Tobacco Control Measures Adopted in the United Arab Emirates and Their Potential Impact on Oral Health: Review of policies
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Date
2024
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization established the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to reduce the supply and demand of tobacco products. Member countries of this Convention implement regulations and policies to reduce tobacco use and improve public health within their territories. After adopting and ratifying the Convention, the United Arab Emirates established comprehensive tobacco control regulations. Tobacco use remains a significant global public health challenge, with the United Arab Emirates facing unique challenges in implementing effective tobacco control policies. Various policies, including raising cigarette taxes, implementing smoke-free public laws, conducting health campaigns, establishing tobacco control programs, offering clinical smoke cessation health services, and issuing health warnings, have been adopted to implement tobacco control and reduce related product consumption. In the context of political, cultural, and religious values, a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control measures, as formulated policies, is required. This study aimed to evaluate and assess the alignment of the United Arab Emirates’ tobacco control policies with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guidelines and identify policy gaps with implications for public health outcomes. Methods: A comparative policy analysis design was employed to assess tobacco control measures across seven United Arab Emirates, using the World Health Organization’s guidelines as benchmarks. Data were obtained from relevant research papers, review articles, and official records. Studies addressing the rules on tobacco use, procedures, protocols, regulations, and other pertinent articles published between 2010 and 2023 were included. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and gap analysis. Results: The analysis revealed distinct patterns of tobacco control policy implementation across emirates. Dubai and Abu Dhabi demonstrated comprehensive adherence to control measures, whereas other emirates exhibited inconsistencies in taxation enforcement, cessation support services, and public awareness campaign implementation. Cluster analysis identified two distinct groups: high-implementation emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) and variable-implementation emirates (Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah).
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Keywords
WHO, FCTC, UAE, Tobacco, Regulations