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Tobacco prices set to double
by Lynne Roberts on Thursday, 29 May 2008
SOARING PRICES: The cost of cigarettes could double every two years under a government campaign to stop people smoking. (Getty Images)
The price of tobacco could double every two years in the UAE under efforts to slash smoking rates, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.
“There is a plan to keep increasing tobacco prices. Maybe we will double every two years, Wedad Al Maidour, head of the Tobacco Control Committee, told UAE daily Gulf News, saying that increasing the price would reduce smoking among teenagers.
“A teenager’s daily expense is 20 dirhams ($5.40). If cigarettes cost 16 dirhams… they will think twice about buying cigarettes,” she said.
The ministry is to conduct a fresh study on smoking rates each time the price increases, Gulf News reported. Extra money will be used for health campaigns and smoking cessation programmes, the ministry said.
Al Maidoor said earlier this month the government plans to increase the price of cigarettes at the end of May with the introduction of a new smoking law.
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USER COMMENTS (4 COMMENTS)
Erosion of rights and a flawed rationale
Posted by Saad D, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 1 June 2008 at 18:04 UAE time
We invest so much in defining our individuality and yet meekly accept controls which seek to reduce us to a generic mass. I accept the health risks posed by smoking and welcome the increased awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke. But as long this incredibly personal choice does not interfere with someone else's right to 'clean' air (emphasis added; air quality is a myth - there are so many pollutants in the air we breathe) then why should I be penalised? If my partner and I, and our social friends have no issues with 'tarring' up our lungs in the privacy of our own homes then why should the government get involved and seek to control this by taxing our habit?
Conventionally, in the developed world the logic behind such initiatives has been an economic one. Smokers are said to place an unfair burden on national health systems and the increased taxes on tobacco were intended to offset these smoking-related expenses. When that failed to have the desired effect, the debate was brought into a spatial definition with the zoning of no-smoking areas. Fine, all fine with me. Personally, I rather like walking into a pub that doesn't smell like an ashtray and I will gladly go outside and light up.
However, the above rationale doesn't apply to the UAE since there is no national health system. In essence, the government is taxing all smokers to ostensibly pay for the healthcare of local smokers.
I don't agree with any government intervention into our personal lives as long as our activities do not harm others. I can tolerate the tobacco taxes under the argument of funding national health care but that is non-existent here in the UAE.
The real issue here is about choice and how it is being undermined every day. Where does it end? And how long can we extend this rather pointless existence by being 'healthy'? Hypocrisy rules: KFC and McDonald's are free to clog up our arteries, alcoholism goes unnoticed, child-abuse thrives, and organs are for sale.... but no, we will have healthy lungs no matter what.
Posted by Saad D, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 1 June 2008 at 18:04 UAE time
We invest so much in defining our individuality and yet meekly accept controls which seek to reduce us to a generic mass. I accept the health risks posed by smoking and welcome the increased awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke. But as long this incredibly personal choice does not interfere with someone else's right to 'clean' air (emphasis added; air quality is a myth - there are so many pollutants in the air we breathe) then why should I be penalised? If my partner and I, and our social friends have no issues with 'tarring' up our lungs in the privacy of our own homes then why should the government get involved and seek to control this by taxing our habit?
Conventionally, in the developed world the logic behind such initiatives has been an economic one. Smokers are said to place an unfair burden on national health systems and the increased taxes on tobacco were intended to offset these smoking-related expenses. When that failed to have the desired effect, the debate was brought into a spatial definition with the zoning of no-smoking areas. Fine, all fine with me. Personally, I rather like walking into a pub that doesn't smell like an ashtray and I will gladly go outside and light up.
However, the above rationale doesn't apply to the UAE since there is no national health system. In essence, the government is taxing all smokers to ostensibly pay for the healthcare of local smokers.
I don't agree with any government intervention into our personal lives as long as our activities do not harm others. I can tolerate the tobacco taxes under the argument of funding national health care but that is non-existent here in the UAE.
The real issue here is about choice and how it is being undermined every day. Where does it end? And how long can we extend this rather pointless existence by being 'healthy'? Hypocrisy rules: KFC and McDonald's are free to clog up our arteries, alcoholism goes unnoticed, child-abuse thrives, and organs are for sale.... but no, we will have healthy lungs no matter what.
Welcome decision
Posted by Umar, Dubai, UAE on 1 June 2008 at 13:14 UAE time
Further to Ankab's comment, it should be ensured that the increased price of a cigarette pack does not contribute to the bottom line of the cigarette co. Rather, the difference should be "earned" by the Health Ministry so that it can use the very same money to cure patients with tobacco-related diseases. It would be no use if the cigarette cos. profit from this initiative. They will only pump more dollars into selling their products; if not in the UAE, then in some other vulnerable market place.
The govt. should heavily tax tobacco cos. so that the price of cigarettes increases, and the difference amount is credited back to the Health Ministry.
This sure would be one welcome tax!
Let me not waste this opportunity to I urge all fellow readers to quit smoking.
Posted by Umar, Dubai, UAE on 1 June 2008 at 13:14 UAE time
Further to Ankab's comment, it should be ensured that the increased price of a cigarette pack does not contribute to the bottom line of the cigarette co. Rather, the difference should be "earned" by the Health Ministry so that it can use the very same money to cure patients with tobacco-related diseases. It would be no use if the cigarette cos. profit from this initiative. They will only pump more dollars into selling their products; if not in the UAE, then in some other vulnerable market place.
The govt. should heavily tax tobacco cos. so that the price of cigarettes increases, and the difference amount is credited back to the Health Ministry.
This sure would be one welcome tax!
Let me not waste this opportunity to I urge all fellow readers to quit smoking.
Smoking Debate
Posted by Glory, Sharjah, UAE on 31 May 2008 at 13:28 UAE time
I agree that in the interest of health with regard to teenagers something should be done to stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine.
However, adults are just that - adults, and as such should have the right to make decisions about their own lives and the habits they adopt.
Raising the price of tobacco will not address the issue and in a democratic society people should have the right to choose their own destinies - not have them dictated by law. The recent article about the total ban of smoking to come into effect in Sharjah limits the rights of people. There should be dedicated areas for smoking - but not outside in 40+ degree heat!!!! Shisha, a part of the culture in the Middle East comes under this ban - what pleasures will be left for those who enjoy the "hubbly bubbly" with friends.
What comes next - someone knocking on the door of your house to ensure you are not having a smoke - stopping you in the street because you are smoking in your cars ( one of the things being looked at to stop according to todays news).
Yes - it is bad for your health - but so is the pollution caused by the millions of cars exuding toxic gases every day on the streets of Dubai and the emissions from industrial waste into the air - the chemicals used to "enhance" our food production.
Don't just choose smoking as the only pollutant that affects other people. All people have rights - not just the healthy lifestylers.
Posted by Glory, Sharjah, UAE on 31 May 2008 at 13:28 UAE time
I agree that in the interest of health with regard to teenagers something should be done to stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine.
However, adults are just that - adults, and as such should have the right to make decisions about their own lives and the habits they adopt.
Raising the price of tobacco will not address the issue and in a democratic society people should have the right to choose their own destinies - not have them dictated by law. The recent article about the total ban of smoking to come into effect in Sharjah limits the rights of people. There should be dedicated areas for smoking - but not outside in 40+ degree heat!!!! Shisha, a part of the culture in the Middle East comes under this ban - what pleasures will be left for those who enjoy the "hubbly bubbly" with friends.
What comes next - someone knocking on the door of your house to ensure you are not having a smoke - stopping you in the street because you are smoking in your cars ( one of the things being looked at to stop according to todays news).
Yes - it is bad for your health - but so is the pollution caused by the millions of cars exuding toxic gases every day on the streets of Dubai and the emissions from industrial waste into the air - the chemicals used to "enhance" our food production.
Don't just choose smoking as the only pollutant that affects other people. All people have rights - not just the healthy lifestylers.
tobacco prices
Posted by ankab, dubai, uae on 29 May 2008 at 15:26 UAE time
Gentlemen
From a smoker's point of view
Smokers will buy cigarrets if it goes up to 200 AED a pack!!
What is suggested here, is a huge amount of money to be given on a gold plate to tobacco manufacturers with ABSOLUTELY NO EFFECT on smokers to quit smoking.
This will only look like a new TAX added to the exhausted people living in Dubai
Please involve one single smoker in your decision making committee.
Hiking the price won't help, prohibition of tobacco trading won't help..it is a worldwide dilema!
Posted by ankab, dubai, uae on 29 May 2008 at 15:26 UAE time
Gentlemen
From a smoker's point of view
Smokers will buy cigarrets if it goes up to 200 AED a pack!!
What is suggested here, is a huge amount of money to be given on a gold plate to tobacco manufacturers with ABSOLUTELY NO EFFECT on smokers to quit smoking.
This will only look like a new TAX added to the exhausted people living in Dubai
Please involve one single smoker in your decision making committee.
Hiking the price won't help, prohibition of tobacco trading won't help..it is a worldwide dilema!
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