UAE health ministry introduces tobacco-free workplace guidelines

Ministry of Health launches tobacco-free workplace guide

“Our office implemented strict no-smoking policies inside the building to protect the health of our employees and reduce the risk of fire.”

Eddie Manalo Jr

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued new guidelines to establish tobacco-free workplaces across the country.

As reported by Gulf News, the guidebook, released on June 10, aims to eliminate smoking in all areas of government departments and private companies, including outdoor areas and vehicles.

The guidelines call for disciplinary actions against individuals who deliberately violate the smoking prohibition.

Various companies have begun revising their policies to comply with these new standards, though there is still uncertainty about whether the guidelines are mandatory and the specific disciplinary actions that can be taken.

Companies revising smoking policies

Several companies have already implemented no-smoking policies inside their buildings.

Eddie Manalo Jr., business development manager at an audio-visual solution provider, stated: “Our office implemented strict no-smoking policies inside the building to protect the health of our employees and reduce the risk of fire.” His company has a designated smoking area in the parking lot to accommodate smokers.

Birgit Gross, country HR manager for an energy major, mentioned that her company has long promoted a tobacco-free workplace.

She said: “In all our facilities and sites, we only allow smoking outside and distant from our building facilities in designated areas.”

Other companies are actively reviewing the new recommendations.

Sandesh Divagar, corporate sales manager at an education and smart classroom solution provider, said his company is “seriously considering implementing these recommendations to align with industry standards and promote employee well-being.”

Support for employees to quit smoking

Some organisations are taking additional steps to support employees who wish to quit smoking.

Jessie Joy, senior HR and admin manager at a digital marketing company in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the company’s efforts to assist staff members through counselling services, nicotine replacement medications, and smoking cessation programs.

Joy explained: “All staff members will receive frequent training sessions and educational materials to make sure they are completely aware of the company’s no-smoking policy and the repercussions for breaking it.”

Betzy Varghese, HR and admin manager at a freight management company in Dubai, noted that her company includes individual counselling and plans to offer additional support during medical screenings to help employees quit smoking.

Handling policy violations

The ministry’s guidebook mandates disciplinary actions against employees who violate smoking prohibitions.

Companies are preparing various enforcement strategies.

For instance, Gross mentioned that her company follows a defined disciplinary action protocol, which can range from verbal and written warnings to further sanctions if necessary.

Varghese’s company is considering innovative disciplinary actions, such as deducting points in the employee reward system and collecting fines for charity.

Divagar emphasised that his company takes policy violations seriously, with potential consequences including verbal warnings, written reprimands, temporary suspension, or even termination in severe cases.