UAE health officials have delayed the smoking ban following confusion over the agency which should enforce the law according to reports published in a local newspaper.

It is to be noted that UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, while expressing concerns over rising number of smokers in the Gulf state, had proposed anti-smoking legislation aimed to prohibit smoking in public places.

The comprehensive anti-smoking law makes it mandatory for manufacturers of all tobacco products to show health warning on the labels. In addition to it, the products cannot be sold to the people below 18 and advertisement of products is also prohibited.

The concerned officials are still working out to fix responsibility of particular agency for the implementation of law which came in to effect on January 13. The National reported that it may take time for the law to be actually implemented over such confusions in the government circles.

Dr Mahmoud Fikri, Heath Ministry Director of health legislation and policies informed, “There are many details to be finished ... Technical committees will be set up to establish exactly how the law will be implemented.”