Abu Dhabi closes 2 shops for selling tobacco near school zones

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have shut down two shops, issued 61 warnings and recorded 18 violations for selling tobacco products near school zones.

The violations included displaying tobacco products at checkout, home delivery of products and selling to minors. 

The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), conducted 1,661 field visits and 21 inspection campaigns across the emirate during the first 10 months of 2025. The authorities focused on tobacco and e-cigarette sales near school zones.

The UAE law restricts the sale of tobacco products within 150 meters of schools. It also forbids the sale of tobacco or tobacco products to minors, with penalties of at least 3 months in prison and fines of minimum AED 15,000 or either for violators. It also forbids smoking in the presence of children, with penalties of AED 5,000 for violators. 

Mohammed Muneef Al Mansoori, Director-General of ADRA, said the authority is "committed to a safe business environment, high health and safety standards, and strong consumer protection".

He also noted that the low number of violations presents "widespread compliance and the effectiveness of awareness campaigns".