third Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Scope of Application:
The following conditions shall be applicable to restaurants and coffee shops which
allow/permit smoking to their customers:
1. The area of the interior dining hall must not be less than 1000sq/ft. without
including any common or exterior areas.
2. Shisha shall be served according to the conditions prescribed in section four of
this Manual.
3. Smoking areas must be designated and marked as smoking area dedicated for
smokers only and must satisfy the following conditions and specifications:
A dedicated indoor area that is totally isolated from all non-smoking
areas by walls from floor to ceiling. Ceiling height must not be less
than 9ft.
Room can be no larger than 50% of total indoor dining area
A designated smoking area may not include any waiting area lobby,
hall way, elevator, area adjacent to a self-service food line or cash
register, and such areas shall also be excluded from the calculation of
the square footage of the floor area
Room must be equipped with self-closing door(s) and should be kept
closed at all times except the time of entry and exit. Doors should be
equipped with an alarm that will be activated if the door remains open
for more than 60 seconds.
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 Occupant density shall be not higher than acceptable limit (1person

/20 feet square)
Where smoking is prohibited a sign using the international "No
Smoking" symbol shall be posted in a position clearly visible on entry
to the designated smoking area.
Room must not include any services needed by other than smokers.
This requirement includes, without limitation, public telephone,
means of entertainment and games
Room must be located so no employee or other person needs to enter
the room to access any item or other area such as the toilet rooms,
kitchens, entrances, dining rooms
The place should satisfy the conditions and specifications relevant to
ventilation and air-conditioning systems as prescribed in annex No.
(2) of this Manual.
4.

No one under 20 years old permitted in smoking areas. A warning signs

(poster) must be clearly posted at the entrance of the smoking areas for this
purpose.

5.

Outdoor Dining areas of food services establishments with no roof or other

ceiling enclosure; provided, however, that smoking may be permitted in a
contiguous area designated for smoking so long as such area:
a) Constitutes no more than 75% of the outdoor seating capacity of such
food service establishment.
b) The seats allocated for smokers should be

at least 3 feet away from

those

seats allocated for non-smokers, so that the determination of smokers

place shall be made in a manner not affecting negatively the convenience
of non-smokers (Air current direction in the area should be observed).
11

c) The place allocated for smokers must be at least 25 feet away from the
buildings entrances or exits, windows, and the fresh air intake of the
ventilation and air conditioning system.
d) Clear signs shall be posted at the places designated for smokers and nonsmokers.
6. No owner, lessee, manager, or person in charge of a restaurant and caf, which
designate a smoking area, shall fail to ensure that such employee asks each
patron for the patrons preference for seating in or use of a No-Smoking or a
Smoking area.
7. The owner, lessee, manager, or person in charge of a restaurant and caf, which
designate a smoking area shall enforce what has been prescribed above and
shall not allow smoking except in the places designated for smokers.

Fourth Amusement & Entertainment Areas:

Scope of Application:
Definition of amusement & entertainment areas: the enclosed space or location
allocated for amusement and entertainment which include but not limited to
billiard, snooker, electronic games or internet services halls that are satisfying the
following conditions:
1. The following conditions shall be applicable to amusement and entertainment
areas allow/permit smoking to their customers:
2. Shisha service is not allowed inside or outside the amusement and
entertainment areas.
12

License Conditions:
1. The shop must licensed by the Department of Economic Development for the
activities of (Billiard hall/internet services/electronic games, etc.)
2. The shop internal area must not be less than 2000 sq/ft (and games hall area
shall not be less than 1500 sq/ft).
3. Approval of the Buildings Department on decoration works.
4. A permit to be issued by the Public Health & Safety Department (Permit shall
include the necessity of availability of conditions needed for the ventilation and
air-conditioning systems, along with compliance with working hours decided
for this kind of activity).
Public Health & Safety Conditions:
1. The area designated for smokers must satisfy the following conditions and
specifications:
The area must be completely isolated from the areas allocated for nonsmokers and its height must not be less than 9 ft.
The location area must not exceed 30% of the hall total area.
The amusement and entertainment appliances located in the areas allocated
for smokers must not exceed 50% of the amusement and entertainment
appliances located in the non-smokers area.
The area shall not include services needed by non-smokers (such as
telephone or any amusement or entertainment appliances, or programs, or

13

electronic games not being available in the areas designated for nonsmokers).

Occupant density shall be not higher than acceptable limit (1person /20
feet square)

A designated smoking area may not include any waiting area lobby, hall
way, elevator, area adjacent to a self-service food line or cash register, and
such areas shall also be excluded from the calculation of the square footage
of the floor area

Room must be equipped with self-closing door(s) and should be kept closed
at all times except the time of entry and exit. Doors should be equipped
with an alarm that will be activated if the door remains open for more than
60 seconds.

Clear signs shall be posted at entrances showing the area designated for
smokers and non-smokers.

The area shall not be used as a pass way to non-smokers to have access to
another area.

The area must satisfy the conditions and specifications relevant to

ventilation and air-conditioning stipulated in annex No. (2) of this Manual.

No one under 20 years old permitted in smoking areas. A warning signs

(poster) must be clearly posted at the entrance of the smoking areas for this
purpose.

3. Public safety conditions must be available in the area in addition to fire

extinguishers to be placed in a clear place.
4. First-aid kit must be provided.
5. All workers should have valid vocational health cards.
14

6. The area should not cause any annoyance to the building or neighboring area,
or the area in general, or to traffic movement, or public parks.
7. One latrine and external lavatory at least should be provided for men and the
same for women which must have separate entrances.
8. No owner, lessee, manager, or person in charge of premises, which designate a
smoking area, shall fail to ensure that such employee asks each patron for the
patrons preference for seating in or use of a No-Smoking or a Smoking area.
9. The owner, lessee, manager, or person in charge of premises, which designate a
smoking area shall enforce what has been prescribed above and shall not allow
smoking except in the places designated for smoker
SECTION THREE
CONDITIONS & REGULATIONS OF SHISHA SMOKING PLACES
Scope of Application:
These conditions shall be applicable to all cafeterias and restaurants in which shisha
smoking (water smoking pipe) is allowable.
Planning Conditions:
Planning conditions for coffee shops/restaurants closed internal halls:
Shisha coffee shops shall be licensed in the areas classified as commercial
(CBD, C3, C2), and those areas classified as tourist, and residential
commercial areas (RC2) located at the approved main streets.

15

 Shisha coffee shops shall be licensed in the main streets located between
residential commercial areas (RC1).
Commercial buildings: Coffee shops/restaurants should have a separate
external entrance according to the basic design approved for the building, or
the interior entrance to be at a separating distance no less than 25 ft from
any common area inside the building, and should not have direct scope of
view on the remaining facilities and shops located inside the building.
Shopping Centers: Shisha maybe served in the exterior places only or in the
shops that have an external separate entrance which should not be located in
the main faade of the building, and that the place of serving shisha should
be invisible to the center visitors (from both outside and inside). Also, the
shop should be isolated from the center other facilities.
Hotels: Shisha maybe served in the external places only, or in restaurants and
nightclubs only authorized to serve shisha (restaurant and nightclub) that
have separate external entrance, or the internal entrance should be located at
a separating distance no less than 25 ft from any common area inside the
hotel. The place of serving shisha should be invisible to the hotel visitors
and residents (from both inside and outside).
The shop entrance (restaurant/coffee shop) must be far from the building
main entrances or neighboring shops of a distance no less than 25 ft.
The shop (restaurant/coffee shop) must be far from schools of a distance no
less than 150m.
The shop must be far from mosques of a distance no less than 100m.

16

 The shop should be located in buildings adjacent to public car parks or in

areas not constituting problem for cars parking.
The interior area of the shop may not be changed except after getting the
Planning Department's approval thereon.
Any changes to the building in respect to entrances, exits or service facilities
may not be carried except after getting the prior approval from the Buildings
Department and Civil Defense Department.
The approval (no-objection letter) of the building proprietor/authorized
party should be obtained for serving shisha inside the shop.
Areas not included in the Planning Department's classification shall be
studied and decision shall be given thereon by the team preventing smoking
in public places formed by Dubai Municipality.
First Shisha Coffee Shops
Licensing Conditions:
1. The approval of Planning Department on the location should be obtained.
2. The shop (coffee shop) must be licensed by the Department of Economic
Development.
3. The shop interior area must not be less than 1500 sq/ft (and the smoking hall
area must not be less than 1000 sq/ft).
4. The approval of the Buildings Department on decoration works should be
obtained.
5. The approval (no-objection letter) of the building's proprietor or authorized
party should be obtained for serving shisha inside the shop.
17

6. The license shall be obtained from the Public Health & Safety Department.
(The license shall include the necessity of satisfying the conditions relevant to
ventilation and air-conditioning systems and compliance with working hours
established for this kind of activity (09:00 a.m. 01:00 after midnight).
Public Health & Safety Conditions:
1. The shop must be completely isolated from the adjacent areas and its ceiling
height must not be less than 9 ft.
2. Doors should be automatically closed and to be remained closed at all times
except the time of entry and exit.
3. A space not less than 50 sq/ft should be provided for cleaning and preparing
shisha which must be isolated from the place of preparing tea and coffee or any
other approved activity. The following requirements should be met at the
places of preparing shisha:
a) Providing a table for preparing shisha to be made of rustproof material
(stainless steel).
b) Providing a lavatory to be dedicated for washing shisha.
c) Providing charcoal platform inside the shop to be connected to
a mechanical ventilation system for expelling polluted air (exhaust) directly
outward.
d) The smoking hall must be separated from the place of preparing shisha, tea,
coffee or other drinks.
e) Occupant density shall be not higher than acceptable limit (1person /20
feet square)
18

f) The place must satisfy the conditions and specifications relevant to

ventilation and air-conditioning stated in annex No. (2) of this manual.
4. Mouth piece of the disposable type only shall be used.
5.

One latrine and external lavatory at least should be provided for men and
another unit for women.

6. A warning notice (poster) shall be placed at the shop entrance prohibiting the
entry for those below 20 years of age.
7. Shisha may not be served outside the shop (service of delivering shisha to
offices, houses or cars).
8. All coffee shop workers should have valid vocational health cards.
9. Public safety conditions shall be provided in the shop, along with providing fire
extinguishers to be placed in clear areas.
10. Providing first-aid kit.
11. Charcoal shall be stored in a safe manner for avoiding inflammation.
12. Consumed charcoal shall be stored in a safe manner by placing it in fireproof
containers (metal or porcelain) away from any inflammable materials at a
distance no less than 10 ft, in addition to placing a sign on container showing
that it contains hot and dangerous charcoal.
13. Floor must not be covered with inflammable materials or materials that are
difficult to be cleaned.
14. If the shop could accommodate more than 50 seats, then emergency exits
should be provided for the shop, along with placing guiding signs for this
purpose.

19

15. The place should not cause any inconvenience to the neighboring building and
adjacent area in general, or to traffic and public parking areas.
16. Shisha must not be served inside cabins that are closed from three sides or
more.
17. A hall or space maybe allocated for families of area no less than 300 sq/ft
which must have a suitable entrance.

Second Restaurants
Licensing Conditions:
1. Approval of the Planning Department on the location.
2. The restaurant must be licensed by the Department of Economic Development
(restaurant and coffee shop/coffee shop and cafeteria/coffee shop and snack).
3. The shop area must not be less than 1500 sq/ft (provided that the internal
eating hall area should not be less than 1000 sq/ft. provided that this area shall
not include any common or external areas.
4. Approval of the Buildings Department on decoration works.
5. Approval (no-objection letter) of the building proprietor or party authorizing
the provision of shisha service inside the shop.
6. Extracting the license from the Public Health & Safety Department (which
shall include the necessity of satisfying the necessary conditions for the
ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and compliance with working hours
established for this kind of activity (09:00 a.m. 01:00 after midnight).

20

Public Health & Safety Conditions:

In addition to the conditions governing shisha coffee shops, the following shall
also be complied with:
1. The place must be completely isolated from the areas designated for nonsmokers, and the ceiling height must not be less than 9 ft.
2. The place designated for shisha smoking must not exceed 50% of the internal
eating room area, and 75% of the external allocated area.
3. Persons below 20 years of age are not allowed entry to place designated for
smokers. A warning notice (poster) shall be placed at the entrance of place
designated for smokers.

Third Exploiting External Sidewalks & Plazas for Shisha Smoking

Planning Conditions:
In addition to the planning conditions governing shisha coffee shops and
restaurants, the following shall be complied with as well:
1. Sidewalks, external plazas, terrace belonging to the building and place open
outward maybe used for shisha smoking in the commercial and tourist
classified areas (CBD, C3, C2), and in the areas located at the approved main
streets, but not allowable in residential areas.
2. No retreats of buildings maybe used for this purpose.
3. No part of any plots belonging to others maybe used.
4. No part of car parks or public services maybe used.
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5.

The external plaza may not exceed the extension of exterior faades of the
licensed shop.

6.

No provisional or permanent installations maybe established in the external

plazas.

7.

No changes to the external floors maybe made except after getting the
necessary permit thereon.

8.

The place allocated for shisha smoking must be distant of 5 ft at least from
pedestrians walk ways.

9. The place allocated for shisha smoking must be distant of 25 ft at least from the
buildings entrances and shops so as not to cause any annoyance to others, and
should be surrounded with beautiful plantations beds for screening the area of
those smoking shisha from pedestrians.
Licensing Conditions:
1. The sidewalks, external plazas and terrace belonging to the coffee shop,
restaurant and coffee shop, or coffee shop and cafeteria, or coffee shop and
snack, must be licensed by the Department of Economic Development and
authorized to service shisha.
2. The approval of Planning Department on the location should be obtained.
3. The approval of Roads & Transportation Authority/Parks Department must
be obtained for exploiting sidewalks.
4. The approval (no-objection letter) of the building proprietor/or party
authorizing the provision of shisha service outside the shop should be
obtained.
22

5. Extracting the permit from the Public Health & Safety Department.
Public Health & Safety Conditions:
In addition to the conditions governing the shisha coffee shops and restaurants, the
following must also be complied with:
1. The area allocated for smokers must be at a distance of at least 25 ft from the
windows or louvers of ventilation and air-conditioning systems using external
air.
2. The area allocated for smokers must be at a distance of 12 ft at least from
swimming pools.
3. External plazas may not be used for storing charcoal or preparing it or
preparing or cleaning shisha.
4. The external plaza may not be used for displaying shisha or for shisha
advertisement purposes.
5. The seats allocated for smokers must not exceed 75% of total number of seats
(coffee shops excepted).
6. Seats allocated for smokers must be far from the seat allocated to non-smokers
of a distance no less than three feet (coffee shops excepted).
7. Clear signboards should be placed indicating the areas allocated for both
smokers and non-smokers.
8. The location should not cause any annoyance to the building or neighboring
buildings or the area in general or to traffic movement or public car parks.
9. Compliance with all conditions and criterions relevant to occupying sidewalks,
external plazas of buildings and commercial shops in the emirate of Dubai
according to order No. (1) for the year 2006 in respect of occupying sidewalks
23

and external plazas of buildings and commercial shops in the emirate of Dubai
and its executive bylaw No. (173) for the year 2007.
Exploiting External Plazas of Hotel Installations:
Smoking shisha is permitted in the open places, which include the external plazas,
terrace, roofs of buildings belonging to hotel. Smoking may also be permitted in
tents established during the holy month of Ramadan in four-star hotels and over,
provided such places must satisfy the planning, licensing and health conditions and
public safety requirements relevant to serving shisha as illustrated under item three
above relevant to the exploitation of sidewalks and external plazas for shisha
smoking (with the exception of the area conditions stated under item three of
licensing conditions for shisha coffee shops and restaurants).

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SECTION FOUR
VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES RELEVANT TO SMOKING
REGULATION
S.

Description

Penalty
(AED)

01

Violating the conditions relevant to the import and 10000

distribution of tobacco and its products.

02

Violating the conditions relevant to selling tobacco and its

2000

products.
03

A person who smokes in prohibited areas.

1000

04

Failure of shopping centers, hotels, hotel apartments, 10000

boardinghouses and likewise to comply with the Manual of
Regulating Smoking in Public Places

05

A person in charge of a restaurant or a cafe who refuses or

5000

fails to comply with with the Manual of Regulating Smoking

in Public Places.
06

A person in charge of a housing compounds who refuses or

1000

fails to comply with the Manual of Regulating Smoking in

Public Places.
07

Non-compliance of health institutions and organizations

1000

involved in public health with the Manual of Regulating

Smoking in Public Places.
08

A person in charge of amusement, entertainment and

25

2000

billiard shops who refuses or fails to comply with the

Manual of Regulating Smoking in Public Places.
09

A person in charge of a public library, theater, club, concert

1000

hall, museum, art gallery or other internal halls who refuses

or fails to comply with the Manual of Regulating Smoking in
Public Places.
10

Violation related to Smoking Area specifications

2000

11

Non-compliance with displaying signboards regulating

1000

smoking.

26

ANNEX No. (1)

CONDITIONS & REGULATIONS FOR SMOKING-DESIGNATED
AREAS
Smoking-Designated Area: is the space, room or location designated for
smoking in any public place in which smoking is prohibited such as shopping
centers, hotels, official buildings, commercial buildings, companies, housing
compounds, labor accommodation, public organizations. The Smoking areas must
be designated and marked as smoking area dedicated for smokers only and meet all
the following requirements and conditions:
1. A dedicated indoor area that is totally isolated from all non-smoking areas by
walls from floor to ceiling and its ceiling height should not be less than 9 ft.
2.

Room must be equipped with self-closing door(s) that is equipped with an

alarm that will be activated if the door remains open for more than 60
seconds. Doors must be kept closed at all times except at the time of entry
and exit.

3.

Absolutely no service will be permitted in room and instant drink can be

brought into room by patrons only.

4.

The area shall not be used for any other activity other than smoking such as
like sitting, resting, eating, playing games, entertainment or anything else.

5.

The place allocated for smokers must be at least 25 feet away from the
buildings entrances or exits, windows, and the fresh air intake of the
ventilation and air conditioning system.

6.

Occupant density shall be not higher than acceptable limit (1person /20 feet
square)

27

7.

A signboard written in English and Arabic and any other language shall be
placed for informing that the area is designated for smokers only.

8.

The area must not include services needed by non-smokers (like telephone).

9.

The area shall not be used as a passage way by non-smokers for having access
to another area.

10. No one under 20 years old permitted in smoking areas. A warning signs
(poster) must be clearly posted at the entrance of the smoking areas for this
purpose.
11. The area should satisfy the safety conditions, which include but not limited to,
fireproof materials and providing the firefighting systems.
12. The area should satisfy the conditions and specifications relevant to
ventilation and air-conditioning as stated in annex No. (2) of this Manual.

28

ANNEX No. (2)

VENTILATION & AIR-CONDITIONING REQUIREMENTS FOR
SMOKING-DESIGNATED AREAS
1. The interior air pressure should be below that found in adjacent areas between
(5-7) Pascal, i.e. equivalent to (0.02 to 0.03) water inches (in.w.c.).
2.

Supply air provided to the area must be not less than 60 cfm. For each person
(designing must be based on the maximum occupant density).

3.

Air from the room must be mechanically exhausted to the outside and no air
from room can be re-circulated to non smoking area by air conditioning and
ventilation system. The mechanical exhaust system must be on at all working
time to create negative pressure within the room and the negative pressure
must be maintained while door(s) to the room is open.

4.

Ventilation and air conditioning system for smokers must be separated from
other systems. The air shall not be re-circulated with adjacent no smoking
areas.

5.

Exhausted air must be a minimum separation distance not less than 25 feet
from the entrances or exits of the building, windows, pedestrians walk ways
and the fresh air intake of the ventilation and air conditioning system.

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ANNEX No. (3)

SMOKING CONDITIONS & REGULATIONS
ENCLOSED SITTING HALLS, NIGHTCLUBS AND BARS
1.

The area must be totally isolated from all non-smoking areas by walls from
floor to ceiling. Ceiling height must not be less than 9ft.

2. Room must be equipped with self-closing door(s) and should be kept closed at
all times except the time of entry and exit. Doors should be equipped with an
alarm that will be activated if the door remains open for more than 60 seconds.
3.

The area must be at least 25 feet away from the buildings entrances or exits,
windows, and the fresh air intake of the ventilation and air conditioning
system.

4.

Occupant density shall be not higher than acceptable limit (1person /20 feet
square)

5.

No one under 20 years old permitted in smoking areas. A warning signs

(poster) must be clearly posted at the entrance of the smoking areas for this
purpose.

6.

Public safety conditions must be satisfied in such areas, most important of

which for example but not limited to, are firefighting systems and relevant
necessary equipment and materials.

30