The Dubai Municipality has announced a period of 1 year for all Sheesha Joints to take steps to abide by the new regulations relating to smoking.

As per the regulations, a sheesha joint needs to provide an area of at least 50 square feet for cleaning and preparation of sheesha, a stainless steel table for preparation and a separate wash basin (sink) for washing sheeshas only.

The coal preparation area (platform) must be provided with mechanical exhaust system. Sheesha smoking must be separated from the preparation of sheesha and preparation of tea, coffee or other food items.

The sheesha joints must be in an enclosed area with proper ventilation. “Air from the room must be mechanically exhausted and no air from the room can be re-circulated to non-smoking areas by air-conditioning and ventilation systems.”

The joints must use only disposable mouthpieces and must provide one toilet and external hand wash basin for ladies and another for gents.

They also need to put up a warning sign stating that no person below the age of 20 is permitted in the place. All the employees within the sheesha place should possess valid occupational health cards. Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers must be installed. Coal must be stored in safe places away from flammable materials.

In addition to this, all decorative materials shall be fire-resistant. This includes curtains, tablecloths and all materials hanged from ceilings and walls. The joints shall not cause any disturbance or nuisance to the building occupants, traffic, neighborhood and public parking areas.