Dubai bans tobacco sale for 24 hours

"In Dubai, nearly 300 outlets including petrol stations and supermarkets will stop selling tobacco for 24 hours," reported English daily, The National.

"The move is aimed at spreading awareness about the dangers of cigarette smoking to make people think about tobacco consumption as it kills millions of people and affects public health," the daily quoted Redha Salaman, director of public health and safety at Dubai municipality, as saying.

The sale of cigarettes in Dubai is prohibited to anyone below 20 years of age and public smoking is banned in the emirate, including in hotels, restaurants, cafes and offices.

Every year, petrol stations, supermarkets and shops are encouraged by Dubai Municipality to stop the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products on May 31.

Officials, however, hoped companies would continue the practice all year round, instead of the token 24 hours.