As part of its efforts to implement a smoking regulation programme, Dubai has put a ban on smoking Sheesha (hookah) in public places. The Dubai Municipality passed an order banning smoking hookah, which in recent years had become the favourite pastime for people of all walks of life, at parks, beaches and in all public recreational areas in the country.

The move stems from the municipality's keenness to protect public health and improve quality of life of its residents in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015. The decision also complies with the orders of the Dubai Executive Council to launch a programme to regulate smoking in public areas.