Speaking to Khaleej Times, an official of the Free zone authority said: “The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority are committed to providing a smoke-free environment for non-smokers and a hazard-free working environment for its employees, customers, suppliers and contractors through its No Smoking Policy."

"Smoking is a personal choice for individuals though, it directly impact the environment and the health of non-smokers apart from being a potential risk to the safety of the facility," he said, adding: "The Free Zone’s No-Smoking policy is in line with international corporate best practices in health and safety,” he added.

According to a circular issued by the Free Zone management, following the implementation of the policy, smoking will be prohibited in all indoor locations, including offices of business partners, contracted sites, retail areas and food courts, common areas such as corridors and stairways, as well as in vehicles operated by the authority.

Under the new regulations, smoking will be allowed only within clearly designated areas outside the buildings, while indoors, designated areas smoking can be created on authorisation from the CEO of the respective Free Zone entity. These indoor designated smoking areas should meet strict requirements, such as an isolated HVAC system etc.

When Khaleej Times contacted company offices located within the Free Zone, many employees and business partners, both smokers and non-smokers, described it as “a step in the right direction”. While non-smokers mentioned the hazards of passive smoking, many smokers opined that the freedom to smoke anywhere they like contributes to an increase in their smoking frequency, and as such the ban would help them reduce, if not quit, the habit.

Dr B. Ramjee, Director, Mahe Dubai (Knowledge Village): My personal belief is that it is the step in the right direction, keeping in mind the welfare of the students, who at a tender age can fall prey to addictive habits. This particular issue, while can be mandated and enforced, needs to be done judiciously with adequate help in the form of counselling and even perhaps medical treatment for those clearly in need. At Mahe, I am proud to state that almost none of my students tend to indulge in such a habit. We are a proud institution of educators working closely with our students for their better future.

I think it's an excellent idea. For the youngsters, it's an age when they can make or break a habit. Many (smokers) would not concur with this view but it's a step in the right direction.

The initiative should be a combination of education and awareness on the issue as well as aiding people in kicking the habit. I think smokers should not be treated like criminals, and violations should be handled through counselling. They need to be helped. It took a long time coming, but it's welcome.

Richard Coram, Managing Partner, The Talent Brokers: It's a good thing. Dubai in general is a smoking city, and a lot of people smoke here; the habit is more prevalent here than in some European countries.

Personally, quite often, while having lunch at an outlet in the facility (free zone) I have been affected by passive smoking. When I arrived in Dubai almost 26 years ago tobacco companies were very active through advertising, but over the recent years there have been restrictions on the advertising, not only here but globally.

Riyaz Neem, Managing Director, Bullseye: I am 34 and haven't ever puffed. I have never felt the need to have a high, or felt peer pressure. My office is already a no-smoking zone. I welcome the ban and think it will help both smokers and non-smokers.

Sana Aqtash: It's good and bad. The good part is that the smokers will cut down on their smoking as they won’t be able to leave the office as much. The bad part is no one should decide on behalf of the smokers. Smokers know better than anyone else what the out come of smoking is. If they care about the views of non-smoking people, they have to care about the views smokers as well.

Oussama Eid: It’s a good idea, I just hate the smell of cigarettes, why can’t we smell fresh air!