Abu Dhabi authorities have intensified inspections to reduce youth exposure to tobacco, shutting two retail outlets, issuing 61 warnings and documenting 18 breaches for selling tobacco products unlawfully near school zones.
Reported offences covered sales to underage customers, offering home delivery of tobacco, and placing tobacco items where they are visible at checkout counters — all actions that contravene UAE rules.
The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), part of the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), carried out 1,661 field visits and ran 21 focused inspection drives across the emirate during the first ten months of 2025. These efforts targeted the sale of traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes around educational campuses.
Under UAE law, tobacco products cannot be sold within 150 metres of a school, nor may they be supplied to minors. Penalties for offenders include a minimum three-month jail term, fines beginning at AED 15,000, or both; smoking in the presence of children can attract a AED 5,000 fine.
Mohammed Muneef Al Mansoori, Director-General of ADRA, said the authority remains committed to a secure business climate, high health and safety standards and strong consumer protection. He noted that the relatively small tally of violations points to broad compliance and the success of awareness initiatives.
These active enforcement steps underline Abu Dhabi’s focus on public health — especially the wellbeing of children — while reminding businesses to operate within the law.
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